The 2025 NFL Draft class is beginning to take form, and meaning we’re getting a clearer image of a number of the high prospects and the place teams with essentially the most depth.
The working again, tight finish and offensive sort out positions appear to be the deepest and strongest on the offensive facet of the ball. On protection, the sting defender group is as deep as we’ve seen in a number of years, dominating the projected high 50. There are additionally extra impression defensive backs this 12 months than a 12 months in the past, with loads of choices on all three days of the draft, particularly on Days 2 and three.
Listed here are PFF’s high linebacker prospects within the 2025 NFL Draft, together with some preliminary scouting notes courtesy of lead draft analyst Trevor Sikkema.
For the complete rating of draft prospects, together with their three-year participant grades and place rankings, click on right here.
LB1. Jalon Walker, Georgia
Massive board rank: 13
Strengths:
• Pure cross rusher off the sting
• Enough dimension to play ILB/OLB within the NFL
• Explosive first step in all instructions
• Highly effective higher physique to stack blockers at punch
• Lengthy arms for a 6-2 body
Weaknesses:
• Doesn’t have a whole lot of expertise/success in protection
• His sport presently lacks lateral quickness wanted for off-ball LB work
• Lacks true mastery of cross rush strikes as a result of time cut up on and off the ball
LB2. Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
Massive board rank: 43
Strengths:
• Excellent dimension and size for an off-ball backer on the NFL degree
• Lengthy strides make pursuit a breeze
• Viable pace rush choice as a pass-rushing OLB
• Lengthy arms for batted passes and cross breakups
Weaknesses:
• Anticipation continues to be a tick gradual for the place the ball is/goes
• Nonetheless growing that “really feel” in protection; he has to see it to make a play on it proper now
• Might play with a bit extra urgency/at the next pace
• Tends to goal excessive when tackling
LB3. Chris Paul Jr., Mississippi
Massive board rank: 60
Strengths:
• Pure mover downhill, retreating or side-to-side
• Good pursuit pace versus exterior zone and toss performs
• Sq., dependable wrap-up tackler
• Fast to acknowledge and set off to the ball
• Can play WILL in 4-3 or MIKE in 3-4
Weaknesses:
• Tape has you wishing he had extra weight on him
• Can get single-blocked by tight ends
LB4. Jeffrey Bassa, Oregon
Massive board rank: 76
Strengths:
• Good athlete who’s assigned slot-coverage duties versus tight ends
• Lengthy arms are very best when tacking on blockers and sustaining distance
• Quick to the sideline however maintains sq. shoulders when tackling
• Lengthy arms make for a protracted tackling radius and simpler wrap-ups
• Performs with an angle (in a great way)
• Fairly superior really feel/capacity in protection with a security background
Weaknesses:
• Slender construct would get picked on by pulling linemen
LB5. Barrett Carter, Clemson
Massive board rank: 110
