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2023 NFL Draft: Linebacker Prospects

The best linebacker prospects heading into the 2023 NFL Draft.

⬇️ 2023 NFL Draft Prospects ⬇️

Inside Linebackers

An ideal inside linebacker in American football is a player who possesses a combination of strength, speed, and intelligence. Physically, they should be able to overpower offensive linemen in order to disrupt plays in the backfield, while also being agile enough to drop back into coverage and defend against the pass. They should also be able to read and diagnose plays quickly, allowing them to make quick and decisive tackles.

Mentally, an ideal inside linebacker should have a strong understanding of the game and be able to make adjustments on the fly. They should be able to communicate effectively with their teammates, making sure everyone is on the same page and able to execute the defensive game plan. They should also be able to lead by example, both on and off the field.

In terms of technique, an ideal inside linebacker should have a solid understanding of leverage and gap control. They should be able to take on blocks and shed them quickly, while also being able to diagnose and fill running lanes. They should also be able to drop back into coverage and defend against the pass, using their speed and agility to stay with running backs and tight ends.

In summary, the perfect inside linebacker is a player who is physically strong, mentally sharp, and technically sound. They should possess the ability to disrupt plays in the backfield, drop back into coverage, and lead their team both on and off the field.

Drew Sanders, ILB, Arkansas

Height: 6’4”. Weight: 235 lbs.
Prospect Grade: 6.70
Next Gen Stats: 86
Production Score: 86
Athleticism Score*: 83
Total Score: 86

40-Yd Dash: — || 10-Yd Split: — || Vert. Jump: — || Broad Jump: — || 3-Cone: — || 20-Yd Shuttle: — || Bench: —

Unique linebacker prospect with the physical traits, athleticism and skill set to be deployed as an inside linebacker or a stand-up edge rusher. The former five-star Alabama signee transferred to Arkansas for the 2022 season and posted eye-catching production with the Razorbacks. He plays with good technique in take-ons and has plenty of pursuit range, but he’s still finding his footing with his run fits and tackle consistency. He’s a tough out for interior protection as a blitzing linebacker and has natural rush talent to hunt quarterbacks off the edge. Sanders’ athletic gifts, versatility and toughness could help him become a highly impactful playmaker with Pro Bowl upside.

— Lance Zierlein (NFL Analyst)

Pros: Demeanor and traits of a playmaker. Long, explosive, rangy and versatile. Can line up at inside linebacker or as an outside rusher. Wickedly fluid slide-and-swim move as an A-, B- or C-gap rusher. Possesses athletic ability to beat tackles around the edge. Willing to dart into gaps when he recognizes disruption potential. Lateral scrape quickness to beat blocker to the spot. Contact balance keeps him upright and in the play. Capable in sideline-to-sideline pursuit.

Cons: Just one season as a full-time starter. Will need to add more mass and base strength. Inconsistent in reading his keys for misdirection. Some change-of-direction delay in coverage. Pursuit leverage and tackle balance need improvement. Allows runners to slip away from his grasp.

Trenton Simpson, ILB, Clemson

Height: 6’2”. Weight: 235 lbs.
Prospect Grade: 6.24
Next Gen Stats: 82
Production Score: 76
Athleticism Score*: 88
Total Score: 82

40-Yd Dash: 4.43 || 10-Yd Split: 1.55 || Vert. Jump: — || Broad Jump: — || 3-Cone: — || 20-Yd Shuttle: — || Bench: 25

Chiseled weakside linebacker with rare speed for the position to run down the action in all directions. Simpson played inside in 2022 but displayed average play recognition and a lack of patience that saw him get caught in traffic near the line. He can play run-and-hit football with his speed when playing outside. He needs to cut back the arm tackles and pursue with better angles to the ball. He’s a premium athlete capable of squeezing routes from zone and attacking the pocket as a blitzer. Simpson isn’t quite game-ready yet, but players with his traits and range eventually find the field.

— Lance Zierlein (NFL Analyst)

Pros: Starting experience at inside and outside linebacker spots. Plays with good bend through read and scrape phase. Good read and response to his keys. Blazing speed to track down ball-carriers in all directions. Ideal traits for use as a spy on mobile quarterbacks. Good stack-and-shed twitch when taking on tight ends. Quick to squeeze routes underneath. Explosive charge forward when activated as a blitzer.

Cons: Base is a little light to play inside. Gets bumped and bounced by climbing blocks. Below-average feel for attacking blocks with timing. Sinks into the mess unnecessarily while diagnosing. Pursuit angles to sideline can run too steep. Inconsistent to break down and center his tackle tries. Moments of coverage confusion in 2022.

Jack Campbell, ILB, Iowa

Height: 6’ 5’’. Weight: 249 lbs.
Prospect Grade: 6.20
Next Gen Stats: 82
Production Score: 74
Athleticism Score*: 89
Total Score: 82

40-Yd Dash: 4.65 || 10-Yd Split: 1.59 || Vert. Jump: 37.5” || Broad Jump: 10’8” || 3-Cone: 6.74 || 20-Yd Shuttle: 4.24 || Bench: —

Inside linebacker who is built for the box and plays with good overall physicality. Campbell’s size allows him to challenge blocks and stand his ground despite inconsistent hand usage at the take-on point. He scrapes and plugs his run fits with workmanlike dependability but lacks the short-area burst and reactive athleticism teams typically look for from NFL starters. He plays with above-average field awareness. He’s capable as a zone defender and in some matchups against in-line tight ends. What you see is what you get with Campbell, and teams will need to balance the consistency with the playmaking limitations in their evaluations.

— Lance Zierlein (NFL Analyst)

Pros: Big, long frame for the position. Highly communicative with his teammates on the field. Feel for blocking schemes and a nose for the action. Able to step downhill and neutralize lead blocker. Scrapes with pads square to the line. Finds his run fit and spills the action wide. Careful to close distance to ensure tackle success. Awareness and ball skills to succeed in zone coverage.

Cons: Plays conservatively on his second-level perch. Initial diagnosis movements lack suddenness. Allows climbing blockers into frame before punching. Needs to play off blocker with better efficiency. Tall center of gravity slows change of direction in open field. Lacking desired short-area burst in pursuit. Long legs hinder ability to match in man coverage.

Daiyan Henley, ILB, Washington State

Height: 6’1”. Weight: 225 lbs.
Prospect Grade: 6.20
Next Gen Stats: 78
Production Score: 73
Athleticism Score*: 79
Total Score: 78

40-Yd Dash: 4.54 || 10-Yd Split: 1.55 || Vert. Jump: 35” || Broad Jump: 10’5” || 3-Cone: — || 20-Yd Shuttle: — || Bench: —

A rambunctious inside linebacker with good speed and toughness, Henley’s playing style can be described as more active than instinctive. His inconsistency in reading keys and anticipating the play flow is mitigated somewhat by his speed and talent to wrap and finish in space. He has excellent range and does a nice job of stepping downhill to challenge blockers and running lanes. There are some eye-catching production totals in the takeaway column and favorable physical elements to his game, but inefficient movement combined with recognition delays could push him toward a backup and core special teams role in the future.

— Lance Zierlein (NFL Analyst)

Pros: Plays fast and with plenty of hustle. Rangy to go sideline to sideline as run defender. Flows quickly downhill to cut off runner’s angles through the hole. Above average length with jolting punch to play off blocks. Bends and stays wide and square during block take-on. Core special teams traits and experience.

Cons: Below average instincts for play development. High-cut with leggy initial movements. Forced to rush to the action at times. Tendency to lose his pursuit leverage. Inconsistent to diagnose mesh-point quickly on zone-read looks.

Henry To'oTo'o, ILB, Alabama

Height: 6’ 1’’. Weight: 227 lbs.
Prospect Grade: 6.16
Next Gen Stats: 76
Production Score: 75
Athleticism Score*: 65
Total Score: 76

40-Yd Dash: 4.62 || 10-Yd Split: 1.57 || Vert. Jump: 32” || Broad Jump: 9’8” || 3-Cone: — || 20-Yd Shuttle: 4.4 || Bench: —

Assignment-oriented linebacker whose play is steady but unspectacular. To’oTo’o is tough but lacks thump inside and doesn’t have the speed to cut off angles and stop outside run plays before they get to the corner. He’s a good technician but his play is a little more conservative than it will need to be with relatively average traits. To’oTo’o is always under control and generally where he needs to be. He’s just average in coverage and will need to become much more consistent as an open-field tackler. Good backup to below-average starter could be his career path whether he plays inside or outside.

— Lance Zierlein (NFL Analyst)

Pros: Operates with above average technical savvy. Strikes the block with decent pop and leverage. Extends and separates from blocker to stay pursuit-ready. Rarely drifts too far into the forest while diagnosing the action. Scrapes efficiently to the action with squared pads. Consistent to mirror runner’s cuts and lane choices. Operates with good discipline against zone read. Adequate athleticism for spot drops in coverage.

Cons: Missing desired stopping force to be a thumper. Needs faster downhill flow to disrupt block timing. Inconsistent balance taking on second-level blocks. Lacks the range to hunt and tackle from sideline to sideline. Below average eye-balance, losing track of receivers. Leggy change of direction in open field leads to missed tackles.

Demarvion Overshown, ILB, Texas

Height: 6’3”. Weight: 229 lbs.
Prospect Grade: 5.96
Next Gen Stats: 75
Production Score: 70
Athleticism Score*: 78
Total Score: 75

40-Yd Dash: 4.56 || 10-Yd Split: 1.59 || Vert. Jump: — || Broad Jump: 10’4” || 3-Cone: — || 20-Yd Shuttle: — || Bench: 15

Former safety turned linebacker who has slowly but surely improved his feet and recognition over the last three seasons. Whether playing inside or outside, Overshown will need to get stronger and more effective at taking on blockers and tackling with security. His tape shows much improved key reading and play recognition, which could prove critical in allowing him to play at a consistently faster pace to the football. Overshown could struggle to hold up to downhill running attacks, but his instincts and blitz talent create a potential opportunity for him as a nickel/dime linebacker.

— Lance Zierlein (NFL Analyst)

Pros: Made huge strides at the position from 2021 to 2022. Displays adequate patience to diagnose and process. Hustles downhill to meeting point when he trusts his eyes. Excellent awareness to routes when dropping into coverage. Athletic blitzer when his number is called.

Cons: Frame is sleek but a little slender. Will need to bolster his play strength for NFL. Must become more proactive attacking blocks. Has trouble sitting down and leveraging his run fits. Needs to get off the block more cleanly to tackle. Allows too many broken tackles in space.

Ivan Pace Jr., ILB, Cincinnati

Height: 5’ 10 1/2’’. Weight: 231 lbs.
Prospect Grade: 5.84
Next Gen Stats: 72
Production Score: 77
Athleticism Score*: 63
Total Score: 72

A rare blend of leverage, toughness and tackle obsession makes Pace’s tape a fun day of film study. He might be one of the strongest players in the 2023 NFL Draft from a pound-for-pound standpoint. He’s able to slip and club blockers out of the way with lower-body anchor and elite contact balance. He was cleared to take shots downhill by the defense, which bolstered his production, but his instincts and feel for finding routes to the ball seem to drive him. It is hard not to love Pace’s game tape, but his lack of length and speed could create inconsistencies at the next level.

— Lance Zierlein (NFL Analyst)

Pros: Recorded 262 tackles with 34.5 for loss over the last two seasons. Densely bound frame with rare lower-body power. Rare contact balance to withstand force and stay balanced. GPS to reroute and go make the play. Feet and athleticism to slip block seamlessly when needed. Surprisingly effective as a stand-up rusher over the guard. Balances eyes between routes and quarterback in coverage. Possesses the heart of a special teams lion.

Cons: Strong but gets engulfed by wide-bodies at times. Unable to effectively punch and separate. Below average lateral quickness in tight quarters. Missing desired field range to capture outside run. Lacks length needed for consistent tackle finishing. Will struggle to stay connected in man coverage.

Dee Winters, ILB/OLB, TCU

Height: 5’11”. Weight: 227 lbs.
Prospect Grade: 5.94
Next Gen Stats: 68
Production Score: 62
Athleticism Score*: 73
Total Score: 68

40-Yd Dash: 4.49 || 10-Yd Split: 1.56 || Vert. Jump: 30.5” || Broad Jump: 9’9” || 3-Cone: — || 20-Yd Shuttle: — || Bench: —

A versatile linebacker with inside/outside experience, Winters needs to take on blockers with the same intensity he displays when he hits ball-carriers. He lacks ideal size, so he will need to win with play speed and aggression in attacking the play design. He’s adequate dropping into space and can get after the pocket as a blitzer. He might be best suited for a role as a run and strike Will linebacker, but he has the instincts and feel to play inside if he’s protected by the front. Winters has Day 3 draft value with an average ceiling.

— Lance Zierlein (NFL Analyst)

Pros: Starting experience at both inside and outside linebacker. Reads the play with bent knees and ready posture. Scrapes and stalks at the runner’s pace. Good feel for when to dart into gaps and make a tackle. Turns the run inside as play-side contain. Flashes second gear to chase down ball-carriers. Explodes from hips into his tackle attempts.

Cons: Runs a little on the smaller side for inside linebacker duty. Delays in diagnosing and triggering from back side. Too passive in taking on the block. Needs to play with more consistent urgency. Below average change of direction in space. Inconsistent locating route threats from zone.

Noah Sewell, ILB, Oregon

Height: 6-3. Weight: 250.
Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
Projected Round (2023): 2-3.

Micah Baskerville, ILB, LSU

Height: 6-0. Weight: 223.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2023): 2-4.

Isaiah Moore, ILB, N.C. State

Height: 6-2. Weight: 239.
Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
Projected Round (2023): 3-5.

Cam Jones, ILB, Indiana

Height: 6-3. Weight: 224.
Projected 40 Time: 4.78.
Projected Round (2023): 4-6.

Outside Linebackers

An ideal outside linebacker in American football is a player who possesses a combination of speed, agility, and power. Physically, they should have the ability to outrun and outmaneuver offensive linemen in order to get to the quarterback or running back, while also being strong enough to take on blocks and make tackles. They should also have a strong sense of balance and body control, allowing them to maneuver around blockers and make plays in the open field.

Mentally, an ideal outside linebacker should have a strong understanding of the game and be able to anticipate plays before they happen. They should be able to read and diagnose plays quickly, allowing them to make quick and decisive tackles. They should also be able to communicate effectively with their teammates, making sure everyone is on the same page and able to execute the defensive game plan. They should also be able to lead by example, both on and off the field.

In terms of technique, an ideal outside linebacker should have a solid understanding of pass-rushing techniques and be able to use a variety of moves to get to the quarterback. They should also be able to drop back into coverage and defend against the pass, using their speed and agility to stay with tight ends and running backs. They should also have the ability to make tackles in the open field and be able to pursue the ball carrier from sideline to sideline.

In summary, the perfect outside linebacker is a player who is physically fast, agile and strong, mentally sharp and able to anticipate plays, and technically sound in pass rushing, coverage, open field tackling and pursuit. They should be able to take on blocks and make plays in the open field and lead their team both on and off the field.

Will Anderson, OLB/DE, Alabama

Height: 6-4. Weight: 235.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2023): Top-5.

Will McDonald, OLB/DE, Iowa State

Height: 6-4. Weight: 245.
Projected 40 Time: 4.69.
Projected Round (2023): 1-2.

Felix Anudike-Uzomah, OLB/DE, Kansas State

Height: 6-3. Weight: 255.
Projected 40 Time: 4.80.
Projected Round (2023): 2-3.

Trenton Simpson, OLB, Clemson

Height: 6-3. Weight: 225.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2023): 2-3.

B.J. Ojulari, OLB/DE, LSU

Height: 6-3. Weight: 244.
Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
Projected Round (2023): 2-3.

Andre Carter II, OLB, Army

Height: 6-7. Weight: 250.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Projected Round (2023): 2-4.

Byron Young, OLB/DT, Tennessee

Height: 6-3. Weight: 243.
Projected 40 Time: 4.68.
Projected Round (2023): 2-4.

Zion Tupuola-Fetui, OLB, Washington

Height: 6-3. Weight: 246.
Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
Projected Round (2023): 2-4.

Nolan Smith, OLB, Georgia

Height: 6-3. Weight: 235.
Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
Projected Round (2023): 3-4.

Derick Hall, OLB, Auburn

Height: 6-3. Weight: 251.
Projected 40 Time: 4.80.
Projected Round (2023): 3-5.

3-4 Rush Linebackers

A perfect rush linebacker, also known as a pass rusher, in American football is a player who possesses a combination of speed, power, and technique. Physically, they should have the ability to outrun and outmaneuver offensive linemen in order to get to the quarterback, while also being strong enough to bull rush through them and make sacks. They should also have a quick first step, allowing them to gain an advantage off the snap and get into the backfield quickly.

Mentally, an ideal rush linebacker should have a strong understanding of the game and be able to anticipate offensive plays before they happen. They should be able to read and diagnose plays quickly, allowing them to make quick and decisive moves. They should also have a high football IQ, and be able to adjust to different blocking schemes and find the weak spot in the offensive line.

In terms of technique, an ideal rush linebacker should have a solid understanding of pass-rushing techniques and be able to use a variety of moves, such as speed rushes, power rushes, and counter moves, to get to the quarterback. They should be able to use their hands effectively to shed blocks, and have good footwork, allowing them to change direction quickly and keep offensive linemen off balance. They should also have good body control, allowing them to bend and dip around the edge and maintain a low center of gravity.

In summary, the perfect rush linebacker is a player who is physically fast, powerful and quick, mentally sharp and able to anticipate plays, and technically sound in pass rushing with a variety of moves, hand usage, footwork, and body control. They should be able to get to the quarterback, make sacks and disrupt the passing game, and have a high football IQ.