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2023 NFL Draft: Linebacker Prospects

The best linebacker prospects heading into the 2023 NFL Draft.

⬇️ 2023 NFL Draft Prospects ⬇️

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.

Rd. 1, Pk. 18 (Det) - Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa (6.20)

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: —

Player Bio: Despite the opportunity to play Division I basketball, Campbell decided to sign with the Hawkeyes football program after winning Iowa state titles with Cedar Falls High School. As a true freshman, he played in 11 games as a reserve, and although he missed the first three games of 2020 due to an illness, he returned to play in five games off the bench, racking up 29 tackles, 4.5 for loss, one sack, one interception, and three pass breakups. However, it was in his junior year that Campbell truly shone, earning third-team All-Big Ten Conference and Defensive Most Valuable Player honors for leading the FBS with 143 tackles (3.5 for loss) in 14 starts. He also intercepted two passes, broke up six others, and forced one fumble, showcasing his exceptional skills. Campbell continued to excel in 2022, with 128 tackles, 5.5 for loss in 13 starts, earning him the Dick Butkus Award as the top linebacker in the country. He also received first-team Associated Press All-American, Big Ten Conference Defensive Player of the Year, and Linebacker of the Year recognition, cementing his place as a dominant force in the sport. Campbell’s academic achievements also earned him the 2022 William V. Campbell Award, also known as the Academic Heisman.

Overview: Campbell is an inside linebacker with a sturdy build, ideal for defending the run game. He displays a high level of physicality and is able to hold his ground against blockers, despite occasionally struggling with hand usage when engaging them. Campbell consistently fulfills his run responsibilities with a blue-collar work ethic, but he lacks the agility and explosiveness commonly sought after in NFL starters. He demonstrates above-average situational awareness and is proficient in zone coverage, and can also match up against tight ends in certain situations. Campbell is a reliable player whose performance is consistent, but his ability to create game-changing plays may be limited. Teams will need to evaluate his steady dependability against his potential limitations as a playmaker.

Pros: With a big and lengthy build for his position, he stands out physically on the field. He is highly vocal with his teammates, showing great communication skills. He has a strong understanding of blocking schemes and an instinctual ability to locate the ball. He can effectively take on and defeat lead blockers by stepping forward and neutralizing them. He moves laterally with proper pad level and body position while scanning the field to locate his target. He has a knack for finding his proper run fit and driving the ball carrier outside. He is meticulous in closing the gap to guarantee a successful tackle. His knowledge of the game, combined with his quick reaction time and ball skills, makes him a proficient defender in zone coverage.

Cons: He adopts a cautious approach when positioned on the second level of the defense. His first movements to diagnose the play lack explosiveness, which can sometimes allow blockers to enter his field of vision before he reacts. He needs to work on more efficiently shedding blocks to better position himself to make plays. His tall stature and center of gravity make it challenging for him to change direction swiftly in open space. He also lacks the desired burst to close in on the ball carrier over short distances. Furthermore, his long legs limit his ability to match up well in man coverage.

Rd. 3, Pk. 4 (Den) - Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas (6.50)

Height: 6’4”. Weight: 235 lbs.
Prospect Grade: 6.50
Next Gen Stats: 82
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: —

Player Bio: Sanders was a highly sought-after recruit in 2020, earning a five-star ranking and recognition as the top overall high school player from talent-rich Texas. He played on both the defensive side and special teams as a true freshman for Alabama, making nine stops in 12 games as the team won the national championship. The following year, the Denton native started three times in 12 appearances (recording 24 tackles, 2.5 for loss, one sack, and two pass breakups), but an injury suffered midway through the season limited his performance. Seeking a fresh start, Sanders transferred to Arkansas in 2022 to play inside linebacker for the Razorbacks, where he quickly distinguished himself. He earned first-team Associated Press All-American and first-team All-SEC honors, and was a finalist for the Dick Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker. Sanders led the team with 103 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles, while also intercepting a pass and breaking up five others in 12 starts. He opted out of the team’s bowl game to focus on preparing for the draft.

Overview: This linebacker prospect stands out for his unique combination of physical traits, athleticism, and skills, which make him a versatile player who can excel as either an inside linebacker or a stand-up edge rusher. After transferring from Alabama to Arkansas in 2022, he impressed with his eye-catching performance on the field. He demonstrates good technique in taking on opponents and has an impressive range when pursuing the ball. While he is still working on his run fits and tackling consistency, he remains a challenging opponent for interior protection as a blitzing linebacker. He also possesses natural talent for rushing the quarterback from the edge. With his athleticism, versatility, and toughness, this player has the potential to become a highly impactful playmaker with Pro Bowl-level talent.

Pros: This player possesses the demeanor and traits of a true playmaker, with a rare combination of length, explosiveness, range, and versatility. He is equally comfortable lining up as an inside linebacker or as an outside rusher, and his wickedly fluid slide-and-swim move makes him a formidable threat in the A-, B-, or C-gap. With his exceptional athletic ability, he can beat tackles around the edge, and his willingness to dart into gaps when he sees disruption potential sets him apart. He also has the lateral scrape quickness to beat blockers to the spot, and his impressive contact balance allows him to stay upright and remain in the play. Finally, his capability in sideline-to-sideline pursuit makes him a valuable asset to any defensive scheme.

Cons: Despite having only one season as a full-time starter, this player has already shown promising potential. However, he will need to add more mass and base strength to reach his full capabilities. His inconsistency in reading keys for misdirection and some delay in changing direction during coverage are areas where he could improve. Additionally, he needs to work on his pursuit leverage and tackle balance, as he has allowed runners to slip away from his grasp in the past. Nonetheless, with dedication and continued improvement in these areas, he could become a valuable contributor to any team’s defense.

Rd. 3, Pk. 13 (NE) - Marte Mapu, LB, Sac State (5.98)

Height: 6′ 3”. Weight: 217 lbs.
Prospect Grade: 5.98
Next Gen Stats: —
Production Score: —
Athleticism Score: —
Total Score: —

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

Rd. 3, Pk. 22 (LAC) - Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State (6.20)

Height: 6’1”. Weight: 225 lbs.
Prospect Grade: 6.20
Next Gen Stats: 77
Production Score: 73
Athleticism Score: 78
Total Score: 77

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

Player Bio: During his senior year at Crenshaw High School, Henley was named the City MVP for the LA Coliseum league champs. He then went on to play as a receiver at Nevada, where he spent two seasons playing off the bench on offense, recording 8-103-12.9 and three TDs in 12 games in 2017, and 9-129-14.3 in 13 games in 2018. He also contributed to the team as a kick returner, with 19-439-23.1 in 2017 and 5-111-22.2 in 2018. However, coaches later moved him to linebacker. In 2019, he played in four games as a reserve, making five tackles before a season-ending injury. The following year, Henley started six of the nine games he played for the Wolf Pack, recording 49 tackles. In 2021, he became a key defender, leading the team with 103 tackles, four interceptions, and three fumble recoveries, which earned him second-team All-Mountain West Conference honors. In 2022, Henley transferred to Washington State, where he excelled as a linebacker, garnering first-team All-Pac-12 Conference honors and second-team accolades for special teams. He led the Cougars with 106 tackles and tied for the team lead with 12 tackles for loss, four sacks, and three forced fumbles in 12 starts. He opted out of the L.A. Bowl to prepare for the draft.

Overview: Henley is a rambunctious inside linebacker known for his good speed and toughness on the field. While he is more active than instinctive, his speed and talent to wrap and finish in space help compensate for his inconsistency in reading keys and anticipating the play flow. He has excellent range and is effective at stepping downhill to challenge blockers and running lanes. Although he has eye-catching production totals in the takeaway column and favorable physical attributes, his inefficient movement combined with recognition delays may limit him to a backup and core special teams role in the future.

Pros: This player demonstrates a fast and hustling playing style, and is capable of covering ground from sideline to sideline as a run defender. They flow quickly downhill to prevent runners from finding angles through the hole. Additionally, their above average length and jolting punch make them effective in playing off blocks, and they maintain good positioning by bending and staying wide and square during block take-on. Finally, this player possesses core special teams traits and has experience in this area.

Cons: This player has below average instincts when it comes to play development, and their high-cut physique with leggy initial movements can sometimes force them to rush to the action. They also have a tendency to lose their pursuit leverage, and can be inconsistent in diagnosing mesh-point quickly on zone-read looks.

Rd. 3, Pk. 23 (Bal) - Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson (6.24)

Height: 6’2”. Weight: 235 lbs.
Prospect Grade: 6.24
Next Gen Stats: 81
Production Score: 76
Athleticism Score: 86
Total Score: 81

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

Player Bio: Simpson, hailing from Mallard Creek High School in North Carolina, was a highly regarded prospect ranked in the top 20 overall recruits. As a true freshman, he played in 12 games and started in three, amassing 28 tackles, six and a half of which were for loss, and four sacks. In the following year, he appeared in 13 games, starting in 12 of them, and recorded 64 tackles, 12 of which were for loss, and six sacks. In 2022, Simpson was recognized as a third-team All-ACC player, having made 72 tackles, four of which were for loss, 2.5 sacks, three pass breakups, and two forced fumbles in 12 starts. However, he had to sit out the Orange Bowl due to an ankle injury. Notably, Simpson’s father, Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy D. Simpson, has served the U.S. Army Rangers in 17 overseas tours.

Overview: Simpson is a chiseled weakside linebacker who possesses exceptional speed for the position, enabling him to chase down plays in all directions. Although he primarily played inside in 2022, his play recognition was average, and he demonstrated impatience, leading to him getting caught in traffic near the line of scrimmage. However, Simpson excels in run-and-hit football when he is playing outside. To further improve his game, he needs to reduce the number of arm tackles he uses and pursue the ball with better angles. Despite being not quite game-ready, Simpson is a premium athlete with the ability to cover routes from zone and launch blitz attacks on the pocket. Given his remarkable range and skill set, he is likely to find his way onto the field sooner rather than later.

Pros: This player has experience starting at both inside and outside linebacker positions. He possesses good bend during the read and scrape phases, allowing him to make plays effectively. His ability to read and respond to his keys is also impressive. Furthermore, he has blazing speed that allows him to track down ball-carriers in any direction, making him an ideal spy for mobile quarterbacks. He exhibits good stack-and-shed twitch when engaging with tight ends and is quick to cover routes underneath. When used as a blitzer, he charges forward explosively. Overall, this player has a range of desirable traits that make him an asset to any team.

Cons: This player’s base may be too light to play inside, as he can get bumped and bounced by climbing blocks. His timing for attacking blocks is below average, and he has a tendency to sink into the pile while diagnosing the play, which can be unnecessary. Furthermore, his pursuit angles to the sideline can be too steep. He can be inconsistent in breaking down and centering his tackle attempts. Additionally, he exhibited moments of confusion in coverage during the 2022 season.

Rd. 3, Pk. 27 (Dal) - Demarvion Overshown, LB, Texas (5.96)

Height: 6’3”. Weight: 229 lbs.
Prospect Grade: 5.96
Next Gen Stats: 73
Production Score: 70
Athleticism Score: 72
Total Score: 73

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

Player Bio: Originally hailing from Arp, Texas, Overshown was regarded as a top 50 overall recruit in the nation. During his freshman season, he played in nine games and recorded a single tackle. However, his sophomore year was marred by injuries, causing him to miss four games, yet he still managed to collect 18 tackles, seven of which were for loss, along with one interception and three pass breakups. Overshown made a position change from safety to linebacker for the 2020 season, where he earned an honorable mention All-Big 12 recognition. During this time, he tallied 60 tackles, eight tackles for loss, one sack, two forced fumbles, and tied for the team lead with seven pass breakups. In 2021, Overshown was named an honorable mention pick again despite missing some games due to injury. He recorded 74 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, two pass breakups, and even blocked a kick in 10 starts. In his final year of college, Overshown remained healthy throughout the season and started in 11 out of 12 games, earning him a first-team all-conference selection. As a senior, he registered 96 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, four sacks, and five pass breakups.

Overview: Having made the transition from safety to linebacker, Overshown has shown steady improvement in his footwork and ability to recognize plays over the past three seasons. However, he will need to work on his strength and effectiveness when it comes to taking on blockers and tackling securely, whether playing on the inside or outside. His game tape reveals much-improved skills in reading keys and recognizing plays, which could be crucial in enabling him to play at a consistently faster pace and make more plays on the ball. Overshown may struggle to defend against power running attacks, but his instincts and prowess in blitzing make him a strong candidate as a nickel or dime linebacker.

Pros: Between 2021 and 2022, there was a noticeable improvement in his performance at the position. He exhibits adequate patience when it comes to diagnosing and processing plays. When he trusts his instincts, he hustles downfield to the point of contact. Additionally, he demonstrates excellent awareness of routes when he drops into coverage. He is also an athletic blitzer who can deliver results when his number is called.

Cons: He possesses a sleek frame, although it is slightly slender. He will need to improve his play strength to compete in the NFL effectively. To achieve this, he must become more proactive when attacking blocks. He struggles to sit down and leverage his run fits, and needs to get off blocks more efficiently to make tackles. In particular, he tends to allow too many broken tackles in open space, so improving his tackling technique will be crucial.

Rd. 3, Pk. 28 (Buf) - Dorian Williams, LB, Tulane (5.96)

Height: 6′ 1”. Weight: 228 lbs.
Arm: 33 3/4”. Hand: 10 1/4”.

Prospect Grade: 6.10
Next Gen Stats: 74
Production Score: 65
Athleticism Score: 81
Total Score: 74

40-Yd Dash: 4.49 || 10-Yd Split: 1.54 || Vert. Jump: 33.5” || Broad Jump: 10′ 0” || 3-Cone: — || 20-Yd Shuttle: — || Bench: —

Henry To'oTo'o, LB, Alabama (6.16)

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: —

Player Bio: To’oTo’o, a former De La Salle High School top 50 national recruit, began his college career at Tennessee. In 2019, he started 12 out of 13 games and was recognized as a Freshman All-American and SEC All-Freshman Team member, racking up 72 tackles, five for loss, and a blocked kick. The following year, To’oTo’o started all 10 games at the Will position, leading the team with 76 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, an interception, and two pass breakups. In 2021, he transferred to Alabama, where he earned second-team All-SEC honors after starting all 15 games and leading the team with 112 tackles, 8.5 for loss, four sacks, and two pass breakups. To’oTo’o continued to excel as a senior, starting all 13 games and earning first-team all-conference honors, tallying 93 tackles, eight for loss, and 2.5 sacks.

Overview: To’oTo’o is a linebacker who is assignment-oriented and known for his steady, albeit unspectacular, play. While he is a tough player, he lacks the necessary power to make impactful tackles inside and doesn’t possess the speed to prevent outside runs from reaching the corner. He is a technically sound player, but tends to play conservatively, which may not be sufficient given his relatively average abilities. To’oTo’o is generally well-positioned on the field and maintains control, but he is only average in coverage and needs to improve his consistency in open-field tackling. Given his skill set, he may be best suited as a backup or below-average starter, whether playing inside or outside linebacker.

Pros: This player demonstrates above-average technical skill and is capable of striking blocks with decent power and leverage. They are able to effectively separate from blockers in order to maintain pursuit readiness. This player also shows good field awareness, rarely losing track of the action while analyzing the play. They scrape efficiently to the action with squared pads and consistently mirror the runner’s cuts and lane choices. When facing zone reads, this player displays good discipline. While their athleticism may be considered adequate, they are still capable of executing spot drops in coverage.

Cons: This player lacks the necessary stopping force to be considered a thumper, and needs to develop a faster downhill flow in order to disrupt block timing more effectively. They are also inconsistent when taking on second-level blocks, and do not possess the range to hunt and tackle from sideline to sideline. This player struggles with maintaining eye-balance, often losing track of receivers and being caught out of position. Their leggy change of direction in open field often results in missed tackles.

Ivan Pace Jr., LB, Cincinnati (5.94)

Height: 5’ 10 1/2’’. Weight: 231 lbs.
Prospect Grade: 5.94
Next Gen Stats: 74
Production Score: 77
Athleticism Score: 67
Total Score: 74

Overview: Pace’s game tape offers a rare combination of leverage, toughness, and an unrelenting focus on tackling that makes it a joy to study. From a pound-for-pound perspective, he is arguably one of the strongest players in the 2023 NFL Draft, using his lower-body anchor and outstanding contact balance to slip and shed blockers with ease. Although the defense sometimes allowed him to take downhill shots, it is his instincts and ability to read the play that set him apart, as he consistently finds ways to get to the ball carrier. While it’s hard not to be impressed by Pace’s skills, his lack of length and speed may present challenges at the next level and could lead to inconsistencies in his performance.

Pros: Over the past two seasons, he has racked up an impressive 262 tackles, 34.5 of which were for a loss. His thickly built frame boasts exceptional lower-body strength, allowing him to power through contact and maintain his balance with ease. He possesses a remarkable ability to quickly change direction and adjust his path to make plays, while his footwork and athleticism enable him to evade blocks smoothly. Surprisingly, he is also a formidable pass rusher when lined up over the guard. Additionally, he excels in coverage, keeping a close eye on both the receiver and the quarterback. Furthermore, he is a true asset to special teams, demonstrating unwavering courage and determination.

Cons: While possessing considerable strength, he can occasionally get overwhelmed by larger opponents. His ability to disengage from blocks is not always effective due to his struggles with punching and separating. In tight spaces, he displays below-average lateral quickness, which could limit his ability to make plays. He also lacks the desired range to effectively contain outside runs. Additionally, his shorter than average length can make it challenging to consistently finish tackles. When it comes to man coverage, he may struggle to stay with his assigned receiver.

Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon (5.94)

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

Player Bio: Noah Sewell, a well-decorated high school performer, followed his brother Penei, an offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions, to the University of Oregon. In his senior year, he led Orem High School to a state title and was named Utah’s Mr. Football. As a freshman in Eugene, Sewell received several accolades, including the Pac-12 Conference Freshman Defensive Player of the Year and honorable-mention all-conference honors. He tied for the team lead with 45 tackles, including 6.5 for loss with two sacks, in seven games, five of which he started. In his sophomore year, he was a first-team all-conference selection, topping his defense with 114 tackles, including 8.5 for loss with four sacks. He also intercepted a pass, broke up five others, and forced two fumbles in 14 starts. In 2022, he earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors, with 56 tackles, 5.5 for loss with 1.5 sacks, one interception, and four pass breakups, before opting out of the team’s bowl game to prepare for the draft. Noah comes from a football family, with two other brothers, Gabe Jr. and Nephi, having played football at Nevada (Nephi also played at Utah), and uncles Isaac Sopoaga and Richard Brown who played in the NFL.

Overview: Sewell is an inside linebacker with a throwback demeanor, known for his physicality, but his skills are somewhat limited. While he possesses good power to take on blocks and make it difficult for opponents to run up the middle, his lack of speed and quickness in changing directions make it difficult for him to consistently make stops. He would benefit from becoming more anticipatory and improving his ability to read play development, as this would help compensate for his lack of natural agility. Currently, he struggles to recover from any missteps and doesn’t have the necessary tools to overcome these challenges.

Pros: This prospect has started for three years and boasts outstanding size. They have the strength to take on force and can drive blockers back with pure power when they have the right pad placement. Additionally, their hand strength allows them to stack and shed blockers effectively. They are aggressive when patrolling between the tackles and have shown much-improved consistency in tackling during the 2022 season.

Cons: This prospect lacks instincts and awareness, making it difficult for them to get early jumps on plays. They struggle to locate blockers from their peripheral vision and can easily become trapped behind blocks on outside runs. Their functional speed for pursuit and playmaking is lacking, and they exhibit poor reactive athleticism in the open field. Additionally, they have very limited range when it comes to coverage.

Dee Winters, LB, TCU (5.94)

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: —

Player Bio: During his time at Burton High School in Texas, Winters was considered one of the top athletes in the country. TCU recognized his talent and recruited him to play linebacker, where he quickly made an impact as a true freshman, starting twice in 11 appearances and earning 28 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and one pass breakup. Winters continued to excel on the field, starting all 10 games for the Horned Frogs in 2020 and amassing 65 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and two pass breakups. As a junior, he led his team with 74 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, and two interceptions in 12 starts, earning him recognition as a first-team All-Big 12 Conference selection. In his senior year in 2022, Winters had an outstanding season, with 79 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, one interception returned for a score, and two pass breakups in 15 games (14 starts) as his team finished as national runners-up.

Overview: Winters is a versatile linebacker who has experience playing both inside and outside positions. However, in order to be successful, he needs to maintain the same level of intensity when taking on blockers as he does when tackling ball-carriers. Due to his lack of ideal size, he will have to rely on his speed and aggressive play style to succeed in attacking the play design. While he is capable of dropping into coverage and blitzing, his ideal role may be as a run and strike Will linebacker. If he is protected by the front, he could also be effective as an inside linebacker due to his instincts and feel for the game. Winters is projected to have Day 3 draft value with an average ceiling.

Pros: With starting experience at both inside and outside linebacker, this player has a strong foundation in defensive play. They read the play with bent knees and a ready posture, allowing them to react quickly to any situation. Their ability to scrape and stalk at the runner’s pace gives them a good feel for the game, and they know when to dart into gaps to make a tackle. Additionally, they are skilled at turning the run inside as play-side contain. When chasing down ball-carriers, they are able to flash a second gear and explode from their hips into tackle attempts, making them a force to be reckoned with on the field.

Cons: Although this player has skills in inside linebacker duty, they run on the smaller side. They tend to delay in diagnosing and triggering from the back side, which can be a weakness in their play. They are also often too passive in taking on blocks and need to play with more consistent urgency. Furthermore, their change of direction in space is below average, which can be a liability in certain situations. Additionally, they have shown inconsistency in locating route threats from zone coverage.