My List of Top 10 Linebackers in 2025 Draft [OP updated]

Lawson is another linebacker that we looked at that is scheme versatile. He's played in 49 career games with 38 starts with 159 career tackles, 5.5 sacks, 8 TFL's, 6 PBU's and 1 FF. He is tabbed to go in the 3rd round. his linebacker rating is 84.5. I think he could be a very good MLB at the next level.

#4- Deonte Lawson- (LB) Alabama (6'2"/239#)

Lawson has sideline to sideline range with quick twitch athleticism, he also closes on ball carriers with impressive burst and acceleration. He is a thumper in the box, who delivers bone-jarring hits and consistently wraps up, limiting yards after contact. Lawson is a high level processor with excellent play recognition; he rarely bites on misdirection or play-action fakes. He's a disruptive blitzer off the edge or through interior gaps. He times his rushes well and shows good bend around blockers. Lawson is scheme versatile, he's comfortable playing downhill in the box or dropping into zone coverage in space. His plus length and frame has room to add functional mass without sacrificing mobility or fluidity. He has natural playmaking instincts, he consistently finds himself around the ball and in position to make impact plays. He is a core special teams contributor and his four-phase ability adds immediate value to an NFL roster.
Lawson can struggle at times to disengage once blockers latch on, he needs to develop a more diverse arsenal of hand fighting techniques to be more consistent. Lawson can occasionally take bad angles to the ball in space and over pursue and leave cutback lanes for shifty ball carriers. His man coverage skills are a work in progress, he can be exploited by savvy route runners in one on one situations. He needs to add a little more bulk and gain more play strength to be more of a consistent force at middle-linebacker; at times he can get washed out by combo blocks in the run game. Lawson relies too heavily on highlight-reel hits and needs to focus more on consistent form tackling to improve his efficiency.
In summary, Lawson is a high ceiling three-down linebacker prospect with the versatility to fit multiple defensive schemes. He displays the range and athleticism to excel in space, with instincts and physicality to be a force between the tackles. Lawson flashes playmaking ability as a blitzer and shows potential in zone coverage, but needs refinement in man-to-man situations.
Lawson's best fits will be as an MLB or WLB in a 4-3 or an ILB in a 3-4 scheme that emphasizes aggression and pursuit. He has all the tools to develop into a defensive signal-caller with added experience and continued mental development. His special teams value provides a solid floor as he acclimates to the speed of the NFL game.
With proper coaching and physical development, Lawson could emerge as a reliable starter and defensive playmaker by year two. His upside is intriguing, but his inconsistencies in tackling and block shedding need to be ironed out to reach his full potential. Lawson will be a day two selection with a chance to outplay his draft position if he can address his technical inconsistencies.