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

Mondon is another linebacker coming out in next year's draft that we have ranked in our top ten. He emerged as a full time starter in his sophomore season in 2023. This season he racked up 68 tackles, 5 TFL's and 3 sacks in 13 games. He can be used as a multi-role linebacker. His ability to make plays from sideline to sideline, drop into coverage and provide a pass rushing threat will have defensive coordinators salivating. He's projected to go in late 2nd to early 3rd rounds.

#6- Smael Mondon Jr.- (LB) Georgia (6'3"/235#)

Mondon has explosive athleticism with a 4.46/40 time placing him in the elite tier for linebackers. His sideline to sideline range allows him to make plays all over the field and excel in pursuit. Mondon's versatile skillset enables him to stay on the field for all three downs, contributing in both run defense and pass coverage. He has a high football IQ and instincts, often diagnosing plays quickly and reacting before blockers can engage. Mondon has solid tackling technique, showcasing reliaqble finishing ability in open field situations and he's a capable blitzer who can shoot gaps and create pressure, demonstrated by his 3 sacks and multiple QB hurries. Mondon has experience in a pro-style defense at Georgia, facing top tier competition in the SEC. He's young for his class, offering significant upside and room for further development at the next level.
Mondon is slightly undersized, which might cause concerns about his ability to stack and shed against pro-level O-Linemen. He could use some improvement in his consistency in run defense, particularly when taking on blocks at the point of attack. Mondon sometimes relies too heavily on athleticism rather than technique, leading to overaggressive plays and missed assignments. His pass rush arsenal needs refinement to become a more consistent threat when blitzing. While Mondon is solid in coverage, there's still room for some improvement in his man-to-man skills against TE's and RB"s.
Overall, Mondon projects as a versatile, three-down linebacker in the NFL, with the skillset to fit multiple defensive schemes. His elite athleticism and developing coverage skills make him an ideal fit for teams employing a lot of nickel packages. In a 4-3, Mondon could also thrive as WLB, using his speed and instincts to make plays in space as well as from sideline to sideline and he can play the MLB position. In a 3-4 defense, Mondon has the potential to play ILB, though he may need to add a little bulk to consistently take on blockers. His blitzing ability and comfort dropping into coverage also make him an intriguing option as an occasional edge rusher in sub-packages. As he continues to develop, Mondon could become a defensive coordinator's Swiss Army Knife, capable of impacting the game in multiple ways.