Analysis My List of Top 10 Linebackers in 2025 Draft [OP updated] (18 Viewers)

[B_doggman47]

I decided to do the Linebackers due to the fact that Demario is starting to show a little drop-off in his production and speed. Werner just isn't fast enough to go sideline to sideline. I'm tired of seeing our Linebackers getting to edges a little late and making the tackle 3-5 yds. past the line of scrimmage. The Saints need to start seeing what they have in the young LB'ers they've drafted the past few years. That's the reason I believe the Saints need to draft a Linebacker this year, at least by the 3rd round We desperately need that speedy sideline to sideline Linebacker to stop the outside run.

I'm still evaluating and ranking the Linebackers that will be in the 2025 draft. Also looking at who best fits what the Saints defense does.

[Updated - merged with later posts; additional information on the prospects are in the thread]
Here are 5 of my list of top ten Linebackers. We are still evaluating the other 5 spots that are left. All of these Linebackers are so close in comparison with what each are good at doing and what they bring, that makes it hard hard to evaluate them.

#1- Jalon Walker- (LB) Georgia (6'2"/245#)
#2- Danny Stutsman- (LB) Oklahoma (6'4"/241#)
#3- Deontae Lawson- (LB) Alabama (6'2"/239#)
#4- Barrett Carter- (LB) Clemson (6'1"/230#)
#5- Lander Barton- (LB) Utah (6'4"/236)

Here's the rest of my Top 10 Linebackers list.

#6- Smael Mondon Jr.- (LB) Georgia (6'3"/235#)
#7- Jihaad Campbell- (LB) Alabama (6'3"/244#)
#8- Chris Paul Jr.- (LB) Ole Miss (6'1"/235#)
#9- Jay Higgens- (LB) Iowa (6'2"/232#)
#10- Cody Simon- (LB) Ohio St. (6'2"/235#)

A little change-up in the line-up since Harold Perkins Jr. is returning to LSU for another year.

 

[3ParStillDriver]

Middle LB's have been slim pickings lately in the draft. Seems like there are usually no "this guy will be great" in the ways that Ray Lewis, Patrick Willis.

Jack Campbell was picked in 2023 by the lions, and he's doing well but he's not amazing. At least not yet. Then you have to go back all the way to 2016 where Atlanta picked Deion Jones before a MLB in a 4-3 was selected in the first two rounds and was really good. (and for some odd reason he fell off after his rookie contract).

Just saying, it seems like MLB's have become an NFL position where no matter when the player is selected, they have to spend quite a few years before they become dependable. Arizona in the last 10 or so years have drafted 2 of em and neither worked out great.

But WILL's (which are also usually ILB's in a 3-4) seem to be a different story. Every draft theres a few that work out very well.

I have a sneaky suspicion that the standard 4-3 defense may adjust to big giant NT's for DT's, large DE's (not the 250 lb pass rushers but the 280+) and then the LB's can be smaller and faster, excelling in coverage then pass rush then run support vs MLB's being viewed as Run Support then coverage then pass rushing. Because with a very large Dline that can also pass rush, the opposing Oline won't make it to the 2nd level most times, free'ing up your smaller linebackers to wreak havoc and your strong safety supporting their run support.

Of course, if that does occur, then we'll see offenses slowly, but surely adjust to the 240+ lb runningbacks.

It's a slow game of paper rock scissors over years, but its paper rock scissors none the less.

 

[B_doggman47]

Middle LB's have been slim pickings lately in the draft. Seems like there are usually no "this guy will be great" in the ways that Ray Lewis, Patrick Willis.

Jack Campbell was picked in 2023 by the lions, and he's doing well but he's not amazing. At least not yet. Then you have to go back all the way to 2016 where Atlanta picked Deion Jones before a MLB in a 4-3 was selected in the first two rounds and was really good. (and for some odd reason he fell off after his rookie contract).

Just saying, it seems like MLB's have become an NFL position where no matter when the player is selected, they have to spend quite a few years before they become dependable. Arizona in the last 10 or so years have drafted 2 of em and neither worked out great.

But WILL's (which are also usually ILB's in a 3-4) seem to be a different story. Every draft theres a few that work out very well.

I have a sneaky suspicion that the standard 4-3 defense may adjust to big giant NT's for DT's, large DE's (not the 250 lb pass rushers but the 280+) and then the LB's can be smaller and faster, excelling in coverage then pass rush then run support vs MLB's being viewed as Run Support then coverage then pass rushing. Because with a very large Dline that can also pass rush, the opposing Oline won't make it to the 2nd level, free'ing up your smaller linebackers to wreak havoc and your strong safety supporting their run support.

Of course, if that does occur, then we'll see offenses slowly, but surely adjust to the 240+ lb runningbacks.

It's a slow game of paper rock scissors over years, but its paper rock scissors none the less.

I noticed that a lot of the LB'ers coming out in this year's draft are smaller, faster and can drop off into coverage and have excellent speed sideline to sideline. I'd like to see the Saints pick one of these guys.

 

[Snakehead]

Stutsman and Barton are prototypical MLB builds at 6'4" >240lbs.

 

[AustSaint]

I am looking forward to your list, LB is probably my favourite position on the D. The only guy I know is Harold Perkins and he might drop because of injuries.

 

[BreesHOF2024]

I'm sorry it's taking longer to evaluate the Linebackers than I thought. We're trying to find and rank linebackers that are good run defenders and are good in coverage and also fit the Saints defensive scheme and can make an immediate impact. It's hard to find linebackers that can do all those things.

I wouldn't worry too much about fitting our scheme, since we're going to have completely new coaching staff and defense next year.

 

[Hedon James]

I decided to do the Linebackers due to the fact that Demario is starting to show a little drop-off in his production and speed. Werner just isn't fast enough to go sideline to sideline. I'm tired of seeing our Linebackers getting to edges a little late and making the tackle 3-5 yds. past the line of scrimmage. The Saints need to start seeing what they have in the young LB'ers they've drafted the past few years. That's the reason I believe the Saints need to draft a Linebacker this year, at least by the 3rd round We desperately need that speedy sideline to sideline Linebacker to stop the outside run.

I'm still evaluating and ranking the Linebackers that will be in the 2025 draft. Also looking at who best fits what the Saints defense does.

Agree with your outlook and looking forward to whatever you put together. My only concern would be "best fits what the Saints defense does." I fully expect a new DC in the offseason, no matter who is HC. I was looking forward to seeing what Joe Woods could do, in the absence of DA calling the defensive shots. But I'm not seeing any "uptick" in the defense, even though it's comparatively healthy(er) than the O.

IMO, Woods ain't cutting it. In all fairness, the D got "old" really quick. Seems like Jordan, Davis, and Mathieu are all slowing down at the same time. And with Lattimore and Adebo gone, 2 new CBs are allowing "catch windows" that Lattimore & Adebo did not allow. Bottom line....all 3 levels have "leaks" and the DC hasn't been able to compensate nor mitigate that....whether by personnel or scheme or strategy. It just isn't getting done.

By all means, put together your analysis, as I'll be eagerly waiting to see your thoughts. But maybe not worry quite as much about "best fits what the Saints defense does", because I expect they'll have a new DC doing something slightly different next season. At least, I hope...

 

[B_doggman47]

Agree with your outlook and looking forward to whatever you put together. My only concern would be "best fits what the Saints defense does." I fully expect a new DC in the offseason, no matter who is HC. I was looking forward to seeing what Joe Woods could do, in the absence of DA calling the defensive shots. But I'm not seeing any "uptick" in the defense, even though it's comparatively healthy(er) than the O.

IMO, Woods ain't cutting it. In all fairness, the D got "old" really quick. Seems like Jordan, Davis, and Mathieu are all slowing down at the same time. And with Lattimore and Adebo gone, 2 new CBs are allowing "catch windows" that Lattimore & Adebo did not allow. Bottom line....all 3 levels have "leaks" and the DC hasn't been able to compensate nor mitigate that....whether by personnel or scheme or strategy. It just isn't getting done.

By all means, put together your analysis, as I'll be eagerly waiting to see your thoughts. But maybe not worry quite as much about "best fits what the Saints defense does", because I expect they'll have a new DC doing something slightly different next season. At least, I hope...

Well actually, some of the linebackers we're looking at are scheme versatile. They can play in a 4-3 or 3-4 alignments. But we are still looking at linebackers that would be good in a 4-3 alignment just in case the scheme doesn't change even with a new defensive coordinator.

 

[Snakehead]

The NFL is shifting back to balanced/running and the playmaking TEs just keep coming into the league. We've been bullied some games so I think size/physicality will be something they look at. Werner is the smallest 240lb LB I've seen. He always gets run over or loses ground. He holds on for dear life to make tackles, but he doesn't "bring it" when he hits unless it's hitting someone from the side. Based on how he hits, he probably benches more than he squats. We need some dudes with high squat numbers. I hate watching the team get bullied.

 

[Snakehead]

 

[B_doggman47]

Here we go, I hope this is to y'all's liking. Standing at 6'2" and weighing 245#, Walker possesses an ideal frame for the modern NFL Linebacker. With his versatility, He'll be a multi-role linebacker at the next level. He's been timed at 4.50 in the 40, placing him in the 94th percentile for linebackers. He is predicted to go late 1st or early 2nd round.

#1- Jalon Walker- (LB) Georgia (6'2"/245#)
Walker has exceptional athleticism and his versatility allows him to play both inside and outside linebacker positions, offering valuable scheme flexibility for NFL defensive coordinators. Walker is a high motor player with a knack for getting to the QB. He has a strong tackling technique, consistently wrapping up and finishing plays with authority. Walker is effective in pass rushing situations, which is demonstrated by his multiple sack games and consistent QB pressures. He has solid coverage skills, he shows the ability to drop back and disrupt passing lanes. Walker is a high character individual and team leader and also has an impressive football IQ. Walker can also rotate between inside and outside linebacker spots in a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive scheme.
Walker has limited starting experience at the collegiate level, only a (two year starter), potentially impacting his to read and react quickly in complex NFL schemes. His run defense skills, while solid, could use a little refining to shed blocks and maintain gap integrity. He may need a little improvement on his play recognition skills to maximize his athletic gifts. His coverage abilities, while promising, will require further development to match up with NFL caliber TE's and RB's. Walker could benefit from adding more functional strength to stack and shed against pro-level O-linemen.
Walker projects as a high upside linebacker prospect with the potential to develop into a three-down player at the next level. His rare combination of size, speed and versatility will be highly coveted by NFL teams looking to bolster their linebacker corps. Walker's ability to rush the passer from multiple positions adds significant value to his draft stock.
Scheme fit will be crucial for Walker's early success. A defensive coordinator who can utilize his versatility in multiple packages will maximize his impact. His athleticism and motor also make him a candidate for special teams contributions while he refines his skills.
With proper coaching and development, Walker ahs the tools and football IQ to become a dynamic playmaker in the NFL. His high character and leadership qualities, combined with his on-field potential, make him an intriguing prospect who could outperform his draft position.

 

[solarbear88]

I see no point in drafting a LB. Loomis takes one every year and only one has stuck. Just sign one when you need one.

 

[Bongi]

Here we go, I hope this is to y'all's liking. Standing at 6'2" and weighing 245#, Walker possesses an ideal frame for the modern NFL Linebacker. With his versatility, He'll be a multi-role linebacker at the next level. He's been timed at 4.50 in the 40, placing him in the 94th percentile for linebackers. He is predicted to go late 1st or early 2nd round.

#1- Jalon Walker- (LB) Georgia (6'2"/245#)
Walker has exceptional athleticism and his versatility allows him to play both inside and outside linebacker positions, offering valuable scheme flexibility for NFL defensive coordinators. Walker is a high motor player with a knack for getting to the QB. He has a strong tackling technique, consistently wrapping up and finishing plays with authority. Walker is effective in pass rushing situations, which is demonstrated by his multiple sack games and consistent QB pressures. He has solid coverage skills, he shows the ability to drop back and disrupt passing lanes. Walker is a high character individual and team leader and also has an impressive football IQ. Walker can also rotate between inside and outside linebacker spots in a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive scheme.
Walker has limited starting experience at the collegiate level, only a (two year starter), potentially impacting his to read and react quickly in complex NFL schemes. His run defense skills, while solid, could use a little refining to shed blocks and maintain gap integrity. He may need a little improvement on his play recognition skills to maximize his athletic gifts. His coverage abilities, while promising, will require further development to match up with NFL caliber TE's and RB's. Walker could benefit from adding more functional strength to stack and shed against pro-level O-linemen.
Walker projects as a high upside linebacker prospect with the potential to develop into a three-down player at the next level. His rare combination of size, speed and versatility will be highly coveted by NFL teams looking to bolster their linebacker corps. Walker's ability to rush the passer from multiple positions adds significant value to his draft stock.
Scheme fit will be crucial for Walker's early success. A defensive coordinator who can utilize his versatility in multiple packages will maximize his impact. His athleticism and motor also make him a candidate for special teams contributions while he refines his skills.
With proper coaching and development, Walker ahs the tools and football IQ to become a dynamic playmaker in the NFL. His high character and leadership qualities, combined with his on-field potential, make him an intriguing prospect who could outperform his draft position.

A perfect time to draft him and let him learn for a year under Demario and get stronger.

 

[Mamba]

I'm still evaluating and ranking the Linebackers that will be in the 2025 draft. Also looking at who best fits what the Saints defense does.

Well, don't spend too much time on that one.

 

[B_doggman47]

Well, don't spend too much time on that one.

As I stated earlier, we have most of the linebackers that we evaluated are scheme versatile. They can play in either 4-3 or 3-4 alignments. but we are still looking at linebackers that can play in a 4-3 for in case the scheme doesn't change even though we get a new DC. But I get what you're saying.