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

[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.

 

[B_doggman47]

Here's another linebacker who could be a very good replacement for Demario Davis in a year or two. Standing at 6'4" and weighing 241#, Stutsman possesses prototypical size for the linebacker position. His collegiate career has been marked by consistent production and improvement throughout. He is considered to project as a box linebacker. Stutsman is predicted to go somewhere in the 3rd round.

#2- Danny Stutsman- (LB) Oklahoma (6'4"/241#)

Stutsman has elite production, consistently leading his leading his team in tackles and ranking among conference leaders in TFL's. He has excellent size and length for the position, allowing him to match up with TE's and RB's. He has above average athleticism, demonstrated by his ability to make plays from sideline to sideline. He's a strong tackler who rarely misses in the open field. Stutsman is a versatile player with experience at all three linebacker positions. He shows good instincts against the run, often beating blockers to the point of attack. He also flashes potential as a blitzer, accumulating 7 career sacks. He's a durable player who has remained healthy throughout his college career.
Now, Stutsman can struggle at times in man coverage against more athletic TE's and RB's. He sometimes overruns plays, leading to some missed opportunities in the backfield. Stutsman can occasionally be fooled by misdirection and play-action, sometimes biting too hard on fakes. His pass rush repertoire is limited, relying more on effort than refined technique.
Stutsman projects as a potential three-down linebacker at the next level, with the versatility to fit multiple defensive schemes. He could excel in a 4-3 system as a Mike or Sam linebacker, using his run-stuffing ability and blitzing potential. In a 3-4 scheme, Stutsman could serve as an inside linebacker, where his ability to diagnose plays and attack downhill would be valuable.
With continued development, particularly in pass coverage, Stutsman has the potential to become a very reliable starter, a defensive play-maker and a leader in the NFL.

 

[B_doggman47]

I've been leery of LB's coming out of Clemson, ever since the Saints selected Stephone Anthony. But I think Barrett Carter has tools and talent to succeed in the NFL. He's been timed with a 4.55/40 which is in the 88% percentile for LB's and has a 40" vertical which is in the 93% percentile for LB's. Here's his college career stats: Played in 38 games over 3 seasons, starting in 26 and amassed 170 tackles, 21 TFL's, 9 sacks, 15 PBU's, 3INT's, 2 FF's, 2 FR's. Those are pretty impressive numbers.

#3- Barrett Carter- (LB) Clemson (6'1"/230#)

Carter has exceptional athleticism with impressive speed, change of direction and burst, allowing him to cover sideline to sideline. He's a versatile defender capable of excelling in run defense, pass coverage and as a blitzer. Carter has strong coverage skills, he's able to match up with TE's and RB's in man coverage. He displays good eye discipline and route recognition in zone coverage. He's an explosive blitzer with the ability to create pressure from multiple alignments. Carter is physical at the point of attack when taking on blocks from TE's. He demonstrates good angle pursuit against outside runs. Carter has a high football IQ with the ability to diagnose plays quickly.
Carter is a little undersized for a traditional linebacker, which can lead to struggles when taking on blocks from O-Linemen. His run defense is still developing, occasionally leading to incorrect gap fits. Carter's tackling technique needs some refinement, he sometimes allows ball carriers to break free. He could improve his leveraging in zone responsibilities in relation to safety help. His ball skills, though good, are at times inconsistent, he struggles at times to locate and make plays on the ball.
Carter projects as a high upside, three-down linebacker in the NFL His sideline to sideline range and coverage skills fit the mold of the modern linebacker. In sub-packages Carter can match-up with TE's and RB's, while his blitzing ability adds another dimension to his game. His instincts in zone coverage and route recognition should translate well to the next level.
However, Carter may face challenges at the point of attack against NFL O-Linemen. His frame and play strength are concerns when it comes to shedding blocks and filling gaps consistently. Coaching will be crucial in refining his run fits and tackling technique. Carter may start his career as a nickel linebacker while he develops the physicality needed for early downs.
Overall, Carter's athletic traits and versatility give him a high ceiling. He profiles as a WLB in a 4-3 or an ILB in a 3-4 scheme. His ability to play in space and attack downhill could make a defensive chess piece. If Carter can bulk up a little bit without losing his explosiveness and improve his stack-and-shed ability, he has the potential to become an impact player and a three-down starter within his first couple of seasons.

 

[EASports24]

If he decides to leave, we can grab him in the 2nd round. His injury may hide him a little.

 

[B_doggman47]

If he decides to leave, we can grab him in the 2nd round. His injury may hide him a little.

I have him in my top ten. His draft projection is in the 4th round. That's due to his size and injury. I'm hoping the Saints grab him at some point. In the 4th he would be a great value pick.

 

[SaintBudMan]

Here are a couple LBs I like in the mid rounds





From what I read Bassa is a MLB who calls all of the defensive set ups during the game. He has good size and decent speed. I feel he would be a good one to take over for DD.

Mondon has good size and great speed. He projects as a WILL.

 

[B_doggman47]

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.

 

[Snakehead]

If he decides to leave, we can grab him in the 2nd round. His injury may hide him a little.

Did he declare?

 

[Trey W.]

Did he declare?

If he’s smart he will come back for another year. The only good thing about NIL, is players can stay for an extra season to refine their game instead of leaving early to cash in. Perkins can probably make more through NIL coming back for his senior season than he will on a rookie NFL contract cause he’s not slated to be a 1st round pick.

Perkins is still very raw as a true LB. He may do well as a 3-4 OLB rushing off the edge. If he wants to raise his draft stock he will need another season and to show he’s recovered from his injury.

 

[B_doggman47]

If he’s smart he will come back for another year. The only good thing about NIL, is players can stay for an extra season to refine their game instead of leaving early to cash in. Perkins can probably make more through NIL coming back for his senior season than he will on a rookie NFL contract cause he’s not slated to be a 1st round pick.

Perkins is still very raw as a true LB. He may do well as a 3-4 OLB rushing off the edge. If he wants to raise his draft stock he will need another season and to show he’s recovered from his injury.

I agree, he should wait another year. He is projected to go in the 4th round if he comes out in 2025. I don't think he'd be ready by the time the scouting combine starts in Feb. A good performance their could drive his draft stock up if he would be ready. He runs a 4.5/40 which puts him in the 97% percentile for linebackers, he has elite speed, don't know how his injury will effect his speed or athleticism once he's completely healed up. If he does declare this season, I would definitely take a chance on him and stash him on the IR until he's healthy enough to start playing.

 

[B_doggman47]

Here's a little information on Barton, His versatility and high football IQ allowed him to make an immediate impact, starting three games as a true Freshman and appearing in all 14 games. Barton's trajectory suggests he could be the next in a long line of Utah linebackers to make noise at the next level. I read through some of his analysis's and they think he's undersized to play the middle-linebacker position, but from the games I watched him play in, I believe they're wrong and I think Sam Mills would beg to differ with them. He's been projected to go somewhere in the 4th round. I believe he'll go somewhere in the 3rd round, but we'll see. Wouldn't mind if the Saints spent one those two 3rd rounders on him.

#5- Lander Barton- (LB) Utah (6'4"/236#)

Barton has the sideline to sideline range with plus-plus wheels for the position, demonstrating elite short area quickness and long speed. He excels in space as a coverage linebacker, showing fluid hips and the ability to match patterns with TE's and RB's. He has a high football acumen and good processing speed, likely due to NFL pedigree, allowing him to key and diagnose quickly. Barton exhibits exceptional COD skills and backpedal fluidity, projecting as a true three-down defender at the next level. He uses his length effectively to stack and shed, showing good hand usage and leverage when taking on blockers. He has a ball-hawk mentality with a knack for creating turnovers. Barton's frame suggests he has room for additional mass without compromising his athletic traits, indicating untapped physical potential. He's a big game performer who elevates his play against top competition, showcasing clutch playmaking ability.
Barton shows a little inconsistency in run fits and gap integrity, occasionally getting washed out of plays by larger blockers. His wrap-up technique needs refinement; too often relies on shoulder tackles, leading to some missed opportunities in the open field. Barton's pass rush tool box is still developing, he needs to expand his repertoire of moves to consistently win as a blitzer.
In Summary, Barton's tape screams modern NFL linebacker. His range and coverage chops jump off the screen, flashing the ability to erase TE's and RB's in man coverage. In zone, he demonstrates keen route recognition and a closing burst. These traits, coupled with his his sideline to sideline pursuit, make Barton a defensive coordinator's chess piece in sub-packages.
Between the tackles, Barton's game still needs a little refining. His play strength at the point of attack is a work in progress and he can struggle at times to disengage when O-Linemen climb to the second level. His tackling technique can be inconsistent occasionally, leading to missed opportunities in space. While he does show a nose for the ball, his pass rush plan lacks variety, limiting his impact as a blitzer.
In conclusion, a defense that prioritizes speed and versatility in it's second level defenders will maximize Barton's strengths while masking his current inconsistencies. With proper coaching and physical development, Barton has all the tools to evolve into an every down linebacker. However, his immediate impact may be limited to nickel and dime packages while he refines the nuances of stack linebacker play.

Just a Note: Lander has to older brothers that play in the NFL. Cody Barton, who was drafted by the Seahawks in 2019 and Jackson Barton, who was drafted by the Colts in 2019.

 

[B_doggman47]

Did anyone notice how slow we were to the edges the linebackers were tonight. The Green Bay RB's were getting 4-7 yards a carry. We need better and faster sideline to sideline linebackers. They didn't fair as well running the ball up the gut most of the night. I don't think I saw Davis and Werner miss so many tackles in a game before. Another poster said when I started this thread "Did I miss something"; Yeah you miss a lot when you don't notice our linebacker play hasn't been consistent this season and we have no speed to the edges. It's time to see what we have in Jaylan Ford, Anfernee Orji, Nephi Sewell, D'Marco Jackson and Isaiah Stalbird. Why did we sign Willie Gay, He doesn't even see the field, not even in relief of Davis or Werner. Doesn't make any sense to me.

 

[MikeyF]

Did anyone notice how slow we were to the edges the linebackers were tonight. The Green Bay RB's were getting 4-7 yards a carry. We need better and faster sideline to sideline linebackers. They didn't fair as well running the ball up the gut most of the night. I don't think I saw Davis and Werner miss so many tackles in a game before. Another poster said when I started this thread "Did I miss something"; Yeah you miss a lot when you don't notice our linebacker play hasn't been consistent this season and we have no speed to the edges. It's time to see what we have in Jaylan Ford, Anfernee Orji, Nephi Sewell, D'Marco Jackson and Isaiah Stalbird. Why did we sign Willie Gay, He doesn't even see the field, not even in relief of Davis or Werner. Doesn't make any sense to me.

Yep!
This is what I've been seeing for 2 years now...
And our LB don't make a lot of tackles up front at the line of scrimmage...

 

[longtime lurker]

Hey B_doggman47,
Are you planning to do a list of your fav CBs and Safety’s!? I’m curious to see your take on Malaki Starks out of GA. He’s slotted in a few mock drafts to go about where the Saints look to project at, at #10.

Thanks