Analysis My List of Top 10 Linebackers in 2025 Draft [OP updated] (2 Viewers)

[B_doggman47]

IMO he needed to go back for another year of college ball. He's a great athlete and speed pass rusher, but he's not ready to play 4-3 LB in the NFL and he's too small to play DE or OLB in a 3-4. In fact, the way he was outplayed by Weeks when he took over the MLB spot after Perkins got hurt suggests maybe he needs to learn to be an OLB. Anway, he really needs more time playing off ball LB in college.

I agree, he needs to stay at LSU for one more season. Perkins could become the defense's version of a Swiss Army Knife, Taysom is for the offense. That would be awesome to see.

 

[MikeyF]

B_doggman47

What is your take on converting Abdul-Cater to LB1?

Abdul Carter Defensive End - EDGE Penn State | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report

Rating: 91.1 Rank: #1 Forty: 4.48 The team that drafts Carter will be getting an ascending talent with legitimate All-Pro potential as a weak-side edge rusher. His combination of explosiven...

www.nfldraftbuzz.com

He definitely has the measurables.

I doubt it happens in 2025 but I would love if we switched to a D based on the 3-4.
It gives us more options than just a 4-2-5....

He said he wants to be multiple in his defensive fronts, which in a 3-4 scheme means that he can run anything from a 3-3-5 to a nickel package of 3-2-6 or a dime package of 3-1-7 or a more traditional 4-2-5 look to try and get pressure with 4.

 

[bleedit1960]

Some other linebackers I like.

Teddye Buchanan - Cal

Francisco Mauigoa - Miami​

Carson Schwesinger - UCLA​

Marlowe Wax - Syracuse​

Justin Barron - Syracuse​

Nick Martin - OSU​

Collin Oliver - OSU​

Chandler Martin -Memphis​

Matt Salopek - Miami Redhawks

Carson Bruener - Washington

Kydran Jenkins LB/DE - Purdue​

 

[B_doggman47]

Sorry it's taking so long to get the the rest of my analysis' out. I've been busy on the farm and getting things ready for New Years. We did a big fireworks thing for the grandkids tonight. I promise I'll get right back on this after tomorrow.

 

[SigFreudianSlip]

B_doggman47

What is your take on converting Abdul-Cater to LB1?

Abdul Carter Defensive End - EDGE Penn State | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report

Rating: 91.1 Rank: #1 Forty: 4.48 The team that drafts Carter will be getting an ascending talent with legitimate All-Pro potential as a weak-side edge rusher. His combination of explosiven...

www.nfldraftbuzz.com

He definitely has the measurables.

I doubt it happens in 2025 but I would love if we switched to a D based on the 3-4.
It gives us more options than just a 4-2-5....

One of my favorite players on one of my favorite teams. He left injured early against Boise, shoulder I think. Hopefully minor.

 

[MikeyF]

2025 NFL Draft: 5 Biggest Sleepers In The Class

The 2025 NFL Draft is filled with talent players, including ones flying under the radar. Our experts explore the class' biggest sleepers so far...

www.the33rdteam.com

We have 2 4th round picks!

 

[B_doggman47]

One of my favorite players on one of my favorite teams. He left injured early against Boise, shoulder I think. Hopefully minor.

I really like the guy, but it is hard to determine whether he can play DE or LB until we know what kind of defensive scheme a new D-Coordinator will install. I could see him as an OLB in a 3-4. I think he would be awesome, He would need some refining in learning to be more consistent tackling in space. Misses too many tackles. Since he is a tweener @ 259# he would need to bulk up a bit to about 265# to be more effective as a DE in a 4-3 defense. Hopefully we will know what kind of defense we will be running before the draft gets here.

 

[tonyarm99]

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

Walker would be a great pick for the Saints. A generational player

 

[Lustmord]

I like Jackson Woodard from UNLV, he beat Jeanty up when they played

 

[Snakehead]

I like Jackson Woodard from UNLV, he beat Jeanty up when they played

In the game where Jeanty had his 6th best PFF grade of 82.1, went for 209 yards on 32 carries and averaged 6.5ypc?

 

[MikeyF]

We need a DT & a LB with 2 of the 1st 3 picks in the draft.
Then OG & WR...

Advanced stats highlight one of the Saints' biggest defensive faults

The New Orleans Saints struggling run defense has been a constant topic of conversation. There was a point where it appeared to improve. Over the last two weeks, however, the issues have darted back to the forefront. You can point towards total yardage to hammer the point…

saintswire.usatoday.com

 

[3ParStillDriver]

I would argue that Jay Higgins deserves to be quite a bit higher. Definitely top 5, maybe even top 1. Offenses that play Iowa literally game plan to stay away from him, and we still see him in the mix all the time.but that’s because I like hard nose ballers over measurable. I care less about 40 time and jump height, and more about being in the right place at the right time consistently.

 

[B_doggman47]

I read through several of Jihaad Campbell's analysis' and these analysts see him as a box linebacker, playing inside-linebacker in a 3-4 defensive scheme. I see him a little differently. Campbell has experience at all three linebacker spots. He could be an excellent off-ball linebacker as a WILL or SAM, he also has some experience as a MLB and playing on the edge. He would be a very good inside-linebacker in a 3-4. I believe a lot of his talents would be wasted in a 3-4 defensive scheme.

#7- Jihaad Campbell- (LB) Alabama (6'3"/244#)

Campbell has sideline to sideline range with elite straight-line speed for the linebacker position, Allowing him to be a factor in pursuit and in coverage. He is a scheme-diverse defender capable of playing all three linebacker positions and rushing off the edge, Offering valuable personnel flexibility. Campbell has fluid hips and loose lower body, enabling him to flip and run with backs and TE's in man coverage. He's a reliable wrap-up tackler who breaks down very well in space and rarely ever lets ball carriers slip away. His diagnostic skills are above average, showing the ability to quickly read and react to play development. He displays good bend and burst when rushing the passer, with the potential to be an effective blitzer at the next level. Campbell is a natural leader who commanded the defense as an underclassman. He's a core special teamer with production in the third phase, increasing his day-one value to NFL teams.
Campbell's tweener frame might cause some teams to hesitate on his optimal position fit in their scheme. His stack and shed technique needs refinement, particularly when taking on O-Linemen at the point of attack. He can occasionally take false steps or overruns his gap, leading leading to vulnerability against misdirection plays. Campbell needs to expand his pass rush repertoire, He tends to rely more on his athleticism than technique to win one-on-one matchups. While his play strength is good it is not quite elite, he still needs to develop more play strength.
Campbell is a freakish athlete with rare physical tools, he brings a prototype skillset to the modern linebacker position. His elite speed and explosiveness allow him to be a heat-seeking missile in pursuit and a matchup nightmare in coverage. Campbell's ability to play in space, drop into coverage and occasionally rush the passer makes him a defensive coordinator's dream in today's pass-happy NFL.
Campbell's scheme versatility is a major selling point for me. His athletic profile allows him to excel in multiple roles, from a traditional off-ball linebacker to an edge rusher in sub-packages. He's tailor-made for a multiple front defense that emphasizes speed and flexibility in its second level.
While his instincts and block shedding technique are still developing, Campbell's athletic traits give him a high ceiling. His immediate impact on special teams will get him on the field early, while his versatility should earn him defensive snaps in specific packages. As he refines his technical skills and football acumen to match his physical gifts, Campbell has the potential to develop into a dynamic three-down linebacker.

 

[B_doggman47]

I would argue that Jay Higgins deserves to be quite a bit higher. Definitely top 5, maybe even top 1. Offenses that play Iowa literally game plan to stay away from him, and we still see him in the mix all the time.but that’s because I like hard nose ballers over measurable. I care less about 40 time and jump height, and more about being in the right place at the right time consistently.

We did a lot of research on Higgins and found that his best fit is in a 4-3 defensive scheme. He doesn't have scheme versatility. He will need some time to further develop and learn the complexities of NFL defensive schemes. He will be a day 2 pick somewhere in the 4th round or maybe in the 5th round. He would be a good developmental project for the Saints. This all depends on when we and if we get a new D-coordinator and what type of defense they run.