The next position up in our annual NFL Draft preview is linebackers. Keep in mind this is just a look at the off-ball linebackers in this class – any pass rushing outside linebackers/defensive ends would be included in our defensive line and EDGE draft preview, which can be found here.
This year’s linebackers class is a thin one. No players at the position are expected to go in the first round, only four or five are expected to go in the top 100, and the total number drafted is projected to be somewhere in the mid-teens.
—Kyle Dugger returns on four-year deal
—NFL Mock Draft 2.0
—Who was at the Patriots’ local pro day?
That shouldn’t be a problem for a New England Patriots’ team that doesn’t have a major need at linebacker. The team returns multiple key players from last year, like Ja’Whaun Bentley and Jahlani Tavai. Raekwon McMillan is back from a knee injury, and then Sione Takitaki was signed in free agency. Marte Mapu, who was drafted as a linebacker but played safety last year, could also end up factoring into the group.
The one big loss the Patriots did have at linebacker was Mack Wilson. After playing an increasingly bigger role over the second half of the season, Wilson left for the Arizona Cardinals in free agency. Now the Patriots are once again left looking for the athletic, three-down linebacker that has eluded them for multiple years.
Could they target that player in the draft? Look for more depth at the downhill linebacker spot? It’s also worth keeping in mind that as the kickoff rules change, linebackers present the best prototype for coverage players in the new format. Keeping all that in mind, here are the names to know this year…
Day 2 linebackers
Nov 11, 2023; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack linebacker Payton Wilson (11) during the first half at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
While no linebackers are expected to go in the first round this year, that doesn’t mean there isn’t first-round talent at the position. Payton Wilson from NC State sits at the top of the class with the profile of a modern linebacker – an elite athlete (he ran a 4.43-second 40 at 6-foot-4, 233 pounds) who isn’t afraid to get physical and can play multiple roles on all three downs.
So why isn’t he expected to go higher? Wilson has a lengthy injury history, dating all the way back to high school. That includes two knee injuries i his final year of high school and two shoulder injuries in college. Somebody will take a shot on his talent level in the top 50, but it’s a pick that will come with risk.
Two other linebackers are expected to go in at least the second round. Edgerrin Cooper is a ‘see ball, get ball’ kind of player whose aggressiveness can both help him and hurt him. Honing his motor will be key, but if he can do that he has the potential to be a real factor against running plays (including quarterback runs as a QB spy) with some pass rush upside as well.
Michigan’s Junior Colson is the final linebacker in this tier. A sturdy second-level playmaker, he’s a mauler that plays more north to south than east to west. He makes the plays that come to him, but isn’t as explosive as Wilson or Cooper.
Fringe top 100 linebackers
Nov 4, 2023; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (54) sacks Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Sam Hartman (10) during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
There are two linebackers who are expected to go somewhere either late on Day 2 or early on Day 3. That group includes a familiar name.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. from Clemson watched his dad play in the NFL for 12 seasons with Washington, Philly, and Tampa. Now, he’ll get his own shot in the league. A two-time All-American, Trotter’s playing style is somewhat similar to his dad’s. He’s not the most athletic player at the position (although he’s not exactly lacking in that department) but still uses his instincts to get to the football on a regular basis. Once he’s there, he has a knack for making plays. While his draft projection is a third-round pick, that could end up being a steal if the team that drafts him uses him properly.
North Carolina’s Cedric Gray is the other linebacker expected to go in this range. A more attacking kind of player, he’s able to get to the ball often when playing downhill but needs to do a better job of finishing when he gets there.
Early-Mid-Day 3 linebackers
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 05: Tommy Eichenberg #35 of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks on against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Ryan Field on November 05, 2022 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The next group of linebackers are expected to all be Day 3 picks. This group is highlighted by Tommy Eichenberg of Ohio State, who was projected to be a top 100 pick last year before he decided to return to school for one more season. Although his production dipped some in 2023 he still had a solid season with 82 tackles in 10 games. Eichenberg is a gap-filler against the run, but is also a strong tackler in the open field. That should make him a good fit in the Patriots’ defense in an early down role, as well as covering kicks in the new format.
Trevin Wallace from Kentucky, Edefuan Ulofoshio from Washington, and Jaylan Ford from Texas all could be options to take on more of a third down role. Wallace has flashed the highest upside, but consistency has been an issue for him the past few years. Ulofoshio is the best coverage option – his 91.2 PFF man coverage grade led all linebackers last season. Ford needs to be quicker making decisions, but when he does tend to make the play once he gets where he needs to go.
Late Day 3 linebackers
STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI – NOVEMBER 05: Jarquez Hunter #27 of the Auburn Tigers is tackled by Nathaniel Watson #14 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the first half at Davis Wade Stadium on November 05, 2022 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Now we’re onto the linebackers expected to go later on Day 3. Some may even end up priority UDFAs. At the same time given the Patriots’ other needs, this may be where they’re most likely to draft a linebacker if they do.
The Patriots’ lone top-30 visit with a linebacker came with a player in this range – Nathaniel Watson from Mississippi State. Watson is a ‘throwback linebacker’ according to NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, mainly filling gaps playing downhill.
Senior Bowl standout Jackson Sirmon from Cal looks the part of a typical late-round Patriots linebacker pick. A team captain, Sirmon was highly productive at Cal highlighted by his 153-tackle season in 2022 (a shoulder injury limited him in 2023). He gets to the ball regularly from multiple assignments, and again could have special teams upside.
Other players to know in this range are Curtis Jacobs from Penn State, JD Bertrand from Notre Dame, and Michael Barrett from Michigan.
UDFAs
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 05: Steele Chambers #22 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in action against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Ryan Field on November 05, 2022 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Signing a UDFA linebacker might make the most sense for the Patriots. At this point, players that project into special teams roles initially make the most sense. That group includes Steele Chambers from Ohio State, Aaron Casey from Indiana, Jontrey Hunter from Georgia State, and Shane Lee from USC. Bryce Gallagher from Northwestern and Joe Andreessen from Buffalo are also names to know after they attended the Patriots’ local pro day.
