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As we approach the 2024 college football season, the preliminary summer scouting evaluations for the linebacker position are in full swing. The 2025 NFL Draft linebacker class appears to be rich in talent, boasting depth from top to bottom. Today’s analysis will highlight some of the top prospects to watch ahead of the 2024 college football season
The 2024 NFL Draft LB class was led by Edgerrin Cooper, Payton Wilson, and Junior Colson. Cooper was the first LB off the board at 45th overall in what was considered a weak LB class.
The 2025 class, featuring standout prospects such as Harold Perkins Jr. and Barrett Carter, promises to be different, offering a higher caliber of players poised to make an immediate impact at the next level.
2025 NFL Draft: 15 Linebackers You Should Know Ahead of the 2024 College Football Season
HAROLD PERKINS JR., LSU
Ht: 6'1"
Wt: 220 lbs
Coverage Grade: Very Good
Run Stop Grade: Good
Tackling Grade: Good
Summary Analysis: Harold Perkins Jr. is a dynamic linebacker known for his elite pass-rushing ability and versatility on the field. In 2023, he tallied 48 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, and 6 sacks. Perkins' agility and speed make him a disruptive force, capable of excelling in various roles, including coverage and edge defense. His athleticism has made him a standout prospect, with a bright future ahead in the NFL.
BARRETT CARTER, CLEMSON
Ht: 6'0"
Wt: 233 lbs
Coverage Grade: Very Good
Run Stop Grade: Good
Tackling Grade: Good
Summary Analysis: Barrett Carter has shown considerable potential, particularly in coverage, where he excels. In 2023, he recorded 43 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks. Carter's versatility and athleticism have kept him on the radar as a top linebacker prospect, and he has the opportunity to elevate his stock with a strong senior season at Clemson.
DANNY STUTSMAN, OKLAHOMA
Ht: 6'4"
Wt: 241 lbs
Coverage Grade: Good
Run Stop Grade: Good
Tackling Grade: Good
Summary Analysis: Danny Stutsman is a physical and aggressive linebacker who has been a key figure in Oklahoma's defense. In 2023, he notched 68 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks. Stutsman's ability to disrupt plays in the backfield and his solid tackling make him a standout player. His leadership and consistent performance have made him a cornerstone of the Sooners' defense.
JAMON DUMAS-JOHNSON, KENTUCKY
Ht: 6'1"
Wt: 240 lbs
Coverage Grade: Above Average
Run Stop Grade: Good
Tackling Grade: Average
Summary Analysis: Jamon Dumas-Johnson, aka "JDJ," transferred to Kentucky after completing three seasons and participating in 38 games at Georgia. He is recognized for his outstanding run-stopping ability. During the 2023 season, he recorded 30 tackles, two tackles for loss, and 3 sacks. His knack for applying pressure and his reliable run-stopping abilities render him a valuable contributor and a name to keep an eye on in 2024.
SMAEL MONDON JR., GEORGIA
Ht: 6'3"
Wt: 225 lbs
Coverage Grade: Above Average
Run Stop Grade: Above Average
Tackling Grade: Very Good
Summary Analysis: Smael Mondon Jr. is known for his exceptional athleticism and ability to cover ground quickly. In 2023, he recorded 51 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks. Mondon's speed and agility make him a versatile linebacker, capable of playing in coverage and stopping the run. His raw athletic traits make him a high-upside prospect for Georgia.
JAY HIGGINS, IOWA
Ht: 6'1"
Wt: 230 lbs
Coverage Grade: Outstanding
Run Stop Grade: Very Good
Tackling Grade: Outstanding
Summary Analysis: Jay Higgins has been a standout for Iowa, leading the team with 114 tackles in 2023, along with 4 tackles for loss and 2 sacks. His exceptional coverage skills and reliable tackling make him one of the top linebackers in the nation. Higgins' consistent presence around the ball and his ability to make critical plays have made him a key player in Iowa's defense.
JAISHAWN BARHAM, MICHIGAN
Ht: 6'3"
Wt: 248 lbs
Coverage Grade: Good
Run Stop Grade: Very Good
Tackling Grade: Good
Summary Analysis: Jaishawn Barham has shown promise with his physical play and ability to disrupt plays. In 2023, he recorded 32 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks. Barham's transfer to Michigan provides an opportunity for him to showcase his skills on a bigger stage. His size and strength make him effective in both run defense and pass rushing.
JASON HENDERSON, OLD DOMINION
Ht: 6'1"
Wt: 227 lbs
Coverage Grade: Good
Run Stop Grade: Good
Tackling Grade: Very Good
Summary Analysis: Jason Henderson has been a tackling machine for Old Dominion, with 93 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 6 sacks in 2023. His ability to find the ball and make stops has been a key part of his game. Henderson's performance at Old Dominion has showcased his potential to succeed at the next level, despite questions about his level of competition.
COLLIN OLIVER, OKLAHOMA STATE
Ht: 6'2"
Wt: 235 lbs
Coverage Grade: Very Good
Run Stop Grade: Above Average
Tackling Grade: Average
Summary Analysis: Collin Oliver has transitioned from an edge rusher to an off-ball linebacker, where he has continued to excel in pass rushing. In 2023, he recorded 59 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 7 sacks. Oliver's pass-rushing skills and ability to disrupt the backfield make him a versatile player. His performance in coverage and run defense will be key to his future success.
JACK KISER, NOTRE DAME
Ht: 6'2"
Wt: 225 lbs
Coverage Grade: Outstanding
Run Stop Grade: Very Good
Tackling Grade: Very Good
Summary Analysis: Jack Kiser has been a versatile and reliable linebacker for Notre Dame, known for his coverage skills and run defense. In 2023, he recorded 41 tackles and 1 sack. Kiser's intelligence and instincts on the field allow him to excel in multiple roles, making him a valuable asset to Notre Dame's defense. His ability to read plays and make quick decisions has been critical to his success.
POWER ECHOLS, NORTH CAROLINA
Ht: 6'0"
Wt: 225 lbs
Coverage Grade: Very Good
Run Stop Grade: Very Good
Tackling Grade: Good
Summary Analysis: Power Echols has been a standout for North Carolina, showcasing his physical play and tackling ability. In 2023, he recorded 81 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and 13 pressures. Echols' aggressive play style and solid coverage skills make him a versatile linebacker. His consistent performance and ability to impact games make him a player to watch in the upcoming draft.
TYREEM POWELL, RUTGERS
Ht: 6'5"
Wt: 240 lbs
Coverage Grade: Good
Run Stop Grade: Good
Tackling Grade: Very Good
Summary Analysis: Tyreem Powell has shown promise with his size and athleticism, recording 29 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and 3 sacks in 2023 before a season-ending injury. Powell's mix of size and explosiveness makes him a versatile player in coverage and run defense. His return to form and continued development will be key to his draft prospects.
FRANCISCO MAUIGOA, MIAMI (FL)
Ht: 6'3"
Wt: 230 lbs
Coverage Grade: Average
Run Stop Grade: Very Good
Tackling Grade: Good
Summary Analysis: Francisco Mauigoa has been a productive linebacker, recording 58 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks in 2023. His ability to disrupt plays in the backfield and explosive downhill play make him a valuable asset in the run game. Mauigoa's performance at Miami has increased his visibility as a top prospect.
JESTIN JACOBS, OREGON
Ht: 6'4"
Wt: 236 lbs
Coverage Grade: Average
Run Stop Grade: Good
Tackling Grade: Outstanding
Summary Analysis: Jestin Jacobs has shown flashes of potential, recording 25 tackles and 1 sack in 2023. His size and athleticism give him the potential to be a disruptive force, particularly in blitz situations. Jacobs' ability to cover ground and tackle effectively makes him a prospect with high upside, especially if he can stay healthy and showcase his skills consistently.
DEONTAE LAWSON, ALABAMA
Ht: 6'2"
Wt: 230 lbs
Coverage Grade: Below Average
Run Stop Grade: Very Good
Tackling Grade: Good
Summary Analysis: Deontae Lawson has been a key player in Alabama's defense, showcasing his strength and tackling abilities. In 2023, he recorded 54 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks. Lawson's proficiency in stopping the run and making solid tackles makes him a reliable linebacker. While his coverage skills need improvement, his physical play and consistency in the box make him a valuable asset for the Crimson Tide.
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