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Scouting the top offball linebacker prospects on the Football Scout 365 NFL Draft board.
Late 1st Round-2nd Round Grade
Trenton Simpson LB Clemson: At 6-3 230lbs, Simpson is a highly athletic and explosive linebacker with excellent speed, agility, and quickness. He has a quick first step and can change direction quickly to pursue ball carriers all over the field. Simpson is a solid tackler who uses his athleticism and strength to bring down ball carriers. He has good technique and can deliver big hits when he needs to. Simpson is a versatile linebacker who can play both inside and outside positions. He has good coverage skills and can drop back in coverage or rush the passer, depending on the situation.
2nd-3rd Round Grade
Drew Sanders LB Arkansas: At 6-5 232lbs, Sanders possesses an impressive combination of size, speed, and athleticism. He is a versatile player who can play both inside and outside linebacker. He has remarkable instincts and a high football IQ. Sanders is a disruptive defender, using his speed and quickness to consistently make plays in the backfield. He is a strong tackler and also shows the ability to cover receivers in pass defense. While he may need to continue to refine his technique and develop more pass-rush moves, Sanders has the potential to be a highly productive linebacker at the NFL level.
Noah Sewell LB Oregon: At 6-3 249lbs, Sewell is a highly physical and aggressive linebacker with excellent strength and power. He uses his size and strength to deliver bone-crunching hits and dominate opposing ball carriers. Sewell is an excellent tackler who uses his strength and power to bring down ball carriers. He has good technique and a high football IQ. Sewell is a highly athletic linebacker with good speed, agility, and quickness. He has a quick first step and can quickly cover a lot of ground. While Sewell is an excellent run defender, he could improve his pass coverage skills. He needs to work on his coverage technique and reactional awareness in coverage.
3rd-4th Round Grade
Daiyan Henley LB Washington State: At 6-2 232lbs, Henley is a versatile linebacker who started his college career as a wide receiver and then as a safety before transitioning to a full-time linebacker. He has the athleticism and instincts to make plays all over the field and can be a chess piece in a creative defensive scheme. Henley is a highly physical LB with good size and strength. Henley has good ball skills and can make plays on the ball in coverage. He needs to improve his reactionary instincts at the next level.
Jack Campbell LB Iowa: At 6-5 243lbs, Campbell is a highly effective run defender who can diagnose plays quickly and get to the ball carrier. He has good instincts and awareness on the field and can fill gaps effectively. Campbell is a reliable tackler who uses good technique to bring down ball carriers. He plays with good strength and power, and he is a thumper. Campbell is a highly athletic linebacker with good speed and agility. He has a quick first step and can quickly cover a lot of ground. While Campbell is an effective run defender, he could improve his pass coverage skills. He needs to improve his technique and awareness to become more effective in coverage.