2026 NFL Draft Linebacker Rankings: Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles Lead A Scheme Versatile Group

The 2026 NFL Draft linebacker rankings are one of the deepest second-level groups in recent cycles, built on versatility and modern defensive value. This group will provide NFL teams with high-level run defenders, coverage-capable second-level athletes, and legitimate pass-rush threats from the linebacker position. It’s a true chess-piece class, headlined by Arvell Reese — a hybrid defender capable of playing off-ball or rushing off the edge — and his Ohio State teammate Sonny Styles, a former safety with elite sideline-to-sideline range, physical run presence, and blitz upside.

There should be at least two linebackers drafted on Day 1, with as many as four pushing into that range depending on how the board falls. Expect a strong run on Day 2, where multiple Round 2–4 prospects project as starter-level defenders in match-heavy, sub-package-driven systems. For teams seeking speed, processing, and coverage competency at the second level, this class offers quality options throughout the top 60 picks.

Go to other positional grades:

QB | RB | WR | TE | OT| IOL | IDL | Edge | LB | CB | SAF

2026 NFL Draft Linebacker Rankings

1). Arvell Reese, 6’4”, 243 lbs, Ohio State

Grade Tier: Near Elite

NFL Projection: Mid-to-Late 1st Round

Analysis: A true modern front-seven chess piece with inside-out versatility. Reese brings stack-and-shed power, edge-rush utility, and legitimate three-down value in pressure-heavy fronts. At 6’4”, 243 pounds, he overwhelms with length and closing burst, finishing 2025 with 69 tackles, 10 TFL, and 6.5 sacks. Best deployed as a hybrid MIKE/SAM/EDGE in multiple structures, where his ability to stress protection rules and create disruption elevates his impact.

2). Sonny Styles, 6’4”, 243 lbs, Ohio State

Grade Tier: Near Elite

NFL Projection: Mid-to-Late 1st Round

Analysis: A rare size-speed hybrid who transitioned from safety into a true second-level weapon. Styles offers sideline-to-sideline range, blitz upside, and alignment flexibility in multiple fronts. His ability to cover, trigger downhill, and rush off the edge fits today’s interchangeable linebacker mold. Continued refinement shedding blocks and tightening coverage technique will determine how quickly he reaches his ceiling, but the physical profile is first-round caliber.

3). C.J. Allen, 6’1”, 235 lbs, Georgia

Grade Tier: High-End Starter Potential

NFL Projection: 2nd–3rd Round

Analysis: A high-floor, instinct-driven off-ball linebacker built on processing speed and tackling reliability. Allen consistently sorts run fits, plays with leverage discipline, and finishes efficiently. While not an elite splash-play generator, his football IQ and communication project cleanly to a MIKE role in 4-2-5 or 3-3-5 structures. Three-down viability comes from steadiness and zone competence rather than raw explosiveness.

4). Jake Golday, 6’4”, 240 lbs, Cincinnati

Grade Tier: High-End Starter Potential

NFL Projection: 2nd–3rd Round

Analysis: A big-bodied, explosive linebacker with edge background and physical presence near the line of scrimmage. Golday wins with heavy hands, length, and downhill pop, constricting run lanes and flashing value as a blitzer. Processing speed and zone awareness remain developmental areas, but his size and athletic ceiling project him as a starting SAM or inside linebacker with upside in aggressive fronts.

5). Josiah Trotter, 6’2”, 237 lbs, Missouri

Grade Tier: High-End Starter Potential

NFL Projection: 2nd–3rd Round

Analysis: A downhill tone-setter with outstanding trigger speed and physical pop. Trotter diagnoses quickly and beats blockers to landmarks, finishing with authority in the box. Coverage limitations and hip stiffness restrict full three-down projection at this stage, but in an attack-style front where he can play forward and downhill, he offers immediate run-game value.

6). Anthony Hill Jr., 6’3”, 235 lbs, Texas

Grade Tier: High-End Starter Potential

NFL Projection: 2nd–3rd Round

Analysis: A prototype modern linebacker with length, range, and disruptive upside. Hill excels attacking interior gaps, scraping laterally, and closing violently at contact. His improved tackling efficiency in 2025 reflects growth in consistency, though coverage refinement will determine whether he reaches full three-down centerpiece status. In pressure-heavy structures, his burst and length create consistent second-level disruption.

7). Kyle Louis, 6’1”, 220 lbs, Pittsburgh

Grade Tier: High-End Starter Potential

NFL Projection: 2nd–3rd Round

Analysis: A modern space defender with outstanding short-area burst and real coverage value. Louis matches tight ends and slot receivers comfortably, giving him true sub-package utility. His decisiveness downhill and range show up in nickel-heavy structures. Undersized frame and average block deconstruction limit full-time MIKE projection, but as a WILL, rover, or big nickel, he brings three-down versatility in the right front.

8). Jacob Rodriguez, 6’1”, 230 lbs, Texas Tech

Grade Tier: High-End Starter Potential

NFL Projection: 3rd Round

Analysis: An instinct-driven linebacker with strong downhill trigger and physical temperament. Rodriguez wins with processing speed, tackling consistency, and turnover production rather than elite traits. While undersized by some standards, his sideline-to-sideline range and blitz timing fit cleanly into zone-match systems. Projects as a MIKE/WILL in read-and-react structures that prioritize IQ and toughness.

9). Keyshaun Elliott, 6’2”, 235 lbs, Arizona State

Grade Tier: High-End Starter Potential

NFL Projection: 3rd–4th Round

Analysis: A physical, box-oriented linebacker with excellent play strength and run instincts. Elliott stacks and sheds effectively, plays with patience in tight quarters, and delivers pop at contact. Limited range and coverage ceiling cap full three-down projection, but as an early-down MIKE or SAM in physical fronts, he offers tone-setting value.

10). Bryce Boettcher, 6’2”, 230 lbs, Oregon

Grade Tier: High-End Starter Potential

NFL Projection: 3rd–4th Round

Analysis: A high-motor, coverage-capable defender with natural movement skills in space. Boettcher transitions smoothly, mirrors backs and tight ends, and tracks the football with ease. Anchor strength and block deconstruction remain developmental areas, projecting him best as a WILL with sub-package upside and early special teams impact.

11). Deontae Lawson, 6’2”, 230 lbs, Alabama

Grade Tier: Mid-Level Starter Potential

NFL Projection: 4th–5th Round

Analysis: A productive, downhill linebacker with strong run-stopping presence and closing burst. Lawson brings physicality inside and flashes value as a blitzer, though coverage refinement and lateral consistency limit his ceiling. Best suited for a 3-4 structure where he can attack interior gaps and play forward rather than carry extended space responsibilities.

12). Taurean York, 6’0”, 235 lbs, Texas A&M

Grade Tier: Mid-Level Starter Potential

NFL Projection: 4th–5th Round

Analysis: An instinctive, technically sound linebacker whose game is built on processing speed and tackling reliability. York consistently diagnoses quickly and plays with functional strength despite length limitations. Ideal fit in zone-heavy or read-and-react systems where his football IQ and communication can elevate the structure.

13). Harold Perkins Jr., 6’1”, 225 lbs, LSU

Grade Tier: Mid-Level Starter Potential

NFL Projection: 4th–5th Round

Analysis: An explosive hybrid defender with edge-rush burst and alignment flexibility. Perkins wins with speed, bend, and mismatch ability, though undersized dimensions and coverage consistency create projection questions at the next level. Best deployed in movement-based, hybrid fronts that maximize his sub-package disruption rather than traditional stack linebacker duties.

How We Grade the Linebacker Position

Linebackers are evaluated primarily on processing speed, range, and coverage viability within modern NFL defensive structures. Grades are driven by how consistently a defender reads run-pass keys, fits gaps with discipline, and functions in space against today’s spread offenses.

Key factors include play diagnosis, downhill trigger, pursuit angles, block deconstruction, man and zone coverage ability, and tackling efficiency in space. While physicality and run-stopping production matter, three-down value, coverage reliability, and communication within sub-package structures carry the most weight in today’s pass-first league.

Football Scout 365 Grade Scale

Elite

NFL Projection: Top 5–10 Picks (1st Round)

Franchise-altering talent with elite physical tools, advanced processing, and minimal weaknesses. Immediate high-impact starter with difference-making ability.

Near Elite

NFL Projection: Mid-to-Late 1st Round

High-level prospect with strong traits and football intelligence. Expected to become a major contributor early in their career with Pro Bowl upside.

High-End Starter Potential

NFL Projection: 2nd–3rd Round

Projects as a quality NFL starter with strong tools and functional traits. May require refinement but offers consistent impact with development.

Mid-Level Starter Potential

NFL Projection: 4th–5th Round

Dependable starter or high-end rotational player. Solid athletic profile with some limitations that cap ceiling or require scheme fit.

Low-Level Starter Potential

NFL Projection: 6th–7th Round

Developmental prospect with starter upside in defined roles. Inconsistencies in technique, processing, or durability limit long-term ceiling.

Backup Level

NFL Projection: Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA)

Depth player or rotational piece. Functional traits but limited upside for a long-term starting role.

Not NFL Level

NFL Projection: Unlikely to Make NFL Roster

Significant developmental needs across athleticism, technique, or processing. Long-shot to stick at the NFL level.