2026 NFL Draft Linebackers to Watch: C.J. Allen & Anthony Hill Jr. Head a Versatile Class

The journey to the 2026 NFL Draft begins now. As we gear up for another exciting college football season, Football Scout 365 is launching our Summer Scouting Series—a preview of the top NFL Draft prospects at each position heading into the 2025 college football season. These early evaluations serve as a watchlist, not final rankings, designed to guide our in-season scouting, film study, and big board updates. In this breakdown, we evaluate the Top 2026 NFL Draft linebackers to watch entering the 2025 college football season. We break down current grades, ceiling projections, and scheme fits for disruptive playmakers like C.J. Allen, Anthony Hill Jr., and Harold Perkins Jr.—a group defined by speed, versatility, and modern front-seven utility. Understanding Our Summer Scouting LB Tiers: Grading by Ceiling Potential During the summer scouting period, each linebacker is evaluated based on their current grade and projected ceiling ahead of the 2025 college football season. These tiered projections help us identify not only who a player is today, but who they could become with development in areas like processing, block deconstruction, man/zone versatility, and pass-rush capability. For example, a linebacker currently graded as a Mid-Level Starter may grow into High-End Starter or even Day 1 EDGE versatility depending on positional usage and production. This framework helps project how front-seven defenders will rise—or fall—through the 2025 season and into the 2026 NFL Draft. Top 2026 NFL Draft Linebackers to Watch Near Elite (70–74) NFL Draft Projection: Mid-to-Late 1st Round High-caliber player with Pro Bowl upside and minimal flaws. Expected to become a major contributor by Year 2. C.J. Allen, Georgia Analysis: C.J. Allen is one of the fastest-rising linebacker prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, combining elite range with sharp instincts and physicality. A multi-year starter at Georgia, he finished second on the team in tackles and rarely misses in space. Allen brings three-down value as a tackler, blitzer, and zone dropper. He fits best in a 4-2-5 or 3-3-5 base where his sideline-to-sideline speed and play IQ can shine. High-End Starter Potential (65–69) NFL Draft Projection: 2nd–3rd Round A player with the tools and technique to become a reliable NFL starter within a few years. While not flawless, they have the upside to flirt with elite-level play if developed properly. Anthony Hill Jr., Texas Analysis: Hill is a dynamic linebacker with hybrid edge traits and top-tier athleticism. His production—10 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, and 30+ coverage stops—shows up on film with explosive closing speed and violence at contact. While still refining his block shedding and processing, he has Pro Bowl upside in the right scheme. Fits best in a 3-4 or 4-3 front that leverages his blitz value. Harold Perkins Jr., LSU Analysis: Perkins is a true chess piece defender with elite burst and movement skills. He can align as a stand-up EDGE, stacked linebacker, or overhang defender, creating matchup nightmares. Though undersized, his change of direction and pass-rush ability pop on tape. Returning in 2025 to refine his frame and instincts was the right call. NFL defenses using hybrid or sub-package fronts will covet his flexibility. Taurean York, Texas A&M Analysis: York is one of the most instinctive and consistent tacklers in the country, making plays with high-level processing and sideline-to-sideline control. Despite lacking length, his quick recognition and functional play strength allow him to diagnose and flow cleanly. He’s an ideal fit as a MIKE or WILL in zone-heavy 4-2-5 or hybrid fronts that emphasize reaction and pursuit over size. Jaishawn Barham, Michigan Analysis: Barham is a powerful, explosive hybrid defender with experience as both an off-ball linebacker and a stand-up EDGE. Now transitioning full-time to EDGE at Michigan, his violent hands and burst give him three-down disruption potential. He projects as a 3-4 SAM or MIKE who can rush off the edge or fit downhill. If the position switch takes hold, he could be one of the most disruptive defenders in the 2026 class.