2025 NFL Draft: Top 10 linebackers

Linebackers are the quarterbacks of the defense. When you look at teams who are successful, they have leadership from their linebacking corps. Last season there were 21 linebackers selected in the 2024 NFL draft. The earliest linebacker to get drafted was Edgerrin Cooper out of Texas A&M, he went No. 45 overall to the Green Bay Packers. Here is a look at the top linebackers in the country as we head into the 2024-2025 football season.

10- Collin Oliver, Oklahoma State

Oliver’s best quality is his versatility with his alignment. He can line up on the outside or in the middle and has the ability to drop back into coverage. He has shown the capability to pressure quarterbacks and gains leverage most times against larger offensive lineman. Although Oliver is a high energy player, he will need to work on his strength to be able to seal off the edge, or to be a factor in the run game.

9- Jason Henderson, Old Dominion

Henderson has all the qualities you want in an inside linebacker. He has a high-motor, a nose for the football, and leadership abilities. Henderson is a tackling machine who racks up tackles in every box score. On the downside, he is undersized and struggles to disengage with larger offensive lineman. He will also be questioned about his level of competition.

8- Smael Mondon, Jr., Georgia

Mondon has elite athleticism and is a force to be reckoned with when he gets moving. He has the capability of making plays behind the line of scrimmage and the speed to cover running backs or tight ends. Mondon has problems once he is engaged and struggles shedding blocks. Most of his playmaking abilities come from playing in open space. He has speed to get to the quarterback but he lacks the strength to engage a blocker one-on-one. 

7- Dasan McCullough, Oklahoma

McCullough is 6-foot-5 and athletic, making him a handful to contain around the edge. He has a strong football IQ and his strong coverage skills allow him to be lined up as a safety in certain sets. McCullough only weighs 230 pounds and has the frame to add some much needed weight and strength. He is raw when it comes to his pass rushing skills and he takes some questionable angles in pursuit.

6- Jay Higgins, Iowa

Higgins is a smart football player who makes plays in both the run and the passing games. He is a physical player who has excellent tackling techniques and is not afraid to take on a block to make a play. He is just an average athlete and lacks the pursuit skills of some of the other linebackers in the class.

5- Jamon Dumas-Johnson, Kentucky

Dumas-Johnson transferred to Kentucky after being a big contributor for the Georgia Bulldogs defense. He has a stout build at 6-foot-1 and 245 pounds and does a good job of playing with a low pad level, helping him gain leverage on offensive lineman. Dumas-Johnson is a very physical tackler who drives through ball carriers. His coverage skills need to be improved and he has had forearm injuries that have kept him out of games. He will need to prove medically that he is a safe pick.

4- Abdul Carter- Penn State

Carter has as much versatility as anyone in this class. He has played the “Mike” position and could be moved to a more “edge-like” position in 2024. Carter has a nice blend of speed and size and has the ability to open up his hips and drop back into coverage. With his ability to play all over the front seven, Carter can be moved around to create mismatches. He has strong instincts and a knack for creating big plays. At times, he can be stiff when he takes on a blocker one-on-one. Improving his hand technique could help him when it comes to shedding blocks.

3- Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma

Stutsman is as reliable of a tackler as you will find. He consistently makes tackles and has excellent length and power, helping him to create mismatches against running backs trying to block him. Stutsman never quits and has an engine that runs hard on every play. Has been able to stay away from injuries throughout his career, despite always being in the middle of chaos. He can be overaggressive at times, and bite on play fakes and misdirections. 

2- Barrett Carter, Clemson

Carter is a total package at linebacker. He is stout against the run, can apply pressure on the quarterback, and is effective at dropping back into coverage. He has the athleticism to make plays from sideline to sideline. Carter is explosive and his chase skills are elite. On the downside, he can miss tackles and he needs to pay more attention to wrapping up and not going for the knockout hit.

1- Harold Perkins, LSU

Perkins is a smart football player who reads plays instantly. He has explosive speed and a violent finish to his tackles. He has the versatility to line up all over the front seven, and has had success as an edge rusher. He plays a lot like Roquan Smith and is built the same way. He is only 220 pounds, and will need to add some mass to withstand the rigors of the NFL. Has a shot of being a first round pick in 2025.