2025 NFL Draft: Linebacker Big Board

The 2025 NFL Draft is mere hours away from kicking off on the Frozen Tundra. Who are the best off-ball linebackers in the class? Are there any surprises in the first round among the talented prospects that populate the 2025 linebacker big board? Who are the sleepers that rise to join the ranks, including venerated veterans like Lavonte David, T.J. Watt, and Fred Warner?

Note: All RAS numbers are courtesy of Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb)

In case you miss any of the positional big boards, they will be listed below:

Linebacker

1. Jalon Walker / 6’1 243 / Georgia

The five-star Georgia signee increased his production every season while in Athens, which is a great sign. However, he only started one season after playing behind some big-time talent. Georgia’s defense used him in various roles, including EDGE, inside linebacker, and outside linebacker. Teams will love his versatility, but the size could be a concern, especially as an EDGE going against bigger blockers. Walker is one of the best athletes in the class, regardless of position. His game is still growing as he gains more experience. The athleticism and versatility are tantalizing for teams selecting at the top of the first round. Athletically and stylistically, he could become like former Falcons/Missouri standout Sean Weatherspoon. He is the top-ranked linebacker on the 2025 linebacker big board.

Round Projection: Top 15

Player Comp: Sean Weatherspoon

RAS: N/A

2. Jihaad Campbell / 6’2 235 / Alabama

Tuscaloosa’s latest highly touted prospect is the two-year starter for the vaunted Tide defense. After breaking out as a sophomore in 2023, Campbell exploded in 2024 with 117 total tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, and three passes defended. Alabama deployed him in various roles throughout his career, but he found a home in the middle. He’s a great athlete with an explosive first step. Campbell can effortlessly cover sideline to sideline using his size and speed. However, he’s relatively new to the linebacker position as he began his college career as an EDGE rusher, so his instincts aren’t up to par yet. Regardless, the physical traits and production should land him in the first round. Campbell’s athletic and stylistic comparison is former Ohio State linebacker Jerome Baker.

Round Projection: First

Player Comp: Jerome Baker

RAS: 9.88

3. Danny Stutsman / 6’3 233 / Oklahoma

Stutsman has the size and athleticism to play a significant role at the next level. He produced over 300 tackles, 36 tackles for loss, and 11 passes defended in his three-year career. The former Oklahoma star is a big hitter with an impressive football IQ, but isn’t the best in pass coverage. His size and linear athleticism will get him drafted on Day 2. The offseason process has been kind to the linebacker after an excellent Combine that saw him run a 4.52 40. His experience allows him to see what the offense is doing before reacting appropriately. If he can improve his pass coverage, he could become a top-15 linebacker in the NFL. His athletic and stylistic comparison is Christian Harris, who starred at Alabama before becoming a Texan.

Round Projection: Day 2

Player Comp: Christian Harris

RAS: 9.33

4. Demetrius Knight, Jr / 6’1 235 / South Carolina

Knight spent four seasons at Georgia Tech before transferring to Charlotte in 2023. He got himself on the radar with the 49ers by posting 96 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and seven passes defended. In 2024, he transferred to South Carolina, where Knight continued his incredible run, leading the Gamecocks’ starry defense. He earned an invitation to the Senior Bowl and made good on his immense talents. The South Carolina linebacker is a solid athlete with great instincts. He has the physical traits teams love in their linebackers at the next level. The offseason was amicable for his stock as he blew up at the Senior Bowl and carried over to the Combine. His athletic and stylistic comparison is that of Jon Bostic. He should be a Day 2 selection on Friday.

Round Projection: Day 2

Player Comp: Jon Bostic

RAS: 8.17

5. Carson Schwesinger / 6’2 242 / UCLA

Schwesinger is flying up the boards after teams have had more time to evaluate his play on tape. He’s a one-year starter for the Bruins. His production was immense in 2024: 136 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, and three passes defended. He is a good athlete whose instincts and football IQ are still developing with increased playing time. Some teams will knock him for the lack of production over his career. Schwesinger has the physical and mental traits for a team to draft him on Day 2 while he grows into a starter role down the road. His athletic and play style profile is similar to Mychal Kendricks.

Round Projection: Day 2

Player Comp: Mychal Kendricks

RAS: 9.86

6. Jeffery Bassa / 6’1 228 / Oregon

The Oregon linebacker is an undersized prospect who played various roles for the Ducks’ defense. He converted to linebacker from safety, so his coverage instincts are good. He’s a plus athlete who is an effective pass rusher, but his size hinders him in that role. He fits perfectly as a modern-day inside linebacker whose traits showed up at the Senior Bowl. Bassa was the “green dot” in Mobile that commanded the defense every time he was on the field. The Oregon field general has the sideline-to-sideline athleticism to cover the fastest running backs and tight ends. He tested well at the Combine. His draft projection is hovering around the early stages of Day 3. Bassa’s stylistic and athletic profile compares to former Tennessee and Eagles’ linebacker Omar Gaither.

Round Projection: Day 3

Player Comp: Omar Gaither

RAS: 6.83

7. Chris Paul, Jr / 6’0 222 / Ole Miss

The Ole Miss transfer previously played a significant role for Arkansas during his three-year stay in Fayetteville. He blossomed into a draftable prospect at Ole Miss in 2024. The Rebels used him as an inside linebacker who broke out as a senior with 88 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, five passes defended, and 3.5 sacks. He’s undersized at a shade over six feet, so it will concern some teams. Paul Jr is a good athlete with the range to make plays all over the field. Instinctive coverage linebacker who knows what he’s doing. He should be selected in the middle of Day 3. Athletically, he is a near carbon copy of Darius Musasau. Stylistically, he compares to Vikings star linebacker Ivan Pace, Jr. Paul participated in the East-West Shrine Game.

Round Projection: Middle Day 3

Player Comp: Darius Musasau / Ivan Pace, Jr

RAS: 6.13

8. Smael Mondon, Jr / 6’2 224 / Georgia

The five-star Georgia signee is a Peach State native who didn’t start until his sophomore season. He was a three-year starter who had some medical issues that would give the teams some pause. Mondon entered the 2024 season with a lot of hype as one of the best in the class. He left 2024 with some injury issues and a drop in production. He’s a terrific athlete with incredible playmaking range and instincts when healthy. Length is top-tier, and he has the frame to add a few more pounds and not lose a step. However, the off-field issues that plague Georgia athletes have cropped up in his profile. He was arrested for driving too fast before the 2024 season. Mondon compares athletically and stylistically to Cole Holcomb. The offseason testing proved to be indicative of his tremendous athleticism.

Round Projection: Early to Middle Day 3

Player Comp: Cole Holcomb

RAS: 9.42

9. Kobe King / 6’0 243 / Penn State

Penn State has another linebacker prospect ready to take the league by storm. King is a traditionally sized middle linebacker and is a throwback. He isn’t the best athlete on the field but has enough juice to make plays. King is the twin brother of former PSU cornerback Kalen. He was a two-year starter who registered over 160 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks in that time frame. The Senior Bowl invited the prospect, but he decided not to attend. Teams should show interest in him during the latter stages of Day 3. He compares athletically and stylistically to Elandon Roberts.

Round Projection: Middle to Late Day 3

Player Comp: Elandon Roberts

RAS: 8.02

10. Barrett Carter / 6’0 232 / Clemson

Carter was a five-star signee for the Tigers and eventually became a productive three-year starter. Although he’s undersized at six feet tall, his athleticism and work ethic make up for it. He has the athleticism to roam all over the field and continually make plays. The Clemson star produced over 200 tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, and 24 passes defended in his career. He compares athletically and stylistically to former UTEP linebacker Tyrice Knight. His draft range should be the early to middle stages of Day 3.