Welcome to draft season! This is the ninth of 11 positional breakdowns leading up to the NFL draft (Thursday-Saturday). Here are my top 10 linebackers:
— 1. Devin Lloyd (Sr., Utah, 6-foot-2, 237 pounds)
Lloyd was a three-star safety in the 2017 recruiting class, before morphing into a playmaking linebacker for the Utes. He can rush the passer (eight sacks in 2021), impact the run game (second in FBS with 22 tackles for loss) and make plays in coverage — he had four interceptions last season. The two-time team captain should never have to leave the field in the NFL. Lloyd's combine testing compared favorably to All-Pro Fred Warner. Projected: Round 1
— 2. Nakobe Dean (Jr., Georgia, 5-11, 229)
Murmurings about Dean's size not translating well to the next level have hurt his draft stock a bit. It certainly didn't hurt the Butkus Award winner in the SEC — he won the same award in high school as the nation's top linebacker — where the tape showed a dynamic blitzer who is capable of making plays all over the field. Projected: Rounds 1-2
— 3. Chad Muma (Sr., Wyoming, 6-2, 239)
If Skynet created a tackling machine, it would be modeled after Muma, the best tackler in this draft class. Defensive coordinators covet his size/speed combo at the MIKE linebacker position in the NFL. Projected: Round 2
— 4. Leo Chenal (Jr., Wisconsin, 6-2, 250)
A big linebacker who is relatively light on his feet, Chenal needs refinement in coverage, but his size and speed, combined with his instincts against the run create an enticing package. There's upside as a pass rusher here as well with his combine numbers screaming poor man's Micah Parsons. Projected: Rounds 2-3
— 5. Quay Walker (Sr., Georgia, 6-3, 241)
Walker is a competent run defender who is still developing his instincts, but he shines against the pass with an excellent understanding for zone coverage. He moves like a slot corner, but features prototypical size for the position. Projected: Round 2
— 6. Christian Harris (Jr., Alabama, 6-0, 226)
Harris finished off a very productive season with his top individual performance coming in the national championship game against Georgia. He had seven tackles (four tackles for loss) and three sacks. He played receiver and defensive back in high school, but started at linebacker as a true freshman for Nick Saban, which speaks to his overall talent and coachability. Projected: Rounds 2-3
— 7. Troy Andersen (Sr., Montana State, 6-3, 243)
Andersen was productive at quarterback, running back and linebacker for the Bobcats. Not many players in college football history have led their team in passing, rushing and total tackles in three different seasons. His athleticism pops every time you see him. He absolutely dominated at the FCS level (including a standout performance in a 52-10 rout of San Diego in 2021) and was impressive during Senior Bowl week. The fly in the ointment is durability concerns with past knee and shoulder issues. Projected: Rounds 2-3
— 8. Darrian Beavers (Sr., Cincinnati, 6-3, 243)
Beavers is a true SAM (strong side) linebacker. He's capable of erasing tight ends in coverage due to his supersized athleticism. There's pass rush upside here as well. In 62 career games with UConn and the Bearcats, he played safety, linebacker and edge rusher. Projected: Rounds 3-4
— 9. Brian Asamoah (Jr., Oklahoma, 6-0, 226)
Asamoah is undersized, but he possesses sideline-to-sideline range. It's clear the game finally slowed down for him in 2021, which means there could be another level here. Projected: Rounds 3-4
— 10. Channing Tindall (Sr., Georgia, 6-1, 230)
Tindall's a special athlete who tested better than most of the wide receivers at the combine. He didn't receive notable playing time until his senior season and didn't start a single game for the Bulldogs in four years. Projected: Rounds 2-3
— BONUS. Brandon Smith (Jr., Penn State, 6-3, 250)
The former five-star recruit (top inside linebacker in the 2019 recruiting class) needs to fine tune his tackling technique, but his combination of size, athleticism and coverage skills is impressive. Projected: Rounds 3-5
— BONUS. Damone Clark (Sr., LSU, 6-2, 239)
Clark's size, athleticism and versatility (he can play all three linebacker spots) would've likely made him a day two pick. He has all the tools and physicality to become an elite run defender, but will need to improve in coverage. Clark underwent spinal fusion surgery after an MRI at the combine revealed a herniated disc and he is expected to miss his rookie season. Projected: Rounds 4-7
