Top 3 Linebackers in This Year’s Draft…and a Possible Breakout Candidate
- Duke Doyle
- Feb 24
- 6 min read
Updated: Feb 25
Linebackers are the backbone of a defense. They’re expected to do it all, stop the run, drop into coverage, rush the passer, and, most importantly, be the leader on the field. A great linebacker isn’t just an athlete; they must be instinctive, disciplined, and able to read offenses before the ball is even snapped. This year’s draft class features some elite talent at the position, with a few prospects who have all the tools to be difference-makers at the next level. In this article, I’ll break down my top three linebackers in the draft and highlight one player who, with the right development, could turn into a breakout star in the NFL. Let’s get into it.
1. Demetrius Knight Jr. (LB) South Carolina, 6’1”, 246lbs
Strengths:
High-Energy, Physical Defender: Always around the football and plays with an edge. Brings the kind of effort that jumps off the tape.
Explosive Downhill: When he sees a gap, he hits it fast. Quick to trigger against the run and has the burst to shoot through lanes.
Athleticism & Range: Covers ground sideline to sideline. Can chase down ball carriers and has the movement skills to play in space.
Versatile Skill Set: Has experience playing both off-ball linebacker and rushing off the edge. Can be used in different ways depending on the scheme.
Impact Blitzer: When he’s sent after the QB, he closes fast. Has the motor as a pass-rusher when given the green light.
Special Teams Value: Plays with the kind of energy and physicality that translates well to special teams. Could be a core contributor early on.
Weaknesses:
Still Raw in Coverage: Has the athleticism to drop back, but his awareness in zone and ability to read route concepts need work.
Inconsistent Play Recognition: Can be a step slow diagnosing plays, especially against play-action and misdirection. Needs to trust his eyes more.
Tackling Mechanics Need Refinement: Brings power but doesn’t always wrap up cleanly. Can over pursue and lose control at times.
Jump in Competition: Was a standout at Charlotte but will need to adjust to NFL speed and physicality.
Knight is an athletic, high-motor linebacker who plays fast and aggressive. He’s at his best when he’s attacking, whether that’s shooting gaps in the run game, closing in on ball carriers, or getting after the quarterback on a blitz. His versatility is intriguing since he’s shown he can play both off the ball and as a situational pass-rusher. The tools are there, but he’s still developing as a complete linebacker. Coverage and play recognition need to take a step forward, but his athleticism and effort give him a real shot to carve out a role early on. He has special team’s upside alone should get him on an NFL roster, and if he sharpens his instincts and technique, he has the potential to develop into a reliable contributor on defense.
2. Jihaad Campbell (LB) Alabama, 6’3”, 244lbs
Strengths:
Explosive Athlete: Moves like a defensive back but hits like a linebacker. Quick first step, fluid hips, and covers ground effortlessly.
Instinctive Playmaker: Reads and reacts fast. Gets to the ball in a hurry and consistently puts himself in position to make plays.
Versatile Skill Set: Can play inside, outside, and even rush the passer. Alabama moved him all over, and he looked comfortable in every role.
Natural in Coverage: One of the best coverage linebackers in this class. Has the range to drop into zone, the instincts to read quarterbacks, and the athleticism to match up in man.
Blitzing & Pass Rush Ability: Has a good motor when attacking downhill. Quick closing speed makes him a problem when sent after the QB.
Physical at the Point of Attack: Plays stronger than his frame suggests. Takes on blocks, fights through contact, and doesn’t get pushed around easily.
NFL-Ready Frame: At 6’3”, 244, he’s got the build to handle the physicality of the league while still moving like a modern linebacker.
Weaknesses:
Tackling Can Be Inconsistent: Gets to the ball carrier but doesn’t always wrap up cleanly. Needs to be more controlled when finishing plays.
Processing Can Be Hit or Miss: Flashes great instincts but can be a step slow diagnosing misdirection and play-action. Still developing that part of his game.
Limited Starting Experience: Played in a deep Alabama defense and is still putting it all together. Needs more reps to refine his game.
Campbell has all the tools to be a high-impact linebacker at the next level. He’s fast, rangy, and instinctive, with the versatility to play multiple roles. Whether it’s stopping the run, covering tight ends and backs, or getting after the quarterback, he has the skill set teams look for in a modern three-down linebacker. At 6’3”, 244, he’s got the size and physicality to hold up in the box while still having the movement skills to be a factor in coverage. He’s not a finished product yet. He is still processing speed and tackling consistency as it needs work, but the upside is undeniable. If he lands in the right system and continues to develop, he has the potential to be a difference-maker at the next level.
3. Carson Schwesinger (LB) UCLA, 6’2”, 225lbs
Strengths:
High-Motor, Instinctive Playmaker: Plays with relentless effort and is always around the football. His motor never stops, and he’s quick to diagnose plays and react.
Sideline-to-Sideline Range: Moves well laterally and has the speed to track down ball carriers in space. Covers a lot of ground in both the run and pass game.
Fluid in Coverage: Comfortable dropping back and matching up with tight ends and running backs. Has the footwork and awareness to hold his own in space.
Strong Football IQ: Recognizes route combinations and play concepts quickly. Rarely caught out of position.
Impact Blitzer: Times his blitzes well and has the closing burst to pressure quarterbacks when sent downhill.
Reliable Tackler: Breaks down well in space and secures tackles. Doesn’t overcommit or take bad angles.
Special Teams Contributor: Has the energy and mindset to be a core special teamer early in his career, adding value right away.
Grit: Former walk-on turned team captain. Earned respect through hard work and on-field production.
Weaknesses:
Undersized for the Position: At 225lbs, he doesn’t have the ideal bulk to consistently take on and shed bigger blockers in the trenches.
Limited Starting Experience: Has one full season as a starter, so he’s still refining certain aspects of his game.
Overaggressive at Times: Can be too eager to make a play, which leaves him susceptible to play-action and misdirection. Needs to be more disciplined with his reads.
Block Shedding Needs Work: Can struggle disengaging from bigger linemen. Needs to improve hand usage and overall strength to win at the point of attack.
Schwesinger is the type of player who wins with effort, instincts, and athleticism. His ability to fly around the field, diagnose plays quickly, and make an impact in coverage makes him a great fit for today’s game. He’s at his best when he’s playing fast, whether that’s tracking down ball carriers, covering tight ends, or timing up a blitz. His frame isn’t ideal for taking on blocks in the trenches, so he’ll likely fit best as a WILL linebacker in a 4-3 scheme where he can use his speed and instincts without getting tied up inside. His immediate path to an NFL roster will likely be through special teams, where his high motor and toughness will stand out. If he continues to develop his play strength and discipline, he’s got the potential to grow into a solid starting linebacker at the next level.
Possible Breakout Candidate…Kobe King (LB) Penn State, 6’1”, 245lbs
Strengths:
Physical Run Defender: Reads blocking schemes well and plays downhill. Takes on blocks with power and knows how to stack and shed to make plays in the run game.
Football IQ: Processes plays quickly and understands offensive tendencies. Rarely caught out of position and reacts well to pre-snap movement.
Plays with Strength & Leverage: Uses his hands well to engage and disengage from blockers. Doesn’t get moved off his spot easily.
Reliable Tackler: Strong, consistent wrap-up tackler. Doesn’t allow much after contact and is solid in short-yardage situations.
Effective as a Blitzer: Times up his rushes well and has enough burst to be disruptive when sent on the attack.
Weaknesses:
Average in Coverage: Can hold his own in zone but struggles against quicker backs and tight ends in man coverage.
Lateral Mobility is average: Not the most fluid mover in space. Can be a step slow changing direction against shiftier ball carriers.
Limited Pass-Rush Moves: Blitzing ability is there, but he relies more on power than technique. Needs to develop a more refined approach.
Lack of Height vs. Taller Linemen: At 6’1”, longer blockers can get into his frame, making it tougher for him to disengage.
King is a tough, physical linebacker who plays with a strong football IQ and a downhill mentality. He thrives against the run, using his strength and instincts to make plays between the tackles. He’s a reliable tackler who doesn’t allow much after contact and has enough burst to be disruptive when blitzing. While his coverage ability and lateral mobility aren’t his biggest strengths, he fits best as an inside linebacker in a system that lets him play downhill and attack rather than drop into coverage frequently. With some refinement in his pass-rush approach and footwork in space, he has the potential to develop into a dependable starter at the next level.
