Final linebacker rankings heading into the 2025 NFL Draft

[ASFN Admin]

The NFL Draft is always a fluid process, with a lot of information constantly coming in about the players within the class. Every position requires countless hours of film, combing over testing numbers, looking at work at all-star games and pro days. Through it all, a clearer image of the players within each position group appears.

The next position we will discuss in our final rankings is for the linebackers.

The linebacker position is one that has taken on a unique twist in recent years. They have gone from being a dominant presence in the middle of the defense to a player who can be more easily replaced. This year, the group is led by Jihaad Campbell, but to be honest, it falls off from there. It is hard to project them based on how the league uses them anymore, but this class has some good pieces they can use within it.

Before we spoil the names and where they fall, here are our final top 10 linebackers ranked for the 2025 NFL Draft.

10) Nick Martin, Oklahoma State​

Height: 5-11 / Weight: 221 lbs.

Notable Testing Numbers

• 4.53 40-yard dash
• 38" vertical jump
• 10'03" broad jump

Best Traits

• Finds the ball carrier time and again
• Physical tackler
• Can be a fun tool in pass rush packages

Grade: 5.67 (UDFA)

9) Smael Mondon Jr., Georgia​

Height: 6-2 / Weight: 224 lbs.

Notable Testing Numbers

• 4.58 40-yard dash
• 10'10" broad jump

Best Traits

• Moves well in space
• Can pursue ball carriers well
• Underrated coverage ability

Grade: 5.8 (Day Three)

8) Jay Higgins, Iowa​

Height: 6-0 / Weight: 224 lbs.

Notable Testing Numbers

• 4.82 40-yard dash time

Best Traits

• Finds the ball carrier, great in run support
• Quick, twitch reaction time
• Physical player running through blocks or ball carriers

Grade: 6 (Day Three)

Here's some big news out of Iowa City:

Jay Higgins is returning in 2024.

The 1st-team All-@bigten LB leads the conference in tackles (155). pic.twitter.com/UL0uOwcfr5

— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) December 27, 2023

7) Jack Kiser, Notre Dame​

Height: 6-2 / Weight: 231 lbs.

Notable Testing Numbers

• No testing numbers available

Best Traits

• Doesn't overcommit on plays
• Uses leverage to win reps against blockers
• Physical tackler

Grade: 6.15 (Day Three)

6) Carson Schwesinger, UCLA​

Height: 6-2 / Weight: 242 lbs.

Notable Testing Numbers

• 39.5" vertical jump

Best Traits

• Good instincts to find the ball in the air or on the ground
• Good lower body mechanics to change directions quickly
• Good, reliable tackler when he gets his hands on you

Grade: 6.25 (Day Two)

5) Jeffrey Bassa, Oregon​

Height: 6-1 / Weight: 232 lbs.

Notable Testing Numbers

• 4.63 40-yard dash
• 38.5" vertical jump
• 9'10" broad jump

Best Traits

• Good downhill runner
• Gets and maintains leverage against blockers
• Tracks ball carriers well

Grade: 6.27 (Day Two)

Oregon LB Jeffrey Bassa wasn't bad inside per se, but I like him a lot more covering half the field where he can track ballcarriers down and cover to the boundary. He'd be great in an NFL defense with base nickel/dime concepts. pic.twitter.com/w1VsXgH4R1

— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) April 1, 2025

4) Demetrius Knight Jr., South Carolina​

Height: 6-2 / Weight: 235 lbs.

Notable Testing Numbers

• 4.58 40-yard dash time
• 9'10" broad jump
• 4.25 short shuttle time

Best Traits

• Rangy in his coverage and run support
• Strong tackler and going through blockers
• Underrated pass coverage ability

Grade: 6.47 (Day Two)

3) Chris Paul Jr., Ole Miss​

Height: 6-1 / Weight: 222 lbs.

Notable Testing Numbers

• 4.63 40-yard dash time
• 36" vertical jump
• 9'09" broad jump

Best Traits

• Great in run support
• May be undersized, but plays with a physical style
• Quick, twitch reaction ability

Grade: 6.55 (Day Two)

2) Jalon Walker, Georgia​

Height: 6-1 / Weight: 243 lbs.

Notable Testing Numbers

• No testing available

Best Traits

• Twitchy movement ability
• Underrated pass rush ability
• Rangy in pass coverage and in pursuit of ball carriers

Grade: 6.8 (Day Two)

Jalon Walker (no. 11) going head first into the trash and finding the ball at ILB pic.twitter.com/muPKvyiQ5L

— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) April 20, 2025

1) Jihaad Campbell, Alabama​

Height: 6-3 / Weight: 235 lbs.

Notable Testing Numbers

• 4.52 40-yard dash time
• 10'07" broad jump

Best Traits

• Underrated pass rusher
• Great instincts to find the ball in the air and on the ground
• Proven leader with the ideal size for the position

Grade: 7.75 (Day One)

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 2025 NFL Draft: Final linebacker rankings

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