The Post’s Ryan Dunleavy gives his top 10 linebackers in this year’s NFL draft, based on evaluations and conversations with people around the league.
1. Sonny Styles, Ohio State, 6-5, 244
Record-setting display at combine elevated him into top-five range. Shoots gaps and closes on ball with 4.46-second speed. Hits like a brick wall. Instinctual blitzer. Fluid change of direction to cut off angles. Covers like an ex-safety. Aggressiveness backfires on RPOs.
2. Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech, 6-1, 231
Thirteen career forced fumbles (seven last season) jumps off the page. Former quarterback/running back/receiver/tight end at Virginia. Filled his trophy case. Quarterback of the defense communicator with contagious hustle. Could struggle in man coverage. Only adequate size. Waiting for ball-carriers in hole.
3. Anthony Hill Jr., Texas, 6-2, 238
Relentless ball-pursuer who tallied 31.5 career tackles for loss. Dynamic blitzer with 17 sacks and eight forced fumbles. Evades blocks with quickness. See-ball, get-ball anticipation. Shedding blocks is a work in progress. Suffocates screens thrown in front of him and covers tight ends.
4. CJ Allen, Georgia, 6-1, 230
Sideline-to-sideline range but at his best flying downhill to meet ball-carriers in the box. Always looks under control no matter what disguises offenses throw. Stiffness in coverage is a concern but necessary speed is there. Not much of a blitzer. High-floor prospect.
5. Josiah Trotter, Missouri, 6-2, 237
Father (Jeremiah) and brother (Jeremiah Jr.) offer NFL DNA. Big-hitting field general who is a step ahead in the run game. Strong enough to knock blockers off balance. Might be a two-down player with coverage liability. Missed 2023 season due to leg injury.
6. Jake Golday, Cincinnati, 6-4 ½, 239
Traits and upside. Fits on the weakside where he can roam freely, shed blocks and chase the ball. Former defensive end not as physical as body size suggests. Quarterback-spy speed. Special-teams contributor. Plays a clean game. Can be out of place in coverage.
7. Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh, 6-0, 220
Undersized, scheme-specific, high-production prospect who had 15.5 tackles for loss and four interceptions in 2024. Tape aficionado with high football IQ. Can struggle to get off blocks. Made big plays in big moments. Nickel versatility for a creative tactician. Glued to tight ends.
8. Keyshaun Elliott, Arizona State, 6-2, 231
Thumper who tallied 14 tackles for loss and seven sacks last season. Lacks recovery speed if tackling angles aren’t perfect. Will pile up tackles in the box. Coach on the field. Telegraphed blitzer on third down because coverage is suspect.
9. Harold Perkins Jr., LSU, 6-1, 223
Four-year contributor whose 35.5 tackles for loss and 17 sacks would be higher if not for torn ACL in 2024. Gets small to fit through creases and closes in a flash. Caught flat-footed in passing game. Position-less defender — for better or worse. Small hands.
10. Justin Jefferson, Alabama, 6-0, 223
Not the All-Pro receiver but a smallish one-year starter and junior college transfer who could get swallowed up by big boys on blitzes but offers coverage and quarterback-spy ability. Changes direction smoothly. Sub packages and special teams as a rookie. Covers ground quickly.
Late Riser
Bryce Boettcher, Oregon, 6-1, 233: Two-sport star drafted by Astros. Former walk-on safety grew into the signal-caller for defense. Plays through the whistle and covers ground like a center fielder. Core special-teamer. Unquestionable work ethic. Will fallback alternative be a strike against him?
Falling Fast
Jack Kelly, BYU, 6-2, 240: Unless his reaction time speeds up, he could be engulfed by blocks. Started his career at Weber State. Misses tackles when technique slips. Throwback-linebacker toughness from his BMX bike-riding days. Victimized by cutback runners. Three passes defended over last 25 games.
Small-school Wonder
Red Murdock, Buffalo, 6-2, 232: Not an old-time newspaper columnist. NCAA record-holder for career forced fumbles (17) who ranked No. 2 nationally in tackles in 2024 and 2025. Finalist for Campbell Trophy (academic Heisman). Holds his ground on blocks. Can he cover? Feasted on inferior competition.