2022 nfl draft linebackers 2022 nfl draft linebackers

Sign up for our newsletter and get every update delivered to your inbox! His ceiling is a bit lower than some, but he could outperform expectations if he continues to work on his game. The 2022 NFL Scouting Combine is in the books, and the pro day circuit is in full swing, which means its time to take an updated look at our prospect rankings for the Most 4-3 DEs are fairly long and built, He spent two seasons working as the MIKE and was a team captain for two seasons at Iowa. 1. He scored an unofficial 9.33 RAS at the Combine out of a possible 10.00. Here is the 2022 NFL Draft prospect watchlist: Linebackers. However, he makes up for it with impressive length, short-area quickness and explosiveness. His coverage is not the best, and he can be caught lacking at times. ** - denotes 2024 prospect. He then produced well as a run defender in 2020. He then played well in California's shortened 2020 season. Forty Time Secs 4.52. 4/27/22: Skalski got in better shape in 2021 and played well for Clemson. Heres a breakdown of the top linebackers available By Eddie Brown April 25, 2022 6 AM PT Welcome to draft season! Home Draft Simulator Beavers is strong, physical at the line of scrimmage and proved to be quite athletic at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine. Started 40 games over last three seasons (including 12 as a true freshman) and played his best in bowl games. His size and physicality are what jump out at you the most on film. Heres how the linebackers in this draft class stack up. He could boost his draft stock by improving his pass coverage and production. Thompson had 20 sacks in three seasons with the Lumberjacks. He missed some tackles though, and his splash plays were down from 2020. At the Combine, he ran a blazing 4.44 in the 40-yard dash, has a vertical jump of 34.5, and a broad jump of 132. Wisconsins Nate Herbig, Washington States Daiyan Henley and Oregons Noah Sewell, the younger brother of Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell, are potential Day 2 picks, while Graham is the most highly regarded local prospect at the position. The 2021 NFL Draft is over and teams are getting comfortable with their new draft picks. Led team in rushing and passing as a quarterback in 2018 before shifting to defense. He doesnt really fit the Colts defense considering his lean build and lack of length, but hes explosive, a good leader and brings a high motor. This small school jack-of-all-trades player has shot up NF Knicks face their season's moment of truth in crucial Game 2, Devils great still irked by blown Game 7 chance against Rangers in 1994, The Marchand and Ourand Sports Media Podcast, The Show with Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman, Amazin' But True: A NY Mets Baseball Podcast, Gangs All Here: A NY Jets Football Podcast, Perez Hilton: 'Boring' Meghan and Harry need to 'give up and move' back to UK, Woman has 'loud, full body orgasm' in the middle of LA concert. He is yet another linebacker on this list that has plus sideline-to-sideline speed/range and thrives in pursuit. Chad Muma is a LB prospect in the 2022 draft class. McFadden is a sleeper who could be a backup and special teams contributor. Player History. 4/27/22: Rose recorded 73 tackles and three sacks in 2021. Malone's wiry build belies his toughness and play strength at the point of attack. Could it be the Lions? It was a big improvement over 2019, when he had 55 tackles, but the sophomore did have three forced fumbles and an interception returned 100 yards for a touchdown. Christian Harris*, Alabama 2. Johnson was on the field for 726 snaps in 2022 and produced PFF pass-rushing and run-defense grades above 85.0. ", Full draft prospect analysis from NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein. Alabama defensive back DeMarcco Hellams (2), linebacker Christian Harris (8) and defensive lineman Byron Young (47) gang tackle Mercer running back Brandon Marshall (8) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt), Alabama defensive back DeMarcco Hellams (2) celebrates an interception against Georgia during the second half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Atlanta. Falcons Select DeMarcco Hellams in Seventh Round of 2023 Draft | Top Photos. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. He had 87 tackles, 2.5 sacks and four passes broken up on the year. Three straight seasons with double-digit tackles for loss, including 22, as well as seven sacks and four interceptions (two for touchdowns), in 2021. And while Simpson, Campbell and Sanders are clearly the top off-ball linebackers in the draft, none is a candidate to do it. He has the skills to be a good starter a few years down the line, but he may need a little work to get there. Rush counters come instinctively and his ability to seamlessly transition his attack from outside to inside makes him a projectable rusher against athletic tackles as a pro". Devin Lloyd, Utah (third round) 3. He is a tough run defender with quality instincts, and his improved conditioning made him more capable to defend the perimeter. Andersen: Finished second in school history with 33 rushing touchdowns and was 2021 Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year. Lloyd made some impressive plays in coverage and as a rusher in 2021. Clemson linebacker Trenton Simpson, right, and safety Tyler Venables, left, reacts in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Monday, Sept. 5, 2022, in Atlanta. Brynn Anderson/Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. He really played well in 2019, amassing 112 tackles, 4.5 sacks, one interception, two passes defended and three fumble recoveries. He recorded 49 tackles and 3.5 tackles for a loss on the year. 4/27/22: Lloyd amassed 111 tackles, eight sacks, one forced fumble, four interceptions and six passes defended in 2021. He was solid, but not dominant, defender for Penn State. Asamoah might fit best as a 4-3 Will - weak side - linebacker in the NFL. Hes still developing but will be 21 years old on draft day. From 2013 to 2022, an average of 32.5 LBs were selected, with a low of 25. Domann was decent, but not especially impressive, at the Senior Bowl. ", Full draft prospect analysis from NFL.com Analyst Lance Zierlein. 4 overall pick. Dean also has interviewed well with teams prior to the draft, illustrating his excellent intangibles. For all Positions: QB RB WR TE OT OG/C EDGE DL LB CB S Nakobe Dean, Georgia Bulldogs Dean was an Under Armour All-American out of high school and like a lot of other good recruits, decided to play for the Georgia Bulldogs. Recent Lions draft picks at LB: 2022-Malcolm Rodriguez (6th round), James Houston (6th round). Hes a big In free agency, the team was focused primarily on bringing back players from last years roster on one-year deals, like re-signing Alex Anzalone, Shaun-Dion Hamilton, and Josh Woods. 2022 NFL Draft Outside Linebacker Rankings. 4/27/22: Clark worked out really well at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine, showing excellent size to go along with quickness and athleticism. Here are our eight best in Round grade: 3rd round (will likely fall due to injury). Despite his size, hes been more of a Harris' lack of desired recognition will result in missteps and mistakes that could prove much more costly on the NFL levelHarris has the physical attributes and athletic ability to make plays as an eventual starter but he might lack three-down versatility.". Clark is a future three-down starter who is a sideline-to-sideline tackling machine and can contribute well in coverage. Follow him on Twitter@davebirkett. All Scouts Average Position Rank 2. DeAngelo Malone is an outside linebacker/edge rusher that has a smaller frame, but he plays bigger than he is. 4/27/22: Landman recorded 63 tackles, a forced fumble and four passes defended in 2021. Olakunle Fatukasi, Rutgers (fifth round) 8. That was given proof with his excellent workout at the combine. Mr. May 24, 2022. Ron Jenkins/Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. He has a strong build and is a good tackler. 2022 NFL Draft: Ranking the top off-ball linebackers in this years class, Heres everything the Detroit Lions netted in the Matthew Stafford trade. He could be a backup and special teams contributor in the NFL and may possess the potential to grow into more. Led SEC with 135 tackles in bounce-back season after losing starting job in 2020. Lloyd will likely have the edge over Dean on most teams boards, but one thing that Dean has going for him over Lloyd is that hes a full two years younger at 21 years of age (Lloyd will turn 24 in September). He's a wildly athletic rusher who blends get-off, stride length and flexibility into one alarming package for tackles trying to slow him down. Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington (fourth round) 6. 4/27/22: Muma played well for Wyoming in 2021, recording 103 tackles, one sack, three interceptions and one pass defended. Hes proetty explosive with impressive speed and change of direction, but he worked mostly as a pass rusher in college. His best year came in 2019, when he had 90 tackles, 4.5 sacks, one forced fumble and three passes defended. The 2022 NFL draft is almost here, and the Chicago Bears have plenty of needs to address. He also gutted through his pro-day workout even though he was not 100 percent healthy. For instance, his movements when changing directions can look a bit labored, especially when dropping back into coverage, where hes shown his fair share of struggles. Group features three receivers, linebacker out of LSU, We also discuss Jalen Carter being available at No. Finding players like Dont'a Hightower (265 pounds when drafted), Jamie Collins (250) and Ja'Whaun Bentley (255) are harder to come by. There simply isnt a better run defender in this class than Leo Chenal. Christian Harris is agile, athletic, and has the pursuit speed to keep up with some runners. Void in ONT. He has the size, range, length and athleticism to be a development, but hes also going to be 24 years old before his rookie season ends. High-school valedictorian and finalist for Campbell Trophy (academic Heisman) in college. 7/17/21: McClain was a tackling machine for Auburn in 2020, totaling 113 stops. Credited with zero career passes defended. As your New Orleans Saints prepare for the 2022 NFL Draft, we take a look at the top 10 ranked players at various positions. All Scouts Average Position Rank 2. Height Feet 6-0. Devin Lloyd is a LB prospect in the 2022 draft class. He can track down a runner or receiver with great speed and strength. He does lack some explosiveness and can be predictable, so he will need some work with a good coach that can help him refine his game. With teams loading up more than usual on other positional players, the 2023 draft witnessed fewer linebackers taken than in recent years. 7/17/21: Bernard has been a tough linebacker for the Bears over the past three seasons. 2010 NFL Draft: Big Board 2010 NFL Draft: Quarterbacks 2010 NFL Draft: Running He scored an unofficial 9.79 RAS at the Combine out of a possible 10.00. READ MORE:Isaac Darkangelo gave up a car to chase his Big Ten dream, now is on verge of making NFL. Charges downhill looking for big hit. Other players with Michigan ties: Ben VanSumeren, Michigan State; Jose Ramirez, Eastern Michigan; DeAndre Square, Kentucky (Cass Tech HS), Isaac Darkangelo, Illinois (Catholic Central HS); Lorenzo McCaskill, Kansas (Southfield HS); Jalen Graham, Purdue (Cass Tech HS); Trevor Nowaske, Saginaw Valley State. 7/17/21: Over the past three seasons, Rose has been a tough run defender for Iowa State. He led the team in passing and rushing (21 rushing TDs) in 2018 before starting the rest of his games at linebacker in 2019 and 2021 (2020 season was canceled due to COVID). He uses quick feet, a flexible frame and unusually successful recovery balance to slink into playmaking positions in the run gameHis slender frame will get knocked and he needs to craft a more repeatable rush, but he is competitive and savvy. In 2021, he finished with 50 run stops and a missed tackle rate of only 8.1 percent. Had 115 tackles (18.5 for loss) in 2021. 4/27/22: In 2021, Dean showed dangerous blitzing ability while coming up with some clutch plays for Georgia. April 27, 2022 12:47 pm ET. NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah said he expects VanSumeran to get drafted as a non-combine invite after a strong showing at the Michigan State pro day. 225 overall. With only one linebacker signed beyond this season, the Detroit Lions should be in the market to to add through the draft. SOFI DRAFT LAB Another addition is coming to the Rams' group of edge defenders. All rights reserved. 7/17/21: McFadden was a solid run defender for the Hoosiers in 2020 and 2019. From 2013 to 2022, an average of 32.5 LBs were selected, with a low of 25. On ESPN, he is listed as the 5th best prospect for outside linebackers. Tindall did most of his damage as a tackler in the open field and as a blitzing linebacker off the edge, but hes limited in coverage and is too stiff to become a full-time pass rusher. What's next: The Falcons have one more draft pick, at No. He transferred from UConn to Cincinnati and saw improvement in switching from an edge rusher to an off-ball linebacker. He also made three interceptions over those two years. Played two years behind Logan Wilson, a key cog in Bengals Super Bowl run. Check back for more photos and highlights of the latest Falcons draft pick. The 2022 NFL Draft is fast approaching and teams are zeroing in on their needs for the draft. Olakunle Fatukasi, Rutgers (fifth round) 8. He is a bit of a mystery, but does have upside. Get the latest NFL Draft prospect rankings from CBS Sports. Lloyd can be a little inconsistent with early diagnosis and fit recognition and unorthodox in how he flows to the football. He's best suited as a cubicle defender where his power and length can benefit him in smaller spaces", View the Top 10 NFL Draft prospect rankings based on position, 2023 New Orleans Saints. 4/27/22: Deng recorded four tackles over two games in 2021 before losing the rest of the season to injury. Doesnt take the bait because avid film study has made him good at diagnosing plays. Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty. Sideline to sideline agility and range. NFL.com Overview: "Jackson lacks play strength but has the frame to add muscle and mass. General manager Ryan Poles has just six draft picks to work with, 7/17/21: Rodriguez has been a consistent run stopper for the Cowboys over the past three seasons. Does everything well enough stops the run, covers the pass, blitzes but nothing great. His production was down in 2019, but it can be hard for linebackers to duplicate huge stat lines. Damone Clark, LSU, 6-2, 239 pounds: Underwent spinal fusion surgery last month to correct a herniated disk, putting his rookie season in jeopardy. Round 3: Cincinnati LB Darrian Beavers. During his career at Utah, Lloyd finished with 255 total tackles, 43 tackles for a loss, 16.5 sacks, a forced fumble, 13 pass deflections, and 5 interceptions. Clark has the potential to rise taking on a bigger role now that Cox has departed for the NFL. He might also try to overcompensate for his lack of length by taking a poor angle and overrunning his target, but these are things you live with when you have a player of his caliber that can make such a huge impact on the game. 7/17/21: Henry has been a tough run defender in the SEC over the past two seasons. 4/27/22: Jackson was a quality linebacker for Appalachian State in 2021, notching 114 tackles, six sacks, one interception and five passes defended. 7/17/21: Slalski has been a solid contributor for Clemson over the past few seasons. April 25, 2023 10:23 pm ET. ESPN/Mel Kiper -- A. Mel Kiper gave Philadelphia the top grade out of all 32 teams. Landman needs to show pass-coverage skills with NFL speed and athleticism. All Scouts Average Overall Rank 20.8. A two-year starter, Simpson has the length, speed and range for todays NFL. The departure of Bobby Okereke in free agency will hurt the room, but they did retain E.J. Damone Clark played alongside Devin White and Patrick Queen, which has helped him build both his character and his game. And even though new GM Ryan Poles doesnt have a first-round pick, he is set to usher in a new era of Bears football with Assistant GM Ian Cunningham, Head Coach Matt Eberflus, and a host of other newbies. His coverage is a little weaker than some linebackers and his pursuit speed is more build-up based. Which linebackers were drafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, and how does the latest class compare to other LB classes in the past 10 years? It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Dean's stock dipped in the spring because an injury kept him from running the 40-yard dash and he is said to not be a blazer in that test. For teams desperate for linebacker help, the trade market is another avenue to watch. Owen Pappoe, Auburn. He has the tools physically, but he did not always play up to them during his collegiate career. Improving his production in pass coverage would help him. Here are the NFL Draft odds, courtesy of FanDuel. He wasn't as good in 2020, but he still flashed on occasion. 2020-None. He's a late-round sleeper who could be a backup and special teams contributor. The only Combine event he participated in was the bench press where he did 23 reps. NFL.com Overview: "Super senior who decided to come back for another season to put more on film for general managers to think about. Atlanta drafted Bergeron with the No. Follow the Colts at Colts Wire, and for the best local Indianapolis news, entertainment and culture coverage, subscribe to The Indianapolis Star. Henley has been starting at linebacker for two seasons and made the switch from wide receiver in 2020 so hes very new at the position. Rodriguez, one of the stars of Hard Knocks, finished last season with 87 tackles and one sack. Simpson (6-2, 235 pounds) is a hybrid linebacker who excels as a pass defender. Muma will likely be available in the second or third round if the Lions are interested in beefing up their front-seven. This has become a tricky position to project considering the differences of how theyre used in a 4-3 scheme vs. a 3-4. All rights reserved. Christian Harris, Alabama (third round) 2. A three-year starter and team captain in 2022, Orji has enough size and great length to go along with elite athleticism at the position. He did make as much of an impact in 2020, but he could be a late-round- or third-day-caliber prospect for the 2022 NFL Draft. State of the Packers Gary, the hotly debated first-round pick in 2019, has blossomed into a star. Walker's tackle total will probably increase in 2021 because Rice is in the NFL. 7/10/21: During Alabama's undefeated season and National Championship run, Allen showed some ability to rush off the edge and had some timely rushes for the Crimson Tide. He is physical and has good length to play off blocks. If Tolson ups his production as a senior, he could rise. 1 prospect and ESPN's second best inside linebacker. While Spector was a quality defender for Clemson, he could have some limitations in coverage for the NFL. His struggles in coverage and inefficient tackling numbers give you great pause, but the elite athleticism and impressive physicality will give coaches plenty to work with. He led the SEC in tackles in 2020 with 123 stops. 2022 NFL Draft - SAM Linebacker Rankings. Best season was 2020, when he was Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and grabbed five interceptions. He scored an unofficial 9.33 RAS at the Combine out of a possible 10.00. The Utah product led the Pac-12 with six interceptions in 2022, Head coach and GM, explain why OL Matt Bergeron, DL Zach Harrison fit what Falcons are building up front, The Ohio State product played defensive end for the Buckeyes. This ranked 148 out of 2188 LB from The 2023 NFL Draft is over but the Detroit Lions still have room on their 90-man roster to add a handful of undrafted players to the mix. WebThe top 2022 Inside Linebacker prospects available for the 2022 NFL Draft. NFL.com Overview: "Undersized edge defender who plays in a slant-based scheme that makes evaluating his three-down value more difficult. Owen Pappoe, Auburn. 4/27/22: While Morgan is not the biggest or fastest linebacker, he has excellent instincts and is a superb tackler. Ht/Wt: 6-3, 235. BIG BOARD RANK: 36. They traded for 233-pound off-the-ball linebacker Mack Wilson. He will occasionally get swallowed up by blocks in the run game or get bullied in coverage by bigger tight ends. Round 2, No. The 2022 NFL Draft is fast approaching. Weight Lbs 225lbs. Washington Commanders NFC South Carolina Panthers Atlanta Falcons New Orleans Saints Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFC West Arizona Cardinals Los The Alabama defensive back led the Crimson Tide in tackles in 2022. In today's NFL, few positions have become as difficult to play as off-ball linebacker. He can grow under the right coach, but may not be ready to start as soon as he enters the league. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (CO/IL/IN/LA/MD/MI/NJ/OH/PA/TN/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), visit OPGR.org (OR), or 1-888-532-3500(VA). The best insights from the ultimate insiders, 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, This is what it looks like when a team nails an NFL draft, Broncos cornerback arrested on felony gun charges, Chiefs relying on rookies to meet their Super Bowl 2023 challenge. The Falcons also took DB DeMarcco Hellams in the 7th round. Top NFL linebackers in 2022 1) Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers It says a lot about Fred Warner that he had a relatively subdued campaign in 2021 at least by his standards but still heads into the 2022 season as the top linebacker in the NFL. Its the perfect year to want a speedy linebacker. 1-2 and eight quarterbacks inside the top 100 players. Its not just testing and numbers with Muma, though. Three straight seasons I Sanders, an Alabama transfer who made a top-30 visit to Detroit, adds versatility as a nickel pass rusher. A bit of an older prospect, Abdullah is still developing in coverage. As an undersized linebacker, Asamoah struggles to take on blocks and will get completely erased from the play from time to time in the run game. We also created big boards at the following positions: Heres a look at my big board for the linebackers as it relates to the Colts in the 2023 NFL draft: While there may be some prospects worthy a first-round pick, the Colts should not consider the position in the first round even in the unlikely event they trade back from the No. Walker also could benefit from playing behind an excellent defensive line. Unfortunately, the Lions will probably not be in the range to take Lloyd unless they trade back from the second overall pick or trade up from 32. After an injury to Dylan Moses, Harris was thrust into a larger role and turned in an impressive freshman season for Alabama in 2019. He is the fifth best linebacker prospect of Bucky Brooks' top 5, and he is the seventh best prospect for interior linebackers on ESPN's Best Available. 2023 www.freep.com. The 2022 NFL draft will take place at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, home of the Las Vegas Raiders, with the first round slated for April 28. Leo Chenal, Wisconsin. He's projected to be a starter at some point in his career, but he may take a little longer to get to that point. Walker has a good combination of height, weight and speed. Sanders was a unanimous All-American in 2022. He had a decent Combine, putting up a 40-yard dash of 4.63, a vertical of 40 and a broad jump of 129. That was given proof with an excellent combine workout. Which 2022 NFL Draft prospects fully showed out at Lucas Oil Stadium? He also improved on his coverage skills last year and ended the year with three interceptions thanks to his stellar instincts and understanding of routes developing in front of him. ESPN lists him as the 4th best outside linebacker. He has the size, length and range to play on all three downs but is still growing into his game. Chenal is going to thrive in man-blitz-heavy If the Lions dont manage to pick up Lloyd or Dean at the top of the draft, then thats perfectly fine, because this linebacker class is littered with prospects worthy of a Day 2/Early Day 3 selection. 4/27/22: Team sources think Walker's play was a bit off in early going of 2021, but he finished the season playing really well. Top 10 Linebacker Prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft 1) Devin Lloyd 2) Nakobe Dean 3) Brian Asamoah 4) Leo Chenal 5) Christian Harris 6) Nik Bonitto 7) Chad Muma 8) Brandon Smith 9) Troy Anderson 10) Quay Walker Top 10 Linebacker Prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft 1) Devin Lloyd Height: 6-3 Weight: 235lbs 40 Time: 4.66s Utah. Burney was considered a top-15 safety prospect in the class of 2018, per the 247Sports composite rankings, then a bigger-bodied defensive back recruit at 6-foot-1, 215 pounds. I guess you could say that, at best, the Lions linebacker room is as good as it was last year, maybe even worse. Tindall: Didnt make a ton of plays for Georgia, but then again neither did likely top-two overall pick Travon Walker. NFL.com Overview: "Long, athletic inside linebacker whose strengths and weaknesses could make him a target for a move outside. Please check your email for a confirmation. On one hand, he averaged 11 tackles per game in the last two seasons and has a nose for the football. Harris is fast, athletic and strong. Can break down, which is a tackling technique of stopping before you tackle someone so you dont get beat by last second moves. Damone Clark*, LSU (Clark is expected to miss the entire 2022 season after undergoing Recent Lions draft picks at LB: 2022-Malcolm Rodriguez (6th round), James Houston (6th round). Maybe. Of the three Georgia linebackers, Tindall is easily the fastest and most explosive. What sets him apart from previous run defense specialists, however, is that Chenal is also one of the most athletic linebackers to ever test at the NFL Combine. 2022 NFL Mock Draft, Linebacker Rankings Sporting News presents its third big board for the 2022 NFL Draft, updated with two dynamic pass-rushers at Nos. Maybe the toughest scouting reports to make, because a lot of confusion: Inside linebackers in 3-4 arent generally premium players in the draft, but there is always a couple that have exceptionally well rounded skillsets that sneak into early rounds.