1. Payton Wilson, NC state

24
6’4″, 233lbs

The 5 year man out of NC State played a total of 47 games at the college level, tallying over 200 solo tackles and 48 tackles for loss. In his senior year a part of the Wolfpack, he won nearly every defensive award including the Dick Butkus Award (best linebacker), ACC Defensive Player of the year, and the Chuck Bednarik Award (Defensive Player of the Year).

Strengths
– Great instincts and play recognition to stuff the run or get into passing lanes downfield.
– Super fast linebacker who can get after the quarterback once a play breaks down.
– Reliable hands as a defender, recorded 3 interceptions and 6 pass deflections in 2023.
– Good pursuit angles to get after the quarterback and to shut down the run.
– Feels out crossing routes in the passing game, and has the explosiveness to make a play on the ball.
– Possesses lateral quickness and burst to blitz from a variety of spots on the defense.

Weaknesses
– Lacks the play strength to shed offensive linemen’s blocks.
– Needs to be more aggressive at the point of attack, get a hat on a hat.
– Laundry list of injuries that include 2 torn ACLs, and a season ending shoulder injury.

Wilson could be the lone linebacker taken in the first round this year. With a relatively weak class, Wilson shines and should be at the top of every teams positional draft board. An early day 2 selection may be more likely, the Chargers (37), and the Panthers (39) are potential landing spots.

2. Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M

22
6’2″, 230lbs

Cooper played all 4 years as an Aggie, and was a Consensus All-American in 2023. In his final year of college he led the SEC in tackles for loss with 17 paired with 8 sacks. Cooper is a game wrecker who provides energy to his team by making big plays.

Strengths
– Always has an eye on the football and makes plays everywhere on the field.
– Unleashes some violent hits in the open field.
– Recognizes the screen play and has shown he can be the lone one to stop it.
– Elite burst paired with long speed to make a play on whoever has the ball.
– Ability to sidestep and dodge would-be blockers.
– Good at dropping into zone and reading the quarterbacks eyes.

Weaknesses
– Has a tendency to go for the big hit instead of wrapping up.
– Relies on his agility to beat blockers instead of his strength.
– Tackling technique could use some improvements.
– Misjudges the speed of ball carriers leading to open field missed tackles.

Cooper is a playmaker at the linebacker position that brings energy to a defense. His tackling issues will lead to him dropping in the draft, however I see him being a day 2 kind of guy. The ideal situation for him would be to land at the Cowboys (56).

3. Junior COlson, Michigan

21
6’2″, 238lbs

Junior Colson played 3 years at Michigan and instantly contributed to the teams success as a freshman in 2021. Colson was awarded with the 2023 Ronnie Lott Trophy which is given to the Defensive IMPACT player of the year.

Strengths
– Is a great combination of size and strength.
– Has the ability to play sideline to sideline, and makes plays inside and outside of the box.
– Somewhat raw as a zone defender, but shows high upside due to his awareness and reaction speed.
– Aggressive as a tackler and makes big hits every game.
– Is able to fend off blockers thanks to his upper body strength.

Weaknesses
– Pursuit angles could look to be improved.
– Struggles with recognizing blocking schemes.
– Inability to find the rushers’ lane is prevalent in his game.
– Doesn’t have ideal length despite being 6’2″.

Colson has high upside as a linebacker as he possesses good quality traits in every category. He is projected as a day 2 guy, and could land at linebacker needy teams like the Eagles (50), Steelers (51), and Browns (54).

4. Jeremiah Trotter jr., Clemson

21
6’0″, 228lbs

Jeremiah Trotter Jr., son of former All-Pro linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, is an undersized linebacker that plays with unique instincts. In 2022 and 2023, Trotter recorded 13.5 and 15 tackles for loss respectively.

Strengths
– Has the ideal play strength you look for in an inside linebacker.
– Football IQ and instincts are off the charts, is able to make up for his lack of burst.
– Takes good pursuit angles to contain runners in the open field.
– Disciplined in his run gaps.
– Is able to shed blockers with ease and make plays in the backfield.

Weaknesses
– Loses focus in his zone, and can get baited by play-action.
– Due to his lack of length, he can get pinned down by blockers if he fails to make a move.
– Physical traits are really lacking.
– Tackling errors are present in his game.

Trotter Jr. could go anywhere in rounds 2 through 4, depending on what teams have a high grade on him. His lack of physical traits are what drops him so low. Despite this, teams looking to add a playmaker on defense could select Trotter Jr. Look out for the Giants (70), Raiders (77), and the Commanders (78).