2025 Draft: AKA LBs are Pivotal Position
Jeremy Bissett provides insight to 2025 NFL Draft's LB prospects
—“Excellent player evaluation for decades,” Hall of Fame general manager Ron Wolf, a long-time subscriber
— “NFL Draft Scout is for REAL football lovers—thorough, unbiased facts,” Super Bowl Champion Coach Jon Gruden.
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(Editor’s Note: See related story on history of the ILB/MLB position, originally published in July of 2024)
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Evolving Linebacker: Defensive Playmakers for 2025
Let's break down the defensive playbook - linebacker isn't just a position in 2025, it's a strategic role that's redefining football's defensive architecture. The upcoming draft class represents a critical shift from traditional ground-and-pound defenders to multi-dimensional tactical operators.
The roles of the players who line up in that area of defense are so diverse that they are sometimes referenced as defensive backs who are tough enough to take on blockers and runners inside. Does this position need a new name? For now we will stick with linebackers out of respect for the men who once dominated this area of the field.
Players like Jihaad Campbell and Barrett Carter aren't just athletes; they're defensive strategists. Think of them as the special ops of football - capable of reading offensive formations with quarterback-level intelligence, covering tight ends with cornerback precision, and still bringing that special teams intensity. They're not just playing a position; they're solving complex defensive puzzles in real-time.
The recruitment metrics are telling a compelling story. Historically, linebacker development has been a high-risk proposition - roughly 66% of prospects never become consistent starters. But this class? They're breaking the mold. We're talking about athletes with 40-yard dash times that challenge wide receiver speed and coverage skills that make defensive coordinators sit up and take notice.
NFL front offices are finally understanding the new defensive calculus. Modern football demands versatility. These aren't just players; they're adaptive defensive assets who can shift, react, and essentially reprogram defensive strategy on the fly. It's not about drafting talent anymore - it's about acquiring defensive chess masters who can fundamentally transform how teams approach the game.
Day One Prospects:
Jihaad Campbell, Alabama, ILB, Jr
Projected Round: Late 1st - Early 2nd Round
Measurements: HT/WT: 6027/235, Arms: 32 1/2", Hands: 10 1/2", 40 time: 4.52
Career College Stats: 35 games, 184 total tackles (88 solo, 96 assisted), 16 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 2 INT, 5 PD, 3 FR, 1 TD
What Scouts are Saying: Some players are good. Some are great. And then there's Jihaad Campbell — a linebacker who's about to become a household name. Scouts are buzzing about this Alabama defensive star, and for good reason.
Campbell isn't just playing football. He's performing a high-stakes chess match on the field. His ability to anticipate plays is almost uncanny, turning what could be routine defensive stands into highlight-reel moments. Rack up 117 tackles and 11.5 tackles for loss, and people start to pay attention.
Draft predictions are flying, and they're pointing in one direction: the first round. But for Campbell, it's not about the draft pick. It's about proving he's not just another talented player, but a transformative defensive weapon ready to make his mark in the NFL.
Day Two Prospects:
Carson Schwesinger, UCLA, ILB, rJr
Projected Round: 2nd - 3rd Round
Measurements: HT/WT: 6024 / 242, 40 time: 4.62
Career College Stats: 38 total tackles, 109 solo tackles, 54 assisted tackles, 163 combined tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, 2 interceptions, 3 pass defenses
What Scouts are Saying: This UCLA defensive talent came out of nowhere, transforming from a backup to a standout player that's got scouts leaning forward in their chairs.
His performance speaks volumes. While most linebackers are grinding for recognition, Schwesinger exploded onto the scene with jaw-dropping pass-rushing skills. The stats don't lie - he dominated the field with a pass-rush grade that left competitors in the dust. Athleticism? This guy moves like he's got rocket boosters, with footwork so smooth it looks effortless.
He might not be the most hyped prospect, but that's what makes him interesting. Versatile, raw, with enough potential to make team managers start dreaming. Schwesinger isn't just another linebacker - he's the kind of player who could become a draft steal, the guy everyone talks about in hindsight.
Barrett Carter, Clemson, ILB, Sr
Projected Round: 2nd - 3rd Round
Measurements: HT/WT: 6010 / 230, 40 time: 4.63
Career College Stats: 52 solo tackles, 126 unassisted tackles, 107 assisted tackles, 233 total tackles, 33 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, 21 pass defenses, 3 forced fumbles, 1 touchdown
What Scouts are Saying: There's a name cutting through the draft noise this year, and it belongs to Barrett Carter. Coming out of Clemson, this linebacker is rewriting the playbook on what it means to be versatile. He's not just good - he's the kind of player that makes you sit up and take notice.
Pro Football Focus sees what everyone else is starting to realize: Carter is a defensive weapon waiting to be unleashed. Ranked seventh among draft prospects, he's got scouts doing mental backflips. His coverage skills? Ridiculous. Pass-rushing ability? Off the charts. The guy can do everything except maybe play quarterback.
Yeah, he might need to add some muscle to his frame. But that's like complaining about a Ferrari needing a tune-up. Carter's got the kind of athletic potential that turns average defenses into nightmares for opposing offenses. He's not just a linebacker - he's a game-changer in the making.
Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma, ILB, Sr
Projected Round: 2nd - 3rd Round
Measurements: HT/WT: 6032 / 233, 40 time: 4.52, Hand: 9", Vert: 34", Bench: 32 reps
Career College Stats: 47 games, 184 solo tackles, 192 assisted tackles, 376 total tackles, 37 tackles for loss, 8.0 sacks, 3 interceptions (1 touchdown), 7 pass defenses
What Scouts are Saying: In the world of college football, some players just have that special something. Enter Danny Stutsman - the Oklahoma linebacker who's been turning heads and breaking expectations. When Pro Football Focus starts throwing around near-perfect grades, you know you're looking at something special.
This guy is built like he was chiseled out of granite. Long arms, a frame that screams "NFL-ready," and a track record that speaks volumes. We're talking about four years of pure, consistent defensive dominance. Scouts aren't just interested - they're practically drawing up game plans around him already.
Stutsman isn't just another draft prospect. He's the kind of player who could single-handedly transform a team's defensive identity. Run-stopping isn't just a skill for him - it's an art form. And for teams looking to beef up their defensive lineup? He might just be the missing piece they've been hunting for.
Demetrius Knight Jr., South Carolina, ILB, rSr
Projected Round: 2nd - 3rd Round
Measurements: HT/WT: 6015 / 235, 40 time: 4.58, Hand: 10", Vert: 31.5", Bench: 22 reps, Broad: 118"
Career College Stats: 61 solo tackles, 131 unassisted tackles, 98 assisted tackles, 229 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 4 interceptions (1 touchdown), 7 pass defenses, 5 forced fumbles
College Journey: Georgia Tech (4 years), Charlotte (1 year), South Carolina (1 year)
What Scouts are Saying: In the cutthroat world of NFL drafts, some players just have that special spark. Demetrius Knight Jr. isn't just another linebacker - he's the defensive Swiss Army knife that teams dream about. When Pro Football Focus starts throwing around a 92.1 coverage grade, you know this guy is something different.
Picture this: a South Carolina product with arms that seem to stretch across the entire defensive zone, and a first step so explosive it could probably break the sound barrier. Knight isn't just looking to make a team - he's looking to redefine what a linebacker can do. His six-year college career isn't just a resume; it's a warning shot to opposing offenses.
The Kansas City Chiefs aren't just scouting Knight - they're practically measuring him for a jersey already. We're talking about a defensive prospect who doesn't just play the game, he rewrites the rulebook. Some players fill a roster spot. Knight? He looks like he's about to fill a highlight reel.
Smael Mondon Jr., Georgia, ILB, Sr
Projected Round: 2nd - 3rd Round
Measurements: HT/WT: 6023 / 229, 40 time: 4.55, Hand: 9¾", Arm: 31¾", Wingspan: 80⅛"
Career College Stats: 51 solo tackles, 125 unassisted tackles, 87 assisted tackles, 212 total tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 8.0 sacks, 1 interception, 5 pass defenses
What Scouts are Saying: A rangy, athletic linebacker from the University of Georgia, Smael Mondon Jr. brings impressive speed, length, and tackling ability to the draft. Scouts describe him as a versatile defender with the potential to excel on passing downs and provide significant range against the run.
Despite being one of the less-discussed defenders from Georgia's powerhouse program, Mondon has caught the eye of NFL scouts with his athletic profile. His ability to cover tight ends and running backs vertically, combined with his zone coverage skills, makes him an intriguing prospect for teams seeking a modern, adaptable linebacker.
Chris Paul Jr., Ole Miss, ILB, Sr
Projected Round: 4th - 5th Round
Measurements: HT/WT: 6010 / 222, 40 time: 4.63, Hand: 9¼", Vert: N/A, Bench: N/A, Broad: N/A
Career College Stats: 40 games, 118 solo tackles, 107 assisted tackles, 225 total tackles, 27 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 1 interception
Arkansas (3 Years): 28 games, 68 solo tackles, 69 assisted tackles, 137 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 6.0 sacks
Ole Miss (1 Year): 12 games, 50 solo tackles, 38 assisted tackles, 88 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 1 interception
What Scouts are Saying: In the cutthroat world of NFL draft prospects, some players have that indefinable spark that sets them apart. Chris Paul Jr. is quickly becoming that guy - a linebacker whose journey from Arkansas to Ole Miss tells a story of ambition and raw potential.
Picture a defensive player who doesn't just fill a role, but completely redefines it. Paul Jr. moves like he's got radar for the football, sliding into coverage zones with a smoothness that makes veteran linebackers look twice. His special teams performance? It's not just about making tackles - it's about changing the entire momentum of a game.
What makes Paul Jr. truly special isn't just his athletic prowess - it's his consistency. This isn't a one-hit wonder or a Combine warrior. We're talking about a linebacker who's been grinding, improving, and showing up every single game. His 4.63 speed isn't just a number - it's a promise of disruption for any offense unlucky enough to line up against him.
NFL teams are looking for more than just raw talent. They want players who can step in day one and make a difference. Paul Jr. is that rare breed - a mid-round prospect with the kind of high-floor potential that turns good defenses into great ones. He's not just waiting for his shot; he's creating it with every snap, every drill, every opportunity.
Day Three Prospects:
Jeffrey Bassa, Oregon, ILB, Sr
Projected Round: 4th - 5th Round
Measurements: HT/WT: 6011 / 232, 40 time: 4.63, Hand: 9¼", Arm: 31⅜", Vert: 38.5", Broad: 9'10"
Career College Stats: 55 solo tackles, 125 unassisted tackles, 111 assisted tackles, 236 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 3 interceptions (78 yards, 1 touchdown)
What Scouts are Saying: In the high-stakes world of NFL drafting, some players are whispers, and some are thunderclaps. Jeffrey Bassa? He's somewhere between a secret weapon and a full-blown revelation. His positional journey reads like a blueprint for athletic reinvention - safety to linebacker isn't just a transition, it's a statement.
Draft experts love to play it cool, but Bassa's the type of prospect that makes even the most jaded scout sit up and take notice. Picture this: a defender who glides across the field with such natural instinct that quarterbacks start second-guessing their reads before the snap. That's not just skill - that's an art form.
When we talk leadership, we're not talking about some motivational poster nonsense. We're talking about the real deal - the intangible spark that turns good players into legends. Bassa's got a motor that doesn't know the meaning of "idle," and his defensive skills are something you can't teach in any training camp. Man-to-man, zone - he's not just covering ground, he's owning it.
Yeah, he's got some technical rough edges. Block-shedding isn't his current party trick. But here's the thing about Day Three prospects: the smart teams? They don't see limitations. They see a canvas waiting for the right coach's brushstrokes. This is the kind of player who turns "project" into "steal of the draft" faster than you can say "potential."
Cody Simon, Ohio State, ILB, Sr
Projected Round: 3rd - 4th Round
Measurements: HT/WT: 6020 / 235, 40 time: 4.53, Hand: N/A, Vert: N/A, Bench: N/A, Broad: N/A
Career College Stats: 57 games, 115 solo tackles, 144 assisted tackles, 259 total tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 10.0 sacks, 1 interception, 11 pass defenses
What Scouts are Saying: If you want to talk about Ohio State linebackers who fly under the radar, Cody Simon's name needs to be front and center. This isn't just another Buckeyes defender - this is a guy who bleeds scarlet and gray and plays like he's got something to prove on every single snap.
Let's get real: Simon's Rose Bowl performance was straight-up ridiculous. Eleven tackles, three tackles for loss, and two sacks? That's not just a good game - that's a statement. The kind of performance that makes NFL scouts start drawing little stars next to your name and whispering to each other in draft war rooms.
What sets Simon apart isn't just raw talent - it's that old-school linebacker mentality. He's quick, he's physical, and when he decides a running back isn't getting past him, well, that running back isn't getting past him. The guy changes direction like he's got hydraulics instead of legs, and his intensity? It's the kind of energy that turns good defenses into great ones.
Jamon Dumas-Johnson, Kentucky, ILB, Sr
Projected Round: 4th - 5th Round
Measurements: HT/WT: 6010 / 246, 40 time: 4.70, Hand: 9¼", Vert: N/A, Bench: N/A, Broad: N/A
Career College Stats: 49 games, 122 solo tackles, 70 assisted tackles, 192 total tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 13.0 sacks, 2 interceptions (1 touchdown), 6 pass defenses, 3 fumble recoveries (1 touchdown)
Georgia (3 Yrs): 38 games, 83 solo tackles, 42 assisted tackles, 125 total tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 1 interception
Kentucky (1 Yr): 11 games, 39 solo tackles, 28 assisted tackles, 67 total tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 1 interception (1 touchdown), 3 fumble recoveries (1 touchdown)
What Scouts are Saying: This isn't some cookie-cutter defensive player - this is a dude who's got NFL written all over him, and he's been proving it every time he steps on the field.
The guy's journey from Georgia to Kentucky isn't just a transfer - it's a statement. He's built like a tank, moves like a linebacker who knows exactly what he's doing and has a knack for making quarterbacks nervous. In 2022, when he was rolling with the Georgia defense, he lit it up. Seventy tackles? Four sacks? Those aren't just numbers - that's pure defensive dominance.
Physical? Absolutely. This guy looks like he was carved out of granite, with a build that screams "NFL ready." But it's not just about size - it's about that intangible football IQ that separates good players from great ones. Special teams, rotational linebacker - call it whatever you want. Dumas-Johnson is the type of player who doesn't just fill a role; he transforms it.
The NFL doesn't just want athletes. It wants players who understand the heartbeat of the game. And right now, Jamon Dumas-Johnson is playing that beat like a first-round draft pick.
Teddye Buchanan, California, ILB, Sr
Projected Round: 5th - 6th Round
Measurements: HT/WT: 6021 / 233, 40 time: 4.60, Hand: 9⅜", Arm: 31⅜", Vert: 40", Broad: 10'5"
Career College Stats: 49 solo tackles, 161 unassisted tackles, 162 assisted tackles, 323 total tackles, 27 tackles for loss, 9.0 sacks, 8 interceptions, 14 pass defenses, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery
UC Davis (2020-2023): 36 solo tackles, 116 unassisted tackles, 93 assisted tackles, 209 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, 8 interceptions, 14 pass defenses, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery
California (2024): 13 solo tackles, 45 unassisted tackles, 69 assisted tackles, 114 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks
What Scouts are Saying: If you haven't heard about Teddye Buchanan yet, buckle up. This kid's not just another linebacker - he's the kind of defensive nightmare that makes offensive coordinators want to pull their hair out. Coming from UC Davis and landing at California? That's not just a transfer. That's a statement.
Let's talk numbers that'll make your jaw drop: eight interceptions. Eight. In a world where most defensive backs are happy to get one or two picks a season, Buchanan's out here collecting them like trading cards. And it's not just about catching the ball - it's about how he does it. This guy doesn't just make plays; he disrupts entire offensive game plans.
From a small school to a Power Five conference, Buchanan's got that underdog swagger that coaches love. He's not just adapting - he's proving he belongs. Every time he steps onto the field, it's like he's got something to prove. And trust me, he's proving it.
Shemar James, Florida, ILB, Jr
Projected Round: 5th - 6th Round
Measurements: HT/WT: 6013 / 222, 40 time: 4.69, Hand: 8½", Arm: 31½", Vert: 32", Broad: 9'9"
Career College Stats: 34 solo tackles, 75 unassisted tackles, 90 assisted tackles, 165 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, 1 int
What Scouts are Saying: Let me tell you something about Shemar James - this isn't your average football story. When scouts start whispering a player's name, you know something special is brewing. The 33rd Team isn't just blowing smoke when they talk about his defensive prowess. This kid's got moves that make veteran coaches do a double-take.
Breaking down his NFL Combine performance is like watching a highlight reel in real-time. That 6.98 Relative Athletic Score? It's not just stats on a page - it's a promise. For a junior who's barely scratched the surface of his potential, James is giving teams serious reasons to get excited. He's the kind of player who doesn't just fill a roster spot; he changes the entire defensive game plan.
Defensive coordinators are always hunting for that hidden talent - and James is exactly what they've been waiting for. He's not just versatile; he's a defensive Swiss Army knife that can slice through offensive strategies like a hot knife through butter.
Kobe King, Penn State, ILB, rJr
Projected Round: 5th - 6th Round
Measurements: HT/WT: 6006 / 236, 40 time: 4.68, Hand: 9½", Arm: 31¼", Wingspan: 78⅝"
Career College Stats: 46 solo tackles, 113 unassisted tackles, 87 assisted tackles, 200 total tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries (1 touchdown)
What Scouts are Saying: A standout linebacker from Penn State's top-10 defense, Kobe King projects as a solid Mike linebacker with exceptional run-defending capabilities. Pro Football Focus notes his ability to play in an even front defense and occasionally line up on the edge.
King is praised for his defensive leadership, tackling instincts, and potential to be an immediate contributor. With a 4.68 40-yard time and strong communication skills, he's viewed as a potential Day Three gem who can excel in run defense and special teams.
Cody Lindenberg, Minnesota, ILB, rSr
Projected Round: 5th - 6th Round
Measurements: HT/WT: 6023 / 236, 40 time: 4.62, Hand: 9", Arm: 32¾", Wingspan: 77½"
Career College Stats: 38 solo tackles, 117 unassisted tackles, 92 assisted tackles, 209 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, 8 pass defenses
What Scouts are Saying: A downhill linebacker from Minnesota, Cody Lindenberg is described by The Draft Network as a "gap-flying" defender who throws his body around with athletic coverage skills. He earned All-Big Ten First Team honors from coaches in 2024.
Lindenberg projects as a developmental starter with sufficient athleticism to potentially become a three-down linebacker. His Senior Bowl participation and NFL Combine invitation underscore his potential as an intriguing Day Three prospect with room for growth.
Francisco Mauigoa, Miami, ILB, Sr
Projected Round: 5th - 6th Round
Measurements: HT/WT: 6014 / 231, 40 time: 4.60, Hand: N/A, Vert: 35", Bench: N/A, Broad: 10'1"
Career College Stats: 51 solo tackles, 143 unassisted tackles, 112 assisted tackles, 255 total tackles, 36 tackles for loss, 13.0 sacks, 3 interceptions, 9 pass defenses, 1 fumble recovery, 6 forced fumbles
Washington State (2 Yrs): 25 solo tackles, 44 unassisted tackles, 33 assisted tackles, 77 total tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 1 interception (95 yards, 95.0 avg, 1 touchdown)
Miami (FL) (2 Yrs): 26 solo tackles, 99 unassisted tackles, 79 assisted tackles, 178 total tackles, 29 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 2 interceptions
What Scouts are Saying: A versatile linebacker with an interesting background, Francisco Mauigoa hails from Pago Pago, American Samoa. His journey from Washington State to Miami in 2023 highlights his adaptability and determination.
Mauigoa impressed at the NFL Combine with a 4.60-second 40-yard dash, which ranked ninth among linebackers. His versatility and athletic potential make him an intriguing Day Three prospect with the ability to contribute in multiple defensive packages.
Jay Higgins, Iowa, ILB, Sr
Projected Round: 5th - 7th Round
Measurements: HT/WT: 6000 / 226, 40 time: 4.82, Hand: 9½", Arm: 31", Wingspan: 73⅞"
Career College Stats: 58 games, 157 solo tackles, 184 assisted tackles, 341 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 5 interceptions, 9 pass defenses, 4 fumble recoveries, 3 forced fumbles
What Scouts are Saying: Jay Higgins has established himself as a tackling machine with exceptional consistency. In his breakout 2023 season, he tied the school record with 171 total tackles, ranking third nationally and earning first-team All-America honors.
Higgins is known for his high football IQ and instincts, with the potential to excel as a three-down WILL linebacker in a 4-3 defensive scheme. Despite a slower 40-yard dash time, his productivity and football intelligence make him an intriguing late-round prospect with the ability to contribute on special teams and provide depth to a linebacker corps.
Carson Bruener, Washington, ILB, Sr
Projected Round: 6th - 7th Round
Measurements: HT/WT: 6010 / 227, 40 time: 4.58, Hand: 9¼"
Career College Stats: 52 games, 180 solo tackles, 125 assisted tackles, 305 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 5 interceptions (138 yards, 27.6 avg), 9 pass defenses, 4 forced fumbles
What Scouts are Saying: A Washington linebacker with a consistent and productive college career, Carson Bruener served as a team captain and defensive leader. His ability to create turnovers is highlighted by five career interceptions, averaging an impressive 27.6 yards per return.
Bruener is known for his exceptional coverage skills and football intelligence. His ability to make impact plays and contribute on special teams makes him an intriguing late-round prospect for teams seeking depth and developmental linebacker talent. His five-year college career demonstrates reliability and steady improvement throughout his time at Washington.
Tyreem Powell, Rutgers, ILB, Sr
Projected Round: 7th Round-UDFA
Measurements: HT/WT: 6044 / 239, 40 time: 4.69, Hand: 9", Arm: 34¾"
Career College Stats: 43 solo tackles, 98 unassisted tackles, 103 assisted tackles, 201 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, 9 pass defenses
What Scouts are Saying: A unique linebacker prospect from Rutgers, Tyreem Powell offers an intriguing physical profile. The Draft Network describes him as a "unicorn" with exceptional height and length that creates challenges for opposing offenses.
Powell is viewed as a potential late-round developmental prospect. NFL Draft Buzz notes his specialized defensive skills, highlighting his tackling prowess and pass-rush potential. While not projected as a star, he's seen as a physical tone-setter with leadership qualities.
Nick Jackson, Iowa, ILB, Sr
Projected Round: 7th-UDFA
Measurements: HT/WT: 6000 / 235, 40 time: 4.60
Career College Stats: 73 games, 258 solo tackles, 297 assisted tackles, 555 total tackles, 33 tackles for loss, 17.0 sacks, 19 pass defenses
Virginia (4 Yrs): 46 games, 161 solo tackles, 193 assisted tackles, 354 total tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks
Iowa (2 Yrs): 27 games, 97 solo tackles, 104 assisted tackles, 201 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks
What Scouts are Saying: A statistical marvel, Nick Jackson stands out as the No. 2 all-time FBS leader in tackles with 555, embodying the rare combination of statistical dominance and positional flexibility. His collegiate odyssey through Virginia and Iowa reveals a player who defies conventional expectations.
Beyond mere numbers, Jackson's cerebral approach to the game sets him apart. His capacity to read offensive schemes and anticipate plays transcends his physical limitations, positioning him as a cerebral linebacker who can be a strategic asset for teams seeking intelligent defensive depth.
David Gbenda, Texas, ILB, Sr
Projected Round: 7th-UDFA
Measurements: HT/WT: 6000 / 235, 40 time: 4.74
Career College Stats: 63 games, 91 solo tackles, 79 assisted tackles, 170 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, 2 interceptions
What Scouts are Saying: David Gbenda emerges as a defensive Swiss Army knife, capable of seamlessly transitioning between linebacker roles with chameleon-like adaptability. His combine performance unveiled an athlete with surprising lateral quickness and reactive instincts that belie his mid-round draft projection.
More than just a rotational player, Gbenda represents the modern linebacker archetype: compact, explosive, and strategically versatile. His potential shines brightest on special teams, where his relentless energy and tactical awareness can immediately impact game dynamics.
Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, Southern California, ILB, Sr
Projected Round: 7th-UDFA
Measurements: HT/WT: 6000 / 227, 40 time: 4.54
Career College Stats: 50 games, 125 solo tackles, 129 assisted tackles, 254 total tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 7.0 sacks, 5 interceptions (1 touchdown)
Oregon State (3 Yrs): 37 games, 74 solo tackles, 85 assisted tackles, 159 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, 3 interceptions (1 touchdown)
USC (1 Yr): 13 games, 51 solo tackles, 44 assisted tackles, 95 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, 2 interceptions
What Scouts are Saying: A nomadic defensive talent, Easton Mascarenas-Arnold has carved a unique path through collegiate football, transforming from an Oregon State project to a USC defensive catalyst. His inter-program success tells a narrative of resilience and rapid skill adaptation.
Mascarenas-Arnold's draft stock is buoyed by his turnover-creation prowess and chameleonic ability to excel in different defensive systems. His Pro Day performance didn't just capture attention—it demanded a re-evaluation of his potential as a dynamic, multi-scheme linebacker.
Power Echols, North Carolina, ILB, Sr
Projected Round: 7th-UDFA
Measurements: HT/WT: 5113 / 237, Hand: 9¼", Arm: 30⅝"
Career College Stats: 52 games, 190 solo tackles, 117 assisted tackles, 307 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 4 interceptions (1 touchdown)
North Carolina (Career): 52 games, 190 solo tackles, 117 assisted tackles, 307 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 4 interceptions (1 touchdown)
What Scouts are Saying: Power Echols represents a defensive archetype that thrives on controlled aggression and instinctual play-reading. His Third-Team All-ACC recognition barely scratches the surface of a linebacker who transforms potential energy into disruptive defensive momentum.
Beyond conventional metrics, Echols embodies the spirit of modern linebacker play: part tactician, part heat-seeking missile. His ability to diagnose plays and explode toward ball carriers suggests a player who could evolve from late-round selection to defensive difference-maker.
Draft Prospect Series Release Schedule:
Click link to preview previously released position breakdowns.
• March 26: Interior Defensive Line
• March 29: Edge
• April 1: Inside Linebacker
• April 3: Safety
• April 5: Cornerback
• April 7: Interior Offensive Line
• April 9: Offensive Tackle
• April 11: Tight End
• April 13: Wide Receiver
• April 15: Running Back
• April 17: Quarterback