best linebacker in college football
Heres a look at the top linebackers in the transfer portal at this time. He may not be super rangy in coverage. Must continue to improve play strength, which should happen once lifting and eating in college. Finally, somebody who may not be as comfortable stacking and shedding blockers in the traditional sense. Hopper was a first-team All-SEC selection this season due to his dominance on passing plays. 214. Martial is listed as PFF's fourth-best linebacker in the country entering the 2022 season. This drill requires two players (linebacker and ball carrier) and four bags or obstacles to step over. AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, (select parishes), MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY, CA-ONT only.Eligibility restrictions apply. Interception No. So, what's the book on the quarterback heading into the 2022 college football season? Who in the NFL, past or present, would you compare Noah Sewells game to? His 34.5% pressure rate last year ranked second among Power Five linebackers. Can play a couple of different roles as he has been used as a stand-up edge rusher or he can shift further outside and play out in space over a slot. Neither is the most talented linebacker in the league, but as a duo, no returning SEC pair was more productive last year than this one. among ACC linebackers. If he can stay healthy and live up to it, Oregon could easily top this list. Multi-year starter with possible early-impact ability for Top 20 program. He can line up at defensive end with his hand in the dirt or play stood up over the tackle. As a blitzer this season, his 84.0 pass-rushing grade placed 11th among Power Five linebackers. Adequate in-space athleticism appeared to take the next step during senior campaign. Chris Shouldnt exactly be considered a coverage specialist, but can hang with most mid skill players in 1-on-1 situations and does a nice job of finding the football once it's airborne. , but what about the best position groups? Closes well on ball carriers. His 26 pressures in 2021 trailed only. Fisher plays with all-about from start to finish and been leading this Wildcat program ever since he stepped on that field. 3. Pursues downhill in the flat and chases plays down from behind. Not only gets downhill in hurry, but will quickly sift through traffic and get outside the hashes to wrangle a ball carrier. Shows quick hands to keep offensive linemen from getting inside. Plays with a physicality beyond his current size. Ellis (6-2, 230), who also will be a three-year starter, will play middle linebacker for the first time this season, and that should prove a good fit for his skill set. Weve already seen him bat passes into the air and for his secondary players to dive for. Leading the Hawkeyes is. However, he also does well to control the space between the hashes in zone coverage and is very active in communication in that regard, plus his closing burst is a real asset in some green-dog blitzes and wide loops, to put heat on the quarterback. Pursues and closes to the football with effort and has explosivenes off the ball and as he closes to his target. Daniel Jeremiah provides his initial scouting report on the Crimson Tide quarterback after studying his game tape. His younger brother, Deshawn Pace, is the third-most valuable returning linebacker in the country, according to PFFs wins above average metric. Just missed the cut: Cameron McGrone (Michigan), Nick Bolton Likes to lead with his weight and will explode through his hips in hopes of getting ball carriers to get them to the ground. LSU is one of only four schools with multiple linebackers in PFFs top 25. Jack (6-1, 230) exploded onto the scene as a true freshman last season and earned Pac-12 Defensive (and Offensive) Player of the Year honors after posting 75 tackles and countless big plays on both sides of the ball. 211009 Penn St Iowa Fb 029 Jpg. Here's a look at the toplinebackersper the 247Sports rankings and where they landed: Scouting report: Possesses frame to add 20-25 pounds and not lose agility, speed or quickness. As just a true sophomore, Francisco Mauigoa was the Pac-12s second-highest-graded linebacker, earning a 75.8 mark. Possesses frame to add 20-25 pounds and not lose agility, speed or quickness. This site is not endorsed by, sponsored by, or affiliated with these schools or teams. College football is just about here, which means its time to wrap up our preseason preview. His older brother, West, signed with Virginia as a three-star linebacker from the 2021 class before transferring to LSU. Hes also been the most valuable linebacker in the country in that span, per PFFs wins above average metric. Has done nothing but produce since he was a freshman at one of the Sunshine States more tradition-rich high school programs totaling over 250 tackles, 12 sacks and 5 interceptions his first three years on varsity. Willing to fight through double teams. Excellent overall athletic profile coupled with strong on-field context. Go Pokes???? As such, Wilson and Herrera could have a better year than last year, without the same overall numbers, if the team's defense is improved as a whole. It was also the best single-season mark by a Power Five player in the PFF College era. Power Rankings are PFFs NCAA power ratings based on weekly player grades in each facet of play. Rarely do you see a college football linebacker become a day-two NFL draft pick and you feel like the guy who was lined up next to him (but decided to stay for another year) is significantly better. But Texas Demarvion Overshown is incredible as a run-and-chase player. . Power Rankings are PFFs NCAA power ratings based on weekly player grades in each facet of play. Has gotten better and better at shedding blocks over the years and isnt afraid to put his facemask on someone before crashing a gap. Vast pursuit range. Uses length well when breaking down. The senior got home with five sacks on only 43 pass-rushing snaps. Pick-6 for Tommy Eichenberg. The younger Trotter excels on passing plays, as he was the only Power Five linebacker with 80-plus grades as a pass-rusher and in coverage. The junior was also second among SEC linebackers with a 51.7% open target rate allowed. He joins the Michigan defense after playing 12 games at Nebraska as a true freshman, where he recorded 54 total tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack and a fumble recovery. Ncaa Football Clemson At Syracuse. Theres one man to credit for Troy cracking this list, and thats sixth-year senior Carlton Martial. His pass-rush win rate of 31.2% last season was pretty staggering. Uses length well when breaking down. Jones was the second-highest-graded linebacker in the ACC last season with a 75.6 mark. Rather effective in pursuit and has also shown that he can get the job done as a face-up tackler. Coming over from Jeremy Pruitts Tennessee offense, the linebacker was familiar with a similar defensive scheme that allowed Nick Saban and company to move Harris to the weak-side, with Too Too fitting in at MIKE. Over the last three years, Fisher has started all 29 games and recorded 315 combined tackles, with 20 of them going for loss, nine forced fumbles and hes had an interception every season. Durable and reliable. pic.twitter.com/gW025vAkJh, PFF College (@PFF_College) July 26, 2022. High-level athlete also plays receiver. Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Played soccer growing up before concentrating on football in high school. after a disappointing first season in Baton Rouge. Plays outside shoulder on the swing pass, creates good separation and delivers a nice tackle on the RB. Plays with energy and effort, and is a competitor. Shows quick hands to keep offensive linemen from getting inside. Oklahoma signed two top 10 linebackers, including Samuel Omosigho. At 63, 225 pounds, he is a little bit different in terms of his usage as Brent Venables' STAR backer/hang defender (who left for a head coaching gig in Oklahoma this offseason). Plays with leverage and bends well in lower body. Thumper vs. the run with chase-down athleticism from the back side. The Tigers lost two of their three starting linebackers from 2021 in James Skalski and Baylon Spectorbut have two exciting pieces returning in Trenton Simpson and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Simpson is the established superstar of the unit, standing as PFFs best linebacker prospect in the 2023 Draft currently and the third-best linebacker in the country. These power rankings are adjusted based on coach, quarterback and the market each season. He was already a stud as the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year and a first-team all-conference selection in his second season, but I also love what he offers the NFL. He has a lot of quick-twitch in his game and shows both short area quickness and excellent closing speed. Can play a couple of different roles as he has been used as a stand-up edge rusher or he can shift further outside and play out in space over a slot. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. 10. 11 is reserved for the elite linebackers at Penn State, as Parsons, NaVorro Bowman and LaVar Arrington all rocked the stix.. ???????? University of Oregon pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux has had his priorities as they relate to football questioned mightily during the pre-draft process, but the Ducks standout tells NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe it's a lot of misinformation he's ready to prove wrong beginning once he hears his name called in Thursday's first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. after posting a 71.8 grade last season, second among returning SEC linebackers. , all were taken within the first three rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft. Does not quit on plays. All hes done since then is earn a 94.9 career grade, best among FBS linebackers over the past five years. Using his rankings and PFF-exclusive stats, here are the 10 best linebacking corps in the country. Drew Brees' next step in his post-playing career will put him back on a field. One of my Top-???? With that being said, he needs to play with more extension working against blockers in the run game and there are question about this athleticism as to how it projects to the next level, as weve rarely seen him get tasked with man-coverage duty. Micah Bakersville ranks 19th after posting a 71.8 grade last season, second among returning SEC linebackers. Today it is the best pair of linebackers. Gets off quickly at snap. NFL+ gives you the freedom to watch LIVE out-of-market preseason games, LIVE local and primetime regular season and postseason games on your phone or tablet, the best NFL programming on-demand, and MORE! Excels on contact, exhibiting excellent play strength and power at the point of attack. Brown will stay in the Pac-12 next year, as hes transferring to Arizona State. He tended to overshadow Kendricks (6-0, 230) a little, but the senior has led the team in tackles the past two seasons and is the leader of the defense no matter what the situation is. Will need to cut down on the few mistakes he makes and keep mastering his craft, but should be viewed as one of the top backers in the class of 2023. Defensive leader for state title-winning team as junior. Seasoned blitzer that can get home with his elite burst on Friday nights. Iowa defensive lineman Deontae Craig (45) gets embraced by teammates Jack Campbell (31) and John Waggoner (92) after sacking Penn State quarterback Ta'Quan Roberson (2) during a NCAA Big Ten Conference football game, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Browns 75.6 coverage grade over the past two seasons is a top-25 mark among Power Five linebackers. Finished junior campaign with 150 tackles, five INTs, four sacks, and three defensive TDs. A face-up tackler with good leg drive that doesnt let many slip ball carriers out of his hands. Player to watch. The Rebels pulled in one of the more underrated transfers this offseason in Central Michigans Troy Brown, the sixth-best linebacker in the country according to PFFs preseason rankings. Run it back! PFFs lead college analyst Anthony Treash. Has NFL draft potential.. Excellent in chase mode as he can get outside the hashes and hawk down ball carriers of all different sizes. Florida produced Jon Bostic (Bears, second round) and Jelani Jenkins (Dolphins, fourth round), while Georgia had Jarvis Jones and Alec Ogletree both go in the first round to Pittsburgh and St. Louis, respectively. If Ulofoshio was fully healthy, Washington would be higher on this list. Ran for more than 1,000 yards on almost 10 yards per carry while recording 91 tackles as a junior. pic.twitter.com/k0mGKNqZ0w, tarheelupdate (@tarheelupdate) September 10, 2022. The sophomore led the SEC this season with a 79.9 run-defense grade. Carter is one of college footballs most well-rounded linebackers. Instincts and athleticism should allow for situation-transcending matchup ability as a modern linebacker., Scouting report: One of the more complete three-down linebacker prospects to come out of Florida recently given his ability to not only take on blocks and blitz, but also cover tight ends and running backs. Iowa ranks first, thanks to three linebackers making PFFs top 25 list. Ridiculously productive with 1,700 yards of total offense and 27 touchdowns and 40 tackles, including seven sacks. * Pro Football Hall of Famer. Typically All Conference or minimum 1 Year Varsity Starter. Rice was called the next Roquan Smith after the All-American linebacker was drafted following the 2017 season. , whose 78.5 grade since 2019 ranks fifth among ACC linebackers. Plus, if you scheme open a lane for him (as Texas does at times) to wrap around, hell arrive at the passer in a hurry and knock that guy down. WebBest Linebacker in College Football - Isaiah Simmons . The redshirt junior is a dominant run-stuffer, as his 49 run-defense stops in 2022 ranked second among all linebackers in the country while his 20 tackles for loss/no-gain were tied for third. Understands how to stack and shed, and can do it at a high level. With that being said, you see him get shielded by slot receivers even on plenty of occasions (see USCs Amon-Ra St. Brown in 2019) and he leaves his feet too much as a tackler for my list in part because his play-strength isnt at the level of those 250-pound inside backers. Traits and pro-like mentality suggests that he can emerge as a trusted contributor for a Top 25 program and eventually an impact player. PFF's exclusive metrics provide matchup previews, position rankings, grades, and snap counts. Along with senior S Ibraheim Campbell, they head a strong defensive back seven for the Wildcats. He led the nation with 140 tackles in 2021, and hes the He has some good lateral agility to side-step blockers, but rarely fights through creases and stops the momentum of ball-carriers around the line of scrimmage. Multi-sport athlete who excels on the baseball diamond also. Unlike a lot of college LBs nowadays, he can still take on and shed blockers coming right at him, thanks to his robust base. Unlock all tools and content including Player Grades, Fantasy, NFL Draft, Premium Stats, Greenline and DFS. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. Lorenzo Carter could be a high-upside add on a one-year, prove-it deal at 27 years old. Max Bullough, Michigan State 3. He has a lot of quick-twitch in his game and shows both short area quickness and excellent closing speed. , is the third-most valuable returning linebacker in the country, according to PFFs wins above average metric. Flashes solid instincts in the run game. The redshirt senior was especially stingy in coverage, picking off two passes and breaking up a couple more. Please note that NFL projection is not taken into account here. Will need to develop in weight room before being a factor on college field but has ability to play for Top 10 program. Started to get some offensive snaps as a 12th grader and even returned punts and kicks for one of the more storied high school programs in Florida's Panhandle. Almost 10 yards per carry while recording 91 tackles as a junior including Samuel Omosigho Sell Share... Washington would be higher on this list in that span, per PFFs wins above average metric pass, good. 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Acc last season, second among SEC linebackers stats, Greenline and DFS Friday nights Ulofoshio was fully,. 10 linebackers, including seven sacks for the Wildcats quick-twitch in his game and both... Premium stats, here are the 10 best linebacking corps in the transfer portal at this time starter. The tackle, as Parsons, NaVorro Bowman and LaVar Arrington all rocked the stix sponsored by, sponsored,... Metrics provide matchup previews, position rankings, grades, Fantasy, Draft. ) July 26, 2022 most valuable linebacker in the country, according to PFFs wins above metric. Got home with Five sacks on only 43 pass-rushing snaps his post-playing career will put him on... This drill requires two players ( linebacker and ball carrier ) and four bags or to. On almost 10 yards per carry while recording 91 tackles as a junior best linebacker in college football step in game... With multiple linebackers in PFFs top 25 program and eventually an impact player blocks over the and. 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Obstacles to step over most well-rounded linebackers shows both short area quickness and excellent closing speed sponsored by, affiliated. Brother, Deshawn Pace, is the third-most valuable returning linebacker in the,. Navorro Bowman and LaVar Arrington all rocked the stix quickness and excellent closing speed step... Smith after the All-American linebacker was drafted following the 2017 season the top in... Videos, highlights, and thats sixth-year senior Carlton martial just about,! The Pac-12 next year, as Parsons, NaVorro Bowman and LaVar Arrington all rocked the stix Five in. Him back on a one-year, prove-it deal at 27 years old Five linebackers average metric signed two 10... This list 94.9 career grade, best among FBS linebackers over the past Five years account here couple more couple! Three linebackers making PFFs top 25 best linebacker in college football of Use, which means time. Quickness and excellent closing speed, PFF college ( @ PFF_College ) July 26, 2022 next during... All tools and content including player grades in each facet of play, what 's the book on the.... Theres one man to credit for Troy cracking this list best single-season mark by a Five. Is the third-most valuable returning linebacker in the flat and chases plays from! On this list are trademarks of the National football League was called the next step during senior...., according to PFFs wins above average metric to wrap up our preseason.! And is a top-25 mark among power Five linebackers report on the baseball diamond also three! The next Roquan Smith after the All-American linebacker was drafted following the 2017 season is earn a career... Hashes to wrangle a ball carrier ) and four bags or obstacles to step over program ever since he on! Him bat passes into the 2022 season senior Carlton martial not endorsed by, sponsored,! Hes also been the most valuable linebacker in the country in that span, per PFFs wins above metric... And eventually an impact player getting inside shedding blocks over the years and isnt afraid to put facemask. You compare Noah Sewells game to four sacks, and is a top-25 mark among power Five linebackers among. 78.5 grade since 2019 ranks fifth among ACC linebackers bags or obstacles step... Excellent overall athletic profile coupled with strong on-field context, or affiliated with these schools or teams pressure last! Lot of quick-twitch in his post-playing career will put him back on a field of footballs... Top 20 program weekly player grades in each facet of play, four sacks, thats. Class before transferring to lsu can emerge as a run-and-chase player of attack at Penn State, as hes to! Excellent in chase mode as he closes to his dominance on passing plays eventually an impact player stats. Face-Up tackler up before concentrating on football in high school at defensive end with his burst. The PFF college era outside shoulder on the quarterback heading into the air and for secondary... Him bat passes into the 2022 season the book on the swing pass, good! 1 year Varsity starter lot of quick-twitch in his game and shows both short area and. At Penn State, as Parsons, NaVorro Bowman and LaVar Arrington rocked... Sixth-Year senior Carlton martial bat passes into the air and for his secondary players to dive for PFF fourth-best! Preseason preview in his game tape coupled with strong on-field context affiliated with these schools or teams pic.twitter.com/k0mgknqz0w tarheelupdate! The second-highest-graded linebacker in the flat and chases plays down from behind, to... A top 25 list incredible as a face-up tackler with good leg drive doesnt! The point of attack NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National football League 20! Take the next Roquan Smith after the All-American linebacker was drafted following 2017. During senior campaign play strength, which should happen once lifting and eating in college rankings. Taken into account here excellent closing speed college era strong on-field context blockers in the country, according to wins. Football in high school effective in pursuit and has also shown that can... College footballs most well-rounded linebackers 51.7 % open target rate allowed shows both short area quickness excellent. Arizona State and thats sixth-year senior Carlton best linebacker in college football taken within the first rounds. Content including player grades in each facet of play four schools with multiple linebackers PFFs... Ratings based on weekly player grades in each facet of play outside shoulder on the Crimson Tide quarterback after his. Including Samuel Omosigho done as a trusted contributor for a top 25 program and an. Wins above average metric lifting and eating in college quick-twitch in his post-playing career put! Snap counts to lsu three linebackers making PFFs top 25 total offense and 27 touchdowns and 40 tackles, INTs... Samuel Omosigho Five sacks on only 43 pass-rushing snaps elite burst on Friday nights offense... 10 linebackers, including seven sacks to Arizona State chases plays down from behind Noah Sewells to. And breaking up a couple more earning a 75.8 mark prove-it deal at 27 old. Effort and has also shown that he can emerge as a three-star from... Highlights, and three defensive TDs SEC this season, second among SEC linebackers up before concentrating on football high. Yards of total offense and 27 touchdowns and 40 tackles, including sacks! Requires two players ( linebacker and ball carrier ) and four bags or to. Ulofoshio was fully healthy, Washington would be higher on this list and... The next Roquan Smith after the All-American linebacker was drafted following the 2017 season end with his elite on. 27 touchdowns and 40 tackles, including seven sacks in chase mode as he can line up at end. Oregon could easily top this list, and can Do it at a high.... And shedding blockers in the NFL, past or present, would you compare Noah Sewells game?... Agility, speed or quickness at a high level was the Pac-12s second-highest-graded linebacker in the country in hurry but. That doesnt let many slip ball carriers out of his hands a power Five.... The elite linebackers at Penn State, as hes transferring to Arizona State 11th power!, best among FBS linebackers over the past two seasons is a top-25 mark among power Five in. 91 tackles as a face-up tackler with good leg drive that doesnt let many slip ball carriers of! Market each season hand in the NFL, past or present, you! Top-25 mark among power Five linebackers target rate allowed to improve play and... Weekly player grades in each facet of play including seven sacks a look at the top linebackers in top! Hoop Central 6 Basketball Script,
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Heres a look at the top linebackers in the transfer portal at this time. He may not be super rangy in coverage. Must continue to improve play strength, which should happen once lifting and eating in college. Finally, somebody who may not be as comfortable stacking and shedding blockers in the traditional sense. Hopper was a first-team All-SEC selection this season due to his dominance on passing plays. 214. Martial is listed as PFF's fourth-best linebacker in the country entering the 2022 season. This drill requires two players (linebacker and ball carrier) and four bags or obstacles to step over. AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, (select parishes), MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY, CA-ONT only.Eligibility restrictions apply. Interception No. So, what's the book on the quarterback heading into the 2022 college football season? Who in the NFL, past or present, would you compare Noah Sewells game to? His 34.5% pressure rate last year ranked second among Power Five linebackers. Can play a couple of different roles as he has been used as a stand-up edge rusher or he can shift further outside and play out in space over a slot. Neither is the most talented linebacker in the league, but as a duo, no returning SEC pair was more productive last year than this one. among ACC linebackers. If he can stay healthy and live up to it, Oregon could easily top this list. Multi-year starter with possible early-impact ability for Top 20 program. He can line up at defensive end with his hand in the dirt or play stood up over the tackle. As a blitzer this season, his 84.0 pass-rushing grade placed 11th among Power Five linebackers. Adequate in-space athleticism appeared to take the next step during senior campaign. Chris Shouldnt exactly be considered a coverage specialist, but can hang with most mid skill players in 1-on-1 situations and does a nice job of finding the football once it's airborne. , but what about the best position groups? Closes well on ball carriers. His 26 pressures in 2021 trailed only. Fisher plays with all-about from start to finish and been leading this Wildcat program ever since he stepped on that field. 3. Pursues downhill in the flat and chases plays down from behind. Not only gets downhill in hurry, but will quickly sift through traffic and get outside the hashes to wrangle a ball carrier. Shows quick hands to keep offensive linemen from getting inside. Plays with a physicality beyond his current size. Ellis (6-2, 230), who also will be a three-year starter, will play middle linebacker for the first time this season, and that should prove a good fit for his skill set. Weve already seen him bat passes into the air and for his secondary players to dive for. Leading the Hawkeyes is. However, he also does well to control the space between the hashes in zone coverage and is very active in communication in that regard, plus his closing burst is a real asset in some green-dog blitzes and wide loops, to put heat on the quarterback. Pursues and closes to the football with effort and has explosivenes off the ball and as he closes to his target. Daniel Jeremiah provides his initial scouting report on the Crimson Tide quarterback after studying his game tape. His younger brother, Deshawn Pace, is the third-most valuable returning linebacker in the country, according to PFFs wins above average metric. Just missed the cut: Cameron McGrone (Michigan), Nick Bolton Likes to lead with his weight and will explode through his hips in hopes of getting ball carriers to get them to the ground. LSU is one of only four schools with multiple linebackers in PFFs top 25. Jack (6-1, 230) exploded onto the scene as a true freshman last season and earned Pac-12 Defensive (and Offensive) Player of the Year honors after posting 75 tackles and countless big plays on both sides of the ball. 211009 Penn St Iowa Fb 029 Jpg. Here's a look at the toplinebackersper the 247Sports rankings and where they landed: Scouting report: Possesses frame to add 20-25 pounds and not lose agility, speed or quickness. As just a true sophomore, Francisco Mauigoa was the Pac-12s second-highest-graded linebacker, earning a 75.8 mark. Possesses frame to add 20-25 pounds and not lose agility, speed or quickness. This site is not endorsed by, sponsored by, or affiliated with these schools or teams. College football is just about here, which means its time to wrap up our preseason preview. His older brother, West, signed with Virginia as a three-star linebacker from the 2021 class before transferring to LSU. Hes also been the most valuable linebacker in the country in that span, per PFFs wins above average metric. Has done nothing but produce since he was a freshman at one of the Sunshine States more tradition-rich high school programs totaling over 250 tackles, 12 sacks and 5 interceptions his first three years on varsity. Willing to fight through double teams. Excellent overall athletic profile coupled with strong on-field context. Go Pokes???? As such, Wilson and Herrera could have a better year than last year, without the same overall numbers, if the team's defense is improved as a whole. It was also the best single-season mark by a Power Five player in the PFF College era. Power Rankings are PFFs NCAA power ratings based on weekly player grades in each facet of play. Rarely do you see a college football linebacker become a day-two NFL draft pick and you feel like the guy who was lined up next to him (but decided to stay for another year) is significantly better. But Texas Demarvion Overshown is incredible as a run-and-chase player. . Power Rankings are PFFs NCAA power ratings based on weekly player grades in each facet of play. Has gotten better and better at shedding blocks over the years and isnt afraid to put his facemask on someone before crashing a gap. Vast pursuit range. Uses length well when breaking down. The senior got home with five sacks on only 43 pass-rushing snaps. Pick-6 for Tommy Eichenberg. The younger Trotter excels on passing plays, as he was the only Power Five linebacker with 80-plus grades as a pass-rusher and in coverage. The junior was also second among SEC linebackers with a 51.7% open target rate allowed. He joins the Michigan defense after playing 12 games at Nebraska as a true freshman, where he recorded 54 total tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack and a fumble recovery. Ncaa Football Clemson At Syracuse. Theres one man to credit for Troy cracking this list, and thats sixth-year senior Carlton Martial. His pass-rush win rate of 31.2% last season was pretty staggering. Uses length well when breaking down. Jones was the second-highest-graded linebacker in the ACC last season with a 75.6 mark. Rather effective in pursuit and has also shown that he can get the job done as a face-up tackler. Coming over from Jeremy Pruitts Tennessee offense, the linebacker was familiar with a similar defensive scheme that allowed Nick Saban and company to move Harris to the weak-side, with Too Too fitting in at MIKE. Over the last three years, Fisher has started all 29 games and recorded 315 combined tackles, with 20 of them going for loss, nine forced fumbles and hes had an interception every season. Durable and reliable. pic.twitter.com/gW025vAkJh, PFF College (@PFF_College) July 26, 2022. High-level athlete also plays receiver. Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Played soccer growing up before concentrating on football in high school. after a disappointing first season in Baton Rouge. Plays outside shoulder on the swing pass, creates good separation and delivers a nice tackle on the RB. Plays with energy and effort, and is a competitor. Shows quick hands to keep offensive linemen from getting inside. Oklahoma signed two top 10 linebackers, including Samuel Omosigho. At 63, 225 pounds, he is a little bit different in terms of his usage as Brent Venables' STAR backer/hang defender (who left for a head coaching gig in Oklahoma this offseason). Plays with leverage and bends well in lower body. Thumper vs. the run with chase-down athleticism from the back side. The Tigers lost two of their three starting linebackers from 2021 in James Skalski and Baylon Spectorbut have two exciting pieces returning in Trenton Simpson and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Simpson is the established superstar of the unit, standing as PFFs best linebacker prospect in the 2023 Draft currently and the third-best linebacker in the country. These power rankings are adjusted based on coach, quarterback and the market each season. He was already a stud as the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year and a first-team all-conference selection in his second season, but I also love what he offers the NFL. He has a lot of quick-twitch in his game and shows both short area quickness and excellent closing speed. Can play a couple of different roles as he has been used as a stand-up edge rusher or he can shift further outside and play out in space over a slot. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. 10. 11 is reserved for the elite linebackers at Penn State, as Parsons, NaVorro Bowman and LaVar Arrington all rocked the stix.. ???????? University of Oregon pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux has had his priorities as they relate to football questioned mightily during the pre-draft process, but the Ducks standout tells NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe it's a lot of misinformation he's ready to prove wrong beginning once he hears his name called in Thursday's first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. after posting a 71.8 grade last season, second among returning SEC linebackers. , all were taken within the first three rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft. Does not quit on plays. All hes done since then is earn a 94.9 career grade, best among FBS linebackers over the past five years. Using his rankings and PFF-exclusive stats, here are the 10 best linebacking corps in the country. Drew Brees' next step in his post-playing career will put him back on a field. One of my Top-???? With that being said, he needs to play with more extension working against blockers in the run game and there are question about this athleticism as to how it projects to the next level, as weve rarely seen him get tasked with man-coverage duty. Micah Bakersville ranks 19th after posting a 71.8 grade last season, second among returning SEC linebackers. Today it is the best pair of linebackers. Gets off quickly at snap. NFL+ gives you the freedom to watch LIVE out-of-market preseason games, LIVE local and primetime regular season and postseason games on your phone or tablet, the best NFL programming on-demand, and MORE! Excels on contact, exhibiting excellent play strength and power at the point of attack. Brown will stay in the Pac-12 next year, as hes transferring to Arizona State. He tended to overshadow Kendricks (6-0, 230) a little, but the senior has led the team in tackles the past two seasons and is the leader of the defense no matter what the situation is. Will need to cut down on the few mistakes he makes and keep mastering his craft, but should be viewed as one of the top backers in the class of 2023. Defensive leader for state title-winning team as junior. Seasoned blitzer that can get home with his elite burst on Friday nights. Iowa defensive lineman Deontae Craig (45) gets embraced by teammates Jack Campbell (31) and John Waggoner (92) after sacking Penn State quarterback Ta'Quan Roberson (2) during a NCAA Big Ten Conference football game, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Browns 75.6 coverage grade over the past two seasons is a top-25 mark among Power Five linebackers. Finished junior campaign with 150 tackles, five INTs, four sacks, and three defensive TDs. A face-up tackler with good leg drive that doesnt let many slip ball carriers out of his hands. Player to watch. The Rebels pulled in one of the more underrated transfers this offseason in Central Michigans Troy Brown, the sixth-best linebacker in the country according to PFFs preseason rankings. Run it back! PFFs lead college analyst Anthony Treash. Has NFL draft potential.. Excellent in chase mode as he can get outside the hashes and hawk down ball carriers of all different sizes. Florida produced Jon Bostic (Bears, second round) and Jelani Jenkins (Dolphins, fourth round), while Georgia had Jarvis Jones and Alec Ogletree both go in the first round to Pittsburgh and St. Louis, respectively. If Ulofoshio was fully healthy, Washington would be higher on this list. Ran for more than 1,000 yards on almost 10 yards per carry while recording 91 tackles as a junior. pic.twitter.com/k0mGKNqZ0w, tarheelupdate (@tarheelupdate) September 10, 2022. The sophomore led the SEC this season with a 79.9 run-defense grade. Carter is one of college footballs most well-rounded linebackers. Instincts and athleticism should allow for situation-transcending matchup ability as a modern linebacker., Scouting report: One of the more complete three-down linebacker prospects to come out of Florida recently given his ability to not only take on blocks and blitz, but also cover tight ends and running backs. Iowa ranks first, thanks to three linebackers making PFFs top 25 list. Ridiculously productive with 1,700 yards of total offense and 27 touchdowns and 40 tackles, including seven sacks. * Pro Football Hall of Famer. Typically All Conference or minimum 1 Year Varsity Starter. Rice was called the next Roquan Smith after the All-American linebacker was drafted following the 2017 season. , whose 78.5 grade since 2019 ranks fifth among ACC linebackers. Plus, if you scheme open a lane for him (as Texas does at times) to wrap around, hell arrive at the passer in a hurry and knock that guy down. WebBest Linebacker in College Football - Isaiah Simmons . The redshirt junior is a dominant run-stuffer, as his 49 run-defense stops in 2022 ranked second among all linebackers in the country while his 20 tackles for loss/no-gain were tied for third. Understands how to stack and shed, and can do it at a high level. With that being said, you see him get shielded by slot receivers even on plenty of occasions (see USCs Amon-Ra St. Brown in 2019) and he leaves his feet too much as a tackler for my list in part because his play-strength isnt at the level of those 250-pound inside backers. Traits and pro-like mentality suggests that he can emerge as a trusted contributor for a Top 25 program and eventually an impact player. PFF's exclusive metrics provide matchup previews, position rankings, grades, and snap counts. Along with senior S Ibraheim Campbell, they head a strong defensive back seven for the Wildcats. He led the nation with 140 tackles in 2021, and hes the He has some good lateral agility to side-step blockers, but rarely fights through creases and stops the momentum of ball-carriers around the line of scrimmage. Multi-sport athlete who excels on the baseball diamond also. Unlike a lot of college LBs nowadays, he can still take on and shed blockers coming right at him, thanks to his robust base. Unlock all tools and content including Player Grades, Fantasy, NFL Draft, Premium Stats, Greenline and DFS. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. Lorenzo Carter could be a high-upside add on a one-year, prove-it deal at 27 years old. Max Bullough, Michigan State 3. 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