The 2025 NFL Draft is over and groups are getting snug with their new draft picks. The following class of gamers is getting ready now for an additional yr of school soccer. Every place can be analyzed within the coming days. Right here is the 2026 NFL Draft prospect watchlist: Linebackers.
CJ Allen, Georgia Bulldogs
Allen was a four-star recruit within the class of 2023 who determined to remain in-state to play for Georgia. He began 5 video games as a freshman, which helped him complete 41 tackles, three tackles for loss and one sack. His play aided Georgia in successful 13 video games. In 2024, Allen upped his recreation with 76 complete tackles, three tackles for loss and 4 passes defended. He led the group to 11 wins and the Faculty Soccer Playoff.
At 6-foot-1 and 230 kilos, he’s brief, however has a great body. He is an efficient athlete, however he additionally has good instincts, as he can learn performs shortly. This helps him in run assist. Allen is restricted as a go rusher and may enhance his protection to proceed to get higher. He could possibly be chosen early within the 2026 NFL Draft.
Anthony Hill, Texas Longhorns
As a five-star prospect within the class of 2023, Hill stayed in-state to play for Texas. He had a direct impression, as he had 67 complete tackles, eight tackles for loss and 5 sacks in 2023. He helped Texas win 12 video games in 2023. For the 2024 season, Hill registered 113 complete tackles, 17 tackles for loss and eight sacks. He led the group to 13 wins and to a CFP look.
Hill has good dimension for an NFL linebacker at 6-foot-3 and 237 kilos. He has good athleticism and flexibility, as he strains up all around the discipline for Texas. Hill diagnoses performs shortly and in addition has potential as a go rusher. He tends to overpursue and may shed faster. Hill can also present extra potential in man protection.
Deontae Lawson, Alabama Crimson Tide
Lawson was a five-star recruit within the class of 2021 who stayed within the state of Alabama to play for the Crimson Tide. He redshirted in 2021, then began 4 video games in 2022. Lawson was extra of a full-time starter in 2023, delivering 67 complete tackles, six tackles for loss and three sacks. Alabama received 12 video games that season. In 2024, Lawson racked up 76 complete tackles, seven tackles for loss and two sacks. He led the group to a nine-win season.
He has strong dimension at 6-foot-2 and 230 kilos, which supplies his strong play energy. Lawson is an efficient athlete who performs downhill. He is an efficient blitzer and has good instincts. He can enhance his block shedding and his protection. Lawson might’ve gone within the 2025 NFL Draft, however now can enhance his inventory this season.
Suntarine Perkins, Ole Miss Rebels
As a five-star prospect within the class of 2023, Perkins stayed within the state of Mississippi to play for Ole Miss. He performed so much as a freshman, registering 38 complete tackles, six tackles for loss and three.5 sacks. Perkins helped the group win 11 video games that season and was named a Freshman All-American for his play. In 2024, he tallied 60 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. He led the Rebels to a 10-win season.
At 6-foot-1 and 210 kilos, Perkins is undersized for a linebacker. He additionally performs a mixture of edge, the place he’s much more outsized than when he’s off-ball. Perkins is an efficient athlete and has strong vary. He has proven protection potential and will get after the quarterback effectively. Perkins might shed faster and deal with higher in 2025.
Different Draft Prospects
Harold Perkins, LSU Tigers- Perkins confirmed early promise, however slowed down and in addition had a torn ACL in 2024. A bounce-back season must occur for Perkins’s inventory to enhance.
Sonny Types, Ohio State Buckeyes- Types is a transformed security who isn’t afraid to return up and assist cease the run.
Whit Weeks, LSU Tigers- Weeks was a deal with machine for LSU final season and one other season of manufacturing will assist his draft inventory.
Raylen Wilson, Georgia Bulldogs- After not taking part in a lot in 2023, Wilson stepped up in 2024. He’s projected to take one other step this season.
Taurean York, Texas A&M Aggies-
York has loads of expertise over the past two seasons at Texas A&M and can lead the protection this season.
Be sure to take a look at our model new
NFL Draft web page
for extra content material like 2026 NFL Draft Watchlists: Linebackers!
You possibly can like The Recreation Haus on Fb and observe us on Twitter for extra sports activities and esports articles from nice TGH writers!
