Opinion: Top 5 Linebackers in the 2025 NFL Draft

The NFL Draft is right around the corner and there are so many players that will have a major impact in the NFL.

Many people like to see the offensive powerhouses go off the board, but there are so many defensive beasts that some people forget about including the linebackers.

This year’s linebacker class isn’t as deep as it has been in recent years, with some prospects being considered in the first and most prospects being considered on days two and three.

While there is a lot of agreement on the top linebacker prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft, there is a lot more argument for the linebackers who will be taken on Day 2 and in the next few rounds after the first.

So, here are my top five linebackers of the 2025 NFL Draft.

No. 5: Chris Paul Jr., Ole Miss

Paul Jr. had his best season last year with career highs in both solo tackles and total tackles. He also recorded his first college interception against Mississippi State in their last game of the regular season.

Paul Jr. led Ole Miss in tackles after transferring from SEC rival Arkansas. He’s got very good vision and is able to find who has the ball easily to make the tackle.

Even though he is lighter than most linebackers, he’s able to use his speed to get past blockers and make big-time plays.

No. 4: Jeffrey Bassa, Oregon

Bassa had a very strong season in Oregon’s first year with the Big Ten. He totaled 54 tackles, 23 solo tackles and 2 forced fumbles, the first two of his college career.

He ran a 4.63 40-yard dash at the combine this year and is able to line up with tight ends very well.

Bassa is well known for tracking the quarterback very easily and closing the short window in which a quarterback has to throw the ball.

No. 3: Demetrius Knight Jr., South Carolina

Knight Jr. finished up his sixth college football season this past year, ending his illustrious career with the Gamecocks after playing four years with Georgia Tech and one with Charlotte.

Knight Jr. had a great season for South Carolina, totaling 82 tackles and 57 solo tackles, which is tied for third in the SEC with fellow teammate, Nick Emmanwori.

He beats blockers, tracks the ball very well and reacts very quickly. A skill that he has improved very much from last year is punching the ball out since he had three force fumbles this past year.

No.2: Carson Schwesinger, UCLA

Schwesinger had the best season of his college career in 2024 and maybe the best season of his entire career.

Schwesinger is a former walk-on who led FBS in solo tackles with 90. He also finished with four sacks, one forced fumble and two interceptions on the year.

He’s able to locate the ball very quickly and matches very well with running backs as well as tight ends who are in coverage.

No.1: Jihaad Campbell, Alabama

Campbell had his best season in 2024 having career highs in almost every category, including total tackles, solo tackles, assisted tackles, sacks and forced fumbles.

Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 235 pounds, Campbell ran the fourth-fastest 40-yard dash for linebackers at the combine, running a 4.52.

Campbell finished in the top five in both solo tackles, assisted tackles and total tackles in the SEC which shows his competitiveness in one of the most competitive conferences in college football.

Massimo Buonagurio is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email him at mkb6750@psu.edu.