Top 5 inside linebackers in the NFL draft

The inside linebacker class for this year’s NFL Draft seems to be a bit on the weaker side depth-wise. However, some top-end talents could produce at a high level right away.

The position has greatly changed over the past couple of years. It’s very rare for multiple linebackers to go in the first round. For example, the 2023 Draft saw only one linebacker go in the first round, Jack Campbell, and he was seen as a heavy reach.

1. Payton Wilson, NC State (6-foot-4, 233 lbs)

Wilson is the clear-cut top linebacker on the board and he could hear his name late on the first day or early on the second day.

For the Wolfpack, Wilson was all over the field on the defensive side and his 40-yard dash time proved it even more.

At the combine, he recorded a 4.43-second 40-yard dash. At his size, that’s insanely impressive and will translate easily to the NFL.

In his final season, he tallied 138 total tackles and he played well against all types of offensive plays.

This is a future star in the making in the NFL and will be the backbone of a defensive needy team.

2. Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M (6-foot-2, 230 lbs)

Cooper was a former four-star prospect out of Louisiana.

That translated well to his time at Texas A&M, mainly as a run-stopping linebacker.

He thrived as a run-stopping linebacker for the Aggies and he can build into a great pass-coverage linebacker.

In his final season for the Aggies, he tallied 83 tackles and eight sacks as the lead linebacker.

Cooper will likely hear his name on the second day of the draft.

3. Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson (6-feet, 228 lbs)

Trotter was a former four-star prospect from Philadelphia who played three years at Clemson, including two incredible seasons.

His stock is slightly lower than Wilson’s and Cooper’s because he is undersized and lacks quickness. Only being six feet tall will slightly hurt his stock.

However, players like Bobby Wagner have shown success for a linebacker that’s on the shorter end.

Trotter can play the run and the pass and he filled the stat sheet in the final season at Clemson.

He finished with 87 total tackles, over five sacks, two forced fumbles and two interceptions.

Trotter could make a huge name for himself if he continues to play at the level he did at the end of his collegiate career.

4. Junior Colson, Michigan (6-foot-2, 238 lbs)

Colson is a former four-star prospect out of Tennessee, who played three seasons at Michigan.

He was the backbone of the undefeated championship team this past season and is an all-around linebacker.

He has the prototypical size of a linebacker and moves well across the field.

Colson joins the other three as potential early first-year starters who have the potential to become the top linebackers on the team early in their careers.

5. Curtis Jacobs, Penn State (6-foot-1, 241 lbs)

Jacobs is a former four-star prospect, according to 247 Sports Composite Rankings, and the next in line of the great names to come out of Penn State.

He lined up all over the field and continued to make plays in his final season as a Nittany Lion and continued to grow throughout his four years as he finished his final season with 50 total tackles.

His size, mixed with his ability to cover is what makes him special in this draft. His stock rose during the combine and workout process when his athleticism was showcased.

All of these names should be heard on the second day at the latest. Some other names to look out for at the linebacker position include Cedric Gray, North Carolina, Trevin Wallace, Kentucky and Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington.

Andrew Deal is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email asd5765@psu.edu