DRAFT TRACKER 2023

Unique linebacker prospect with the physical traits, athleticism and skill set to be deployed as an inside linebacker or a stand-up edge rusher. The former five-star Alabama signee transferred to Arkansas for the 2022 season and posted eye-catching production with the Razorbacks. He plays with good technique in take-ons and has plenty of pursuit range, but he’s still finding his footing with his run fits and tackle consistency. He’s a tough out for interior protection as a blitzing linebacker and has natural rush talent to hunt quarterbacks off the edge. Sanders’ athletic gifts, versatility and toughness could help him become a highly impactful playmaker with Pro Bowl upside.

Chiseled weakside linebacker with rare speed for the position to run down the action in all directions. Simpson played inside in 2022 but displayed average play recognition and a lack of patience that saw him get caught in traffic near the line. He can play run-and-hit football with his speed when playing outside. He needs to cut back the arm tackles and pursue with better angles to the ball. He’s a premium athlete capable of squeezing routes from zone and attacking the pocket as a blitzer. Simpson isn’t quite game-ready yet, but players with his traits and range eventually find the field.

A rambunctious inside linebacker with good speed and toughness, Henley’s playing style can be described as more active than instinctive. His inconsistency in reading keys and anticipating the play flow is mitigated somewhat by his speed and talent to wrap and finish in space. He has excellent range and does a nice job of stepping downhill to challenge blockers and running lanes. There are some eye-catching production totals in the takeaway column and favorable physical elements to his game, but inefficient movement combined with recognition delays could push him toward a backup and core special teams role in the future.

Inside linebacker who is built for the box and plays with good overall physicality. Campbell’s size allows him to challenge blocks and stand his ground despite inconsistent hand usage at the take-on point. He scrapes and plugs his run fits with workmanlike dependability but lacks the short-area burst and reactive athleticism teams typically look for from NFL starters. He plays with above-average field awareness. He’s capable as a zone defender and in some matchups against in-line tight ends. What you see is what you get with Campbell, and teams will need to balance the consistency with the playmaking limitations in their evaluations.

Assignment-oriented linebacker whose play is steady but unspectacular. To’oTo’o is tough but lacks thump inside and doesn’t have the speed to cut off angles and stop outside run plays before they get to the corner. He’s a good technician but his play is a little more conservative than it will need to be with relatively average traits. To’oTo’o is always under control and generally where he needs to be. He’s just average in coverage and will need to become much more consistent as an open-field tackler. Good backup to below-average starter could be his career path whether he plays inside or outside.

A three-year starter as a 3-4 outside linebacker, Herbig is lacking in size and strength but possesses plenty of athleticism and potential. He can be a slippery rusher with subtle hands and a wicked inside move that leaves tackles in the mud. His lack of play strength limits his speed-to-power rush and his ability to stand his ground against tackles looking to widen him off the mark. He would benefit from a year in the weight room to get ready for NFL edge work, but he might have the instincts and athletic ability for consideration as an off-ball linebacker.

Teams will need to decide whether to play him as a 3-4 rusher or try him as an off-ball linebacker in a 4-3 defense. One look at the size and length will turn most 3-4 teams off, but the tape tells a different story. His leverage, power and agility mitigate size issues, while his nose for the football has created production as a run defender, pass rusher and special teams tackler. He’s not a fluid mover, but he’s hardly stiff and is always near the play. The rush production might not be translatable on the next level, but Abdullah has the talent and tenacity to become a solid pro who can play immediately on special teams.

Team captain with athletic, tapered build and eye-catching production. Williams looks and moves more like a big box safety with his bursts to the football and open-field fluidity. Lacking the size and strength to match up with NFL take-on duties near the line, Williams needs to become more adept at slipping blocks and staying a step ahead of the blocking scheme. His coverage potential and special teams background will give his roster quest a boost as a likely Day 3 selection looking to fit into a backup role as a Will linebacker.

Inside linebacker who makes up for being slightly undersized with physicality. Banks' instincts and recognition improved in 2022, but he can still get better in those areas. He plays with below-average short-area twitch and just modest pursuit speed from sideline to sideline but will hit and wrap what is in front of him. He’s a likely two-down backup who might come off the field on passing downs but run back out for special teams reps.

Likely two-down linebacker with good physicality but a lack of standout athletic traits. Miller appears to lack top-end speed and will lose pursuit chases on outside runs when his instincts/recognition is a step slow. He has the play strength and demeanor for life inside the box but is on the lighter side for an inside linebacker. While he’s not a playmaker, he’s hardly timid about triggering downhill and taking chances when he’s quick to diagnose the action. He can drop into zones but could be a liability when matched up in space. Miller will be a 24-year-old rookie, but he has the mental makeup and special teams potential to find backup work early on.

Mapu has been praised for his versatility, but he might need to prove he can excel in at least one department -- whether in run support or in coverage -- at the next level. He lacks short-area athleticism and long speed, so his man coverage might be limited to tight ends. He is highly instinctive from short zone and is a very willing hitter when playing near the box. It won’t be a surprise if Mapu adds weight and locks in as a backup weakside linebacker in a 4-3 defense as a pro.

Former safety turned linebacker who has slowly but surely improved his feet and recognition over the last three seasons. Whether playing inside or outside, Overshown will need to get stronger and more effective at taking on blockers and tackling with security. His tape shows much improved key reading and play recognition, which could prove critical in allowing him to play at a consistently faster pace to the football. Overshown could struggle to hold up to downhill running attacks, but his instincts and blitz talent create a potential opportunity for him as a nickel/dime linebacker.

Undersized linebacker with impressive build, good speed and long arms. Despite all of his traits, Pappoe failed to rack up impact production during his time at Auburn due to his lack of instincts and playmaking ability. He struggles to leverage the gaps and take on climbing blockers effectively, so a move to Will linebacker should allow him to play more run-and-chase, which suits him. He doesn’t look like an NFL starter on tape, but third down and special teams potential will give him a shot at a backup role.

A versatile linebacker with inside/outside experience, Winters needs to take on blockers with the same intensity he displays when he hits ball-carriers. He lacks ideal size, so he will need to win with play speed and aggression in attacking the play design. He’s adequate dropping into space and can get after the pocket as a blitzer. He might be best suited for a role as a run and strike Will linebacker, but he has the instincts and feel to play inside if he’s protected by the front. Winters has Day 3 draft value with an average ceiling.

A rare blend of leverage, toughness and tackle obsession makes Pace’s tape a fun day of film study. He might be one of the strongest players in the 2023 NFL Draft from a pound-for-pound standpoint. He’s able to slip and club blockers out of the way with lower-body anchor and elite contact balance. He was cleared to take shots downhill by the defense, which bolstered his production, but his instincts and feel for finding routes to the ball seem to drive him. It is hard not to love Pace's game tape, but his lack of length and speed could create inconsistencies at the next level.

Inside 'backer possessing throwback demeanor as a physical but limited prospect. Sewell has good power to take on blocks and muddy the middle, but his lack of pursuit speed and change-of-direction quickness prevent him from consistently making the stop. He needs to become more anticipatory and read play development more effectively, as he’s missing the tools necessary to overcome missteps.

Orji plays a frenetic brand of football that helps get him to the football but also creates consistency issues. When the ball is snapped, he’s in attack mode whether he’s a run blitzer or an urgent linebacker. He makes up for what he lacks in timed speed with aggressive angles and an ability to slip climbing blocks to meet the ball-carrier near the line. He sees too many tackles slip from his grasp, but he’s also going to be in position to sniff a tackle when other linebackers are stuck to blocks. The traits, instincts and coverage are below average, but his play demeanor and special teams potential could give a chance to find a home.

Energy-driven hybrid player who will need to make a full-time conversion to a 4-3 linebacker role. Graham plays faster than he’s likely to test thanks to his football instincts and desire to get to where the ball is going. He needs to get a little bigger and improve his technique when fitting the run, but he’s very willing to take on blocks and play with the aggression needed for the position. He’s limited in man coverage, but he’s an instinctive ballhawk when dropping into zone. Graham has the potential to compete as a backup Will linebacker and has upside still left to mine.

Inside linebacker with a lean but athletic build. Jones will get stuck on blocks from time to time, but generally finds his way to the football in position to make a play. He has the experience necessary to recognize play design and turn on the acceleration quickly against wide-flowing runs. He lacks ideal size, length and speed but has the demeanor and feel needed to become a solid backup and core special teams performer.

Miller is patient but ready when keying the action and uses his anticipatory skills to help him stay cleaner than most undersized inside ‘backers. He aims to punish as a striker and is a capable open-field tackler when plays head outside the tackle box. He’s nothing special in coverage but displays the potential to become a plus special-teamer.

It might be easy to discount Vandenburgh’s production as he lacks desired NFL mass, length and quickness off the edge, but his relentlessness and football instincts are worthy of deeper dives for evaluators. He’s more active than sudden, so he needs to get bigger and stronger to fit a bully role as a pro. He knows how to play the game and finds his way to the football on a consistent basis. Vandenburgh might have a limited ceiling, but he could find his way onto an NFL roster as a backup and special teams performer.

Barnes has NFL size and athletic traits, along with experience playing inside and outside. He has the ability to cover man-to-man and is productive on special teams. He’s not a pure stack-and-shed linebacker and can be a little loose with his technique at times. Overall, Barnes has a legitimate shot to make a team as a late Day 3 selection.

The first thing a team will need to do is consider Martial’s lack of size and what it will mean for his fit on the roster. He’s very small but appears extremely tough and competitive. He plays the game with a nice balance of elusiveness and aggression when taking on blocks. He has the burst and instincts to rack up high tackle totals, but he lacks the tackle radius and size to ensure consistency and to play in the box full time. Martial will likely need to prove himself in coverage, as teams will pigeonhole him as a box safety with nickel/dime linebacker value.

Thomas is undersized but slippery with an ability to slink through crevices and get pads on ball-carriers. He has average instincts and struggles to fight off blocks. He’s not expected to be a burner when testing and doesn’t look to have great coverage quickness, but he seems to find a burst when racing laterally to get in on the tackle. His lack of functional size will be hard for teams to overlook on draft day, but Thomas’ production and feel for the game might override size concerns for some teams.

As a safety turned linebacker, Ayers has a legitimate chance of competing for a spot on a practice squad or maybe even a roster. He needs to get stronger and fails to stand out with his speed, but he offers versatility thanks to his coverage background and ability to rush the passer. Provided he improves his strength and proves he can handle special teams assignments, Ayers could have a future as a backup 4-3 outside linebacker.

It would be easy to write off Anderson due to his stature, but he’s compact, strong and has the skill set to play the linebacker position. He plays with instincts and discipline. He can tackle what is in front of him and can compete for third down and special teams reps. Anderson might have a limited ceiling but he’s a productive football player.

Dennis is willing to take chances, which can lead to feast or famine results. He’s a smart player with outstanding play recognition and instincts that help him play faster than his timed speed. He’ll beat blockers to the spot on plays flowing over the offensive tackle, but he’s unable to withstand a downhill challenge from climbing blocks on a consistent enough basis. Dennis’ special teams potential aids his chances of becoming an NFL backup, but he doesn’t have size or athleticism that stands out and needs to put together a solid pre-draft workout.

Ajiake lacks ideal size but he’s fast, explosive and agile. He’s often too passive in attacking the play, but when he’s proactive, good things often happen. He’s never going to be great at taking on blocks, so learning to flow downhill and slip blockers will be critical. He’s better suited in a chase-and-hit role as an outside linebacker in a 4-3 defense, but his pathway to a pro roster could be centered on his athletic profile and history as a productive special teams contributor.

It’s hard to watch the tape and not love Moore’s game. He’s an inside linebacker with a throwback body type and intangibles that are off-the-charts. He plays with excellent instincts and recognition, showing little hesitation to run and hit. Unfortunately, a lack of functional speed limits his range and ability to handle coverage duties. He’s more than capable between the tackles as a 3-4 inside ‘backer but must prove he can hold up in a faster game at the next level.

Heyward is a long-armed run-and-hit linebacker who will not be cheated as a wrap-up tackler. He’s eager to find the action but can be inconsistent recognizing play development and getting into proper positioning, whether he’s a run defender or in coverage. Teams will like the body type and physicality that are part of the package, and being a plus special teams performer can only help his cause.

Burney is an aggressive linebacker with a well-built frame and good play speed, but he lacks the instincts to play with consistency. He’s plenty fast and can beat blockers to the spot or chase down runners in the open field. He needs to work on his block take-on and might fit best as a weakside linebacker in a 4-3 defense. His ability to run with skill-position players in man coverage and potentially handle special teams reps help his cause.

Tenacious prospect willing to offer up whatever he can in order to find the field and help his team win. Colletto lacks ideal size and power to be a lead blocker and doesn’t have the length or burst teams look for at inside linebacker, but he can line up at either spot and perform at an adequate rate if needed. His demeanor and toughness make sense for special teams and he’s multifaceted for direct snaps and short-yardage packages as a quarterback. Colletto might not be drafted, but he will have a chance to compete for a spot in camp.

VanSumeren’s production and game tape won’t draw draftable grades, but he possesses extremely rare athletic attributes for his position and that might create an opportunity with a team coveting elite traits. He’s not a thumper as a run defender and his football instincts leave much to be desired, but if he can prove himself as a special teams contributor in camp, he could force a team to give him a year on the practice squad for additional development.

An aggressive inside linebacker with adequate size and athleticism, Mutin’s on-field demeanor and leadership stand out. He possesses the football character and fearless mindset that should garner consideration from teams looking for special teams help. His instincts are below average, which leads to him being blocked out of the play too often. He will need to prove he can play at a functional level as a backup linebacker to win a roster spot as a core special-teamer.

Good football player with a nose for the action and strong desire to make a play once he’s in the vicinity. Thomas’ football acumen and execution are not issues, but his size, speed and length could be major hurdles to overcome. He’s physical in block take-on and instinctive to recognize play design, but playing around big blockers and chasing the action in space are likely to become larger issues for him as a pro.

Inside/outside linebacker prospect who falls short from a measurables standpoint but understands the game. Baskerville needs more strength, is a limited athlete and can be overtaken by blockers at times, but he plays with excellent pre- and post-snap recognition that leads him to the action. His football IQ and special teams background are important boxes for him to check, but he needs to test well to give himself a good chance of earning a roster spot.

Pierre’s special teams production and explosive pro day testing could grab a team’s attention when searching for a potential special teams ace. He doesn’t make tackles consistently enough to trust as an NFL linebacker right now, but he does have pass-rush ability. He’s unlikely to be drafted but could get a look in camp as a free agent signee.

Instinctive inside linebacker with a nose for the football to help counter a below-average athletic profile. Pool is an early down linebacker who does his best work inside the tackle box. He has the eyes to play faster than his top-end speed, but the play can get away from him if it flows out into space. He won’t offer third-down value and will need to really step up on special teams if he’s going to convince a team to make him a backup.

Benson has plenty of play strength and toughness. He has no problem handling things when the action stays between the tackles. However, his lack of fluidity and pursuit burst are likely to limit his overall effectiveness as a pro. Benson can play on special teams but doesn't have the tools needed to thrive on third downs. While there is no doubting his ability to take on blocks, teams might see his limited playmaking range as a non-starter.

Team leader who plays bigger than his listed size. Jones has plenty of toughness and thump behind his pads, but getting off of blocks and making plays against NFL quickness could be too much for Jones to handle. He lacks fluidity and twitch. The game will get tougher for him when it’s not played inside the tackle box.

Greenhagen moves around the field with hulking arms splayed wide from his frame. He’s urgent and physical. He plays with good wrap-up strength to finish plays once he gets to a runner’s legs, but his pursuit speed is limited. He doesn’t possess the fluidity of movement that will be necessary for open-field tackling and coverage duties as a pro.

Productive inside linebacker and team leader with a good nose for the football. However, Soelle might lack the speed and explosiveness to play in the NFL. He sees the field clearly and typically diagnoses the action with consistency but when the play forces him to chase in space, it can diminish his finishing consistency. Soelle’s special teams potential helps, but teams have to buy in on his effectiveness as a backup.

O’Connell posted elite production in impact categories at Montana, but he lacks the size and athleticism for the NFL game. He plays with good recognition, but he’s missing the twitch to beat blockers to the spot and the technique/strength to get rid of interior blockers as an inside linebacker. His foot quickness and explosiveness both appear to be below average, but his natural feel for slipping around blockers as a rusher can be fun to watch.