The traditional off-the-ball linebacker role has decreased in importance in recent years, and it is not a given that one is taken in the first round of the NFL Draft.
That was the case last year, but we have also seen multiple LBs taken in the first round in recent years, suggesting that high-end talent can break through.
The question is, do we have any of that level of prospects at the linebacker position set to enter the draft in 2025? Let’s examine the potential LB landing spots and see how many could be in line to be Day 1, Day 2, or Day 3 picks.
Where Could we see Linebackers Drafted in the 2025 NFL Draft?
All selections below are from our most recent 7-round NFL Mock Draft. The draft order for the mock was derived from my record and playoff predictions for the 2024 NFL regular season.
2.35) Las Vegas Raiders: Jaishawn Barham, LB, Michigan
With Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo on expiring contracts, linebacker could be a need for Las Vegas. Jaishawn Barham allows the Raiders to be at ease on running downs with his strength and gap discipline, and his pass-rush upside is immense.
2.39) Arizona Cardinals: Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU
While Carter projects as an EDGE full-time for Arizona, Harold Perkins Jr. can be Jonathan Gannon’s wild card at the second level. His run defense is still an unknown, but Perkins’ playmaking range and attack proficiency are nearly unmatched.
2.40) Washington Commanders: Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson
If the Commanders choose not to bring back Bobby Wagner, Barrett Carter makes sense as a successor. Though he’s not a MIKE yet, he can be an effective WILL alongside Frankie Luvu with his athleticism and versatility at 6’0″, 233 pounds.
2.54) Philadelphia Eagles: Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama
At some point, the Eagles will need to legitimately address linebacker. There’s a lot of merit to adding Deontae Lawson — a 6’2″, 239-pound three-down presence with lightning-quick twitch, coverage upside, and terse physicality on the attack.
Rounds 4-7
4.110) Dallas Cowboys
Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma
4.113) Indianapolis Colts
Lander Barton, LB, Utah
4.127) Kansas City Chiefs
Francisco Mauigoa, LB, Miami (FL)
5.135) Tennessee Titans
Jamon Dumas-Johnson, LB, Kentucky
5.154) Miami Dolphins
Nickolas Martin, LB, Oklahoma State
6.165) New Orleans Saints
Keli Lawson, LB, Virginia Tech
6.170) Detroit Lions
Kain Medrano, LB, UCLA
6.178) Cleveland Browns
Smael Mondon Jr., LB, Georgia
6.185) Baltimore Ravens
Deshawn Pace, LB, UCF
6.190) Los Angeles Rams
Jestin Jacobs, LB, Oregon
7.202) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jay Higgins, LB, Iowa
7.205) Pittsburgh Steelers
Tyreem Powell, LB, Rutgers
7.219) Carolina Panthers
Power Echols, LB, North Carolina
7.223) San Francisco 49ers
Leon Lowery, LB/S, Wisconsin
