The off-ball linebacker position is losing some value in the modern NFL, but a playmaking linebacker in the middle of the defense can still be highly valuable in pass Each position will be analyzed in the coming days. SOFI DRAFT LAB Another addition is coming to the Rams' group of edge defenders. Over the past decade, virtually every stage of the offensive He has speed and athleticism to develop. 2018-None. Two-time Butkus Award winner as nations best linebacker in high school and college. We take a look at DeMarcco Hellams in action prior to being selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2023 NFL Draft, presented by Wells Fargo. He is listed as the fourth best prospect on NFL.com and the ninth best interior linebacker prospect on ESPN's Best Available. Asamoah might fit best as a 4-3 Will - weak side - linebacker in the NFL. He doesnt really fit the Colts defense considering his lean build and lack of length, but hes explosive, a good leader and brings a high motor. He then played at the Senior Bowl and had a respectable workout at the combine. 4/27/22: Team sources say Bernard is a good college player who has limitations for the NFL. All rights reserved. I Harris showed a lot of upside and the skill set to improve after gaining experience. 7/17/21: Bernard has been a tough linebacker for the Bears over the past three seasons. If he doesn't go in the first round, Lloyd should at least be a high second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. NFL.com Overview: "Highly productive and highly physical, Lloyd could create interesting discussions in draft rooms as teams work through his process versus production. You'll now receive the top Colts Wire stories each day directly in your inbox. The draft concluded with rounds 47 on Saturday, April 30. He's thoughtful in his rushing schemes, and he has the capability to make impact plays from time to time. Size-and-speed package wont scare you. Hes still developing but will be 21 years old on draft day. 1-2 and eight quarterbacks inside the top 100 players. Skalski could become a three-down starter in the NFL. Andersen: Finished second in school history with 33 rushing touchdowns and was 2021 Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year. At the Combine, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.57 seconds, had a vertical jump of 36.5 and posted a broad jump of 127. As your New Orleans Saints prepare for the 2022 NFL Draft, we take a look at the top 10 ranked players at various positions. All Scouts Average Position Rank 2. Which linebackers were drafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, and how does the latest class compare to other LB classes in the past 10 years? Weight Lbs 225lbs. At a minimum, the Lions should be able to find special teams help at the position with one of their four Day 3 picks. Whether it's a potential upgrade over Krys Barnes or needed depth, the Green Bay Packers will look to a deep class of inside linebackers in the 2022 NFL Draft. If the Lions dont manage to pick up Lloyd or Dean at the top of the draft, then thats perfectly fine, because this linebacker class is littered with prospects worthy of a Day 2/Early Day 3 selection. He spent two seasons working as the MIKE and was a team captain for two seasons at Iowa. However, there are a few guys who are versatile enough to thrive wherever you place them in. Michigan linebacker Mike Morris (90) during the first half of the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football semifinal playoff game against TCU, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, in He's a wildly athletic rusher who blends get-off, stride length and flexibility into one alarming package for tackles trying to slow him down. Tindall did most of his damage as a tackler in the open field and as a blitzing linebacker off the edge, but hes limited in coverage and is too stiff to become a full-time pass rusher. He has the size, range, length and athleticism to be a development, but hes also going to be 24 years old before his rookie season ends. Doesnt take the bait because avid film study has made him good at diagnosing plays. He recorded 58 tackles in the shortened 2020 season after making 52 stops in 2019. The Eagles might have gotten a premier edge rusher at the end of Round 1. Te'von Coney, Philadelphia Stars 5. However, he was a two-time team captain, and hes always hunting to hit. Christian Harris is agile, athletic, and has the pursuit speed to keep up with some runners. Dean's stock dipped in the spring because an injury kept him from running the 40-yard dash and he is said to not be a blazer in that test. He is a tough run defender with quality instincts, and his improved conditioning made him more capable to defend the perimeter. Three straight seasons From 2013 to 2022, an average of 32.5 LBs were selected, with a low of 25. Day 3 sleeper: Marte Mapu, Sacramento State. Jake Hansen, Illinois (fifth round) 7. One of the best coverage linebackers in the draft, Nebraskas JoJo Domann is an electric playmaker with plenty of high-end traits. Here are the NFL Draft odds, courtesy of FanDuel. NFL.com Overview: "Mafe's evaluation requires the evaluator to focus more closely on the flashes than just the play-to-play action. He has the skills to be an NFL starter some day, but he may take a year or two to get there. Devin Lloyd, 6-3, 237 pounds. His pass-rush production was impressive, but he is undersized as a rusher for the NFL. He also stands as the second defensive back drafted on Day 3. Free Press sports reporter Dave Birkett takes a position-by-position look at the top prospects and biggest Detroit Lions needs in the 2023 NFL draft. Sign up for our newsletter and get every update delivered to your inbox! For instance, his movements when changing directions can look a bit labored, especially when dropping back into coverage, where hes shown his fair share of struggles. He is listed as the second best linebacker on NFL.com and the best inside linebacker prospect on ESPN's Best Available. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. The Falcons also took DB DeMarcco Hellams in the 7th round. To rise as a senior, Henry needs to produce more in pass coverage and show an ability to cover downfield. Irrelevant of the 2023 NFL Draft! Owen Pappoe, Auburn. Chenal is going to thrive in man-blitz-heavy Speed is an asset. The 2022 draft class is loaded with pass-rushing talent and that especially rings true at the outside linebacker position. He has to show more pass-coverage ability in 2021. The Lions took fliers on two linebackers in the sixth round of last years draft, and both ended up being key contributors on defense: Malcolm Rodriguez won a starting job out of training camp and held that role the entire season; James Houston failed to make the initial 53-man roster but shined as a midseason promotion from practice squad. It was a big improvement over 2019, when he had 55 tackles, but the sophomore did have three forced fumbles and an interception returned 100 yards for a touchdown. Unfortunately, the Lions will probably not be in the range to take Lloyd unless they trade back from the second overall pick or trade up from 32. Get to know the Detroit Lions first draft pick, Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Jalen Reeves-Maybin, arguably the Lions best performing linebacker last year, was lost to the Texans on a two-year, $7.5 million deal. One thing that surprised me was the number He has the type of profile to work on special teams while developing the rest of his game as a depth piece. The top 2022 Inside Linebacker prospects available for the 2022 NFL Draft. NFL.com Overview: "Long, athletic inside linebacker whose strengths and weaknesses could make him a target for a move outside. With three years of starting experience, Overshwon is a bit on the smaller side for linebackers, but he moves well and has a quick first step. A little undersized, he won 17.6% of his pass-rushing attempts and registered a tackle resulting in a defensive stop on 8.7% of his snaps in run defense. In the 2021 season opener against Georgia, Skalski recorded 14 tackles and really played well. Expect Asamoah to be selected somewhere in the second or third round. 0. One of the big winners from Senior Bowl. Dean also has interviewed well with teams prior to the draft, illustrating his excellent intangibles. Closes gaps in a flash. Its not just testing and numbers with Muma, though. 2. The 2022 NFL draft is almost here, and the Chicago Bears have plenty of needs to address. Houston is a favorite to start this fall, ahead of Julian Okwara, though he should play as a more traditional edge rusher on pass downs. A three-year starter and team captain in 2022, Orji has enough size and great length to go along with elite athleticism at the position. Last offseason they signed 240-pounder Raekwon McMillan and drafted 235-pounder Cam McGrone. Aidan Hutchinson of Michigan. ", Full draft prospect analysis from NFL.com Analyst Lance Zierlein. He broke out with 83 tackles in 2018, improved his total to 103, and made 82 stops in the shortened 2020 season. Vasha Hunt/Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. Burney was considered a top-15 safety prospect in the class of 2018, per the 247Sports composite rankings, then a bigger-bodied defensive back recruit at 6-foot-1, 215 pounds. Drake Jackson is another edge rusher/linebacker hybrid that can make an impact with his speed around the edge of the offensive line. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. In 2022, Thompson was a first-team All-WAC selection, leading the team with five sacks along with 25 tackles, 6.5 for loss, and three forced Boye Mafe is a linebacker/edge rusher that is projected to be an early round draft pick. Trenton Simpson, Clemson A two-year starter, Simpson has the length, speed and range for todays NFL. 2023 www.freep.com. Muma is a scheme-versatile linebacker and has two years of starting experience as a middle linebacker in Wyomings 4-2-5 scheme, making him a great fit for the Lions as they switch to a four-man front in 2022. Like running backs on offense, it takes a lot for an off-ball linebacker to crack the top of the first round on defense. He flashed at times for Illinois in the past two seasons, and he has the skill set to produce more. The Posts Ryan Dunleavy gives his top 10 linebackers in this years NFL draft, based on evaluations and conversations with people around the league: 1. 4/27/22: Clark worked out really well at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine, showing excellent size to go along with quickness and athleticism. Here are our eight best in Finding players like Dont'a Hightower (265 pounds when drafted), Jamie Collins (250) and Ja'Whaun Bentley (255) are harder to come by. Vasha Hunt/Copyright 2021, The Associated Press. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. 7/17/21: Henry has been a tough run defender in the SEC over the past two seasons. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. Eligibility restrictions apply. He transferred from UConn to Cincinnati and saw improvement in switching from an edge rusher to an off-ball linebacker. A bit of an older prospect, Abdullah is still developing in coverage. For all Positions: QB RB WR TE OT OG/C EDGE DL Damone Clark, LSU, 6-2, 239 pounds: Underwent spinal fusion surgery last month to correct a herniated disk, putting his rookie season in jeopardy. Skalski could end up proving to have three-down starting potential for the NFL. 7/17/21: Landman was a solid and productive player for Colorado in 2020. He led the team in passing and rushing (21 rushing TDs) in 2018 before starting the rest of his games at linebacker in 2019 and 2021 (2020 season was canceled due to COVID). Harris is fast, athletic and strong. The Post ranks the top 10 linebackers in 2022 NFL Draft 1. He uses quick feet, a flexible frame and unusually successful recovery balance to slink into playmaking positions in the run gameHis slender frame will get knocked and he needs to craft a more repeatable rush, but he is competitive and savvy. When watching Chenal on film, you probably wouldnt have guessed that this was the case, though. Gambling Problem? His instincts can be lacking at times and he is prone to taking on poor angles. Quay Walker, Georgia - Round Grade: 2. His coverage is not the best, and he can be caught lacking at times. At the Combine he had a vertical jump of 36.5 and a broad jump of 127. Perhaps Abdullah should have been with the edge rushers, but he measured in at just 6-foot-1 at his pro day. The 2022 NFL Draft is fast approaching and teams are zeroing in on their needs for the draft. He missed some tackles though, and his splash plays were down from 2020. But in a middling draft for linebackers, they might be better off casting their net for a Rodriguez or Houston late. Trenton Simpson, Clemson; 2. Clark was a tackling machine in 2021, sitting at No. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.66 seconds, had a vertical jump of 35, did 25 reps in the bench press, and posted a broad jump of 126. WebThe 2022 NFL Draft was the 87th edition of the National Football League's annual draft and was held from April 2830, 2022, at the Caesars Forum on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada.The first round was held on Thursday, April 28, and was followed by the second and third rounds on Friday, April 29. Ron Jenkins/Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington (fourth round) 6. Started 40 games over last three seasons (including 12 as a true freshman) and played his best in bowl games. 4/27/22: Spector was solid for Clemson in 2021, notching 74 tackles, an interception, 2.5 sacks and a pass defended. He can cover tight ends in space, and he racked up 10 sacks his first two seasons at Clemson as a blitzer. Falcons Select DeMarcco Hellams in Seventh Round of 2023 Draft | Top Photos. Hes a smart player and good leader so he could certainly grow into a role. In today's NFL, few positions have become as difficult to play as off-ball linebacker. 4/27/22: Domann was a solid linebacker for Nebraska and showed some improvement as a senior. Could it be the Lions? ESPN has him listed as the 6th best outside linebacker prospect. And the three linebackers taken in the first round are slightly below the 3.7 average of the previous 10 years. Those three only begin the list of potential first-round edge defenders in the 224 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Utah product led the Pac-12 with six interceptions in 2022, Head coach and GM, explain why OL Matt Bergeron, DL Zach Harrison fit what Falcons are building up front, The Ohio State product played defensive end for the Buckeyes. Like Parsons, Smith is a big linebacker who has serious speed. All Scouts Average Overall Rank 20.8. Extensive special teams experience. He has a quality skill set and looks like a safe pick to be a quality starter. The inside linebackers in the draft that more often get drafted high are really going to be Middle Linebackers in a 4-3. Brian Asamoah, Oklahoma (third round) 4. Thompson had 20 sacks in three seasons with the Lumberjacks. Day 3 sleeper: Marte Mapu, Sacramento State. Web2011 NFL Draft: Linebackers 2011 NFL Draft: Cornerbacks 2011 NFL Draft: Safety 2010. If healthy, Clark would have been a Day 2 pick easy, but it was revealed during the NFL Combine that he was to undergo spinal fusion surgery to repair a herniated disc. Volume of career productivity is remarkable: 409 tackles and 13 forced fumbles in 60 games (48 starts) over two seasons at safety and two at linebacker. Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington (fourth round) 6. Ht/Wt: 6-3, 235. 8 overall and Georgia players in the NFL Draft, We evaluate how Terry Fontenot, Arthur Smith used all of the 2023 draft assets available to them, trades and selections alike, We discuss Bijan Robinson, the overall draft class and their favorite pick from Days 2 and 3. NFL.com Overview: "A high-cut linebacker, Muma has a nose for the football but his methodology for getting there will need an upgrade to earn NFL playing time. He flashed at times in 2020. Utah. Jake Hansen, Illinois (fifth round) 7. 2022 NFL Draft: Inside Linebacker Rankings 1. In 2020, Harris notched 79 stops, 4.5 sacks, an interception and two passes batted. A three-year starter, Jones is a bit light and doesnt have the length or speed the Colts like to see. The return of Shaquille Leonard is expected, but it isnt clear what his timetable looks like going into the offseason workouts. Washington Commanders NFC South Carolina Panthers Atlanta Falcons New Orleans Saints Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFC West Arizona Cardinals Los Despite his size, hes been more of a NFL.com Overview: "Explosive, three-down linebacker with the demeanor and quickness to become a volume tackler while holding down third-down duties at a high levelQuick feet and plus agility will bring him to ball-carriers at a high rate but a lack of size and length means he'll need to fine-tune his approach as a tackler to make sure he finishes what he starts.

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