The 2025 NFL Draft linebacker class might not be packed with talent from top to bottom, but the few guys at the top are game-changers. These are the guys you build a defense around. Whether you are looking for sideline-to-sideline speed, coverage skills, or downhill destruction. This year’s top linebackers have you covered. Let’s get to the top 3.
Jihaad Campbell – Alabama
At 6-foot-3 and 244 pounds, Jihaad Campbell is one of the most well-rounded linebackers in the class. In 2024, he took a massive step forward and became the heart of Alabama’s defense, finishing the season with 119 tackles, 11.5 tackles for a loss, and 5 sacks across 13 starts. He can fly all over the field and is not just a run-stopper. He can blitz and make open-field tackles look easy.
He is fast, physical, and versatile. Campbell has the kind of frame and athleticism that scouts love. While his play recognition is not perfect, he will occasionally overrun a play or bite on misdirection. His range and effort usually make up for it. He is the kind of linebacker who looks even better when you put him on film. He has day 1 starter potential if he lands with the right team.
Jalon Walker – Georgia
Jalon Walker is a freakish athlete with a high ceiling. At 6-foot-2 and 245 pounds, he is built like an edge rusher but moves like a linebacker. In the 2024 season, Walker had 61 tackles, 10.5 tackles for a loss, and 6.5 sacks. His performance against top-tier teams, especially Texas, where he racked up three sacks, solidified his status as one of the best front-seven defenders in the nation.
What sets Walker apart is his explosiveness. When he is coming off the edge, you can see offensive linemen struggle to get their hands on him, but he is not just a pass rusher. Georgia moved him around, and he showed flashes in coverage. There are still things to refine, especially reading plays quicker in space, but the raw tools are undeniable. He has that game-wrecking potential.
Carson Schwesinger – UCLA
Probably the most under-the-radar name on the list, Carson Schwesinger is not flashy, but he might be the most instinctive linebacker in the class. After starting as a walk-on at UCLA, he clawed his way to become a First-Team All-American. In 2024, he led all of FBS in solo tackles (90) and totaled 136 tackles with 8.5 tackles for a loss and 4 sacks. This guy is always around the ball.
Schwesinger is not the biggest name, but he has excellent awareness and rarely misses a tackle. At 6-foot-2 and 242 pounds, he is built solidly enough to handle the run. His zone coverage ability is also sneaky good. He might not test through the roof like some of the others, and he has less starting experience, but do not sleep on this guy. He looks like a solid second-round pick with the upside to be a leader on an NFL defense.
What It All Means
This year’s linebacker group might not have 10 future Pro Bowlers, but these three: Campbell, Walker, and Schwesinger, could all end up being difference-makers at the next level. Campbell brings a complete skillset, Wlaker has the explosiveness to become a star, and Schwesinger has that gritty, high-IQ presence teams love. Linebackers like these do not always dominate headlines, but once they are on the field, they make plays. Keep an eye on where these three land. Their situations will matter, but the talent is already there.
