2027 Draft: Linebackers

[mayoclinic]

Ben Roberts
Ray Coney
Arion Carter
Tony Rojas
Xavier Atkins
Myles Graham
Rasheem Biles
Cole Sullivan

Some good depth and talent beyond the Big 3, who I think James Foster has in the right range.

 

[mayoclinic]

2026 had one of the best LB groups in memory. They went:

5. Arvell Reese
7. Sonny Styles

43. Jacob Rodriguez
46. Josiah Trotter
51. Jake Golday
53. CJ Allen
60. Anthony Hill

118. Jimmy Rolder
123. Wayne Woodaz
126. Kaleb Elarms-Orr
134. Kendall Daniels
135. Bryce Boettcher
137. Kyle Louis
149. Justin Jefferson

Right now I would put Cole, Brown and KVA between Reese/Styles and the second group.

The other guys I mentioned probably go rounds 3-5 right now, but some could emerge.

 

[manxman2601]

2026 had one of the best LB groups in memory. They went:

5. Arvell Reese
7. Sonny Styles

43. Jacob Rodriguez
46. Josiah Trotter
51. Jake Golday
53. CJ Allen
60. Anthony Hill

118. Jimmy Rolder
123. Wayne Woodaz
126. Kaleb Elarms-Orr
134. Kendall Daniels
135. Bryce Boettcher
137. Kyle Louis
149. Justin Jefferson

Right now I would put Cole, Brown and KVA between Reese/Styles and the second group.

The other guys I mentioned probably go rounds 3-5 right now, but some could emerge.

I can see Brown and KVA falling into the late 2nd. Brown is all about the athletic upside but there are questions about coverage and his instincts. I think his upside is Carson Schwesinger and his floor is probably Anthony Hill.

As for KVA, I think the upside is higher, but he needs a full year at MIKE and no sign of injury. Back half of the first round is probably his tops.

The range for Cole is massive. He probably is a 3rd-4th rounder right now if you don't take into account his potential. But he could be a Jihaad Campbell or Jalon Walker depending on how he's used and if he has an excellent year.

 

[mayoclinic]

Rasheem Biles 2027 NFL Draft Early Profile

Rasheem Biles is one of the most exciting playmakers in college football. How does he fare as a prospect in this early Rasheem Biles 2027 NFL Draft profile?

lastwordonsports.com

 

[manxman2601]

John Curry, LB, Texas Tech
6-2, 235

Versatility.

114 snaps on LoS
210 snaps at LB
380 snaps as slot/overhang



Bear in mind

Run Defense - 82.6
Coverage - 83.2
MTR - 8.9%

Not saying he's necessarily a starter - sometimes versatile prospects can be prospects without a true position - but a backup, useful tool and special teamer as a minimum.

 

[Clonamery]

John Curry, LB, Texas Tech
6-2, 235

Versatility.

114 snaps on LoS
210 snaps at LB
380 snaps as slot/overhang



Bear in mind

Run Defense - 82.6
Coverage - 83.2
MTR - 8.9%

Not saying he's necessarily a starter - sometimes versatile prospects can be prospects without a true position - but a backup, useful tool and special teamer as a minimum.

A BB kind of guy but with a Vrabel 'stache.

 

[manxman2601]

I saw an Ohio State podcast that Alliegro will be playing Will and Sam this year rather than MIKE. Payton Pierce will be the MIKE.

 

[mayoclinic]

 

[manxman2601]

 

[mayoclinic]

Sigh. My binkies getting too much attention.

 

[Clonamery]

Sigh. My binkies getting too much attention.

As usual and it's but August.

 

[manxman2601]

Payton Pierce, Ohio State
6-1, 232

Team captain and playing MIKE for the Buckeyes this year. True junior.

Run defense - 83.8
Coverage - 75.4
MTF - 6.0%

Here's his position coach James Laurinaitis talking about him.

 

[manxman2601]

Pay attention to Missouri for their linebackers this year.

1. Nicholas Rodriguez, Missouri
6-0, 225

Junior and reportedly will play the MIKE.

Run Defense - 86.4
Coverage - 78.4
MTR - 7.8%

2. Robert Woodyard Jr, Missouri (frmly Auburn)
6-0, 233

Senior that just transferred in from Auburn. Listed as WILL.

Run defense - 86.6
Coverage - 61.6
16 pressures
MTR - 7.6%

Both are a little short but are two well graded LBers. They could be interesting to watch.

 

[manxman2601]

Mel Kiper talks about Chris Cole. Link should take you straight to the start of the discussion although not a tremendous amount is said.

 

[Clonamery]

Mel Kiper talks about Chris Cole. Link should take you straight to the start of the discussion although not a tremendous amount is said.

That's unusual for Mel. It's usually quantity over quality.