2026 Draft: Linebacker

[mayoclinic]

 

[mayoclinic]

Luke Easterling's LB rankings:

https://athlonsports.com/nfl/2026-nfl-draft-rankings-linebacker

 

[manxman2601]

Luke Easterling's LB rankings:

https://athlonsports.com/nfl/2026-nfl-draft-rankings-linebacker

Arion Carter is a name I've seen mentioned a few times recently. I'll have to do some research into him.

 

[mayoclinic]

Yup, on the list to check out further.

 

[mayoclinic]

 

[manxman2601]

From Dane Brugler. Carter is a true junior so it might not make sense to come out in such a strong linebacker class

Arion Carter, LB, Tennessee​

The SEC’s leading tackler, Carter is the type of linebacker who makes his presence felt on every tape. He is a magnet to the football in the run game and flashes instincts as both a blitzer and cover man. He is average from a size-speed perspective but makes up for it with his compete skills and decisive movements.

Right now, I have a third-round grade on Carter, a true junior who will have an NFL decision to make after the season.

 

[mayoclinic]

"The 6-1, 235-pound junior had a breakout season in 2024, leading a stacked defense with 68 tackles to go with 6.5 TFLs and one interception," Feldman wrote of Carter. "The junior will linebacker, a team captain, is a more explosive athlete than most running backs. This offseason, Carter, a former 300-meter hurdler in high school, vertical jumped 40.3 inches. He's also hit 21.2 mph on the GPS and bench pressed 325 pounds."

Tennessee linebacker makes Bruce Feldman's annual Freaks List

Linebacker Arion Carter, one of the Vols' defensive leaders, has been included on Bruce Feldman's annual list recognizing the freakiest athletes in college football

247sports.com

 

[manxman2601]

Tennessee linebacker makes Bruce Feldman's annual Freaks List

Linebacker Arion Carter, one of the Vols' defensive leaders, has been included on Bruce Feldman's annual list recognizing the freakiest athletes in college football

247sports.com

I could mainline linebackers with 40" verts.

As a tackler, Carter has only 6 missed tackles for a lower than 10% missed tackle rate which is my benchmark for good.

 

[mayoclinic]

 

[mayoclinic]

 

[mayoclinic]

Good top 10 linebacker list and prospect breakdown:



Arion Carter, Suntarine Perkins, and Harold Perkins not even in the top 10.

 

[manxman2601]

 

[mayoclinic]

So many good ones.

 

[dliverey44]

I don't know anything about this guy, but wanted to put this in here so people more knowledgeable can give a breakdown if they so desire.

 

[manxman2601]

I don't know anything about this guy, but wanted to put this in here so people more knowledgeable can give a breakdown if they so desire.

I saw that clip. I don’t know if he’s any good but my thought in response to that tweet was ‘comparing him to Reese is a bit much because what he’s doing to a RB, Reese does that to OL’. A bit flippant perhaps.

I do know he’s a true junior, but there is this which speaks very well of his character. This happened during the 34-0 loss against Ohio State



I’ll look into him more tomorrow.

 

[mayoclinic]

I know almost nothing about him.

Hopefully the Ravens will draft him in the 1st round.

 

[manxman2601]

I don't know anything about this guy, but wanted to put this in here so people more knowledgeable can give a breakdown if they so desire.

Took a look at this guys grades. Sadly, they're not very good.

Run Defense - 65.9
Tackling - 53.8 (missed tackle % - 18.6)
coverage - 48.9

His only decent grade is pass rush - 75 in which he has 2 sacks and 7 pressures.

 

[dliverey44]

Took a look at this guys grades. Sadly, they're not very good.

Run Defense - 65.9
Tackling - 53.8 (missed tackle % - 18.6)
coverage - 48.9

His only decent grade is pass rush - 75 in which he has 2 sacks and 7 pressures.

Thanks for the info

 

[manxman2601]

 

[manxman2601]

Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr is working his way back into consideration for a potential first round pick for me.



And from A-Z Sports

Anthony Hill Jr., LB Texas​

“Dynamic linebackers are hard to find, and Texas’ Anthony Hill Jr. has grown into a true three-down piece for the Longhorns. He’s already a solid pass rusher on third downs entering the year. Now we’ve seen Hill peak as a more versatile player in 2025. His missed tackle rate is nearly three times better than it was in 2024, and his coverage stats are much more palatable for defensive coordinators who need a rangy linebacker. The 238-pounder fits the modern mold for the position and has the experience to play on day one. He’s logged almost 1,400 snaps at linebacker but has added another 254 in the slot and 192 as a lineman this year. That’s rare for someone his size, and I think he’ll be a plus NFL starter for years.”

https://atozsports.com/nfl-draft/2026-nfl-draft-top-100-big-board-battle-for-qb1-still-wide-open-elite-edge-rusher-ranks-fernando-mendoza-ty-simpson-dante-moore-jeremiyah-love-caleb-downs/