2026 Draft: Linebacker

[mayoclinic]

I'm going to miss out on all my binkies aren't I?

Missing the good ole days of Rodriguez and Mesidor with our 2 4th round picks?

So much depth in this draft. Lots of intriguing players.

Kyle Louis and Treydan Stukes also still in play.

 

[dliverey44]

If you want a coverage linebacker...

Makes sense because Reese is a downhill attack kind of guy.

 

[manxman2601]

Justin Jefferson of Alabama has ben my undersized but fast linebacker of choice throughout, but I need to take a look at this guy.

 

[manxman2601]

Boy do I have an interesting athletic comp for you.

Jacob Rodriguez

6'1
231lbs
40 - 4.57
10 - 1.6
VJ - 38.5"
BJ - 10'1"
3C - 6.90
SS - 4.19


Luke Kuechly

6'3"
242lbs
40 - 4.58
10 - 1.57
VJ - 38"
BJ - 10'3"
3C - 6.92
SS - 4.12

Kuechly gets the edge on size, but that's it.

 

[manxman2601]

9.83 RAS

 

[mayoclinic]

Boy do I have an interesting athletic comp for you.

Jacob Rodriguez

6'1
231lbs
40 - 4.57
10 - 1.6
VJ - 38.5"
BJ - 10'1"
3C - 6.90
SS - 4.19


Luke Kuechly

6'3"
242lbs
40 - 4.58
10 - 1.57
VJ - 38"
BJ - 10'3"
3C - 6.92
SS - 4.12

Kuechly gets the edge on size, but that's it.

Just to put things in perspective, there was this guy:

6' 0 3/8"
241 lbs
33" arms
40 - 4.46
10 - 1.57
VJ - 39"
BJ - 11'
3C - 7.10
SS - 4.28

 

[manxman2601]

Just to put things in perspective, there was this guy:

6' 0 3/8"
241 lbs
33" arms
40 - 4.46
10 - 1.57
VJ - 39"
BJ - 11'
3C - 7.10
SS - 4.28

Go on then. Who?

 

[mayoclinic]

Bobby Wagner, 2012. HOF career.

This is the best LB class since 2012.

 

[manxman2601]

Bobby Wagner, 2012. HOF career.

This is the best LB class since 2012.

Good one.

 

[mayoclinic]

I mention him partly because this class reminds me a bit of 2012.

CJ Allen, Josiah Trotter and Jacob Rodriguez could give Luke Kuechly, Bobby Wagner, and Lavonte David a run for their money. And that doesn't include Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, and Jake Golday, who are a different style of player. And Kyle Louis.

 

[Dec54]

We need a Teddy Bruschi

 

[bakes781]

We need a Teddy Bruschi

How about a Bruschi on D and a Vrabel on O lol

 

[mayoclinic]

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25402494-arvell-reese-reportedly-drew-micah-parsons-comparison-nfl-scouts-after-2026-combine

Going out on a limb there.

 

[manxman2601]

Jackson Kuwatch of Miami (OH) is getting some day 3 buzz. Tested fairly well at his pro day (see below)

his grades are impressive.

Run Defense - 82.0 (9.9% missed tackle rate)
Coverage Grade - 73.0
Pass rush - 5 sacks and 17 total pressures.

It looks like he's only a junior too which makes a nice change for me.

 

[mayoclinic]

 

[mayoclinic]

 

[mayoclinic]

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Cincinnati LB Jake Golday

From now until the 2026 NFL Draft, we will scout and create profiles for as many prospects as possible, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and what they can bring to an NFL franchise. These players could be potential top-10 picks, all the way to Day 3 selections, and priority undrafted free...

steelersdepot.com

 

[manxman2601]

 

[DaBruinz]

He's my consolation prize if the Pats don't get Rodriguez..

 

[mayoclinic]

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Cincinnati LB Jake Golday

From now until the 2026 NFL Draft, we will scout and create profiles for as many prospects as possible, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and what they can bring to an NFL franchise. These players could be potential top-10 picks, all the way to Day 3 selections, and priority undrafted free...

steelersdepot.com