2023 NFL Draft Linebacker Rankings
It’s a bad linebacker draft. In fact, when I ranked all the positions for the 2023 NFL Draft, it was pretty easy to put linebacker dead last. With that being said, there are still talented players at every position and there will be names on this list that end up making it. With that being said, let’s get to the 2023 NFL Draft linebacker rankings!
*My favorite late round sleeper is Bumper Pool*
10: Ventrell Miller (Florida)
Won’t blow you away but a smart football player. Top end speed isn’t there. Already 24. But the instincts are there and this is just a good football player.
9: Owen Pappoe (Auburn)
This dude can run. Has serious speed. Has been a starter since his true freshman days. 2020 he posted 93 tackles with an interception and four sacks. Never really popped from there. What if Auburn was less of a mess? Is that fair to hold against him? 29 bench press reps to but his play strength never feels like that.
8: Dee Winters (TCU)
Not sure anybody on the TCU roster helped their draft status more than Dee Winters during that CFB Playoff run. Man was on a mission during the Michigan game. 7.5 sacks from an inside linebacker spot is ridiculous. 4.49 is everything you’re looking for too. Just wish he was bigger. 227 is basically a safety. This isn’t Big 12 football anymore.
7: Jack Campbell (Iowa)
Yes, I’m lower on Jack Campbell than the consensus. I just think it has everything to do with play speed. The NFL is changing and you better have linebackers that can run. 4.65 was way better than expected and his 37.5 vertical surprised me. I just never really ever see that short area burst I look for. Josey Jewell is a nice player but he’s not a top of the second round guy where everywhere seems to have Campbell.
6: Henry To’o’to’o (Alabama)
Juiced up Manti Teo? That’s kinda what I see. His 4.62 40 time shocked me. I thought it would be way slower. Has been a season vet under Nick Saban and the leader of that Bama defense. There is almost no playmaking ability here but the guy constantly just gets the job done.
5: Noah Sewell (Oregon)
Yes, this is Penei Sewell’s brother. This Sewell isn’t nearly as good. Really never got better after his freshman year. Still a young 21 with room to grow. I know he can catch too and is really strong. Really like the gamble in the middle rounds.
4: Ivan Pace (Cincinnati)
Ivan Pace is someone who really caught my eye at the Senior Bowl. Garrett’s draft profile talks a bit about that. Former Miami of Ohio transfer that did nothing other than post 137 tackles for Cincinnati this year. Oh, and 10 sacks too. This guy is a baller.
3: Daiyan Henley (Washington State)
The biggest wildcard at the position. Former converted wide receiver. His coverage skills are fantastic. Total wildcard but I have Jayon Brown vibes. I’m in here.
2: Trenton Simpson (Clemson)
The variance here may be wide. Big time recruit who’s jacked and can move. All ACC a year ago and comes from a military background. I’m scared he’s the next Isaiah Simmons and never pans out. I also think there is a chance he’s a quality starter for the next ten years. That right there sort of defines this linebacker class.
1: Drew Sanders (Alabama)
I’m in on Drew Sanders. I don’t care what anybody else says. This dude is just an athlete that will figure it out. I would argue that he already has. Former Alabama athlete that has turned into a really good linebacker. Originally was supposed to be a pass rusher but looked fantastic standing up. Former mega recruit notched 103 tackles in really his first year playing linebacker. He will be a stud. By far the highest ceiling even if the floor isn’t exactly what you want.
Subscribe to Vendetta’s Twitch
