Way Too Early 2026 NFL Draft Linebacker Rankings

Trey Daubert / College Football, NFL, NFL Draft / May 26, 2025

Way Too Early 2026 NFL Draft Linebacker Rankings

No need to cheese here. We’re keeping things moving with the Way Too Early 2026 NFL Draft rankings. We’ve made it to the defense and just wrapped up the defensive line rankings. Now we have the linebackers coming in hot. You know what to do. Share it around and comment on any educated thoughts you have.

10: Troy Bowles (Michigan)

I just think Georgia hoarded the entire market for linebackers, and now with NIL and the portal, they can’t keep all of them. Bowles transfers to Michigan after never really seeing the field for the Dawgs. Yes, this is the son of Todd Bowles. We’ll see.

9: Xavian Sorey Jr (Arkansas)

Another former Georgia guy. Sorey played well in his first year at Arkansas. Has a chance to build on it to close things out.

8: Princewill Umanmielen (Ole Miss)

Yes, this is the brother of Princely, the former Ole Miss pass rusher. This is probably too high and doesn’t need to come out, but the hope is he pops this year after coming over from Nebraska.

7: Lander Barton (Utah)

72 tackles, two picks, and two sacks last year as a junior. Brother Cody is already in the NFL, and I think Lander is way better. Every time I watched Utah last year, he popped off the screen compared to the others.

6: Raylen Wilson (Georgia)

Former five star and has already proven he’s a stud. Forcing the other guys to transfer is enough evidence alone without the production we’ve already seen. It’s mostly been flashes so far but he’s a talent, no question.

5: Harold Perkins Jr (LSU)

I have no idea what Perkins even is, at this point. Had a season-ending injury last year that derailed things. He looks at his best when he can just rush the passer. Not convinced he’s a real linebacker, but this will be the test.

4: Deontae Lawson (Alabama)

Just feels so similar to CJ Mosley. Total stud. Not a burner speed guy, but just a damn good football player. He’s in the NFL already if not for the NIL stuff.

3: Suntarine Perkins (Ole Miss)

How many stand up normal linebackers rip off 10.5 sacks as a true sophomore? Dude is unreal type good. I’d be shocked if he’s not a first rounder.

2: CJ Allen (Georgia)

Forced his way on the field as a true freshman at Georgia. Do you understand how impossible that is within that skill room? Last year was really good. This year we should get more wow.