Smael Mondon Jr. Is The Best Linebacker In The 2024 NFL Draft
I already have my way too early rankings out for the 2024 NFL Draft. I mostly stick to the offensive side of the ball for fantasy purposes. Those are the guys I spend the most time tracking so that we’re ahead of the game when it’s time to actually deploy them years later in fantasy football. When someone puts more money in my pocket, I’ll review film early for the defensive guys. I won’t put out a list for the way too early linebackers but I’ll just leave it as this. Smael Mondon Jr. is the best linebacker in the 2024 NFL Draft and it’s not close.
If your inside linebacker list has any other name at the top, your list is wrong. Name whoever you want for this upcoming linebacker class. They aren’t as good as Mondon. A year ago I tried to tell you the pop guy on Georgia was going to be Brock Bowers. It’s safe to say at this point that Bowers is a top ten lock for the 2024 NFL Draft. The pop guy on Georgia this year will be Mondon Jr. Mark my words.
Mondon, a five-star recruit during the 2021 cycle, led the Georgia defense in tackles last year. He also got meaningful snaps as a true freshman on the team that won the National Title the year prior. I don’t think Mondon has scratched the surface for what he will become either. Mondon didn’t just led the team in tackles last year. He did it while basically skipping all of Spring practice last year after being held out with a shoulder injury. Heading into his second year as a full time starter, expect fireworks.
The athletic profile is off the charts. Mondon was a two sport athlete in high school with a decorated track background. We’re talking 6-foot-3, 220, and can run like a gazelle. As a sophomore in high school, Mondon posted a 46-foot triple jump and 11.46 100 time. Like Kelee Ringo and Nolan Smith this past year, them Georgia boys are built different. Modon will run a ridiculous time at the Combine baring injury. Would be very surprised if it’s not in the 4.4 range because the dude flies.
Again, Mondon hasn’t hit his ceiling yet. Right now he’s Drew Sanders with a little less natural pass rushing prowess. Sideline to sideline, Mondon is damn good at covering ground and has all the makeup to be a wizard in coverage. The twitch is there. The motor is stupid. Guy just goes and attacks. I’ll show some quick highlights but the thing that really stands out is the closing speed. It’s a flash and the play is over. Every. Single. Time.
Heed the warning. This dude is special and there isn’t an inside linebacker in the country that’s close to as talented right now in college football. In the long line of Georgia linebackers that includes Roquan Smith and Nokobe Dean, this is the next one. Smael Mondon Jr. is the best linebacker in the 2024 NFL Draft and your list is wrong if any other name is at the top. Just remember when the time comes that I tried to tell you what was going to happen.
