As I continue evaluating 2027 NFL Draft prospects, the strong class is not without its weaknesses. Last year’s linebacker class was the strongest in recent memory, leaving the incumbent group with much to be desired at first glance.
Of course, the 2026 college football season has not begun, and there is plenty of time for the upcoming class to show their worth and improve on their game ahead of the 2027 NFL Draft. Here are my top 5 linebacker prospects for the 2027 NFL Draft.
Other prospect rankings:
Top 10 QBs
Top 5 RBs
Top 5 WRs
Top 5 TEs
Top 5 EDGEs
Top 5 DL
1. Chris Cole, Georgia
6’3″ | 235 | 20 | Junior
Strengths
• Great athleticism. Elite speed, twitchy, and long
• Good pursuit, open field tackling, and breaks down well
• Strong gap discipline, takes on blockers and sheds well for his size
• Burst and bend off the edge. Uses long arms well and has bend/rip move
Weaknesses
• Raw, underdeveloped in all areas
• Lacks instincts. Reads and reacts
What I’m Looking For in 2026
• Sack production/turnovers
• Set the edge in the run game?
• More instinctive movements
• Master edge or linebacker
2. Ben Roberts, Texas Tech
6’3″ | 245 | 22 | Senior
Strengths
• Excellent with eyes on the QB. Great feel for zone and creates turnovers
• Good pursuit speed. Runs down ballcarriers and can read and react.
• Long arms that help wrap and make plays on the ball
Weaknesses
• May not have agility for man coverage
What I’m Looking For in 2026
• Get off blocks in the run game?
• Adequate in man to man coverage
• Continued ball production
3. Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, Notre Dame
6’3″ | 230 | 20 | Junior
Strengths
• Thick, strong build
• Great instincts, especially in the pass game. Always near the ball
• Lines up at LB and edge
• Elite motor and energy
• Great in run defense. Stacks and sheds, good pursuit and wrap up tackler
Weaknesses
• Average speed
• Torn ACL late in 2025
What I’m Looking For in 2026
• How will he recover from torn ACL?
• Pass rush move off the edge
• Added speed could make him elite
• Move around the defense more
4. Raylen Wilson, Georgia
6’1″ | 235 | 21 | Senior
Strengths
• Great athlete. Sideline to sideline speed. Smooth hips
• Good feel for blitzing. Timing and running through the QB
• Wrap up tackler. Shoulders square
Weaknesses
• Can get blown off the ball by blockers on the move
• Inconsistent pad level when taking on blockers
• Raw
What I’m Looking For in 2026
• Play with better instincts. React less
• Make plays on the ball in coverage
5. Sammy Brown, Clemson
6’2″ | 235 | 20 | Junior
Strengths
• Elite closer. Arrives in a hurry and with pop
• Trusts his eyes and commits
• Moves around the defense. LB, nickel and edge
Weaknesses
• Lean. Needs to add weight/muscle
• May not have enough twitch for man coverage
What I’m Looking For in 2026
• Coverage. Zone drop fluidity and stickiness in man
• Fight through blockers in run game. Stack and shed?
More Draft Content Coming!
NFL Draft season never ends for the die-hards. Last year, Blitz Sports Media brought you our first-ever draft prospect profiles, big board, and mock draft simulator. 2026-2027 will be even bigger.
Summer scouting is at full blast, and I will be bringing you pre-season position rankings right up to the start of college football. I will update trends throughout the season and, of course, lead right into NFL draft coverage starting right before the combine.
If you’re looking for NFL Draft coverage all season long, you have come to the right place!
Make sure to give me a follow on X for MUCH more NFL & draft content @JLSports24
