As the 2025 NFL Draft inches closer, let’s dive deeper into each position group to see where the talent and depth are.
Now that the regular season is over, the Carolina Panthers are locked into the number eight overall pick of the first round. They also have the Los Angeles Rams’ second round pick (pick 57), their own third (74) and fourth (110), the Dallas Cowboys’ fourth (113), the New York Giants’ fifth (141), their own fifth (147), the Baltimore Ravens’ fifth (projected to be pick 164), and the Arizona Cardinals’ seventh (229). The exact number of some of these picks is subject to change based on playoffs results, and the Panthers could (and probably will) make trades involving these picks and/or obtaining others. Because the Panthers have picks in almost every round of the Draft, let’s take a deep dive into each of the position groups making up this year’s crop of players. Obviously some of these players could be listed at different positions depending on who you ask, so I tried to include realistic options for each position. For example, some edge defenders might be listed as defensive linemen on some sites. Today, we’ll look at the off-ball linebackers
High End Talent
While this group of off-ball linebackers is a little weak overall, there are a couple of players who could be taken in the first round. The first is Georgia Bulldog Jalon Walker. Walker is another one of those freak athletes roaming the Georgia front seven that have become commonplace in the NFL. Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Jihaad Campbell could be another name called on Day One based off his athleticism and gamebreaking potential. Both players have the size and physical tools to eventually become three down linebackers in the NFL. Aside from those two players, though, we are unlikely to see a linebacker come off the board until Day Two.
Depth
Day Two of the NFL Draft could see very few linebackers taken as well. Aside from Campbell or Walker falling out of the first round, we could also see players like Clemson Tigers linebacker Barrett Carter in the top half of the second round. Carter and Oklahoma Sooners backer Danny Stutsman are likely Day Two picks that emphasize potential at the position. South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr is the prototypical MIKE linebacker, but his fluidity in coverage can be exploited.
Sleepers
Sleepers at the linebacker position are often core special teamers who play themselves into bigger roles on defense. Former Utah Utes linebacker Karene Reid and Brigham Young Cougars’ Ben Bywater fit that mold perfectly. They’ll likely start out as key cogs on coverage teams and as sub package players on defense. Then there are a few two down linebacker who teams hope will improve their coverage skills enough to be legitimate three down players: Old Dominion Monarchs’ Jason Henderson, Notre Dame Fighting Irish backer Jack Kiser, and Michigan Wolverines’ Jaishawn Barham all fit that mold.