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NFL Draft 2018: Top linebackers on the rise

By Chris Langone

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Oklahoma Sooners looks to avoid a sack by linebacker Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs in the second half in the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Oklahoma Sooners looks to avoid a sack by linebacker Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs in the second half in the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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The linebackers in the 2018 NFL draft may be the deepest position group in its class. Here, we take a look at the top off-ball playmakers.

While quarterbacks, running backs and offensive linemen have stolen the majority of the hype entering the draft, the linebackers are just as talented. Put simply, this might be one of the best linebacker classes in recent memory in regards to the talent.

From athletic ball-hawks to physical run-stoppers, this class has plenty of talent across the board. And because of that talent level, some teams could get steals in the second round by nabbing a first-round caliber talent.

With that being said, its time to rank the top linebacker prospects entering the NFL draft.

Roquan Smith, Georgia

As the Georgia Bulldogs defensive leader and leading tackler in 2016, Smith has a nose for the ball. With incredible athleticism and speed, he also has the skillset to match the NFL’s evolving versatile linebacker position.

In addition to his speed, Smith can also lay down the hammer. His football instincts and pursuit to the ball are one of the reasons he is considered one of the top defensive prospects in a deep draft class. While slightly undersized at 6-1, 236 pounds, Smith will have to prove that his game can translate to a much more athletic league.

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Tremaine Edmunds, Virginia Tech

Edmunds is another first-round draft projection loaded with talent. The All-American did just about everything for the Hokies defense during his college career. In a stand-out 2017 season, Edmunds recorded a team-high 109 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles.

With unique size at a towering 6-5, 253 pounds, Edmunds is able to bring down ballcarriers with ease. Though his impressive frame catches your eye, the Virginia Tech alum doesn’t sacrifice any speed. He ran a 4.45-second 40-yard dash at the combine and uses that speed to thrive as a pass-rusher.

Leighton Vander Esch, Boise State

Vander Esch brings a combination of size, athleticism, and instincts to the table. The 2017 Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year had 141 tackles, four sacks, and two interceptions before declaring for the NFL Draft.

With ideal size at 6-4, 256 pounds and impressive agility, Vander Esch may be another late first-rounder. As an excellent tackler and playmaker, the Boise State-product has the skill set to thrive at the next level. However, due to injuries, Vander Esch has just one year of experience as a starter.

Darius Leonard, South Carolina State

Leonard was a beast during his collegiate career. In 2016, the outside linebacker earned MEAC Defensive Player of the Year honors with 124 tackles, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions and four forced fumbles. While he’s not the biggest linebacker at 6-2, 230 pounds, Leonard makes up for it with great speed and athleticism.

Though Leonard played at the FCS level, he seems to have enough talent to make an impact at the next level. However, the South Carolina-native lacks ideal strength, so he will have to hit the weight room in order to bring down big backs in the NFL.

Rashaan Evans, Alabama. 

Evans rounds out this list of stacked linebackers in the 2018 draft class. Born and raised in Auburn, Evans’ decision to commit to the Crimson Tide came as a shock to his hometown supporters. Though the choice seemed to pay off as he was Alabama’s leading tackler during the 2017 championship season.

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Playing behind Reuben Foster for three years, Evans had to bide his time during his college career. However, it was worth the wait as he recorded 13 tackles for loss and six sacks in 2017. The former 5-star recruit possesses a special combination of length and speed. Whether he’s on-ball or in coverage, Evans should be an exceptional player in the NFL.

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