Nov 19, 2022; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (54) points to the Miami Hurricanes offense during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports — Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

2024 NFL Draft Linebacker Rankings Before The College Football Season

Who are the 10 best linebacker prospects for the 2024 NFL Draft? It's the early look at the top players to watch out for

Author:
Pete Fiutak
Publish date:
Jul 31, 2023

News

College Football News

Who are the linebackers now? Are they part of the edge rushers who wreak havoc on the outside, or are they the thumpers on the inside who hold up against the run, or are they sideline-to-sideline types who can hang in pass coverage, or is it all of the above?

Most of the linebackers on this 2024 early look prospects list are thumpers. They're going to crank up a gajillion collective tackles this season, they can get into the backfield, and ... yes, most of them can do it all.

Going into the college football season, the ten best linebacker prospects for the 2024 NFL Draft appear to be ...

2024 NFL Draft Top 10 Prospect Rankings
QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | OG | C
Edge | DT | LB | Safeties | CB | Top 32

2024 NFL Draft Top 10 Linebacker Prospects

10, Ernest Hausmann, Michigan (transfer from Nebraska)

Nov 19, 2022; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Wisconsin Badgers tight end Jack Eschenbach (82) is brought down by Nebraska Cornhuskers linebacker Ernest Hausmann (15) during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium.

9. Jamon Dumas-Johnson, Georgia

Sep 11, 2021; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson (10) reacts after intercepting a pass that he returns for a touchdown against the UAB Blazers during the second half at Sanford Stadium.

8. Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State

Oct 22, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (35) returns the interception for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Ohio Stadium.

7. Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma

Oct 8, 2022; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Danny Stutsman (28) reacts during the first half against the Texas Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl.

6. Smael Mondon Jr., Georgia

Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. (2) reacts to a stop as with linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson (10) during the second quarter of an NCAA football game Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022 at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville. The Georgia Bulldogs outlasted the Florida Gators 42-20.

5. Jack Kiser, Notre Dame

Jan 1, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jack Kiser (24) against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium.

4. Deshawn Pace, Cincinnati

Oct 1, 2022; Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Deshawn Pace (20) dives for a touchdown after an interception during the first quarter against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane at Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium.

3. Cedric Gray, North Carolina

Oct 29, 2022; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels linebacker Cedric Gray (33) reacts in the fourth quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium.

2. Jeremiah Trotter, Clemson

Oct 22, 2022; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (54) celebrates tackling Syracuse quarterback Garrett Shrader (6) during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina on Saturday, October 22, 2022.

1. Barrett Carter, Clemson

Sep 17, 2022; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers linebacker Barrett Carter (0) reacts during the third quarter against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Memorial Stadium.