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2025 NFL Draft: Linebacker Rankings & Scouting Reports | Top 10 Tuesday

Explore the top linebacker prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. In-depth analysis, stats, and potential fits for the New Orleans Saints ahead of draft day on Top 10 Tuesday.

As your New Orleans Saints prepare for the 2025 NFL Draft, we take a look at the top 10 ranked players at various positions. The 2025 NFL Draft big board rankings are reflective of Bucky Brooks' top five prospects by position 1.0 and ESPN's NFL Draft "Best Available" list. To keep track of the latest NFL mock drafts for the Saints, check out Mock Draft Monday. Part of the Saints Path to the Draft presented by Cox.

Top 10 Draft Prospects by Position

QB | OL | RB | DL | LB | DB | WR | TE

linebackers-2025-top-10-tuesday-1920x1080

Here are the top 10 ranked draft prospects at linebacker.

1. Jihaad Campbell (LB, Alabama)

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Jihaad Campbell
Jihaad Campbell | Alabama | Junior
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 244

Jihaad Campbell earned 1st-Team All-SEC honors after leading Alabama with 117 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles in 2024, starting all 13 games A former 5-star recruit, Campbell played in 35 career games and finished with 184 total tackles and 5.5 sacks. He was a key piece of the Crimson Tide defense in back-to-back CFP appearances.

Jihaad Campbell's Combine Results

  • Height: 6-3 | Weight: 235 | Arms: 32 1/2 | Hands: 10 1/2
  • 40-yard Dash: 4.52 | 10-yard Split: 1.53 | Vertical Jump: DNP
  • Broad Jump: 10-7 | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP
Jihaad Campbell's College Stats
YearTklTFLSackQBHPBUINTFF
20221000000
20236640.52310
202411711.551212
Total18415.55.53522

Jihaad Campbell Draft Analysis by Lance Zierlein

NFL Comparison: Trevin Wallace

Overview: "Campbell has the build and traits of an Alabama linebacker but might need to upgrade in some areas. He doesn't play with early instincts or play recognition and is inconsistent in challenging blockers and leveraging his run fits. Campbell uses his speed and athleticism to help mitigate mistakes and get to the football at a relatively high rate. He's a rangy, consistent open-field tackler who excels on third downs as a fluid blitzer and impressive cover talent. The elite traits and athletic talent will be tantalizing, but the best way to utilize him might be as a full-time 3-4 rush linebacker, where he can play more proactively instead of reactively as an off-ball linebacker." Full Jihaad Campbell draft analysis on NFL.com

Strengths:

  • Prototypical height, weight and musculation.
  • Impressive production in high-impact stat columns.
  • Pursuit speed allows sideline-to-sideline workspace.
  • Breaks down and mirrors backs as an open-field tackler.
  • Has the burst and work-around ability to threaten as a rusher.

Weaknesses:

  • Lacks instincts and plays through a straw.
  • Gets caught behind blocks and will lose contain.
  • Catches contact more than he doles it out at the point.
  • Needs to attack blocks and constrict his gap.
  • Allows edge blockers to widen him off the spot.

2. Carson Schwesinger (LB, UCLA)

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Carson Schwesinger
Carson Schwesinger | UCLA | Redshirt Junior
Height: 6-2 1/2 | Weight: 242

Carson Schwesinger earned 1st-Team AP All-American and 1st-Team All-Big Ten honors in 2024. A Butkus Award finalist, Schwesinger led the FBS with 90 solo tackles and ranked third nationally with 136 total tackles, adding 8.5 TFLs, 4 sacks, and 2 interceptions. A former walk-on and team captain, he started 10 of 12 games and played in 38 career contests for the Bruins. Started as a special teams contributor and grew into an All-American.

Carson Schwesinger's Combine Results

  • Height: 6-2 1/2 | Weight: 242 | Arms: 31 5/8 | Hands: 9 1/4
  • 40-yard Dash: DNP | 10-yard Split: DNP | Vertical Jump: 39 1/2
  • Broad Jump: DNP | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: 20
Carson Schwesinger's College Stats
YearTklTFLSackQBHPBUINTFF
2022150.50.00100
2023122.01.00000
20241368.54.00321
Total16311.05.00421

Carson Schwesinger Draft Analysis by Lance Zierlein

Overview: "Schwesinger went from walk-on to All-American at UCLA. He's a human bloodhound, pairing elite instincts with an understanding of blocking schemes and run tracks. The pursuit speed is average but his play recognition helps him play fast. He's undersized and takes the worst of it when blockers get on top of him, but he's a good athlete in coverage. He's also a sound technician as an open-field tackler and bona fide standout on special teams. Schwesinger was a starter for only one season, but his instincts, athleticism and competitiveness help him project as a future starter either inside or as a 4-3 Will linebacker." Full Carson Schwesinger draft analysis on NFL.com

Strengths:

  • Rare instincts for maneuvering inside and avoiding blocks.
  • Body control and agility in short spaces is first class.
  • Plays fast and sees run-lane development like a running back.
  • Deciphers play-action and mesh-point shenanigans quickly.
  • Able to drop his weight and explode laterally as a tackler.

Weaknesses:

  • Lead blockers tend to neutralize him in the hole.
  • Has issues getting rid of big bodies attacking him.
  • He's quick, but chase speed appears to be average.
  • Lacks the size and force for ideal stopping power as a hitter.
  • Could have issues carrying backs out of the backfield.

3. Demetrius Knight Jr. (LB, South Carolina)

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Demetrius Knight Jr
Demetrius Knight Jr. | South Carolina | Senior
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 235

Demetrius Knight Jr. tied for the team lead with 3 forced fumbles and earned multiple team honors including Defensive MVP for the Gamecocks in 2024. Previously playing at Georgia Tech and Charlotte, Knight led Charlotte in tackles (96) and interceptions (3) in 2023 and was named 1st-Team All-AAC. Over his six-year career, Knight totaled 229 tackles, 16.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks, and 5 forced fumbles across 61 games. He accepted a Senior Bowl invite after finishing 2024 with 82 tackles and 8.0 TFL in 13 games (10 starts).

Demetrius Knight Jr.'s Combine Results

  • Height: 6-2 | Weight: 235 | Arms: 32 5/8 | Hands: 10
  • 40-yard Dash: 4.58 | 10-yard Split: 1.58 | Vertical Jump: 31 1/2
  • Broad Jump: 9-10 | 3-Cone: 7.12 | 20-yard Shuttle: 4.25 | Bench Press: 22
Demetrius Knight Jr.'s College Stats
YearTklTFLSackQBHPBUINTFF
2019 (GT)18210201
2020 (GT)18100001
2021 (GT)6001000
2022 (GT)9000000
2023 (CHAR)9661.50430
2024 (SCAR)82820113
Total229174.51745

Demetrius Knight Jr. Draft Analysis by Lance Zierlein

NFL Comparison: Germaine Pratt

Overview: "Passionate linebacker with great size, good instincts and a feel for how to play the position. Knight is a fluid athlete with average pursuit speed and short-area burst. He uses his eyes and instincts to diagnose quickly and he maneuvers around bodies like a running back. He's adept at slipping blocks and rarely allows blockers to stick and sustain on the second level. He's aware and productive in zone but could struggle to stay connected in man coverage. He's not a twitchy mover but knows how to play the game and has a chance to play on all three downs. Knight's field demeanor and football character should seal the deal as a future starter at inside 'backer." Full Demetrius Knight Jr. draft analysis on NFL.com

Strengths:

  • Broad frame is built for rugged action in the box.
  • Keys and reacts to play design with good pace.
  • Disdainful hands help play off or shed climbing blocks.
  • Pursues with movement that is athletic but controlled.
  • Very natural at slipping blocks without losing run fits.

Weaknesses:

  • Short-area and lateral twitch appear to be average.
  • Can become impatient during scrape and trigger.
  • Below-average burst limits pursuit success from back side.
  • Might not have enough speed for man coverage as a pro.
  • Below-average elusiveness and production as blitzer.

4. Barrett Carter (LB, Clemson)

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Barrett Carter
Barrett Carter | Clemson | Senior
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 231

Barrett Carter earned 1st-Team All-ACC honors in 2024 and finished as a Butkus Award finalist. A 3rd-Team AP All-American, Carter started all 14 games in 2024 and logged 82 tackles, 10.5 TFL, and 7 pass breakups. He played more career defensive snaps (2,900) than any Clemson player since 2021 and was one of only two Power Conference defenders with 12+ sacks and 3+ INTs since 2022. A former 5-star recruit and team leader, Carter appeared in 52 games, starting 40.

Barrett Carter's Combine Results

  • Height: 6-0 | Weight: 231 | Arms: 32 1/8 | Hands: 9 1/4
  • 40-yard Dash: DNP | 10-yard Split: DNP | Vertical Jump: DNP
  • Broad Jump: 9-8 | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: 4.41 | Bench Press: DNP
Barrett Carter's College Stats
YearTklTFLSackQBHPBUINTFF
202116101300
202273115.501122
202362103.51510
202482113.51800
Total2333212.532732

Barrett Carter Draft Analysis by Lance Zierlein

NFL Comparison: Christian Harris

Overview: "Prototypical three-down linebacker who added muscle mass in 2024 without losing playmaking quickness. Carter overcomes average instincts and recognition with full-field range and elite body control in pursuit, though there is room for improvement with both his angles and leverage. Carter can play around or off the block and has the agility and reaction quickness for sudden adjustments as an open-field tackler. He's capable in man coverage and stands out as both a blitzer and a spy for mobile quarterbacks. Carter's demeanor, versatility and athletic profile give him a good chance of becoming a quality starter as a run-and-chase Will linebacker." Full Barrett Carter draft analysis on NFL.com

Strengths:

  • Prototypical range and athleticism to patrol across the field.
  • Has skill set to stack up impact plays around and behind the line of scrimmage.
  • Good stick-and-move hands and short-area quicks to elude blocks.
  • Outstanding pacing and change-of-direction talent when pursuing in space.
  • Agile with a twitchy burst to close distance to tackle in short spaces.

Weaknesses:

  • Instincts and diagnosis success are just average.
  • Needs to play with more consistent pursuit angles to the ball.
  • Impatience leads to overflow and loss of run fits.
  • Slows feet into contact instead of running feet through tackles.
  • Inconsistent to swoop in and challenge lead blocks with violence.

5. Chris Paul Jr. (LB, Ole Miss)

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Chris Paul Jr
Chris Paul Jr. | Ole Miss | Redshirt Junior
Height: 6-1| Weight: 222

Chris Paul Jr. earned 3rd-Team AP All-American and 2nd-Team All-SEC honors in 2024. A finalist for the Butkus Award, Paul led Ole Miss with 88 tackles and added 11.0 TFL, 3.5 sacks, and an interception. He transferred from Arkansas, where he was a Freshman All-American in 2022. Across 40 career games, he totaled 225 tackles, 26.0 TFL, and 9.5 sacks. Paul opted out of the Gator Bowl but competed in the East-West Shrine Bowl.

Chris Paul Jr.'s Combine Results

  • Height: 6-1 | Weight: 222 | Arms: 29 7/8 | Hands: 9 3/8
  • 40-yard Dash: 4.63 | 10-yard Split: 1.62 | Vertical Jump: 36
  • Broad Jump: 9-9 | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP
Chris Paul Jr.'s College Stats
YearTklTFLSackQBHPBUINTFF
2021 (ARK)1100000
2022 (ARK)62841301
2023 (ARK)74720100
2024 (MISS)88113.50410
Total225269.52511

Chris Paul Jr. Draft Analysis by Lance Zierlein

NFL Comparison: Zaire Franklin

Overview: "Weakside linebacker prospect with ascending talent and production for a 4-3 defense. Paul is an assignment-oriented linebacker whose play recognition improved as the season progressed. He takes quality angles to the action and is a sure-handed tackler when he gets his hooks in. He appears quicker than fast and is better at spot-dropping or blitzing on passing downs than he is at matching up with backs and pass-catching tight ends. Paul colors inside the lines and does his job inside the scheme, but he could take another step forward if he can play with more of a "see play, make play" mentality downhill." Full Chris Paul Jr. draft analysis on NFL.com

Strengths:

  • Patient to diagnose run counters and settle into his run fit.
  • Shoots hands into blockers with good timing.
  • Good balance between caution and urgency in lateral pursuit.
  • Rarely gets caught in traffic with no course of action.
  • Reads dual-gap choices and usually matches runner's decision.

Weaknesses:

  • Lacks ideal size and length for the position.
  • Gets bumped and slowed by climbing blockers.
  • Below-average knee bend and contact balance.
  • Will hang back when downhill plays are there to be made.
  • Average speed for pursuit and man coverage.

6. Danny Stutsman (LB, Oklahoma)

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Danny Stutsman
Danny Stutsman | Oklahoma | Senior
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 233

Danny Stutsman earned 2nd-Team AP All-American honors in 2024 and finished as a finalist for the Butkus Award. He led Oklahoma in tackles for the third straight year with 110, also posting a nation-best 90.9 run defense grade (PFF, min. 300 snaps). A two-time first-team All-Conference selection (Big 12 in 2023, SEC in 2024), Stutsman started 37 games and had 377 career tackles, 36 TFL, and 8 sacks. He opted out of the Armed Forces Bowl to prepare for the draft.

Danny Stutsman's Combine Results

  • Height: 6-3 | Weight: 233 | Arms: 32 1/8 | Hands: 9
  • 40-yard Dash: 4.52 | 10-yard Split: 1.55 | Vertical Jump: 34
  • Broad Jump: DNP | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP
Danny Stutsman's College Stats
YearTklTFLSackQBHPBUINTFF
202138210002
20221251130520
20231041632312
2024110810300
Total37736821134

Danny Stutsman Draft Analysis by Lance Zierlein

Overview: "Inside linebacker with size and instincts to post a board full of high totals as a tackler. Stutsman is football smart with studious play recognition to stay one step ahead of blockers. His downhill flows narrow the runner's angles and he's accomplished at slipping around blockers or sliding off of them to tackle. His block take-on needs work, though. He's efficient and productive near the line, but his effectiveness and tackling dip once the play moves into space. Stutsman is an adequate athlete with good size and special-teams talent, showing the potential to become a starting inside 'backer." Full Danny Stutsman draft analysis on NFL.com

Strengths:

  • Instincts and play recognition fuel his impressive production.
  • Reads and adjusts instantly to what his keys tell him.
  • Slips and slides around blocks to stay in the action.
  • Sifts through moving parts with calm eyes and efficient movement.
  • Plays with inside-out leverage and can slide off blocks to tackle.

Weaknesses:

  • Lacks explosive stack-and-shed pop in his take-ons.
  • Absorbs more contact than he delivers to blockers.
  • Can be a step slow sprinting wide to cut off outside runs.
  • Linear in perimeter pursuit and overruns tackle angles.
  • Average depth gain and change of direction in zone coverage.

7. Jeffrey Bassa (LB, Oregon)

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Jeffrey Bassa
Jeffrey Bassa | Oregon | Senior
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 232

Jeffrey Bassa earned Honorable Mention All-Big Ten honors in 2024 for Oregon. He transitioned from safety to linebacker as a freshman in 2021 and went on to start 44 career games. His most productive year came in 2023, when he posted 72 tackles and was named 2nd-Team All-Pac-12, earning Fiesta Bowl Defensive MVP honors. Bassa totaled 236 tackles, 13.0 TFL, 4.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, and 18 QB pressures during his 55-game career and accepted a Senior Bowl invite.

Jeffrey Bassa's Combine Results

  • Height: 6-1 | Weight: 232 | Arms: 31 3//8 | Hands: 9 1/4
  • 40-yard Dash: 4.63 | 10-yard Split: 1.59 | Vertical Jump: 38 1/2
  • Broad Jump: 9-10 | 3-Cone: 7.34 | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: 21
Jeffrey Bassa's College Stats
YearTklTFLSackQBHPBUINT (TD)FF
202148310200
202262420120
202372401211 (1)0
20245431.56302
Total236134.51843 (1)2

Jeffrey Bassa Draft Analysis by Lance Zierlein

Overview: "Bassa is a weak-side linebacker prospect who played inside at Oregon to get the best athletes on the field. He's a little bit mechanical as a run defender and will flow downhill before properly diagnosing, but he keeps himself clean using his hands to separate. He needs to pursue with better leverage to prevent overflow, but he does what is needed to get involved with the play. He's capable on passing downs, with man-cover talent and an ability to attack the pocket as a blitzer. A move to Will linebacker would allow Bassa to play more run-and-hit football, which could bolster his chances as a good 'backer with the potential to develop into a starter." Full Jeffrey Bassa draft analysis on NFL.com

Strengths:

  • Good communication to teammates before the snap.
  • Played inside backer to help get the best players on the field.
  • Drifts downhill and cuts off runner's operating room.
  • Rarely allows blockers to latch on and dictate terms.
  • Tracks run play with good effort and pursuit speed.

Weaknesses:

  • Muscular but a little smaller for the interior.
  • Much more robotic than instinctive in the run game.
  • Missing the playmaking gene.
  • Lacks patience and will run past back-side fits.
  • Not a twitchy, burst-oriented player in space.

8. Smael Mondon Jr. (LB, Georgia)

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Smael Mondon Jr
Smael Mondon Jr. | Georgia | Senior
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 224

Smael Mondon Jr. started 32 games for Georgia, posting 213 total tackles during his career. He led the Bulldogs with 76 tackles in their 2022 national championship season and followed with 68 in 2023. Injuries limited him to 10 games in 2024, but he still managed 57 tackles and 3.0 sacks. A former 5-star recruit, Mondon accepted a Senior Bowl invitation as he prepares for the NFL.

Smael Mondon Jr.'s Combine Results

  • Height: 6-2 | Weight: 224 | Arms: 31 3/4 | Hands: 9 3/4
  • 40-yard Dash: 4.58 | 10-yard Split: 1.52 | Vertical Jump: DNP
  • Broad Jump: 10-10 | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP
Smael Mondon Jr.'s College Stats
YearTklTFLSackQBHPBUINTFF
202112110000
202276810110
202368530200
202457430300
Total2131880610

Smael Mondon Jr. Draft Analysis by Lance Zierlein

Overview: "Mondon is physical and can run. He's quick to flow downhill and challenge blocks with good pop. He's inconsistent to diagnose and flow accurately to his fits, but he has good pursuit speed to range and tackle to the sidelines. He pursues the action with focus and leverage. Mondon becomes tackle-ready quickly in space. He's effective on passing downs with good coverage and blitz talent. The run game instincts could slow him early in his career, but he's a battle-tested, three-down option with special teams value and starting potential." Full Smael Mondon Jr. draft analysis on NFL.com

Strengths:

  • Vast experience in high-leverage games over three seasons.
  • Takes on blocks and keeps play-side edge uncovered.
  • Pursues outside runs with gear shift and leverage.
  • Reliable tackler with plus athleticism and technique.
  • Fluid in space with above-average range in zone.

Weaknesses:

  • Undersized with a frame that might be maxed out.
  • Hobbled by a foot injury for most of 2023 and part of 2024.
  • Play tends to be more reactive than instinctive.
  • Inconsistent to key and diagnose the action.
  • Erratic with run fits and contain duties.

9. Cody Simon (LB, Ohio State)

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Cody Simon
Cody Simon | Ohio State | Senior
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 229

Cody Simon earned 3rd-Team All-Big Ten honors and served as a team captain for Ohio State’s national championship defense. He led the Buckeyes with 112 tackles and added 12.5 TFL, 7 sacks, and 7 pass breakups—one of only three FBS players since 2012 with 100+ tackles, 7+ sacks, and 7+ PBUs in a single season (Isaiah Simmons, Khalil Mack). He was named Defensive MVP of both the Rose Bowl and National Championship Game. Over 60 career games, Simon posted 259 tackles and 10 sacks.

Cody Simon's Combine Results

  • Height: 6-2 | Weight: 229 | Arms: 31 1/4 | Hands: 9 3/4
  • 40-yard Dash: DNP | 10-yard Split: DNP | Vertical Jump: DNP
  • Broad Jump: DNP | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP
Cody Simon's College Stats
YearTklTFLSackQBHPBUINTFF
20204000000
202154310110
202232620101
202357300200
20241121371701
Total259241011112

Cody Simon Draft Analysis by Lance Zierlein

Overview: "Inside linebacker with a stout frame, good toughness and adequate talent. Simon plays with decent instincts and awareness to diagnose the action. He takes decent paths to the ball and is adept at slipping blocks or playing into them without losing much gap integrity. He's athletic with average pursuit speed to chase and tackle wide. He's technically sound as a tackler but has short arms, so positioning will be key to prevent broken tackles. Simon has enough talent for three-down consideration and should be able to help on special teams until he proves he's ready to go from backup to starter." Full Cody Simon draft analysis on NFL.com

Strengths:

  • Good size for the interior with well-muscled build.
  • Gets to his work with adequate recognition quickness.
  • Able to slip tackles without losing gap integrity.
  • Base and leverage for quality contact balance when absorbing blocks.
  • Scrapes to the ball on a diagonal to squeeze runner's angle.

Weaknesses:

  • Below-average chase speed to the perimeter.
  • Turns and runs past his leverage in wide pursuit at times.
  • Short arms will allow for tackle slippage if he's not centered.
  • Can be too scheme-rigid and mechanical in his approach.
  • Lacks short-area agility to expand his range in zone.

10. Jack Kiser (LB, Notre Dame)

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Jack Kiser
Jack Kiser | Notre Dame | Senior
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 231

Jack Kiser led Notre Dame with 90 tackles in 2024, starting all 16 games while serving as a team captain. He holds the Notre Dame record for games played (70) and was named Notre Dame Man of the Year. A finalist for the Campbell and Wuerffel Trophies, Kiser contributed in every phase throughout his career, including a 2021 season where he tied for second in the FBS with two pick-sixes. He finished with 275 tackles, 16 TFL, 6 sacks, and 4 INTs, and competed in the Senior Bowl.

Jack Kiser's Combine Results

  • Height: 6-2 | Weight: 231 | Arms: 30 3/8 | Hands: 9
  • 40-yard Dash: DNP | 10-yard Split: DNP | Vertical Jump: DNP
  • Broad Jump: DNP | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP
Jack Kiser's College Stats
YearTklTFLSackQBHPBUINTFF
20190000000
202020300110
202145102522
20225862.51201
20236221.53111
202490523102
Total27516611746

Jack Kiser Draft Analysis by Lance Zierlein

Overview: "Sixth-year senior with good football intelligence and immediate four-phase special teams value. Kiser will be a 25-year-old rookie in September, with average physical attributes, but he's productive and consistent. He understands his limitations and works around them with instincts and positioning, but a lack of speed and length will create smaller margins for error as a pro. He struggles to take on and get off blocks, so he'll have to take a few more chances moving forward. Kiser's ability to play on third down and special teams boosts his chances of becoming a backup inside linebacker." Full Jack Kiser draft analysis on NFL.com

Strengths:

  • Disciplined in downhill approach to prevent being trapped.
  • Scrapes with pace and leverage to protect against cutbacks.
  • Recognizes combo block and gets downhill to beat the climber.
  • Rarely allows broken tackles once he gets his claws in.
  • Instinctive and in position in zone and man coverages.

Weaknesses:

  • Below-average athletic ability and explosiveness.
  • Not much shock-and-shed in his hands for take-ons.
  • Stays glued to blockers once they get into him.
  • Limited wingspan could create tackling issues versus speed.
  • Lacks desired pursuit speed and range as a pro.

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