The 2023 NFL Draft is nearly upon us. And with that comes the final edition of the PFF NFL Draft Guide, which comes loaded with scouting reports and advanced data on the class' top draft prospects.
Here are the top 10 linebackers in this year's draft class, per PFF's NFL Draft Guide and big board.
1. Jack Campbell, Iowa
BIG BOARD RANK: 39
Campbell is as reliable as it gets at the linebacker position in this class. And at 6-foot-5 and 246 pounds with NFL-caliber range, there’s no debating whether his game will translate to the next level. Campbell finished 2022 with a 91.7 overall grade to lead all Power Five linebackers.
2. Drew Sanders, Arkansas
BIG BOARD RANK: 48
Sanders started his college career as an edge rusher at Alabama before transferring to Arkansas and moving to off-ball linebacker this past fall. He flourished in that role, as his range and ability to take on blocks shined. He collected 11 sacks and 39 total pressures as a blitzer alone in 2022.
3. Daiyan Henley, Washington State
BIG BOARD RANK: 59
Henley is a converted receiver who now covers them with ease. He also tracks them down in space, as he missed only five tackles on 97 attempts last season.
4. Trenton Simpson, Clemson
BIG BOARD RANK: 71
Simpson is the kind of rangy, fluid athlete everyone looks for at linebacker. He even played the slot role in Clemson’s defense back in 2021. He allowed only 406 yards in his career on 612 coverage snaps.
5. DeMarvion Overshown, Texas
BIG BOARD RANK: 89
Overshown finally grew into the all-around linebacker Texas fans were hoping for when he first entered the starting lineup in 2020. He finished with 46 stops in 2022 after having only 32 in 2021.
6. Dorian Williams, Tulane
BIG BOARD RANK: 102
Williams is one of the best coverage linebackers in the class, boasting a 6-foot-8 wingspan and 4.49 speed. He earned an 87.0 coverage grade this past fall.
7. Ivan Pace Jr., Cincinnati
BIG BOARD RANK: 113
Pace is one of the smallest-framed linebackers you’ll see, with only a 6-foot wingspan. He is a gamer, though, and has a nose for the football.
8. Henry To'oTo'o, Alabama
BIG BOARD RANK: 156
To'oTo'o is a physical player who can handle the rigors of the NFL game. Just don't expect much of a playmaker.
9. Noah Sewell, Oregon
BIG BOARD RANK: 158
Sewell is a throwback linebacker who will be a favorite for blitz-heavy teams. Like his brother Penei, Noah is a young prospect at only 20 years old.
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