2024 NFL Prospect Rankings: Linebackers

Excellent length for the position he has a big tackle radius and makes tackles others might not get to. Instinctive he is patient reading his key and has a nose for the ball once he sees it. Has the ability to avoid and slip blocks on the move and locate the ball. Has range to chase sideline to sideline and can be physical tackling. Tends to run through tackles and while he can get upright he rarely misses. Has been used often to blitz and shows anticipation and quickness at the snap. Has a closing burst chasing quarterbacks and has been very productive as a pass rusher. Somewhat high cut and that will be something to watch as he's not the best take on linebacker.

Has the desired frame of an NFL inside linebacker. To go with that he’s instinctive against the run and has the twitch and athleticism needed to excel. Shows quick downhill reactions and can take an open window and make plays in the backfield. Uses his hands to ward off blocks on the move and his lateral agility allows him to make plays all along the line. Has perimeter to perimeter range in pursuit. Excellent zone defender he can re-route and run the seam along with flipping his hips to find the throwing lane. Can stay with inside receivers up the field. Inconsistent taking on blocks he will have to develop in that area. He will occasionally miss tackles by leaving his feet.

Trotter is an instinctive and versatile inside linebacker prospect who fits what NFL teams look for in an off-the ball linebacker. Outstanding agility, his strengths are playing is space and coverage. He shows extreme quickness getting to the perimeter on outside runs and has outstanding range in pursuit. He gets to tackles across the field that most can’t get to. He has excellent change of direction and stop-start quickness. He avoids blocks in pursuit and flashes hand usage on the move. In coverage he gets solid depth in zone drops and balances multiple receivers on high/low routes. Not the most physical take on guy and hand usage is suspect. He can give ground on plays at him. Will need to develop better stack and shed ability. May need the right scheme but skill set will fit.

Instinctive athletic linebacker with a non-stop motor. Has had an injury marred career and was almost written off. Came off an ACL and shoulder injury prior to 2022 and resumed a significant role. This year he was even better and lived up the promise. Has outstanding range in pursuit and consistently makes plays in space. Excellent open field tackler. Has what NFL teams look for in a linebacker with solid cover skill and chase ability. Often used to blitz he has a knack for hitting an open gap and closing on the quarterback. Not the most physical take on guy and will be best suited as a Will in most schemes. Bednarik award winner in 2023.

An aggressive, instinctive player working in-line with excellent inside run fits. Quick with read and react there is no wasted movement when he sees it. Plays downhill and is adept at taking open windows in blocking schemes. Solid zone defender with depth in his drop and vision to see multiple threats. Finds the throwing lane consistently. Has ability to match backs on flat and wheel routes in man cover. Can get stalemated at times by a powerful blocker.

Versatile prospect who has moved around in the Notre Dame defense. Played primarily Mike but was often used to come off the edge as a blitzer. High motor athlete who has flashed outstanding play. Solid read and react inside he can locate the ball and chase. Has cover skill in the short and intermediate zones with a feel for pattern pressure. Can re-route an inside receiver and quickly find the throwing lane. Shows a good football IQ and is always around the ball. Some athletic limitations may hold him back, but he has been an excellent special team player which increases his value.