NFL Draft Preview 2022: Off Ball Linebacker

Analysis

2022 NFL Draft position preview continues with off the ball linebacker. 2022 seems like a solid class with a couple potential first rounders in an undervalued position.

Top TIER

Devin Lloyd Utah ILB

Good speed and some coverage skills. Strong tackler and potential to be a Fred Warner type. Mid to late 1st rounder

Nakobe Dean Georgia ILB

Smart and speedy with good coverage. A little smaller and needs to get off blocks but can be a good speedy LB. Mid to late 1st rounder

Second TIER

Kingsley Engbare LB/EDGE South Carolina

Athletic and disruptive with good blitzing ability. Needs more strength but compared to K’Lavon Chaisson as a tweener EDGE/LB. Late 1st or early 2nd round pick

Troy Anderson Montana State LB

Late rising very athletic LB from a small school. Great speed and motor but needs better tackling. Potential here in Round 2 or Round 3

Chad Muma Wyoming LB

Great tackler and leader. Need work in space and coverage but potential there. Round 2 pick

Christian Harris Alabama LB

Typical Bama LB with good size and experience. Great hitter but needs to diagnose plays better. Late Round 2 or early Round 3

Leo Chenal Wisconsin Mike LB

Old school tackling Mike LB but needs work on coverage. Playmaker for the Badgers and should be a Round 3 pick.

Nik Bonitto Oklahoma EDGE/LB

Small twitchy LB with good bend to get around the corner. Needs some size but solid day 3 pick. Think Hasaan Reddick. Late Round 2 or Round 3

Third TIER

Brian Asomoah Oklahoma

Good size to size LB but needs to beat blocks more. Round 3 pick.

Drake Jackson EDGE/LB USC

Another edge/LB tweener with good bend and pass rush. Good burst but needs to add strength. Round 3 pick

Channing Tindall Georgia

Physical great run defender but will struggle in coverage. Round 3 or 4.

Quay Walker Georgia

Rangy run stopper that needs to blitz better and work on coverage consistency. Round 3 or 4

Micah McFadden Indiana

Good change of direction and productive for Indiana. Not as speedy as you like so drops to Round 4

Damone Clark LSU

Great burst and speed with great hips. Injury concern and will miss rookie year. Round 4 pick.

Solid LB class and plenty of good ones available for in Rounds 1-4 of the draft.