LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Sonny Styles, who is projected to go in the top 10, produced one of the best performances for a player at his position in Combine record books. His 43 1/2 -inch vertical was the highest by an off-ball linebacker at Lucas Oil Stadium since 2003 and he clocked a 4.46 in the 40-yard dash to pair with an 11-foot-2-inch broad jump. Styles was the only player among defensive linemen and linebackers to top 11 feet. The safety-turned linebacker can do it all: constricting run fits and shooting gaps for tackles for loss, timing snap counts on blitzes, outstanding coverage ability to carry tight ends all over the field and running backs on swing passes/options, along with sideline-to-sideline range. Styles can line up as the Mike linebacker, the Will or as a large nickel at a high level.
LB CJ Allen, Georgia
The 2025 campaign became CJ Allen's crowning moment. He led the Bulldogs in tackles (88) and tackles for loss (8.0) and recorded 3.5 sacks. The high-effort player and "Green Dot" linebacker effectively mirrors backs with proper leverage and finishes tackles with superb technique, staying square. He quickly gets downhill when triggering and can hold his own against pulling guards in space with aggression at the point of attack. With 4.55-speed, he can get to the junction point when chasing down horizontal stretch runs and Allen pairs stellar communication skills with awareness in zone.
LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
The Bronko Nagurski Trophy Winner and the recipient of the Lombardi Award and Bednarik Award, Jacob Rodriquez, fielded rare production for the Red Raiders. Rodriguez, a former walk-on, had an FBS-leading seven forced fumbles in 2025 and is the only FBS player since 2005 to have recorded at least 300 career tackles, 10 forced fumbles, five interceptions and five fumble recoveries. He combines a violent "Peanut Punch" with outstanding lateral quickness. Rodriquez sorts through traffic in the box to find ball carriers and brings them to the ground. His change-of-direction became evident in his top-ranked three-cone and shuttle time at the Combine among linebackers and he quickly reacts with 4.57-speed. The Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year put up one of the most decorated college careers of the last decade and he plays with a command that rallies teammates.
LB Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
Anthony Hill Jr. accumulated 31.5 tackles for loss, 17 sacks and eight forced fumbles during his three years at Texas. He missed two games in 2025 with a broken hand which caused his tackle production to dip (113 in 2024 to 69 in 2025) but Hill is an instinctive, downhill thumper. He is patient in keying the offensive line, not reacting prematurely. Hill is a force, stonewalling blockers, and is a balanced tackler. The former Longhorn finishes through contact with balanced control and explosion for gridiron-rattling hits. He stays disciplined against misdirection and often fires into the backfield before tackles have a chance to set. Hill has a nose for the football and showcases hip fluidity in zone drops.
