2025 NFL Draft Prospects: Outside Linebacker

7/20/23: Perkins is the size of a traditional outside linebacker, but he is lightning-fast playmaker who was all over the field for LSU as a freshman in 2022. In his debut season, Perkins recorded 72 tackles with 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, four passes defended and an interception. He was a dynamic edge rusher who showed natural blitzing ability.

In the NFL, Perkins could be a hybrid defender who rushes off the edge, similar to Micah Parsons or Von Miller, and also can play outside linebacker. However, Parsons and Miller are significantly thicker and bigger than Perkins, so it will be interesting to see how teams evaluate Perkins’ potential for their defenses.

7/20/23: With Will Anderson commanding attention on the other side in 2021, Turner had a phenomenal freshman debut for the Crimson Tide and showed serious pass rush potential – collecting 8.5 sacks. He also had 30 tackles and was rotating with other defenders. In 2022, Turner collected 37 tackles and four sacks, but he was far more disruptive than the numbers indicate. He has a good skill set with upside.

7/20/23: Trice put together an excellent sophomore season in 2022, recording 30 tackles and seven sacks. In 2021, he had 14 tackles and two sacks.

7/20/23: Robinson plays defensive end for Penn State, but for the NFL, he may have to move to outside linebacker due to his size. If Robinson is any smaller than his listed numbers, he definitely will need be too small to play end on an every-down basis as a pro. In 2022, Robinson collected 5.5 sacks, 10 tackles for a loss, two passes batted, one forced fumble and 26 tackles. Playing for Maryland in 2021, he had 19 tackles and two sacks.

7/20/23: Gray was one of the best linebackers in college football in 2022, and he was super productive for the Tar Heels. On the year, Gray recorded 144 tackles, three forced fumbles, two interceptions, six passes broken up and one sack. In 2021, he totaled 99 tackles, 2.5 sacks, two interceptions, one forced fumble and three pass breakups.

7/20/23: Stutsman had a good 2022 season for the Sooners, recording 124 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions and five passes broken up. He is a big linebacker who displayed good instincts as a sophomore.

7/20/23: Haladay was a productive defenders for the Spartans during the past two seasons, notching a lot of stops on ball-carriers. In 2022, Haladay totaled 120 tackles, 1.5 sacks and one forced fumble. Showing good pass-coverage ability with movement skills and speed will be critical for Haladay to rise in 2023 and 2024.