2022: Linebackers

Devin Lloyd–LB–Utah–6’3”-237–2nd–91

Ooo boy do I like this kid. Absolute playmaker, his interception highlight reel is ludicrous for a linebacker. Clear impact on the field, offense is always accounting for him and he opens things up for other defenders, particularly in pass rush. Lloyd spends some time on the edge where his 33” arms help him keep offensive lineman out of his frame. During his time in Mormon Country, Devin was a 2 time team captain, 2 time Butkus award finalist, and won Pac-12 defensive player of the year. He is not elite elite, will get caught out of position at times, and doesn’t have that 6’5” 250 frame or the 4.4 speed, but he’s got enough of both and a splash of playmaker that’s going to make him a valuable player on someone’s defense. Reminds me of Matt Judon and Melvin Ingram.

Nakobe Dean–LB–Georgia–5’11”-229–1st–83

Dean has a compact frame and good burst to close gaps. He’s a solid tackler and can read and react very well. All accounts point to him being a strong leader and communicator on defense. My biggest concern with him is his lack of size and length. It’s all too common to see him get stiff armed by taller players so he is going to have a helluva time tackling NFL tight ends in the middle of the field, not to mention wide receivers like Jamarr Chase or Deebo Samuel with physicality in their game. It’s a serious limitation. Although he has a lot of value in between the tackles and pursuing the quarterback. I just think tight ends will be his kryptonite. Think poor man’s Roquan Smith or Devin White. 

Christian Harris–LB–Alabama–6’0”-226–3rd–73

Alabama pumps out guys at this position. Inside linebacker is the brains of the defense and you expect Nick Saban to coach ‘em up better than anyone, and typically he does. Christian Harris is a tier below those names you know: Donte Hightower, C.J. Mosley, Reggie Ragland, and Rashaan Evans. He’s got great speed with a 4.44 second 40 yard dash, and his size is not unusual in today’s NFL. The problems he has are false steps and slow diagnosis. Not everyone is born with the instincts of Tyrann Mathieu or the recognition of Bobby Wagner. If Christian Harris had either one of those things he would be a surefire 1st round pick. But he doesn’t, so that pushes him to the third round where he can grow to contribute in a weakside linebacker role.