The 2024 NFL Draft presents an exciting quarterback class full of notable names. It is led by USC’s Caleb Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner and dynamic dual-threat quarterback.
At the top of the class, Williams is followed by Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who would have been the best pass-catcher in the 2023 NFL Draft. Now as a draft-eligible junior, he’s the crown jewel for any team in need of help at the position.
Here are the top linebackers in the class.
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1. LB PAYTON WILSON, NC STATE
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 26
Wilson has the length, movement ability, IQ and tape of a first-round linebacker. What will likely keep him from being drafted on Day 1 is his injury history and age. If healthy, he can be a starting inside linebacker in any defense.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
2. LB EDGERRIN COOPER, TEXAS A&M
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 62
Cooper has the length and the athleticism to be a starting-caliber linebacker in the NFL in a downhill role. His lack of anticipation and instincts for deeper coverage work will likely keep him from being picked in the first round.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
3. LB JUNIOR COLSON, MICHIGAN
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 66
Colson’s background and journey to this point are inspiring. He has the size and football IQ to play in the NFL. He is a good but not great athlete, which will likely make him a Day 2 pick as a rotational 4-3 linebacker with starting potential.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
4. LB JEREMIAH TROTTER JR., CLEMSON
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 88
Trotter is an incredibly smart linebacker who consistently puts himself in the right positions. However, his lack of length, size and explosiveness limit his starting, and even rotational, potential on the NFL stage.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
5. LB MARIST LIUFAU, NOTRE DAME
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 100
Liufau is a powerful downhill linebacker who attacks ball carriers and blockers with bad intentions. His instincts and feel for spot zone coverage still need work if he is to be relied upon consistently. He is projected as a contributing inside linebacker for either a 4-3 or 3-4 defense.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
6. LB TOMMY EICHENBERG, OHIO STATE
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 111
Eichenberg is a strong-side linebacker who can find work in early down roles as a Mike/Sam, specifically in a 4-3 defense. However, you won’t want him operating in space in sub-package situations in coverage on late downs too often due to a lack of lateral mobility.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
7. LB CEDRIC GRAY, NORTH CAROLINA
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 135
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
8. LB Michael Barrett, Michigan
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 153
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
9. LB JD Bertrand, Notre Dame
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 158
Bertrand is a tough, smart and competitive prospect, albeit undersized, who projects as a rotational/backup inside linebacker for 4-3 or 3-4 schemes.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
10. LB Steele Chambers, Ohio State
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 201
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
