Footballguys is committed to giving you the best foot to stand on possible when it comes to drafting your fantasy rosters. For us, there is zero off-season. The 2023 NFL Draft is looming and it is time to start learning about the top upcoming IDP prospects. My compadre Joseph Haggan and I are committed to covering these prospects and helping you get a leg up on the competition. I will be covering the top 10 Linebackers in this article, Joey will be covering the top 10 Defensive Linemen, and we will team up to cover the top 10 Defensive Backs.
Concluding the draft, Joey and I will review the prospects, draft capital, and landing spot, reassessing our rankings to create a top 40 IDP Big Board so you can be best prepped for your IDP rookie drafts. Here are my top 10 pre-combine draft-eligible linebackers.
*Denotes a player measurement taken from the Senior Bowl
1.) Trenton Simpson, Clemson (6-foot-3, 230 pounds)
Career Stats - 33 games; 165 tackles (100 solos), 23 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, 5 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles
At 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, Trenton Simpson is an exciting combination of size and athleticism at the linebacker position. His speed is easy to see on tape, as he possesses sideline-to-sideline range and the ability to carry opposing tight ends up the seam in coverage. Simpson's versatility is also a key feature of his game. As a sophomore, Simpson was utilized more as a space defender, spending a good chunk of his snaps in the slot area while also seeing time in the box and out on the edge. This season, as a junior, Simpson transitioned to more of a box role while continuing to be utilized as an edge rusher as well. Simpson's skill set and versatility should intrigue NFL teams as they can find different ways to deploy him on all three downs.
With his shift in roles in college, Simpson is still progressing playing stacked up as a box defender. The ability is apparent, but cleaning up his pursuit angles and working on getting off blocks more effectively will only add to his game. Simpson has desirable strength and length but could serve to up his hand usage to pair with his other plus traits. As an edge defender, Simpson is an effective pass rusher but can struggle to hold his contain as a run defender.
For IDP purposes, Simpson profiles as an exciting three-down linebacker with the ability to impact the game in multiple ways. There's no doubt he will test well and he will be vying for a first-round selection when the NFL draft gets here.
2.) Drew Sanders, Arkansas (6-foot-5, 233 pounds)
Career Stats - 27 games; 136 tackles (56 solos), 16 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, 1 interception, 7 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery
After starting his career at Alabama, Drew Sanders transferred to Arkansas, producing a breakout junior campaign. Sanders showcased his ability to work in the box (103 tackles), while also making a big impact behind the line of scrimmage with 13.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. At 6-foot-5 and 233 pounds, Sanders is a bigger framed linebacker with good length. Sanders moves well for a linebacker his size, flowing to the ball fluidly while also using his length and athleticism to impede on passing lanes in zone coverage. A disruptive pass rusher with speed and length, Sanders offers the versatility to rush off the edge on passing downs.
One of the key concerns with Sanders is the fact he’s only played off-ball linebacker for one year. While the upside is considerable, he's a bit inexperienced, and some of that led to his 22 missed tackles this season, per PFF. Cleaning up his pursuit angles will help immensely, as there are times he can end up flat-footed and out of position. While he's effective in zone coverage, there is some question on whether Sanders can consistently hold up in man coverage situations. All things that will likely be addressed as he gains more experience.
Sanders is an intriguing IDP prospect with his alluring potential as a box defender and keen ability to make plays behind the line. He and Simpson will be pushing each other for the top linebacker spot throughout the process.
3.) Jack Campbell, Iowa (6-foot-5, 246 pounds)
Career Stats - 34 games; 299 tackles (139 solos), 12.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 5 interceptions, 10 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries
If you’re looking for a throwback linebacker to hold down the middle, look no further. Not only is Jack Campbell a big presence physically, but he’s got the game to go with it. Campbell plays a physical brand of football and is a sound tackler with an impressive 265 tackles over his last two seasons. An experienced player with good instincts, Campbell processes what he sees fluently against the run and has a good feel when dropping in zone coverage. Campbell is a high-motor, downhill run defender with ample strength to take on opposing blockers.
While Campbell shows sufficient play speed for a linebacker of his size, running a solid 40-time at the combine will help with questions regarding his range. Due to his big frame, Campbell isn’t the most agile linebacker as far as change of direction goes. While Campbell displays plenty of strength and ability in beating blocks, there are times you wish his technique was a little better or more consistent.
NFL team’s looking for a smart, physical leader to hold down the middle will certainly give Campbell a long look. Campbell has the makings of a steady tackle-producing linebacker for us IDP gamers. His draft capital and fit will be one to monitor as he could potentially contribute early with his build, skill set, and instincts if needed.
4.) DeMarvion Overshown, Texas (*6-foot-2, 220 pounds)
Career Stats - 39 games; 249 tackles (136 solos), 30.5 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, 3 interceptions, 17 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries
The first thing that pops out on tape with DeMarvion Overshown is his impressive athleticism. Overshown features a long, athletic build, showcasing impressive range with the ability to track down ball carriers sideline-to-sideline. Overshown’s speed and explosiveness also aid him as a blitzer as he eats up ground in a hurry. As a tackler, Overshown exhibits a physical temperament, displaying reps where he launches himself at opposing ball carriers. There is an intriguing upside to Overshown’s game as a versatile defender who can play in the box, line up off the edge, and has the length and athleticism to be effective in coverage.
Overshown has a long, lean build and will need to add some bulk to his frame. The biggest question will be, can he add bulk and still play with the same amount of juice? Due to his lean build, Overshown can struggle to disengage from opposing blockers and get washed out of the play. Continuing to progress playing stacked up in the box will also be key for Overshown; there are times when his eyes can be slow against the run and in zone coverage.
Overshown is another player who should have an impressive showing at the combine. Some patience and development may be required, but there is a visible upside in Overshown’s game.
5.) Henry To'oTo'o, Alabama (6-foot-2, 228 pounds)
Career Stats - 50 games; 345 tackles (171 solos), 18 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 1 interception, 5 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery
Henry To’oTo’o comes with loads of experience as he started for two years at Tennesee before finishing his last two seasons starting for the Crimson Tide. To’oTo’o has also been a productive tackler at both stops during his college career. Athletically, To’oTo’o is a pretty fluid mover with speed and range. In coverage, To’oTo’o flashed some nice reps picking up leaking backs out of the backfield and also the ability to effectively drop in zone coverages.
To’oTo’o’s build is a bit lean, and it shows up at the point of attack against blockers. He struggles to disengage and gets driven back out of the play. Against the run, To’oTo’o can get fooled by misdirection, and there are times he takes the bait and stalls. To’oTo’o also isn’t the most physical tackler and is prone to missing a few stops.
From an IDP lens, To’oTo’o showcases the ability to develop into an every-down player. He’s been a productive tackler, but playing with more of a physical edge would only add to his game there.
6.) Ivan Pace Jr, Cincinnati (*5-foot-10 231 pounds)
Career Stats - 35 games; 306 tackles (141 solos), 41.5 tackles for loss, 20 sacks, 1 int, 9 passes defended. 3 forced fumbles
Ivan Pace had a breakout 2021 season at Miami (OH) and took his game to another level after transferring to Cincinnati before this season. Pace’s athleticism and aggressive play style pop on tape as a player with speed, range, and noticeable burst. Pace gets downhill with authority and is a tenacious blitzer who thrives making plays behind the line of scrimmage. Instinctually, there are some nice reps where Pace shows craftiness in navigating traffic, slipping blocks to get to his spot and fill run gaps. With his timing and blitzing ability, Pace has an upside to be used in that regard on passing downs.
One of the glaring blemishes in Pace’s profile is his height and lack of length. These less-than-ideal measurables will likely hinder his ability to hold up in man coverage against big pass-catching tight ends. Like any aggressive player, there are reps where Pace will overrun his fit and gets out of position—it comes with the territory.
Although he features a stout, compact build, Pace is a player who could garner some buzz through the predraft process with his speed, explosiveness, and physicality. His physical, aggressive play style could lead to some nice IDP production if he finds the right fit. He’s a name to bookmark for later.
7.) Noah Sewell, Oregon (6-foot-2, 253 pounds)
Career Stats - 33 games; 218 tackles (105 solos), 20.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 9 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery
At 6-2 and 253 pounds, Noah Sewell is a big man. His strength is evident on tape as he’s a downhill run defender who can stick with power. With his strong upper body and noticeable pop in his hands, Sewell is physical at the point of attack taking on blockers with plenty of ability to stack and shed. Sewell also has some appeal as blitzer, featuring an effective spin move in his arsenal off the edge. When his reads are right, Sewell triggers downhill quickly for a man his size.
Sewell excels in the box but will have to answer questions regarding his overall range. Due to his thick build, Sewell lacks agility and can be a bit stiff with his change of direction. Sewell has been prone to miss tackles over his career; working on taking better pursuit angles will be key. Sewell’s eyes can be inconsistent, and he’ll take the bait on misdirection at times.
8.) Daiyan Henley, Washington State (*6-foot-0, 230 pounds)
Career Stats - 34 games; 256 tackles (147 solos), 18.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 5 interceptions, 4 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles, 5 fumble recoveries
Daiyan Henley started his career at Nevada as a wide receiver before transitioning to the linebacker position. Henley transferred to Washington State for his final season of eligibility, producing a solid 106 tackles (54 solos) and 12 tackles for loss this year. Henley is a rangy player with plenty of speed to run and chase down ballcarriers. There are some nice reps where Henley hits and drives through tackles, as he plays with a pretty aggressive demeanor. With his plus athleticism, Henley flashed the ability to be slippery against blockers and as a blitzer when he goes.
As a position convert, Henley is still developing his feel for the linebacker position. His eyes are inconsistent as he bites on eye candy far too often, struggling with misdirection. Henley can also struggle to get off blocks consistently and will need to be kept clean as he develops in that area. Henley is more of a run-and-chase defender who will require some development to hold up consistently as a box defender.
9.) Dorian Williams, Tulane (*6-foot-0, 228 pounds)
Career Stats - 43 games; 316 tackles (195 solos), 27 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 13 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery
Dorian Williams has been a steady producer during his time at Tulane, capping off his career with an impressive 132 tackles (81 solos) as a senior. Williams has a solid, athletic build, showcasing desirable speed, range, and effort qualities. With his length and agility, Williams has enticing coverage upside, as seen by his two interceptions and seven passes defended this season. There were some nice reps on tape of him fluidly dropping in zone coverage and displaying the ability to run with backs coming out of the backfield.
Where Williams struggles is in his ability to take on and disengage from opposing blockers. He tends to get stuck and driven out of the play too often. Although, he has the build to add strength and improve in that area. Williams’ instincts can also be hit-and-miss. There are some hesitant reps where he doesn't read and key as quickly as you would like.
Williams is a small school player who could gain steam through the predraft process. With his coverage upside, Williams has sleeper appeal as a three-down linebacker for IDP purposes.
10.) Owen Pappoe, Auburn (6-foot-1, 225 pounds)
Career Stats - 39 games; 256 tackles (145 solos), 15 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 2 interceptions, 7 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery
Owen Pappoe is an experienced player who has been a steady fixture in the Auburn defense over his four years playing for the Tigers. Pappoe checks the boxes athletically, displaying good play speed and plenty of range on tape. Although a bit smaller in stature, Pappoe has excellent length. Pappoe’s length provides him with a nice tackle radius and the ability to make first contact at the point of attack against blockers. Pappoe's athleticism and length also pair nicely to aid his ability to disrupt passing lanes when dropping in zone coverage.
From a build standpoint, Pappoe will need to add some bulk to his long, leaner frame. While Pappoe has the length to gain leverage taking on blockers, he struggles to disengage when they climb into his frame. Processing-wise, there are reps where you'd like to see a player of Pappoe's experience diagnose and react quicker.
Final Thoughts
Be sure to check out the following articles by Joey and me, covering the other position designations. Following the draft, we will have a top 40 IDP big board that should help you with pre-rookie draft rankings. Good luck in 2023!
