The fantasy season might be over, but in dynasty fantasy football, there is no offseason. This is a fun time of year for your IDP dynasty leagues as we learn about the new incoming rookie class as they make their way through the pre-draft process. In this article, we'll examine the incoming rookie linebacker group, ranking and discussing their profiles. It's early in the process, so these rankings will be fluid, with a bit of IDP and draft projection baked into them. At the very least, it will familiarize you with some players as we make our way to the NFL Combine. Alight, let's dive in.
*Denotes a player measurement taken from the Senior Bowl
1. Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M (6-foot-3, 230 pounds)
2023 Stats (12 games): 84 tackles (39 solos), 17 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 2 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery
At 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, Edgerrin Cooper features a long, athletic build for the linebacker position. His play speed and range are easy to see on tape, as he can effectively cover the field sideline-to-sideline. To pair with his speed, Cooper is aggressive with his reads, and his burst allows him to close quickly when he triggers downhill. He also showcases some craftiness slipping blocks, which pairs well with his plus athleticism in making splash plays behind the line, as seen by his 17 tackles for loss and eight sacks this season.
Cooper can sometimes get a bit overzealous in pursuit, like any aggressive player, and overrun his fit. In space, there are reps where he comes in hot, losing his feet when squaring up the ball carrier. Playing a little more under control will only help his game and tackle production. While he is feisty when taking on blocks, he does get stuck at times. Adding a little bulk to his long frame will certainly help in that area.
Cooper has all the makings of a productive three-down linebacker who can impact the game in all phases. He'll be a name to watch at the NFL Scouting Combine as he pushes to be the top linebacker among this group.
Related: Pre-Combine Top 10 Rookie IDP Edge Rushers
2. Junior Colson, Michigan (6-foot-3, 247 pounds)
2023 Stats (15 games): 95 tackles (44 solos), 2 tackles for loss, 2 passes defended
Junior Colson brings an intriguing combination of size and speed. He stands 6-foot-3 and 247 pounds, with impressive speed and range while also moving fluidly for his size. His athleticism also shows up in his burst, getting downhill, and filling run gaps, as he's aggressive and can close quickly. In coverage, he has the upside to be effective in both man and zone, as he can matchup and run with bigger tight ends while also picking up backs leaking out of the backfield. As a tackler, he doesn't miss many, as he carries just a 6.2% missed tackle rate over his career.
While Colson's eyes are pretty solid, he does get fooled by misdirection at times, causing him to flow out of the play. This could be due to him occasionally being hesitant in his read—trust it and go. He is an aggressive player, showing his willingness to take on blocks head-on. However, this causes him to get stuck and driven out of the play by bigger offensive linemen. Upping his handwork and block-shedding technique will only aid in his willingness to take on the big fellas.
Colson has all the tools we desire in a three-down linebacker for our IDP leagues. When the Combine gets here, his pairing of size and athleticism could create some serious buzz.
3. Payton Wilson, North Carolina State (*6-foot-4, 234 pounds)
2023 Stats (12 games): 138 tackles (69 solos), 17.5 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, 3 interceptions, 6 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries
There might not be a player in this linebacker class that plays harder than Payton Wilson, who plays with relentless effort and motor that doesn't stop. At 6-foot-4 and 234 pounds, he has desirable size, sideline-to-sideline range, and plays the game with serious aggression. He also offers intriguing versatility in his game, as he's a strong run defender, effective blitzer, and can be utilized out on the edge in certain packages. Wilson had a strong finish to his college career, filling up the stat sheet as a senior (see stats above) and posting a career-best 90.4 coverage grade, per Pro Football Focus.
One of the biggest questions with Wilson has to do with his injury history. He has dealt with multiple ailments during his career, suffering knee and upper body injuries while at NC State. This was also his sixth year of eligibility, so he will come into the league as a bit of an older prospect. His aggressive nature can cause him to overrun his fit, which comes with the territory. Getting stuck on blocks is also an issue for him. Upping his technique and hand-fighting is something he can work on to help combat the situation.
The medicals will be something to watch at the Combine. Hopefully, it all checks out. When Wilson hits the field, he should be fun to watch, showcasing his pairing of size and athleticism throughout the drills. His three-down ability and versatility make him a priority name to watch in this incoming linebacker class.
4. Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson (6-foot-0, 230 pounds)
2023 Stats (12 games): 88 tackles (54 solos), 15 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 5 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles
Does the name sound familiar? It likely does to many football fans, as Jeremiah Trotter Jr.'s dad, Jeremiah Trotter, played 12 seasons at linebacker in the NFL, racking up 900+ tackles over his four-time Pro Bowl career. The NFL bloodline is there; talk about a player destined to play a position.
The younger Trotter has a solid build and plays with a physical temperament when getting downhill. He shows good straight-line speed on tape, as he closes quickly, filling run gaps and as a blitzer when he goes. As a blitzer, he not only eats up ground quickly but also shows the ability to slip blocks and navigate traffic to cause disruption. Over his past two seasons, Trotter has an impressive 28.5 tackles for loss, as he's keen on making plays behind the line. In coverage, he is especially fluent in impeding passing lanes when dropping in zone with active hands.
Missed tackles have been an issue, as Trotter missed a career-high 15 in his final season at Clemson. Some of that could be due to his pursuit angles needing some refinement. There are also times when he will take an odd angle, hindering his range. Trotter is aggressive, sometimes leading him to take the bait on misdirection and getting out of position. Trotter's knack for slipping blocks can also lead him to occasionally get out of position.
Trotter is a bit compactly built but has all the ability to impact the game at every level. A three-down profile, steady two-year tackle and splash play production, and NFL bloodlines make him a top prospect in this incoming linebacker class.
5. Cedric Gray, North Carolina (*6-foot-1, 232 pounds)
2023 Stats (12 games): 121 tackles (64 solos), 11 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 1 interception, 4 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries
Cedric Gray comes with loads of experience and production, playing 39 games and compiling 365 tackles (198 solos) over the past three seasons. He features an athletic build with adequate length to go along with his sufficient speed and range. In coverage, he shows appealing promise dropping in zone while also flashing some nice reps picking up backs in man. He's also an effective blitzer, which only adds to his ability to contribute on all three downs.
While Gray has been a productive tackler, missed tackles have plagued him over his career. Over the past three seasons, he has averaged 19 missed tackles a year. He is aggressive, and there are instances where he will dive to make a tackle when he doesn't need to—cleaning up his technique will be key. Gray takes on blocks willingly, but if bigger offensive linemen get into his frame, he can struggle to get loose.
6. Jaylan Ford, Texas (6-foot-3, 242 pounds)
2023 Stats (14 games): 101 tackles (47 solos), 10.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 2 interceptions, 2 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery
Jaylan Ford has been a steady fixture in the middle of the Texas defense, recording back-to-back 100+ tackle seasons to finish his career. He features a solid frame, playing the game aggressively, as he's confident in his reads and triggers downhill quickly to fill run gaps. He also doesn't shy away from contact and takes on blocks willingly. In coverage, Ford is more effective in zone, as he gets good depth and has some nice ball production with six interceptions over the past two seasons.
While confident in his reads, Ford's eyes can be a little inconsistent at times. There are instances where he flows the wrong way and ends up out of position. He is a solid tackler but does miss a few, carrying a 14.5% missed tackle rate over his career, per PFF. Man coverage could be an issue for him, and it's a question he can answer in the pre-draft process. Refining his hand technique will help Ford disengage from blockers more effectively, as sometimes he gets stuck. The willingness and ability are there.
7. Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State (6-foot-2, 239 pounds)
2023 Stats (10 games): 82 tackles (41 solos), 2.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble
Tommy Eichenberg is a tough, physical, lunchpail linebacker who comes to work ready to go. He is an experienced player; you will never have to question his effort. Instinctually, he is a smart player who plays the game under control. In taking on blocks, his strength shows up on tape as he holds his ground at the point of attack. There's no doubt he fits the mold of a box enforcer.
One of the biggest concerns with Eichenberg centers around his speed and range. He's not the fastest or most agile linebacker, constraining his ability to patrol the field sideline-to-sideline. The athletic concerns could also hinder his ability to effectively hold up in man coverage. He could be a two-down thumper at the next level, limiting his upside for IDP leagues.
8. Marist Liufau, Notre Dame (*6-foot-2, 239 pounds)
2023 Stats (12 games): 44 tackles (23 solos), 6 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 2 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery
At 6-foot-2 and 239 pounds, Maris Liufau is well put together with a build that features strength and length. He is a high-effort player who plays the game with an aggressive demeanor. He gets downhill with a purpose. Although not always right with his reads, he is a pretty smart player who trusts what he sees. As a blitzer, Liufau puts his effort to work and is crafty in finding ways in traffic to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks. He also shows the versatility to be used out on the edge, if teams want to get creative with him on passing downs.
There is some injury concern with Liufau, as a serious ankle injury cost him all of the 2021 season. Statistically, his career numbers won't wow you, so he does require a little projection there. Like most bold players, his aggression can lead to a few missed tackles. Playing a little more under control in space will be something he can work on.
9. Tyrice Knight, UTEP (*6-foot-0, 235 pounds)
2023 Stats (12 games): 140 tackles (84 solos), 15.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 7 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery
If you're looking for production, you came to the right place. Over his four years at UTEP, Tyrice Knight amassed an impressive 390 tackles (215 solos), and his 140 tackles in 2023 tied for sixth in the nation. A big reason why he is such an effective tackler is his trust in his reads and quick burst getting downhill. He also shows adequate play speed, which pairs well with his ability to process quickly against the run. He shows promise in zone coverage and does seem to have active hands, with 12 passes defended over his last two seasons.
One area Knight struggles with is taking on blockers. If bigger offensive linemen make first contact and get into his frame, he gets driven back and washed out of the play. Working on his block-shedding technique and adding some bulk to his frame will help, as it won't get any easier in the big show. While his eyes are pretty good, there are times when he takes the bait on misdirection and play action. However, he is a confident processor.
10. Ty'Ron Hopper, Missouri (6-foot-2, 221 pounds)
2023 Stats (10 games): 55 tackles (36 solos), 6 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 3 passes defended
Ty'Ron Hopper is an athletic linebacker who shows plus speed and sideline-to-sideline range on tape. While his build is on the thin side, he doesn't shy away from contact and looks to have a solid length to his frame. As a blitzer, he goes with a purpose and is crafty in finding ways to navigate the mess to get pressure. With his speed, athleticism, and length, Hopper does show some promise in coverage. He has all the tools to be a three-down linebacker at the next level, with some refinement.
Missed tackles have been a big issue during his career. Hopper missed a career-high 17 tackles in 2023, resulting in a 22.7% missed tackle rate, per PFF. Cleaning up his technique will be key to negating this issue. Due to his thinner frame, he struggles to consistently get off blocks. Adding some bulk to his frame will only help in that area. While he has shown some coverage ability, he had a career-low 39.8 coverage grade, per PFF, in his final season—certainly not ideal.
Other Names To Know
- Trevin Wallace, Kentucky
- Michael Barrett, Michigan
- Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington
- Curtis Jacobs, Penn State
- JD Bertrand, Notre Dame
- Jontrey Hunter, Georgia State
- Aaron Casey, Indiana
Final Thoughts
Thanks for reading, and hopefully, you enjoyed an early look at this intriguing incoming group of rookie linebackers. Be on the lookout for articles covering the other position groups, as my buddy Joesph Haggan and I look to bring more insight on this IDP rookie class leading up to the draft.
