Probably the least strong of all position groups in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Linebackers. Though it is pretty thin on the top end of talent, this linebacker class provides some interesting prospects who are likely to go on day three. That being said, welcome to Nate Gosney‘s “My Guys” List: The Linebackers.
Note: This list is curated as more of a favorites list; or a “my guys” list, not exactly the absolute best players from each position.
Junior Colson
Junior Colson is exactly what you think of when you think of the prototypical linebacker. He is the complete life and soul of the Michigan defense, and it showed throughout Michigan’s championship run. When asked about playing with clubs on both of his hands, he responded with an all-time quote: “Unless I can’t physically move, I’m going to be out there playing.”
https://x.com/StevenIHaglund/status/1778253929509499236
The current 53rd player on the 2024 NFL Draft Consensus Board, Colson is one of the players that everyone is mutually excited for. This is because of his size, strength, and downhill ability. Colson may lack top-end speed to cover certain tight ends or running backs deep down the field. However, when he is asked to play in zone coverage, he excels. That being said, his strengths lie in his ability to tackle. He knows where he is supposed to be, when he is supposed to be there, and how he’s supposed to get there. Doing all as soon as the play starts.
The main knock on Colson, as mentioned before is his long-speed. He will not be the sideline-to-sideline type of linebacker. His archetype is more of a downhill defender. The 2024 NFL draft prospect also struggles with getting off of blocks, which is surprising due to his strength, length, and general IQ. That being said the 21-year-old linebacker still has plenty of time to work on the negatives in his game.
An easy fit for the Michigan leader would be the Chargers. This comes as no surprise as his former Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator are now both with the Bolts. He also joins JJ McCarthy, Cornelius Johnson, and Karsen Barnhart for fellow Michigan players on Nate Gosney’s “My Guys” list for the 2024 NFL Draft.
Cedric Gray
The second 2024 NFL Draft prospect on this list, is North Carolina’s Cedric Gray. The 21-year-old linebacker is quite divisive in his playstyle as he brings poor size, but brings effort and athleticism. Currently ranked as the 94th overall prospect on the 2024 NFL Draft Consensus Board, Gray could very well go much later and become an Ivan Pace Jr type of impact.
Going into the 2024 NFL draft, the case for Gray lies in his ability to pursue angles in the run game at an elite level. He will find the alley between blockers and blow-up run plays very often. He combines this ability to read and react at a very high level in the run game with impressive man coverage ability. Like an elite corner, if he is beaten, he recovers very well.
This guy is unreal pic.twitter.com/Rd1tggkn6l
— Theo Ash (@TheoAshNFL) April 12, 2024
The major negative with the North Carolina backer is that he takes himself out of plays too often. This can cause major lanes to open up and chunk plays to be had. This needs to be cleaned up for Gray to become a starter at the next level. That being said, this is extremely coachable. The last main knock for Gray is his lack of physicality. The NFL values speed and finesse much more than strength and physicality, due to recent trends in the league. That being said, of course, having physicality is important in your middle linebacker. This is exactly why Gray should be a space and chase backer on the weak side of the formation.
At only 21 years of age, and with an impressive RAS of 8.04, Gray can bring great value to NFL teams who are in need of a weak-side linebacker.
Trevin Wallace
The last 2024 NFL Draft prospect on this list is Kentucky’s own, Trevin Wallace. Wallace is a highly intriguing prospect who brings a blend of size, speed, and youth. These are things that every team covets in all draft prospects. The floor for Wallace is to be a great special teams asset due to the traits he possesses at only the age of 21.
Beyond his physical profile and insane RAS of 9.65, Wallace has the makeup of a really good day-three steal. Look for Kentucky’s Team Captain to be an instant contributor at the NFL level. As a football player, Wallace possesses great range, the ability to rush the passer, and man coverage capability. All of these traits while only ranked 94th on the aforementioned 2024 NFL Draft Consensus Board.
The clip below is just one of many highlights he had at the Senior Bowl, showing that he can play with the best of the best.
What do NFL teams look for at LB position? Pretty simple. Guys who can chase, play in space, and cover like this👇. Those ball skills! 👀
Kentucky WLB Trevin Wallace's best football is still waaaay ahead of him.
In a copycat league where 49ers & Ravens have built elite defenses… pic.twitter.com/LV8gP50Q60
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) April 10, 2024
Though there is so much more to add about Wallace’s positives, his negatives are important to talk about as well. At times, Wallace can be slow to read and react in the run game. This is exaggerated by his poor ability to read misdirection. The Kentucky linebacker may possess great aggression, this can be used against him. His lack of patience combined with poor instincts led to plenty of poor plays where he completely takes himself out of the play. However, these things can change with strong coaching and repetition. Ideally, Wallace takes a red-shirt-like year before he becomes a three-down linebacker.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
