The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off next week in Pittsburgh. After months of speculation, fans will have answers on how their team improves its roster. Like every draft class, this one has its strengths and weaknesses. One of the stronger position groups this year is linebacker. This class has a combination of blue-chip day-one prospects and day-two prospects with tremendous upside. Having a versatile playmaker in the middle of the defense is immensely valuable. There are several linebackers in this class who impact the game in a variety of ways. Who are the top five linebackers in the 2026 NFL Draft, and how early can they be selected?
2026 NFL Draft: Top Five Linebackers
1. Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Arvell Reese played both linebacker and edge rusher in college. His ability to play as both an edge defender and an off-the-ball linebacker gives him more positional value. Reese has remarkable traits, possessing a rare combination of size and athleticism. He is an elite run defender who excels at shedding blocks. His pass-rushing upside is also intriguing, as he has the closing speed to collapse pockets quickly. Reese’s range is evident on quarterback spies, being able to keep up with even the most mobile QBs. While there’s a ton to like about him as a prospect, he has struggled in coverage. Reese is the best player at his position in this class, regardless of whether it’s linebacker or edge rusher. He will likely be a top-five pick, being an ideal fit for the Jets at second overall.
2. Sonny Styles, Ohio State
It’s no wonder that Ohio State had the top-ranked scoring defense in 2025. Reese and Sonny Styles formed a historic linebacker duo in Columbus. Styles also has an elite combination of size and speed, and is excellent against the run. His range and downhill closing ability allow him to consistently be in a position to make tackles. He is also strong in coverage, having experience playing safety. His football IQ is on display as a zone defender. As a tackler, Styles made significant strides in 2025. Although he improved with tackling, his earlier career struggles still raise some concern. He can also improve his discipline against play-action passes. Styles projects as a top-ten pick and can be an elite player if he maintains his tackling consistency from 2025.
3. CJ Allen, Georgia
Georgia is a factory when it comes to developing elite linebacker prospects. CJ Allen is yet another premier player coming out of Athens. His speed and range are exceptional, covering distance quickly to close on ball carriers. He is dominant against the run, showing great instincts to read gaps. Allen has also improved as a pass rusher throughout his collegiate career. While he is an excellent run defender, his limitations in coverage are evident. This limits his value on passing downs. Allen projects to go in the middle of the first round, with the Cowboys and Steelers being potential landing spots.
4. Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
Anthony Hill Jr. is a splash play waiting to happen. He racked up 17 sacks and eight forced fumbles over the past three seasons. His athleticism is fantastic, boasting tremendous speed and lateral movement. Hill’s frame is big enough, given his athletic profile. He is a great pass rusher who has improved drastically as a tackler. While he has gotten better at tackling, there are still times when he gets caught overpursing, resulting in missed tackles. Hill has the athleticism to be a great coverage defender, but he hasn’t put everything together yet. He can also improve at disengaging from blocks. If Hill can continue his upward trajectory as a tackler, while also improving in coverage, he can be a steal in this draft. He should be a second-round pick, but has the chance to sneak into the end of the first round.
5. Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
There isn’t a linebacker in the nation who raised their stock more in 2025 than Jacob Rodriguez. He posted a 93.3 PFF grade last season, the best among all linebackers. His run defense is a massive strength, showing great instincts to identify and attack gaps. Like Hill, he has an ability to make splash plays, recording seven forced fumbles and four interceptions in 2025. Rodriguez excels in coverage. As a former quarterback, he knows how to read and manipulate opposing QBs in zone coverage. He plays with a high motor and has potential as a pass rusher.
The biggest concern for Rodriguez is his frame, measuring at just 6-foot-1 and 231 pounds. He is boom-or-bust when it comes to tackling. While he makes plenty of splash plays, he also overpursues and misses tackles more often than he should. Rodriguez can also get caught being too aggressive against play-action passes. He is a risky prospect, but has the upside to be a game-changer at the next level. Rodriguez projects as a second-round pick and is a wild card in this year’s linebacker class.
Main Image: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
