This year’s positional NFL Draft rankings series is underway, and we switch over to the defensive side of the ball for the first time, with a highly intriguing linebacker class. All these rankings are based on my personal evaluations, not taking current injuries or any potential off-field issues into account, considering I don’t have insights into medical reports and other such information. And of course, since I’m not operating for a singular team, I’m trying to be “scheme agnostic” in my projections, while the 32 NFL front offices will study these players through the lens of what they value in their buildings and maybe even non-negotiables they have for size/testing measurables.

You can make a strong case that the breadth of talent within this linebacker class is as good as any other position. There are two names that’ll most likely end up within my personal top five overall prospects, two guys would be worthy of going somewhere else in round one, and then five more linebackers firmly have day two value based on my evaluations. Even beyond that, depending on the role and profile you’re seeking, there are interesting names that could make an impact to some capacity, potentially even with a couple of other true starters.

This is how they stack up for me:

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