2026 NFL Draft Linebacker Rankings and Grades

The 2026 NFL draft cycle is gaining steam. The college playoffs roll on until a champion is crowned on January 19. After that, attention turns to the all-star game circuit in late January.

From there, the focus will shift to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, then to Pro Days and personal and/or private workouts.

Below are the latest LB rankings, grades, superlatives and potential NFL landing spots for the 2026 class.

1. Arvell Reese, Ohio State (8.5)
2. Sonny Styles, Ohio State (8.1)
3. CJ Allen, Georgia (7.8)
4. Jake Golday, Cincinnati (7.6)
5. Deontae Lawson, Alabama (7.5)
6. Josiah Trotter, Missouri (7.4)
7. Anthony Hill Jr., Texas (7.3)
8. Taurean York, Texas A&M (7.0)
9. Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech (6.7)
10. Lander Barton, Utah (6.6)
11. Harold Perkins Jr., LSU (6.5)
12. Bryce Boettcher, Oregon (6.3)
13. Justin Jefferson, Alabama (6.1)
14. Aiden Fisher, Indiana (6.0)
15. Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh (5.9)

NFL teams with potential need at LB: Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, Las Vegas Raiders, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Best Blitzer: Arvell Reese
Best Run-Stopper: Arvell Reese
Best in Coverage: Sonny Styles
Most Versatile: Arvell Reese

Bleacher Report Scouting Dept.'s latest Big Board has complete rankings for the entire draft class. You can also find more position-specific rankings here:

Quarterbacks

Running Backs

Wide Receivers

Tight Ends

Offensive Tackles

Interior Offensive Linemen

Defensive Linemen

Edge-Rushers

Cornerbacks

Safeties

Rankings will be updated at regular intervals throughout the 2026 NFL draft cycle.