Pittsburgh Review

The Triple Take team of Dale Lolley, Matt Williamson, and Mike Prisuta recently analyzed the top inside linebacker prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. The draft is set to take place in April, and these experts have shared their insights on potential candidates.

Dale Lolley highlighted that for the first time since 2017, the Pittsburgh Steelers are not searching for a starting inside linebacker after acquiring Patrick Queen and drafting Payton Wilson. He noted that while the upcoming draft may lack star power at this position, it still offers many future starters. According to Lolley, "it's all about having inside linebackers who can not only step up in the running game but are nimble enough to not be liabilities against the pass."

Lolley's rankings featured Jalon Walker from Georgia at the top. Walker won the Butkus Award as college football's best linebacker with impressive statistics including 10.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. Jihaad Campbell from Alabama was ranked second by Lolley due to his tall frame and speed shown during his performance at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Matt Williamson expressed that several teams prioritized securing off-the-ball linebackers before free agency opened because rookie linebackers often face challenges adapting to professional play. Williamson remarked that "this class of linebackers is also very underwhelming," with Campbell being potentially the only first-round pick among them.

Williamson placed Jihaad Campbell at number one on his list, praising his dynamic play style and potential as an edge pass-rusher. Carson Schwesinger from UCLA followed closely behind due to his quick diagnostic skills on plays.

Mike Prisuta pointed out that this year's inside linebacker group has yet to gain significant pre-draft buzz compared to other positions like defensive tackle or edge rusher. However, he suggested they might change perceptions given their capabilities.

Prisuta also ranked Jihaad Campbell highest among his picks, citing feedback from scouts who described him as a "no-brainer of a player in terms of leadership." Carson Schwesinger was again recognized for his remarkable rise during the previous season.

NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah emphasized that "we've got some guys that can really fly" when discussing this year's linebacker prospects and predicted hearing terms such as 'leader' frequently associated with them.

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