Cowboys, Rams, Steelers zeroing in on 2026 NFL Draft middle linebacker class

It’s hard to believe the 2026 NFL Draft is only weeks away, and with that date approaching, there are just three positions left to break down heading into the draft: middle linebacker, cornerback, and safety. This week, we’re taking a close look at the middle linebacker class.

This group is led by an elite talent in Ohio State’s Arvell Reese, who comes in as NFL Mocks’ No. 6 overall player in the 2026 draft. He’s not alone at the top either. Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. also has a legit shot to sneak into the first round. Beyond those two, this class has solid depth filled with highly productive players who may not test off the charts but know how to play football and will hear their names called.

Let’s start with three teams that could address the position.

Team that could take a MLB in the first round: Dallas Cowboys

While the Dallas Cowboys like what they have seen from DeMarvion Overshown, injuries have been an ongoing issue, and with him set to hit free agency after the season, it may be time to look for a long-term replacement. Do not be surprised if they target a linebacker at pick No. 20, with options like Anthony Hill Jr. or C.J. Allen making a lot of sense if they are on the board.

Team that could take a MLB on Day 2: Los Angeles Rams

The Los Angeles Rams recently extended Nate Landman to a three-year, $22.5 million deal, but they could still look to add competition next to him, especially with Omar Speights not fully locked in as a long-term answer. One name to watch is Missouri linebacker Josiah Trotter, who has already drawn interest from the team. A first-team All-SEC selection, Trotter is a physical, downhill linebacker who fits what the Rams like against the run. Coverage is not his strength, but that is something Los Angeles can manage by taking him off the field in nickel or dime packages.

Team that could take a MLB on Day 3: Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers have one middle linebacker spot locked down with Patrick Queen, who has topped 120 tackles in each of the past three seasons, but the other spot is still unsettled. Both Payton Wilson and Malik Harrison have seen time there, but neither has fully claimed the job. With two fourth-round picks, the Steelers are in a good position to add a physical, downhill linebacker who fits their style and can compete right away for that starting role.

Now, let's take a look at the prospects

Top Player: Arvell Reese, Ohio State

Coming into the season, NFL Mock had already flagged Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese as an underrated name, but he didn’t just live up to that, he blew past it. Reese turned into a first-team All-American and won the Big Ten’s Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year, firmly putting himself among the top prospects in the class. His draft stock surged to the point where going No. 2 overall to the New York Jets is very realistic, and based on how quickly he developed this year, he is set up to make an immediate impact and establish himself as one of the top linebackers in the league early on.

Guy I Would Stand on the Table For: Anthony Hill Jr, Texas

One of my favorite players in the 2026 NFL Draft and someone worth a late first-round pick is Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. He is a well-rounded defender who impacts the game in multiple ways. In coverage, he shows strong awareness in zone and has the speed to hold up against both tight ends and running backs. That same speed translates against the run, where he consistently makes plays sideline to sideline. He also brings more as a pass rusher than he gets credit for, totaling 17 sacks over his three-year career, making him one of the more complete linebackers in the class.

Biggest Risk: Deontae Lawson, Alabama

A player with a lengthy injury history, Alabama’s Deontae Lawson comes with real risk. He suffered a season-ending torn ACL in 2024 and missed three games in 2023 with an ankle injury. There are also size concerns at just 226 pounds, and he can struggle at times when taking on blockers. That said, he is an athletic linebacker with the speed to make plays all over the field, which gives him upside if he can stay healthy.

Sleeper: Aiden Fisher, Indiana

Aiden Fisher does not come in with elite measurables at 6-foot-1, 232 pounds with 31 ⅛-inch arms and average speed, but some guys are just good football players, and he fits that mold. Fisher became the first Hoosier defender to earn All-American honors in back-to-back years and put up 215 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 6 sacks over the past two seasons. What stands out most is his football IQ, consistently putting himself in position to make plays while serving as the leader of Indiana’s defense. At minimum, he projects as a core special teams player and reliable backup linebacker at the next level.

Non-Power 4 Standout: Red Murdock, Buffalo

Another highly productive linebacker who lacks elite measurables is Buffalo’s Red Murdock, which will likely push him into the late rounds. The production speaks for itself, finishing second in the FBS this year with 142 tackles, while his 17 forced fumbles over his college career led the FBS. As a prospect, he is a physical hitter and one of the more reliable tacklers in the class, giving him a real chance to stick despite the athletic limitations.

Overrated: CJ Allen, Georgia 

A linebacker getting first-round buzz but holding only a third-round grade on my board is Georgia’s C.J. Allen. The biggest issue is his lack of speed, which showed up again with an average pro day. That limitation is going to show in coverage, where he will struggle to keep up with faster running backs and tight ends, making him more of a two-down defender. He is solid against the run but not dominant, in part because he can be slow to diagnose plays. To his credit, he is a reliable tackler and a strong leader who consistently gets the defense aligned correctly, but the overall athletic profile caps his ceiling compared to where he is being projected.

Overall Rank

1. Arvell Reese, Ohio State (first round)

2. Anthony Hill Jr., Texas (first round)

3. Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech (second round)

4. CJ Allen, Georgia (third round)

5. Josiah Trotter, Missouri (fourth round)

6. Deontae Lawson, Alabama (fourth round)

7. Jimmy Rolder, Michigan (fourth round)

8. Taurean York, Texas A&M (fifth round)

9. Aiden Fisher, Indiana (fifth round)

10. Lander Barton, Utah (sixth round) 

11. Red Murdock, Buffalo (seventh round)

12. Justin Jefferson, Alabama (seventh round)

13. Keyshaun Elliott, Arizona State (seventh round)