2024 NFL Draft: Cowboys, Chargers should take a deep look at these NFL prospects at linebacker

Edefuan Ulofoshio could be a good fit in Los Angeles

7. Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington

While Washington’s Edefuan Ulofoshio is not your typical run-stuffing linebacker he is one of the better coverage linebackers in the 2024 NFL Draft. In fact, he was Pro Football Focuses highest graded linebacker in coverage this season with a 91.0 grade. One of the reasons he has held up so high in this area is his overall agility which allows him to easily change directions and operate in space. He also has good speed and should be able to run a good 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. In terms of stopping the run, he is a shorter linebacker coming in at only 6-foot-1, and isn’t as physical as some linebackers in this year's NFL Draft. Another concern with him is a bicep injury that caused him to miss half of the 2022 and 2021 seasons. Draft Grade: Fifth Round

8. Aaron Beasley, Tennessee

Teams looking for more of a coverage linebacker will want to take a close look at Tennessee’s Aaron Beasley. Beasley is one of the more athletic linebackers in the class and has plenty of experience in coverage even starting his career off as a safety. In addition to being strong in coverage he also does a good job of flying downhill to make the tackle having recorded 24.5 tackles for loss over the past two seasons. On the downside he is also one of the smaller middle linebackers in the class coming in at only 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds. This lack of size hurts him when trying to stop the run and could even make some teams look at him as more of an outside linebacker or in the box safety. Draft Grade: Sixth Round

"The kid has a unique skill set and a high, high playmaking ability. I tell people all the time that the best is yet to come from that kid."

- Vols LB coach Brian Jean-Mary on Beasley

9. Jackson Mitchell, UConn

A sleeper in the 2024 NFL Draft is UConn’s Jackson Mitchell. Last season, Mitchell recorded his third consecutive 100 tackles season and finished his career third on the all-time list at UConn in total tackles with 438. Despite this production, he did not receive an invite to the NFL Combine. While his production is what sticks out the most when watching him he also is a solid athlete who looks comfortable in coverage. He shows good recognition skills against the run which is the main reason he has those 438 tackles. The main reason he is being overlooked is he possesses only average speed and has trouble getting off blocks due to a lack of strength. Draft Grade: Sixth Round