NFL Mock's Top 25: 2024 NFL Draft prospect rankings plus position rankings & analysis
By John Blair
2024 NFL Draft outside linebacker rankings
Underrated: Kalen DeLoach, Florida State
The most impressive athlete in this year’s outside linebacker class is Kalen DeLoach. He has the speed to play sideline to sideline against the run and is one of the better cover linebackers in this year's class. The biggest downfall with him is his lack of bulk coming in at only 210 pounds, but even with this lack of size, he should be able to see time as a nickel linebacker and on special teams.
Overrated: Payton Wilson, North Carolina State
While North Carolina State’s Payton Wilson is widely projected as a high second-round pick there are some concerns with his game which will likely push him down to the third or fourth round. One of these concerns is his long history of injuries including missing time due to shoulder and knee injuries. Another concern is he has trouble getting off blocks at times, and will need to be in the right defensive scheme.
Non-Power Five player to watch: none
NFL team who needs this position: San Fransico 49ers
The 49ers have a total of 10 draft picks look for them to use at least two of these selections to address the linebacker position, especially after Dre Greenlaw suffered a torn Achilles during the Super Bowl.
Overall Rankings (NFL Draft grade I give the player)
1. Laiatu Latu, UCLA (first round)
2. Dallas Turner, Alabama (first round)
3. Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M (second round)
4. Payton Wilson, North Carolina State (third round)
5. Chris Braswell, Alabama (third round)
6. Curtis Jacobs, Penn State (fifth round)
7. Kalen DeLoach, Florida State (fifth round)
8. JD Bertrand, Notre Dame (fifth round)
9. Ty'Ron Hopper, Missouri (sixth round)
10. Omar Speights, LSU (seventh round)
11. Jett Johnson, Mississippi State (seventh round)