2027 NFL Draft Prospects: Inside Linebacker

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The top 2027 Inside Linebacker prospects available for the 2027 NFL Draft. * – denotes 2028 prospect. ** – denotes 2029 prospect.
This page was last updated Sept. 27, 2026. Follow Walter @walterfootball for updates.
Send Charlie an e-mail here: draftcampbell@gmail.com

2025 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P
2026 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P
2027 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

1.
Clemson image


Sammy Brown, ILB, Clemson

Height: 6-1. Weight: 234.
Projected 40 Time: 4.55.
Projected Round (2027): 1-2.

Previous Seasons

  • ’26
    – Arvell Reese, Ohio State

    -Drafted, no. 5 Giants
  • ’25
    – Jihaad Campbell, Alabama

    -Drafted, no. 31 Eagles
  • ’24
    – Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M

    -Drafted, no. 45 Packers

9/24/26: Thus far in 2026, Brown has 25 tackles with one sack and one pass broken up. In 2025, Brown had 106 tackles with five sacks, one forced fumble, an interception, and five passes broken up. Brown impressed in 2024 with 80 tackles, five sacks, and three passes broken up. Brown has good instincts and upside.

2.
Stanford image

Matt Rose, ILB, Stanford

Height: 6-2. Weight: 225.
Projected 40 Time: 4.55.
Projected Round (2027): 1-2.

Previous Seasons

  • ’26
    – Sonny Styles, Ohio State

    -Drafted, no. 7 Redskins
  • ’25
    – Carson Schwesinger, UCLA

    -Drafted, no. 33 Browns
  • ’24
    – Payton Wilson, N.C. State

    -Drafted, no. 98 Steelers

9/24/26: Thus far in 2026, Rose has 27 tackles. Rose is undersized, but he has incredible instincts, and some team sources say that Rose reminds them of Zach Thomas. In 2026, Rose had 106 tackles with three sacks, one forced fumble, and three passes broken up. Like Thomas, Rose is undersized, but he is a natural football player who is smart, physical, and relentless.

3.
Florida image

Myles Graham*, ILB, Florida

Height: 5-11. Weight: 229.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Projected Round (2027): 2-3.

Previous Seasons

  • ’26
    – C.J. Allen, Georgia

    -Drafted, no. 53 Colts
  • ’25
    – Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma

    -Drafted, no. 112 Saints
  • ’24
    – Cedric Gray, North Carolina

    -Drafted, no. 106 Titans

9/24/26: In 2026, Graham has 20 tackles with .5 sacks. Graham is short, but he is a physical force with instincts and physicality. In 2025, Graham had 76 tackles with two sacks and four passes broken up. A lot of schools wanted to steal him in the portal but Graham remained with the Gators.

4.
Georgia image

Chris Cole*, ILB, Georgia

Height: 6-3. Weight: 235.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2027): 2-3.

Previous Seasons

  • ’26
    – Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech

    -Drafted, no. 43 Dolphins
  • ’25
    – Jeffrey Bassa, Oregon

  • ’24
    – Junior Colson, Michigan

    -Drafted, no. 69 Chargers

9/24/26: In 2026, Cole has 10 tackles with .5 sacks and one pass batted. Under Kirby Smart, Georgia has produced a lot of solid linebacker prospects for the NFL and Cole will maintain that tradition in 2027. Cole had 60 tackles with 4.5 sacks and two passes broken up in 2025. It was only his first year as a starter, so Cole could rise if he builds off his first season.

5.
LSU image

Whit Weeks*, ILB, LSU

Height: 6-2. Weight: 225.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Projected Round (2027): 2-3.

Previous Seasons

  • ’26
    – Anthony Hill Jr., Texas

    -Drafted, no. 60 Titans
  • ’25
    – Chris Paul Jr., Ole Miss

    -Drafted, no. 172 Rams
  • ’24
    – Marist Liufau, Notre Dame

    -Drafted, no. 87 Cowboys

9/24/26: In 2026, Weeks has 20 tackles. In 2025, Weeks had 26 tackles with a sack. He went out with an injury in early October. In 2024, Weeks had 120 tackles with 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, one interception, and four passes broken up. Weeks has good instincts and speed, but is not the biggest linebackers. Staying healthy and productive in 2026 is vital.

6.
Penn State image

Tony Rojas, ILB, Penn State

Height: 6-1. Weight: 230.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2027): 2-3.

Previous Seasons

  • ’26
    – Jake Golday, Cincinnati

    -Drafted, no. 51 Vikings
  • ’25
    – Barrett Carter, Clemson

    -Drafted, no. 119 Bengals
  • ’24
    – Jackson Sirmon, California

9/24/26: In 2026, Rojas has 16 tackles wih a sack, an interception, and one pass defended. In 2025, Rojas had 25 tackles and two sacks. He was playing well before going down with a season-ending injury. Rojas was a good contributor to the Nittany Lions’ defense in 2024 and really excelled in pass coverage. He had tremendous ball production with three interceptions and four passes broken up. He totaled 58 tackles and six tackles for a loss in 16 starts. Rojas has a good skill set with the upside to be even better in 2026.

7.
Notre Dame image

Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa*, ILB, Notre Dame

Height: 6-3. Weight: 235.
Projected 40 Time: 4.55.
Projected Round (2027): 2-3.

Previous Seasons

  • ’26
    – Keyshaun Elliott, Arizona State

    -Drafted, no. 166 Bears
  • ’25
    – Demetrius Knight II, South Carolina

    -Drafted, no. 49 Bengals
  • ’24
    – J.D. Bertrand, Notre Dame

    -Drafted, no. 143 Falcons

9/24/26: In 2026, Viliamu-Asa has seven tackles. Notre Dame is loaded with NFL linebacker talent, and that led to Viliamu-Asa being a rotational contributor as an underclassman. However, team sources say that Viliamu-Asa is extremely talented with an excellent skill set for the NFL. In 2025, Viliamu-Asa totaled 48 tackles with three sacks, an interception, and two passes broken up while being a part-time player. If Viliamu-Asa is featured, he could be a top linebacker prospect for the 2027 or 2028 NFL Draft.

8.
BYU image

Cade Uluave, ILB, BYU

Height: 6-0. Weight: 231.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2027): 3-4.

Previous Seasons

  • ’26
    – Jaishawn Barham, Michigan

    -Drafted, no. 92 Cowboys
  • ’25
    – Nick Martin, Oklahoma State

    -Drafted, no. 75 49ers
  • ’24
    – Tyrice Knight, UTEP

    -Drafted, no. 118 Seahawks

9/24/26: In 2026, Uluave has 14 tackles and an interception. Uluave was a solid defender for Cal through three seasons. In 2025, he had his best seaon for the Golden Bears, totaling 97 tackles with three sacks and four passes broken up. He had 71 tackles and 67 tackles the previous two seasons, respectively. Uluave landed with BYU for the 2026 season.

9.
Tennessee image

Arion Carter, ILB, Tennessee

Height: 6-1. Weight: 240.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2027): 3-4.

Previous Seasons

  • ’26
    – Xavien Sorey, Arkansas

  • ’25
    – Cody Lindenberg, Minnesota

    -Drafted, no. 222 Raiders
  • ’24
    – Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson

    -Drafted, no. 155 Rams

9/24/26: In 2026, Carter has 16 tackles with one sack. In 2025, Carter was a quality defender for the Volunteers and was tough in the ground game. He had 76 tackles with 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble. Carter could rise if he shows more pass coverage skills in 2026. Carter is known to be a workout warrior, but it has not translated to dominating on the field.

10.
Oklahoma image

Kip Lewis, ILB, Oklahoma

Height: 6-0. Weight: 223.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2027): 3-4.

Previous Seasons

  • ’26
    – Lander Barton, Utah

  • ’25
    – Smael Mondon Jr., Georgia

  • ’24
    – Ty'Ron Hopper, Missouri

    -Drafted, no. 91 Packers

9/24/26: In 2026, Lewis has three tackles with .5 sacks. Lewis had a nice season for the Sooners in 2025, totaling 76 tackles with four sacks and four passes batted. In 2025, he had 63 tackles with two interceptions and a pass batted. He lacks some size for the NFL, and it would help him to add some weight to his frame.

11.
Washington image

Xe’ree Alexander*, ILB, Washington

Height: 6-1. Weight: 237.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2027): 3-5.

Previous Seasons

  • ’26
    – Jimmy Rolder, Michigan

    -Drafted, no. 118 Lions
  • ’25
    – Jack Kiser, Notre Dame

    -Drafted, no. 107 Jaguars
  • ’24
    – Nathaniel Watson, Mississippi State

    -Drafted, no. 206 Browns

9/24/26: In 2026, Alexander has 11 tackles. Alexander was an active defender for the Huskies in 2026, recording 70 tackles with one sack, one interception, and three passes broken up. He is an active defender and could rise if he builds off his first year of starting experience.

12.
Texas image

Rasheem Biles, ILB, Texas

Height: 6-1. Weight: 225.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2027): 3-5.

Previous Seasons

  • ’26
    – Jack Kelly, BYU

    -Drafted, no. 193 Giants
  • ’25
    – D’Eryk Jackson, Kentucky

  • ’24
    – Curtis Jacobs, Penn State

9/24/26: In 2026, Biles has 17 tackles with two interceptions and one forced fumble. Biles was part of a good linebacker tandem with Kyle Louis at Pitt in 2025 and 2024. In his final season with the Panthers, Biles totaled 100 tackles with four passes broken up, 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions. Biles had 81 tackles with six sacks, nine breakups, and an interception in 2024. Biles is a little undersized, but he is an active defender who makes plays in pass defense.

13.
Virginia image

Kam Robinson, ILB, Virginia

Height: 6-1. Weight: 238.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2027): 3-5.

Previous Seasons

  • ’26
    – Deonte Lawson, Alabama

  • ’25
    – Shemar James, Florida

    -Drafted, no. 152 Cowboys
  • ’24
    – Donovan Manuel, Florida International

9/24/26: In 2026, Robinson has 13 tackles thus far. Robinson was a solid defender for the Cavaliers. He had 64 tackles with two sacks, two interceptions, and one pass batted. He had 64 tackles in 2024 and 71 in 2023. Robinson has a quality skill set and could be a riser if he produces more in 2026.

14.
Alabama image

Caleb Woodson, ILB, Alabama

Height: 6-2. Weight: 234.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2027): 3-5.

Previous Seasons

  • ’26
    – Aiden Fisher, Indiana

  • ’25
    – Karene Reid, Utah

  • ’24
    – Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington

    -Drafted, no. 160 Bills

9/24/26: In 2026, Woodson has 18 tackles with two sacks. Woodson had some nice seasons for Virginia Tech before transferring to Alabama. In 2025, Woodson had 57 tackles. In 2024, he had 72 tackles with two sacks, one interception, and two passes broken up.

15.
Georgia image

Raylen Wilson, ILB, Georgia

Height: 6-0. Weight: 227.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Projected Round (2026): 3-5.

Previous Seasons

  • ’26
    – Mohamed Toure, Miami

  • ’25
    – Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, USC

  • ’24
    – Aaron Casey, Indiana

9/24/26: Wilson has six tackles with two sacks and one forced fumble in 2026. In 2025, Wilson had 74 tackles with 2.5 sacks with a pass broken up. In 2024, Wilson earned a bigger role in the Bulldogs’ defense, and he flashed some ability. Wilson recorded 47 tackles with 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one pass batted. He has some talent but needs to show more steady production.

16.
Louisville image

Antonio Watts, ILB, Louisville

Height: 6-0. Weight: 225.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2027): 3-5.

Previous Seasons

  • ’24
    – Steele Chambers, Ohio State

9/24/26: Watts has seven tackles with one pass broken up. In 2025, Watts totaled 42 tackles with three passes batted, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and three interceptions. Watts was impressive in pass coverage and covers a lot of ground in the middle of the field. It would help him to get stronger and produce more in run defense in 2026.

17.
Notre Dame image

Drayk Bowen, ILB, Notre Dame

Height: 6-1. Weight: 232.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Projected Round (2027): 3-5.

Previous Seasons

  • ’24
    – Easton Gibbs, Wyoming

9/24/26: Thus far in 2026, Bown has 19 tackles. In 2025, Bowen had 67 tackles with 3.5 sacks and three passes batted. He was a solid defender for the Fighting Irish, but he was wise to go back for his senior year with the Irish. In 2024, Bowen was a tough defender in the middle of the Fighting Irish defense. He was a tough run defender and had 78 tackles wth four tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles, one sack, and two passes broken up. Bowen needs to show well in pass coverage to rise in 2026.

18.
Notre Dame image

Jaylen Sneed, ILB, Notre Dame

Height: 6-1. Weight: 225.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2027): 4-6.

Previous Seasons

  • ’24
    – Jontrey Hunter, Georgia State

9/24/26: In 2026, Sneed has 10 tackles. Notre Dame is loaded at linebacker, and Sneed is part of their talented rotation. He recorded 35 tackles with three sacks in 2025 after recording 51 tackles with 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in 2024.

19.
Tennessee image

Jeremiah Telander*, ILB, Tennessee

Height: 6-1. Weight: 235.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2027): 4-6.

9/24/26: In 2026, Telander has 11 tackles with an interception and two passes broken up. Telander was a solid defender for the Volunteers in 2025 with 80 tackles, one sack, and one interception. Telander needs to show more in pass coverage to rise in 2026.

20.
Indiana image

Isaiah Jones, ILB, Indiana

Height: 6-1. Weight: 225.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2027): 4-6.

9/24/26: Thus far in 2026, Jones has 22 tackles with an interception. In 2025, Jones was a steady run defender with 78 tackles and showed some nice blitzing ability with seven sacks during the Hoosiers’ title run. Fisher needs to show pass coverage development in 2026 to rise.

21.
Minnesota image

Maverick Baranowski, ILB, Minnesota

Height: 6-2. Weight: 227.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Projected Round (2027): 4-6.

9/24/26: To open 2026, Baranowski has 21 tackles. In 2025, Baranowski was a tough run defender for Minnesota, racking up 103 tackles to go with three sacks, one forced fumble, and a pass broken up. He had 65 and 52 tackles, respectively, the previous two seasons. Baranowski needs to show more pass coverage ability in 2026.

22.
South Carolina image

Shawn Murphy*, ILB, South Carolina

Height: 6-2. Weight: 222
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2027): 4-6.

9/24/26: In 2026, Murphy has 10 tackles with .5 sacks. In 2025, Murphy had 49 tackles with one pass broken up. He had only eight tackles total the previous three seasons, but Murphy was impressive enough for the adance scouts to include him on their preseason watch list.

23.
Texas A&M image

Daymion Sanford*, ILB, Texas A&M

Height: 6-1. Weight: 230.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2027): 4-6.

9/24/26: In 2026, Sanford has four tackles. In 2025, Sanford recorded 57 tackles with 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two passes broken up. It was his first season of playing time, so he could rise if he develops in 2026.

24.
Utah image

Jonathan Hall, ILB, Utah

Height: 5-11. Weight: 232.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2027): 4-6.

9/24/26: In 2026, Hall has 12 tackles with a pass broken up. Hall was a steady contributor and stayed around the ball with the Utes. In 2025, he totaled 67 tackles with one interception, four passes batted, and a forced fumble. He lacks length but has a strong build. He could be a good backup and special teams contributor.

25.
LSU image

T.J. Dottery*, ILB, LSU

Height: 6-0. Weight: 228.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Projected Round (2027): 5-7.

9/24/26: In 2026, Dottery has 19 tackles. In 2025, Dottery totaled 98 tackles with 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two passes broken up while playing with Ole Miss. Dottery has a strong build and could be a riser if he builds on his 2025 performance.

26.
Ole Miss image

Keaton Thomas*, ILB, Ole Miss

Height: 6-0. Weight: 234.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2027): 5-7.

9/24/26: In 2026, Thomas has 18 tackles. Thomas was a productive linebacker at Baylor the past two seasons. In 2024, he totaled 106 tackles with 2.5 sacks and an interception. In 2025, Thomas had 99 tackles with one sack and an interception. If he can maintain that production, he could be a riser with Ole Miss.

27.
Oklahoma image

Jerry Mixon*, ILB, Oklahoma

Height: 6-2. Weight: 235.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Projected Round (2027): 5-7.

9/24/26: In 2026, Mixon has 14 tackles with two passes broken up. With Oregon, Mixon had 57 tackles with two interceptions in 2025. It was his first year as a starter, and it will be interesting to see if Mixon can develop with the Sooners.

28.
Vanderbilt image

Nicholas Rinaldi, ILB, Vanderbilt

Height: 6-2. Weight: 241.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2027): 5-7.

9/24/26: In 2026, Rinaldi has 18 tackles with 3.5 sacks. Rinaldi had 47 tackles with 3.5 sacks in 2025. His pass coverage could stand to improve in 2026, but Rinaldi could be a backup and special teams candidate.

29.
Georgia Tech image

E.J. Lightsey, ILB, Georgia Tech

Height: 6-1. Weight: 229.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Projected Round (2027): 6-FA.

9/24/26: In 2026, Lightsey has 20 tackles. Lightsey had a quality 2025 season as a run defender with 76 tackles for the Yellow Jackets. His pass coverage production needs to improve in 2026.

30.
Maryland image

Daniel Wingate*, ILB, Maryland

Height: 6-2. Weight: 241.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Projected Round (2027): 6-FA.

9/24/26: In 2026, Wingate has 18 tackles. In 2025, Wingate was a productive defender for the Terps. He totaled 102 tackles with 1.5 sacks, one interception, and one pass broken up. He could rise by showing more pass coverage skills in 2026.

31.
Miami image

Mohamed Toure, ILB, Miami

Height: 6-1. Weight: 237.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Projected Round (2027): 7-FA.

9/24/26: In 2026, Toure has nine tackles. In 2025, Toure had 69 tackles, one sack, and five passes defended. He was an active and solid defender for Miami. After the season, Toure was granted an eighth season of college football eligibility by the NCAA. In 2024, Toure went down in training camp with a torn ACL, the same injury that cost him the 2022 season. During the spring of 2025, Toure left Rutgers to transfer to the Hurricanes. Toure was a solid defender in 2023, recording 92 tackles with 4.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one interception, and two passes defended. He missed the 2022 season and had a big jump from 2021, when he had 51 tackles with 4.5 sacks. Toure has to stay healthy and productive to rise.

2025 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P
2026 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P
2027 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

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