2025 NFL Draft Prospects: 3-4 Outside Linebacker

7/20/23: Perkins is the size of a traditional outside linebacker, but he is lightning-fast playmaker who was all over the field for LSU as a freshman in 2022. In his debut season, Perkins recorded 72 tackles with 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, four passes defended and an interception. He was a dynamic edge rusher who showed natural blitzing ability.

In the NFL, Perkins could be a hybrid defender who rushes off the edge, similar to Micah Parsons or Von Miller, and also can play outside linebacker. However, Parsons and Miller are significantly thicker and bigger than Perkins, so it will be interesting to see how teams evaluate Perkins’ potential for their defenses.

7/20/23: With Will Anderson commanding attention on the other side in 2021, Turner had a phenomenal freshman debut for the Crimson Tide and showed serious pass rush potential – collecting 8.5 sacks. He also had 30 tackles and was rotating with other defenders. In 2022, Turner collected 37 tackles and four sacks, but he was far more disruptive than the numbers indicate. He has a good skill set with upside.

7/20/23: While playing behind some veterans, Williams flashed big-time ability as a freshman for Georgia, recording 4.5 sacks, 6.5 tackles for a loss and 28 tackles. He could explode in 2023 and 2024. Williams has good size, speed and athleticism.

7/20/23: Trice put together an excellent sophomore season in 2022, recording 30 tackles and seven sacks. In 2021, he had 14 tackles and two sacks.

7/20/23: Robinson plays defensive end for Penn State, but for the NFL, he may have to move to outside linebacker due to his size. If Robinson is any smaller than his listed numbers, he definitely will need be too small to play end on an every-down basis as a pro. In 2022, Robinson collected 5.5 sacks, 10 tackles for a loss, two passes batted, one forced fumble and 26 tackles. Playing for Maryland in 2021, he had 19 tackles and two sacks.

7/20/23: As a redshirt freshman in 2022, Tuimoloau turned in a good season for the Buckeyes, showing an ability to produce big plays. He recorded 28 tackles, 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble, two interceptions and two passes broken up on the year. Tuimoloau could rise if his pass-rush and sack production improves in 2023 and 2024.

7/20/23: Sawyer flashed potential for the Buckeyes as a freshman in 2021 with 13 tackles and three sacks in a backup role. In 2022, he recorded 24 tackles, one pass defended and 4.5 sacks. Sawyer has a good skill set and upside, so the former five-star recruit could break out during 2023 or 2024.