2027 NFL Draft Prospects: 3-4 Outside Linebacker

9/24/26: In 2026, Smith has one tackle after missing the first two games with injury. In 2025, Stewart had 33 tackles, 4.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and two passes defended. Stewart flashed big-time ability as a freshman in 2024 and was an immediate contributor for the Gamecocks. In his debut season, Stewart recorded 6.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and 23 tackles. He jumped out, and he looks like a player with special talent.

9/24/26: In 2026, Simmons had four tackles, two sacks, and a fumble recovery in 2026. In 2025, Simmons had 43 tackles, 12 sacks, three forced fumbles, and two passes broken up. In 2024, Simmons had an excellent debut for Texas and showed serious pass-rush ability with nine sacks. He also had three forced fumbles, 48 tackles, two passes defended, and one interception. Simmons has upside and could be even better after gaining experience.

9/24/26: In 2026, Pierre has nine tackles, one sack, and an interception returned 27 yards for a touchdown. Pierre has been a tough defender for the Crimson Tide in 2025. He has been a dangerous edge rusher with speed and physicality to push through blocks. In 2025, Pierre had 52 tackles with eight sacks, three forced fumbles, and one pass batted. He is an ascending player with a ton of upside.

9/24/26: To open 2026, Heldt has 10 tackles and four sacks. In 2025, Heldt has 39 tackles with 7.5 sacks and one forced fumble. Heldt has played well for Clemson, showing speed and athleticism off the edge. Heldt played well for Purdue in 2024, recording 56 tackles with five sacks. The 6-foot-6, 260-pounder has good size, a surprising burst, and plays really hard. Heldt has upside, and he could be a nice value pick in the first or second round.

<> 9/24/26: Jackson played well versus Texas. In 2026, he had nine tackles with a sack. Jackson was playing well before an injury knocked him out of the opener against Texas. After coming back to the lineup, Jackson played well and was very good in the final games of the season. He had 28 tackles, two passes defended, and 6.5 sacks. Jackson was a solid defender for the Buckeyes in 2024, rotating behind Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau. In 2024, Jackson totaled 16 tackles with 1.5 sacks and a pass batted. He could produce more in 2026 with the potential to rise. Sources say that Jackson has a good skill set and could develop

9/24/26: Uiagalelei has 10 tackles and two sacks in 2026. Uiagalelei has a good skill set with size, speed, and athleticism. However, he was an underachiever in 2025 with 34 tackles, six sacks, two forced fumbles, and three passes defended. He looked special on some plays, but was inconsistent and had some quiet stretches where he played down to competition that he should be getting the better of. Uiagalelei needs to improve his motor and play harder. Uiagalelei flashed for the Ducks in 2024, recording 10.5 sacks with two forced fumbles, one interception, one pass batted, and 38 tackles.

9/24/26: In 2026, Perkins has 14 tackles with .5 sacks. Perkins had 81 tackles, 4.5 sacks, one interception, one forced fumble, and five passes batted in 2025. Perkins was a dangerous quarterback hunter for the Rebels in 2024, recording 10.5 sacks with 60 tackles and an interception. He had 38 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 2023. Perkins needs to gain weight and get stronger for the NFL.

9/24/26: Lubin showed natural pass rush ability the past two seasons. Starting out at Coastal Carolina in 2024, Lubin ripped off 9.5 sacks with 43 tackles, three forced fumbles, and three passes batted. In 2025, Lubin played with Louisville, and he produced well for the Cardinals with 59 tackles, 8.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and three passes batted.

9/24/26: In 2026, Traore has five tackles and two sacks. In 2025, Traore had 37 tackles with 7.5 sacks. He has some serious speed and explosion at the point of attack. Traore is very talented with an early-round skill set and has a lot of upside to develop. He should go back to school. If he enters the 2026 NFL Draft, Traore would probably be a day-two pick. In 2024, Traore had 12 tackles and three sacks and looked like he was just scratching the surface of his potential.

9/24/26: In 2026, Wilson has been out with an injury. In 2025, Wilson had 23 tackles, nine sacks, two passes broken up, and one interception with Missouri. He was a dangerous speed rusher across from Zion Young. Wilson was a rotational backup at Georgia in 2024, totaling 22 tackles with three sacks and two forced fumbles. He transferred to Miami after the 2025 season, and he could be a riser with another productive season rushing the passer. Wilson is a former top recruit who is fast off the edge with athleticism and natural pass-rush potential.

9/24/26: Daley has 14 tackles with 2.5 sacks and pass batted thus far in 2026. Daley was a beast as a pass rusher for Utah in 2025. He was dominating tackles with functional strength, quickness, and an insane motor as a pass rusher. In 2025, Daley had 48 tackles with 11.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. He needs to improve his run defense in 2026, and sources say that Daley has a bad body that needs development for the NFL.

<> 9/24/26: In 2026, Tuioti has 12 tackles and a sack. Tuioti played well and was an active defender for Oregon in 2025. He had 68 tackles with 9.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and five passes batted. Tuioti does not have an elite skill set, but he has functional quickness and strength that is paired with a relentless motor. He has instincts and finds a way to make plays. While Matayo Uiagalelei has a better skill set, Tuioti was the defender who would step up and make plays in the clutch and was the more consistent player thanks to a great motor. In 2024, Tuioti had 5.5 sacks with 58 tackles. Tuioti is strong at the point of attack and plays physical with non-stop effort.

9/24/26: In 2026, Umanmielen has 15 tackles and six sacks. Umanmielen has some speed off the edge, and he played well for Ole Miss in 2025. Umanmielen totaled nine sacks with 45 tackles. Umanmielen did get a high grade from NFL advance scouts.

9/24/26: In 2026, Humphrey-Gray has 10 tackles and a sack. Humphrey-Gray had a solid debut in SEC play in 2025 after transferring to Kentucky. He totaled 31 tackles with 3.5 sacks, two passes batted, and one forced fumble. Humphrey-Gray has the potential to rise if he builds on his first season with the Wildcats.

9/24/26: Ezeogu has six tackles thus far in 2026. Ezeogu played well enough with Iowa State in 2025 to land on NFL team’s preseason watch list. In 2025, Ezeogu had 25 tackles with one sack and one pass defended. After the season he transferred to Penn State. Ezeogu totaled 35 tackles and two sacks the previous two seasons. He has some size, quickness, and length.

9/24/26: In 2026, Thompson has six tackles with .5 sacks. Thompson was a backup at UCF and Weber State before becoming a starter at the latter during the 2025 season. Thompson had four sacks and 27 tackles in nine games. He transferred to Michigan State for his final season. Thompson has a strong build and upside.

9/24/26: In 2026, Searcy has 14 tackes with one sack. Searcy was a rotational rusher for the Aggies and flashed some talent in 2025. He recorded 31 tackles with 1.5 sacks and two passes defended. He had three sacks in 2024. Searcy could rise with a strong 2026 season.

9/24/26: Osunsanmi has seven tackles with two sacks and a forced fumble. With Kansas State in 2025, Osunsanmi had four sacks with 20 tackles. He showed enough upside to be placed on NFL teams’ preseason watch list. Osunsanmi has some strength and quickness, but he is short and lacks the desired length of a pro pass rusher.

9/24/26: In 2026, Lawson has six tackles. Lawson was a backup in 2025, but could take on a bigger role in 2026 as the replacement for T.J. Parker. In 2025, Lawson had 19 tackles with 3.5 sacks. With Will Heldt drawing attention, Lawson should have a lot of single-block opportunities. Lawson

9/24/26: In 2026, Harris has four tackles and one sack. Harris was a rotational backup in 2025, and recorded 26 tackles with a sack. He could rise with a bigger role and more opportunities in 2026.

9/24/26: In 2026, Maldonado has six tackles. Maldonado had a decent season with Nevada in 2025 with 38 tackles, five sacks, one interception, and four passes batted. If Maldonado improves while playing with the Rebels, he could rise.

9/24/26: In 2026, Terrell has five tackles with three sacks. Terrell had a breakout season with Washington State in 2025 with seven sacks and 28 tackles. If Terrell builds on his season, he could rise for the 2027 draft.

9/24/26: In 2026, Tapp has 15 tackles with 2.5 sacks. Tapp had a good season with Southern Miss in 2025. He totaled 70 tackles with 7.5 sacks and two passes batted. Tapp has quality size and upside. He could be a sleeper that rises with Memphis.

9/24/26: Brandt has two tackles in 2026. In 2025, Brandt had 22 tackles with .5 sacks while playing in 12 games. The previous season, he had 13 tackles with three sacks and a forced fumble. Brandt needs to produce more in 2026.

9/24/26: Adebawore has eight tackles and 2.5 sacks. Adebawore had 17 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 2025. He flashed enough to get placed on NFL team’s preseason watch list.

9/24/26: In 2026, White has two tackles and a sack. White was a consistent and productive pass rusher for San Diego State over the past two seasons. In 2024, White had 12.5 sacks with 60 tackles and one forced fumble. In his final season with SDSU, White had seven sacks with 47 tackles. White left for Texas Tech, and he could produce well with the Red Raiders as a replacement for the edge rushers they lost to the NFL. White lacks some height and length for the NFL.

9/24/26: In 2026, Womack has three tackles with an interception. Womack was a rotational contributor for Ole Miss in 2025, totaling 27 tackles with two sacks and a forced fumble. After the season, he landed with Auburn, and he could produce more as a starter with the Tigers.

9/24/26: Virgin-Morganhas eight tackles and one sack thus far in 2026. In 2025, Virgin-Morgan had a solid season for the Broncos, totaling 56 tackles with six sacks and two forced fumbles. Virgin-Morgan lacks length and height.

9/24/26: In 2026, Shelby has two tackles. In 2025, Shelby totaled 29 tackles with 4.5 sacks and one interception. He had five sacks the previous two seasons. Shelby has the potential to be a riser if he continues to develop in 2026.

<> 9/24/26: Saka has eight tackles and .5 sacks in 2026. With Northwestern, Saka had 13 tackles, two forced fumbles, and three sacks. He transferred to Texas A&MSaka was banged up and played with injury. Saka has good size and plays tough at the point of attack. He had 5.5 sacks in 2023 and 3.5 sacks in 2024.

9/24/26: Thus far in 2026, Capers has 12 tackles with one forced fumble and one sack. Capers was a solid edge defender for Vanderbilt in 2025, totaling 37 tackles with 4.5 sacks and a forced fumble. He had three sacks the previous season.

<> 9/24/26: Rucker had a huge 2025 season to land on NFL team’s preseason watch list. He totaled 11.5 sacks with four forced fumbles, 15 tackles for a loss, and 64 tackles. In 2024, he totaled 37 tackles with two sacks and three passes broken up. Rucker needs to dominate to rise, and it would help him to perform well at an All-Star game against better competition.

<> 9/24/26: In 2026, Smith has 12 tackles with three sacks, one forced fumble, and one pass batted. Smith had a breakout 2025 season with 11 sacks, one forced fumble, and 44 tackles. He could rise if he continues to be a productive pass rusher while improving his run defense.

9/24/26: In 2026, Smith has seven tackles. Smith had seven tackles in 2025, playing in only four games before going out for the season. In the previous two seasons, he was a solid defender for the Wildcats. He had 56 tackles with 4.5 sacks and 67 tackles with 6.5 sacks.

9/24/26: Smith has five tackles in 2026. Smith was a backup behind a talented tandem of ends in 2025, but Smith flashed some ability with four sacks and 15 tackles. He could rise with a bigger role and production in 2026. Smith did not play in 2024 and was a backup with Georgia in 2023 and 2022.

9/24/26: In 2026, Abou Jaoude has four tackles, one sack, and a forced fumble. He played well against TCU. In 2025, Abou Jaoude had 47 tackles with 10.5 sacks and a forced fumble. He was one of the few bright spots for the Tar Heels. He has some physical limitations, but he could be a riser and late-round sleeper.

9/24/25: In 2026, Burnham has four tackles. In 2025, Burnham had 16 tackles with three sacks with Notre Dame. Burnham was a solid defender at the point of attack for the Fighting Irish in 2024. He had 30 tackles with two sacks, one forced fumble, and one pass batted. Burnham looks like a late-round backup.

9/24/26: Thus far in 2026, Atkinson has six tackles. In 2025, Atkinson had 11 tackles with one sack. Atkinson was an impact defender for North Carolina in 2024, totaling 35 tackles with 7.5 sacks. He had 3.5 sacks and 19 tackles in 2023. Atkinson could rise high if he has a productive season with the Buckeyes. He plays hard and is tough, but could have questions about speed and stiffness.