2026 NFL Draft Prospects: Outside Linebacker

7/3/24: Perkins is the size of a traditional outside linebacker, but he is a lightning-fast playmaker who was all over the field for LSU as a freshman in 2022 and 2023. He was a dynamic edge rusher who showed natural blitzing ability. In 2022, he totaled 72 tackles, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, one interception and four passes batted. In 2023, Perkins recorded 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, 74 tackles and four passes batted. Perkins possesses a unique body type and is undersized as an edge defender, but there is no doubt about his explosive speed and tremendous instincts.

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.

7/3/24: Pearce was a big-time presence for the Volunteers in 2023, making a lot of splash plays and producing a lot of pressure on the quarterback. He totaled 27 tackles with 9.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and an interception. Pearce is listed at 6-foot-5, 242 pounds, but that could be inflated. If those numbers are exaggerated, as often is the case, Pearce could fit as an outside linebacker and edge rusher in a 3-4 defense. Pearce would need to gain weight and get stronger to be an every-down defensive end in a 4-3 scheme.

7/3/24: Stewart has been a dangerous pass rusher for Michigan over the past three seasons. In 2021 he had a breakout season with 12.5 sacks, 43 tackles, and three forced fumbles. In 2022 he had 37 tackles with 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble. As a junior in 2023, Stewart had 38 tackles with 5.5 sacks. Stewart would fit best as a 3-4 outside linebacker edge rusher in the NFL. Stewart does not have size to be a base end in a 4-3 defense. In a 4-3 scheme, he would have to be a Sam linebacker that rushes off the edge in the sub package.

7/3/24: Barton was on his way to an impressive 2023 season before a right foot injury ended his season after seven games. In those seven contests, he totaled 34 tackles with two interceptions, one forced fumble, and two passes broken up. In 2022 he had 46 tackles with 4.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one pass broken up. The NFL advance scouts gave Barton a high projection on their preseason watch list.

7/3/24: Carter recorded 62 tackles, five passes batted, and 3.5 sacks in 2023. He had a strong 2022 season with 73 tackles, 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two interceptions and eight passes broken up. Team sources said Carter is fast and athletic but small and can get destroyed in the inside run. He struggles to get off blocks and is a run-chase linebacker. Carter fits as a coverage linebacker in the sub package, but he could have issues holding up in the base set in the NFL.

7/3/24: Reid was a decent contributor for the Utes in 2023, recording 67 tackles, one interception, and four passes defended. In 2022 he had 72 tackles with five sacks. Reid must increase his production and play well in pass coverage to rise.