By Stephen Vilardo, SuperWest Sports
In today’s preview of the top 2025 NFL Draft prospects from the West, we look at the highest-rated Linebackers.
Please note that some Edge rushers would be classified as DE and some as LB.
In this listing, we only focus on the LBs and any Edge players who are Outside backers. (I previewed the Edge rushers who are classified as DEs here.)
We could see as many as seven Linebackers from the region hear their names called throughout the three-day event in Green Bay.
1. Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA — Late First/Second Round
Schwesinger went from a walk-on to an All-American at UCLA, and I think he could have a shot at slipping into the First Round.
A sound open-field tackler, his athleticism makes him solid in coverage. He may be a bit undersized, and it shows when he is engaged with blockers, but he has room to add to his 242-pound frame.
Schwesinger’s biggest strength may be his ability to read and react to the play.
2. Oluwafemi Oladejo, LB/EDGE, UCLA — Third Round
Oladejo can be an excellent edge rusher in the NFL.
He has exceptional explosiveness off the snap with a great block rush technique and a special spin and chop move.
Oladejo needs to get better against the run, but his instincts as a pass rusher could make him a difference-maker down the line.
3. Jeffrey Bassa, LB — Oregon, Fourth Round
Bassa could play inside or outside, but his skill set probably translates to playing outside on the weak side in the NFL.
He’s outstanding in coverage on passing downs and can pressure the pocket when called upon to blitz, though he sometimes takes incorrect angles.
Bassa needs to be more patient and let plays develop. A move to the Will backer should help him read and react to the run.
4. Teddye Buchanan, LB, California — Fifth/Sixth Round
Buchanan is athletic and excels in coverage. Against the pass, he is equally adept in man or zone coverage.
His play recognition could use work, making him more of a helper than a stopper against the run.
Speed and strength make Buchanan an asset in special teams play, and his huge upside could earn roster spots for years to come.
5. Carson Bruener, LB, Washington — Sixth/Seventh Round
Bruener is a sure tackler who plays above his weight. His play recognition is above average.
He is limited athletically, though, and may not have the speed and agility for an NFL Linebacker.
Bruener is a hard worker, and special-teams play could be his ticket.
6. Jackson Woodard, LB, UNLV — Seventh Round/UDFA
Woodward went from walk-on to Mountain West Conference Player of the Year. He has a nose for the football as a tackling machine.
He’s a good pass defender who reads the route. He breaks up passes, but his recognition in the run game needs work. Counters could eat him alive.
Woodard could be an ideal nickel LB if he can latch onto a team.
7. Karene Reid, LB, Utah — Seventh Round/UDFA
Ried made plays for Utah, and his status as a two-time team captain for the Utes shows his leadership qualities.
He has the agility to make tackles in the box and performs well against the run.
Reid is a bit undersized for an NFL linebacker, and his lateral movement limits him in pass coverage, especially when playing zone.
writes about various topics for SuperWest sports, including stats and records, college sports, and motorsports. He also founded and runs the Sports and Entertainment Research Center (SERC).
