On an episode of Yahoo Sports’ “Football 301,” hosts Nate Tice and Charles McDonald dig deep into the 2026 NFL Draft class, focusing on what many are calling a refreshingly strong and interesting crop of linebackers.
If you’re a fan of defense or curious about which college prospects are set to shape NFL defenses in the years ahead, “Football 301’s” breakdown is a must-listen.
While linebacker value remains a source of NFL front-office debate, both Tice and McDonald are bullish on the top of this group. With rare talent like Sonny Styles redefining the template for what a star linebacker looks like, and high-floor prospects like CJ Allen and Anthony Hill Jr. set to contribute early, this class offers both ceiling and safety. As Tice puts it, “Styles is one of those dudes” — the kind a franchise can build a defense around, even in a league obsessed with offense.
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Here’s a look at the most notable names and takeaways from their linebacker analysis.
1. Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Tice and McDonald were quick to single out Styles as not just the best linebacker in this class, but possibly one of the best prospects overall. Styles, whose athleticism exploded at the scouting combine, stands out for his size (at 6-foot-4-6-5, around 240 pounds) and his background as a converted safety. He’s a blend of physicality, intelligence and range that’s tailor-made for today’s NFL.
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The comparisons are ambitious: Fred Warner’s name comes up. McDonald wondered aloud if Styles should be viewed as a potential top-five draft pick because he brings a unique, almost extinct profile as an off-ball linebacker who can do everything.
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Tice boils it down: “Good blitzer, has range sideline to sideline … actual play recognition … a true Mike mentality, as far as can diagnose a play and then trigger on it.”
While “linebacker value” has yo-yoed in recent years, you should be convinced that a player at this level could shift the conversation in a hurry.
2. CJ Allen, Georgia
As a true freshman, Allen took hold of the Georgia defense, a testament to his football IQ and readiness. Tice and McDonald agree: Allen is the classic “high floor” prospect. He might lack elite sideline-to-sideline range, but no one questions his ability to provide a stabilizing presence for any defense.
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The David Harris comparison comes up — a reliable, physical, 3-4 inside linebacker who can plug and play immediately. “Just maybe the ceiling’s capped, but definitely someone you want on your defense if you have a hole at linebacker,” McDonald said.
Tice also notes potential landing spots like Jacksonville, Houston or Buffalo, franchises in need of smart, steady contributors in the middle.
Georgia linebacker CJ Allen (3) puts the heat on Kentucky quarterback Cutter Boley in October. (Photo by John Adams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)3. Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
Hill is the upside swing in this group. He’s a rangy, explosive athlete who presents a clear contrast to Allen’s more methodical style. According to Tice, Hill “has real range … a good blitzer … dynamic athleticism and some bend.” While he’s prone to playing “a little hot,” occasionally overrunning plays, he improved in the second half of Texas’ season, a sign that his awareness and instincts are trending in the right direction.
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McDonald likens him to prospects whose physical tools popped off the tape, with the caveat that Hill perhaps needs a stabilizing presence next to him (think the Quay Walker/Nakobe Dean dynamic at Georgia). In a class short on blue-chip offensive talent, McDonald sees a genuine path for Hill as a late-first or early second-round selection.
Other names to know
Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech): McDonald took some warming up to him but now sees Rodriguez as a possible starting-caliber player who exceeded expectations at workouts.
Josiah Trotter (Missouri): Described as a “hammerhead” with a style reminiscent of Nick Bolton. He’s physical, sturdy, maybe more limited in range, but a solid Round 3 option.
Deontae Lawson (Alabama): Both hosts were down on Lawson relative to public and media big boards, citing unreliable positioning and a lack of physical impact.