Top LBs (2026 Draft)

Let’s lock into some LBs! They got about every kind of LB. in this draft, as they kind of do every year. Athletes are getting impressive, and these LBs are a case of that. Yes, Arvell Reese in the LBs group. I promise I understand he’s an edge/LB hybrid. Now without wasting anymore time, let’s look.

1.    Arvell Reese (LB/Edge, OSU)

What hasn’t been said about Arvell Reese? Seriously. Reese is a unicorn among mythical creatures. What does Arvell Reese bring to the table? Well, let me tell you. Basically everything. He can run sideline to sideline, can tackle with precision, and drop into coverage like a typical LB. The key difference is his pass-rushing abilities. That is what sets him well apart. Reese is arguably the best pass rusher in this draft. He demonstrates a great mix of speed and power when he rushes and can stop the run in the process. Reese is a little weaker in man coverage, like most LBs. He also tends to lean on athleticism instead of his technique, which is why I like David Bailey a little better. That being said, you are getting a Micah Parsons prototype with Reese. He well be gone before pick #10.

2.    Sonny Styles (LB, OSU)

Styles put everyone on notice with his absolutely ridiculous combine performance. His combine rating was the highest of all LBs since they started recording combine performances. That is backed by facts too. His mom knew, but we didn’t see it until the combine. Styles brings raw athleticism, power, and speed to everything he does on the field. He can blitz, drop into coverage, and recognize a run play. He is probably the best “true” LB prospect in this draft. Sonny Styles tends to fall for the occasional play action, and he needs some growth in ball disruption in coverage, but that’s worth the swing. He will be starting in this league for a while.

3.    Anthony Hill Jr. (LB, Texas)

When you turn on Anthony Hill Jr. tape, one thing that is apparent is how Hill flies around the field. He is so fast and can be sideline to sideline at any given moment. He shows great ball skills in coverage and shows strong tackling mechanics. He can even rush the passer quite effectively. Hill needs help in man coverage, as he tends to lose a step tracing a receiver. I’d like to see some more gap integrity as well, as he can try and make a big play before it develops. I still am a huge fan of Hill Jr. Phenomenal depth for whoever takes him this year.

4.    CJ Allen (LB, Georgia)

Falling just a hair below Hill Jr. is CJ Allen. The Georgia Bulldog keeps his eyes up, pursues the ball so well, and is a form tackler. He can get you at either sideline and has real active hands in coverage. Allen is rarely decisive without being overly aggressive, which is a huge in a LB. He can rush well, but sometimes lacks power in that area, causing a stalemate. Man coverage definitely needs work, and he can be caught flat footed at times. But man oh man, can this dude play football. I think teams will see his reach and impact once he’s on an NFL team. And then they’ll kick themselves for letting him slide.

5.    Josiah Trotter (LB, Mizzou)

Does the name look familiar? This is a good test for all you ball-knowers out there. If it doesn’t look familiar now, it will after the draft when he wreaks havoc on the field. He’s the son of NFL legend Jeremiah Trotter. You know, the 4x Pro Bowler, 2x All-Pro, Jeremiah Trotter. He may or may not have picked up some tidbits from his pops. Trotter is special in my eyes. He shows great play recognition, a good get off when rushing, and finishes his tackle as good as anyone. He has great speed for his size and is a true menace in the run defense. Trotter needs work in all coverages, and he doesn’t have sideline to sideline speed necessarily. To me, that doesn’t matter. You need help stopping the run or want a good LB on your team? Take Trotter.