The 2025 NFL Draft is just a few weeks away. As the spectacle approaches, each club finalizes their respective draft board. The Buccaneers own the 19th overall pick in Round One and in anticipation of the big event, we will take a position rundown of top prospects, beginning with linebacker. Following the departure of K.J. Britt in free agency, several linebackers have been linked to the Bucs in recent weeks, including Jihaad Campbell. Here is an overview of the best in the nation in this year's draft class:
Jalon Walker, Georgia
Jalon Walker set the tone for UGA and the Butkus Award winner (given to nation's top linebacker) led the Bulldogs with 10.5 tackles for loss in 2024. He tied for the team lead with 6.5 sacks and split time between the edge and at linebacker. The hybrid star possesses elite closing burst and a repertoire of moves with cadence variations to keep blockers guessing. Walker is adept at winning with both speed and power, while showcasing change-of-direction skills in space.
Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
In 2024, Jihaad Campbell played both on the edge and off the ball at Alabama. The rangy athlete pairs stellar burst/bend around the edge with consistency as an open-field tackling machine. Campbell led the Crimson Tide with 117 tackles in 2024 and logged 11.5 tackles for loss and five sacks in 13 game starts. He is able to bypass blockers to make tackles on A- and B-gap runs and thrives as a blitzer on third down. Campbell is adept at mirroring running backs and he became a disruptive force throughout his collegiate tenure.
Carson Schwesinger, UCLA
Carson Schwesinger led the FBS with 90 solo tackles in 2024 and ranked third with 136 total tackles. Schwesinger went from being a walk-on at UCLA to a first-team AP All-American. What he may lack in the speed department, Schwesinger makes up for with his play recognition. He tackles with precision in the open field and his instinctual play popped off the tape during his season as a starter. Schwesinger plays with immense body control and anticipates rushing tracks/lane development at a high-level. He diagnoses play-action with ease and became a standout on special teams in kick coverage at UCLA.
Demetrius Knight Jr., South Carolina
Demetrius Knight Jr. tied for the team lead with three forced fumbles in 2024 and nabbed eight tackles for loss and 82 tackles last season. Knight is adept at reading the quarterback when in zone coverage and plays with outstanding short-area burst. He quickly slips past blocks to make tackles at the second level and possesses three-down potential in the NFL. Knight may have a knock for being one of the oldest in the draft class but he plays with superb instincts and sound fundamentals.
