As we at Pewter Report continue to give you as much 2025 NFL Draft coverage as possible, I am going to put out my own rankings periodically by position group, primarily focusing on the Bucs’ needs. Perhaps no position has earned as much scrutiny from Bucs fans as the linebacker position. The Bucs are almost assuredly going to address the position at some point in the draft.

2025 NFL Draft Linebackers

Tier Two

I don’t have any linebackers in my tier one level. And just one linebacker makes it into tier two for me. Chris “Pooh” Paul Jr. of Ole Miss highlights the class for me with fluid functional athleticism, phenomenal instincts and impressive closing speed.

Ole Miss ILB Chris Paul Jr. – Photo by: USA Today

Tier Three

Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell is most analysts’ top linebacker. He has a big frame, fantastic testing and some really advanced coverage tape. He has versatility with strong reps as both an off-ball linebacker and as a pass rusher, both mugged up as well as off the edge. This gives Campbell a rare ceiling that most players in this class do not have.

I am a bit lower on him as I think his best reps are as a pass rusher off the edge and I don’t think he’s as fluid moving in space as most do. I also struggle seeing his ceiling working at the NFL level the way others do. This is why I have him lower on my board than most.

Tier Four

UCLA’s Carson Schwesinger is the lone linebacker in this tier, and the best pure blitzer from depth in the class. That could make him a unique fit for the Bucs’ attacking defense that Todd Bowles likes to deploy.

Tier Six

No players make tier five for me, but five players are in the sixth tier. Jeffrey Bassa from Oregon plays fluid and fast stemming from his background as a former defensive back. He is strong covering backs out of the backfield. Ohio State’s Cody Simon is a good communicator who plays run fits well with a penchant for getting to the edge to successfully track down wide zone runs and sweeps.

Ohio State ILB Cody Simon – Photo by: USA Today

California’s Teddye Buchanan is a fast, downhill player in the same mold as Carson Schwesinger. He has a penchant for making plays all over the field. South Carolina’s Demetrius Knight Jr. is a team captain with a stout frame and a closing gear that makes him a feared defender. He plays well in hook zones and has a strong feel for routes developing around him.

Georgia’s Smael Mondon Jr. is the best athlete of this bunch. He has flashes of coverage ability, especially when picking up deep seam routes. He plays quick downfield into the backfield as well.

Smael Mondon Jr. is a LB prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored a 9.42 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 186 out of 3182 LB from 1987 to 2025.https://t.co/udoPwW6OJG pic.twitter.com/Y1v7zu3lNB

— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 2, 2025

Tier Seven

Minnesota’s Cody Lindenberg is a high-effort and IQ player who lacks the athleticism to truly become a long-term starter. Auburn’s Eugene Asante is a good athlete that plays a little slow. His eye discipline and play recognition are just a little slow.

You can catch the video on my top 10, complete with clips of each player by clicking here.