2018 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Linebacker

The 2018 NFL Draft doesn’t have a ton of linebacker depth, but there are three elite talents sitting at the very top.

Three teams are going to leave the 2018 NFL Draft with a star linebacker prospect capable of setting the tone for their defense. The rest of the league will find it more difficult to land an immediate starter.

Below is my final 2018 NFL Draft Linebacker rankings:

1. Tremaine Edmunds, Virginia Tech

Big Board Rank: No. 3

Edmunds plays with an edge and is constantly flying to the football. His explosiveness really jumps off the screen and what will make him such a productive player. I won’t be surprised if he has the best NFL career of all the 2018 NFL Draft prospects.

2. Rashaan Evans, Alabama

Big Board Rank: No. 9

Evans gets the nod over Roquan Smith because of his versatility. Evans can support the run, hold up in coverage and rush the passer. He does all of these things at a level that is above average.

3. Roquan Smith, Georgia

Big Board Rank: No. 10

Smith is a sideline to sideline playmaker who is always in attack mode. His ability to deliver big hits sets the tone for the entire defense.

4. Malik Jefferson, Texas

Big Board Rank: No. 75

Jefferson fits the mold of today’s NFL linebacker who is built on speed and quickness. However, there are holes in his game that could limit his overall production.

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5. Fred Warner, BYU

Big Board Rank: No. 90

Warner is a developmental prospect who has the raw tools to be something special. It will be key for him to land in the right situation where his talents can be nurtured.

6. Leighton Vander Esch, Boise State

Big Board Rank: No. 91

There’s a lot of love for Vander Esch in draft circles. However, I see a hesitant player who needs gain a better feel for the position.

7. Genard Avery, Memphis

Big Board Rank: No. 104

8. Jerome Baker, Ohio State

Big Board Rank: No. 106

9. Dorian O’Daniel, Clemson

Big Board Rank: No. 116

10. Kendall Joseph, Clemson

Big Board Rank: No. 129

11. Nick DeLuca, North Dakota State

Big Board Rank: No. 130

12. Micah Kiser, Virginia

Big Board Rank: No. 139

13. Tegray Scales, Rutgers

Big Board Rank: No. 146

14. Oren Burks, Vanderbilt

Big Board Rank: No. 148

15. Josey Jewell, Iowa

Big Board Rank: No. 166

16. Darius Leonard, South Carolina State

Big Board Rank: No. 173