2026 Rookie IDP Linebackers Risers & Fallers After The NFL Draft
Welcome to our breakdown of 2026 Rookie IDP Linebackers Risers & Fallers After The NFL Draft!
Now that the NFL Draft is over, and landing spots ruin everything, it’s up to your league mates to decide what picks are valued and worth trading in for. Great IDP Owners know how to trade with each other. They wheel and deal boldly, turning fair value into unfair advantages, because the best owners understand that the draft is only the starting line. Trades are essential for keeping league mates interested, building dynasties, and stealing championships.
Great leagues will eliminate the fluke. They eliminate the risk of chaos that plagues casual setups. Random injuries, bye-week disasters, and week-to-week variance get minimized through deep benches, smart scheduling, playoff structures that reward consistency, and ruthless roster management. No more relying on a miracle 30-point kicker performance to bail out a flawed team. No. That should be the exception, not the norm; whether it’s exciting or not is not the point.
Simply put. Great leagues don’t just play fantasy football; they master it.
Hopefully, you know enough about young linebackers and who to trade out in this infusion of talent for aging defenders. This position is the most active out of all the IDP positions; as a job position certainly matters, and the average linebacker only gets 2-4 years at his starting job if he is lucky.
Hopefully, this tutorial on Post-Draft Linebacker Rankings: Risers & Fallers Tiers The 2026 LB class delivered fireworks after the draft with deep athleticism, three-down monsters, and instant IDP impact. Sonny Styles vaulted into elite status with historic testing and production. Arvell Reese, Jacob Rodriguez, C.J Allen, Jacob Golday, and perhaps Anthony Hill Jr. may have the landing spots to avoid the chaos.
Here are the biggest risers who climbed draft boards into Day 1/early Day 2 value, the fallers who slid due to scheme fit or testing questions, and the sleepers ready to dominate your IDP lineups.
Welcome to the hunt. Let’s dominate.
| Name | College | Height | Weight | Hand | 40 | 20 Shuttle | 3-Cone | TKL | Mia% | Stops | Box Snaps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonny Styles | Ohio St | 6’5″ | 244 | 10 | 4.46 | 4.26 | 7.09 | 88 | 2.2 | 47 | 456 |
| CJ Allen | Georgia | 6’1″ | 230 | 10.125 | 4.46 | 4.26 | 7.09 | 94 | 7.8 | 39 | |
| Jake Golday | Cincinnati | 6’4″ | 239 | 9.5 | 4.62 | 4.34 | 7.02 | 101 | 9 | 43 | 314 |
| Jacob Rodriguez | Texas Tech | 6’1″ | 233 | 9.5 | 4.57 | 4.19 | 7.02 | 101 | 9 | 70 | 678 |
| Anthony Hill Jr | Texas | 6’2″ | 238 | 9.625 | 4.51 | 6.9 | 63 | 4.5 | 30 | 417 | |
| Josiah Trotter | Missouri | 6’2″ | 237 | 10.25 | 81 | 4.5 | 30 | 417 | |||
| Kyle Louis* | Pittsburgh | 6’1″ | 224 | 9 | 4.53 | 4.26 | 6.97 | 82 | 10 | 33 | 449 |
| Bryce Boumaicher | Oregon | 6’1″ | 233 | 82 | 10 | 33 | 319 | ||||
| Kaleb Elarms-Orr | TCU | 6’1″ | 234 | 9 | 4.47 | 4.41 | 126 | 7.1 | 45 | 660 | |
| Alden Tate* | Indiana | 6’1″ | 232 | 9.5 | 4.57 | 90 | 13.4 | 35 | 536 | ||
| Taurean York* | Texas A&M | 6’3″ | 235 | 8.5 | 4.48 | 7.32 | 87 | 16.3 | 42 | 616 | |
| Lander Barton Jr | Utah | 6’4″ | 233 | 9.5 | 49 | 21 | 27 | 565 | |||
| Harold Barton | LSU | 233 | 53 | 18.5 | 18 | 451 | |||||
| Keyshawn Elliott | Arizona St | 6’1″ | 233 | 9.375 | 4.63 | 4.42 | 7 | 67 | 21.2 | 31 | 404 |
| Jack Kelly* | BYU | 6’1″ | 246 | 9.5 | 4.75 | 4.32 | 7.12 | 47 | 16.8 | 27 | 505 |
| Wade Rolder | Clemson | 6’3″ | 236 | 9.875 | 4.57 | 4.54 | 7.27 | 71 | 22.4 | 31 | 481 |
| Jimmy Rolder | Michigan | 6’3″ | 236 | 4.52 | 4.54 | 7.27 | 71 | 22.4 | 40 | ||
| Owen Helicke | Oklahoma | 6’2″ | 240 | 9.375 | 4.62 | 4.25 | 7 | 82 | 20.5 | 31 | 446 |
| Scooby Williams | Texas A&M | 6’2″ | 231 | 10.25 | 4.54 | 4.32 | 6.76 | 72 | 17.2 | 34 | 385 |
| Ernest Hausmann | Michigan | 6’1″ | 236 | 10.375 | 17 | 9.4 | 15 | 754 | |||
| Desmond Purnell | Kansas St | 5’11” | 228 | 9.375 | 135 | 9.4 | 30 | 422 | |||
| AJ Pollard | San Jose St | 6’1″ | 211 | 69 | 14.8 | 35 | 614 | ||||
| Dasan McCullough_ | Michigan | 6’2″ | 227 | 107 | 18.9 | 48 | 542 | ||||
| Triston Newson | Missouri St | 6’2″ | 230 | 79 | 18.9 | 27 | 542 | ||||
| Sean Thompson | Florida St | 6’1″ | 240 | 41 | 10.9 | 14 | 517 | ||||
| Kell Lawson | UCF | 6’4″ | 224 | 38 | 11.1 | 15 | 146 | ||||
| Justin Flowe | UNLV | 12.1 | 244 | ||||||||
| Jason Henderson | ODU | 6’2″ | 225 | 11 | 12.1 | 19 | 245 | ||||
| Namdi Obiazor | TCU | 6’2″ | 229 | 10.5 | 4.53 | 4.36 | 7.24 | 5 | 8.6 | 3 | 54 |
| Karson Sharar | Iowa | 6’1″ | 231 | 81 | 8.6 | 26 | 563 | ||||
| Wesley Bissainthe | Miami (FL) | 6’2″ | 226 | 9.375 | 4.56 | 89 | 5 | 42 | 548 | ||
| West Weeks | LSU (FL) | 6’2″ | 230 | 9.375 | 71 | 16.5 | 40 | 566 | |||
| Jaden Dugger | Louisiana | 6’1″ | 242 | 8.375 | 66 | 14.3 | 37 | 529 | |||
| Caden Fordham | N.C. State | 126 | 10.4 | 53 | 719 | ||||||
| Jackson Kuwatch | Miami (OH) | 6’4″ | 232 | 8.5 | 4.64 | 4.3 | 6.95 | 125 | 13.2 | 51 | 685 |
| Declan Harris III | Incarnate Word | 6’1″ | 242 | 5.125 | 91 | 13.2 | 51 | 622 | |||
| MacArthur Harris* | USF | 6’5″ | 235 | 9.625 | 92 | 13.3 | 51 | 561 | |||
| Jack Dingle | Nebraska | 22 | 18.5 | 13 | 736 | ||||||
| Tre Freeman | Cincinnati | 57 | 18.5 | 31 | 78 | ||||||
| Nikhal Hill-Green* | Alabama | 6’2″ | 235 | 9.125 | 4.57 | 4.19 | 56 | 10.9 | 29 | 470 | |
| Alfred Ches | Northwestern | 55 | 21.1 | 24 | 440 | ||||||
| Brandon Rawis | Oklahoma St | 6’2″ | 229 | 10.375 | 4.82 | 4.45 | 7.29 | 58 | 17.9 | 26 | 398 |
| Mac Uihlein | Oklahoma St | 5’11” | 229 | 10.125 | 4.75 | 4.51 | 7.53 | 57 | 8.1 | 22 | 463 |
Sonny Styles, Washington Commanders
When the No. 7 pick came up, Washington’s front office made a statement. With Jeremiyah Love, Carnell Tate, and David Bailey off the board, the franchise decided to bolster the defense’s middle, which ranked 30th (141.8) against the run. The Commanders landed one of their top targets by selecting former Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles to help rebuild a struggling unit.
Washington had evaluated Styles closely in recent months, and the rumors proved true: a delegation including head coach Dan Quinn and GM Adam Peters even traveled to Columbus for Ohio State’s Pro Day to get a final read on Styles and the other Buckeyes entering the NFL. It was clear they were seeking a successor to Bobby Wagner. We already knew his coverage abilities as he is a former Safety, but those are big shoes to fill.
Based on college production, Styles, a former five-star prospect, had a breakout 2024 season, registering 100 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and six sacks, earning Second-Team All-Big Ten honors. Following that up in ’25, with 82 total tackles, 55 solos, 6.5 TFL, a sack, and an interception as well, proving he is a consistent three-down player and should be considered your LB1 in this Draft class.
Arvell Reese, New York Giants
The Giants reasoned they could play Reese in multiple positions all over the field and that he was graded higher than Sony Styles. That’s great news for IDP.
Arvell Reese projects as a versatile, high-impact piece for the New York Giants, likely stepping into a WILL linebacker role with built-in pass-rush opportunities rather than serving as a traditional plug-and-play MIKE; his elite closing speed, physicality, and natural blitz timing should translate quickly, giving him immediate splash-play upside, though his usage as a movable chess piece, making him a strong dynasty investment with the potential to evolve into a top-tier fantasy asset if his role stabilizes.
In College and through last season, he’s logged snaps at defensive end, inside linebacker, slot defender, and even outside cornerback in a handful of situations. That positional flexibility, paired with elite athletic traits, is going to make him worth the investment in IDP Dynasty Draft within the first two picks.
CJ Allen, Indianapolis Colts
With their first pick(in the second round) of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Colts selected Georgia linebacker CJ Allen on Friday. The pick addressed a major need by adding a player with an elite career miss-tackle rate of just 6.9%. and was ranked ninth amongst all Power Five linebackers, with his PFF run-defense grade was 88.6, ranking ninth among Power Five linebackers (2024 he ranked 5th with 89.8)
What’s even more amazing is that this prospect came out as a junior, and he is just 21 years old. We have been banging on the table for him as our LB2 pre-combine, and now it shows. Allen had to face questions after sitting out drills and some questionable pro days, but bounced back and landed in one of our favorite fits, projected to be LB2 or LB3, depending on your league’s settings come draft night.
Anthony Hill, Jr., Tennessee Titans
Anthony Hill boosted his stock with a viable LB2 landing beside Cedric Gray after being selected by the Tennessee Titans. A former five-star recruit, he’s often criticized for his coverage, but this landing spot would let him do what he does best: pass rushing and punishing ball carriers. We discussed this on the podcast. At 6-foot-2 and 238 pounds, he wowed at the NFL Scouting Combine with a 4.51-second 40-yard dash and 21 bench reps, putting him on the map for relevance again. Hill is a three-year starter at Texas and a playmaker for the Longhorns, totaling 17.0 sacks and forcing 11 turnovers in his career. The tackling and splash plays will make him a strong IDP case.
As I mentioned on the podcast, at 25:08, do not worry about the coverage; it’s not how they plan to scheme him that’s what’s important here. 2026 Final LB Prospect Rankings Heading Into The NFL Draft!
Josiah Trotter, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay needs to fill the void of Lavontae David, and it only has journeyman Alex Anzalone and Christian Roozeboom to do it. Enter Josiah Trotter, watch his tape versus South Carolina, as he is one of those prospects who just feel different. He plays like a throwback thumper, and in a different era (think early-80s downhill football), that style probably does get pushed way up boards.
Landing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is actually pretty interesting for his outlook. They’ve historically valued physical, tone-setting linebackers, but the modern wrinkle is coverage versatility, and that’s where your take hits the key tension.
Against the run, he’s a brick wall. A decisive, physical, and doesn’t get washed out. That alone can earn him early-down snaps. The question, and it’s a big one, is whether he can stay on the field for all three downs. Today’s NFL offenses will hunt linebackers who can’t hold up in coverage.
Jake Golday, Minnesota Vikings
One of the most remarkable turnarounds we saw last season. In 2025, transitioning to linebacker, Golday exploded onto the scene. In just 12 games, he piled up a team-leading 105 tackles, along with six tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and three pass breakups, earning First-Team All-Big 12 honors in the process.
For now, he finds himself behind Blake Cashman, with veteran Eric Wilson also in the mix. But this isn’t a long-term bench stash. Golday has the profile to push for snaps sooner rather than later, especially if he flashes early on special teams and in rotational packages.
This may not be the splashy pick fans were hoping for, but with instant gratification, particularly with someone like McNeil-Warren, they could have taken on the board, but that doesn’t make it a poor one. There’s a clear vision here. Golday’s instincts, production, and versatility give him a legitimate path to carving out a role in Brian Flores’ defense over time and with the veteran presence of Cashman to teach the game to him on the next level, which will pay dividends to an IDP Dynasty owner who’s patient in the transition phase.
The Vikings didn’t have an urgent need at linebacker with Cashman and Wilson in place, but this is a bet on upside and development. Golday is likely the Sam LB his rookie season, and could potentially take over for Blake Cashman, who will be 30, next year. Early on, expect Golday to contribute on special teams and work his way into sub-packages, with the potential to grow and beat out Wilson is not out of the question.
Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Miami Dolphins
A stash for now. Even though he is currently buried behind Tyrel Dodson and Jordyn Brooks, they both have outs in their contracts by 2026, so he could be in play by the end of this year. You’ll have to Dynasty stash him, but it would be worth it as he was one of the premier tackle achievers in College, with 255 tackles over two years.
His ability to make splash plays is going to get him on the field sooner than you think. Rodriguez had 11 combined turnovers last season, seven of which were fumbles, and has a knack for punching out the football.
The talent is undeniable, but his ranking takes a hit because of the situation around him. In IDP formats, it’s tough to justify holding a defensive player for an entire season without a clear role. Right now, Rodriguez is still without a job, and there are Day 1 draft picks ahead of him on the depth chart competing for those opportunities.
Kaleb Elarms-Orr, LB, Buffalo Bills
Orr has a chance to beat out Dorian Williams outright; the Bills have tried to give Williams that job, but he hasn’t proved he can be consistent. With no expectations for Orr, this is a perfect late-round flyer in your IDP Drafts. He was one of the faster linebackers on the field and backed it up with strong production: 130 tackles, 11 TFLs, and four sacks in 2025. His analytical profile checks out too: an 89.1 run-defense grade, 75.4 in coverage, and just a 7.1% missed-tackle rate. Aggressive, physical, and productive, though coverage consistency remains a work in progress on tape.
I see Williams starting Week One, but Orr cracking lineups sooner than later. Keep in mind that most Day-3 starters never crack lineups; these are some serious expectations. I wouldn’t go draft him early, but something to monitor at the end of drafts and preseason when patterns emerge to reflect this.
Jaishaw Barham, Dallas Cowboys
I know, I know, he is commonly listed as an Edge and gets buried in rankings, and the team just added Dee Winters, but hear me out. If DL/LB eligible, he translates into an elite linebacker trait. Check your league settings—some platforms list him as DL, which only adds to his value. At 6’3”, 243, he’s built like a prototype hybrid defender. The Cowboys will need help at outside linebacker or part-time edge, so this is a sneaky landing spot that isn’t getting enough conversation.
Whether he lands as a 3-4 ILB or a 4-3 WILL, the traits translate. Elite run defense (90.4 grade) and a very low missed tackle rate (5.9%) stand out. This feels like the type of prospect who could go earlier than expected, depending on team fit. Could be the edge you seek.
Bryce Boettcher, Indianapolis Colts
Bryce Boettcher gets fourth round (No. 135 overall) draft capital of the 2026 NFL Draft. This is an excellent depth piece for a team trying to fill its linebacker room. With only Akeem Gaither- Davis here, and fellow rookie CJ Allen there’s a nice chance for a rotational role. I don’t see him beating out AGD year one, so a Sam LB or backup Mike role seems realistic. If he proves effective in those limited downs, he’ll be a favorite to win the starting job next to CJ Allen in 2027, in my view.
Boettcher is a Two-sport athlete with legit upside. His Senior Bowl tape was impressive and showed he can handle a three-down role. A smart, instinctive player who described his game as “cerebral,” and it shows on film.
Kyle Louis, LB, Miami Dolphins
A crowded Dolphin linebacker room, so we might not get to see Louis until next season. Louis has an impressive resume: First Team All-American and ACC in 2024. Second Team All-ACC in 2025. He followed this up with an amazing Senior Bowl run, providing outstanding coverage, especially in 1-on-1 drills against running backs and tight ends, even snagging a pick-six.
Slightly undersized at 6’0”, 224 lbs, his missed tackle rate started high (13.2%) before improving to 10.9% in 2025, but he developed into a much more reliable finisher. The production speaks loudly: 182 tackles, 24 TFLs, 10 sacks, and six interceptions over his final two seasons. He might have to start his career on special teams, but don’t forget about him; he’s a definite taxi stash in leagues out there.
Honorable Mentions: Later Round Prospects That Could Crack Lineups
Justin Jefferson, Cleveland Browns
With only Quincy Williams in front of him, Jefferson could carve out a long-term role for this team and has a chance to have a decent career. For now, he is billed as Carson Schweisiger’s backup, so not expecting many snaps early on.
The Cleveland Browns selected Alabama linebacker Justin Jefferson with the No. 149 overall pick in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. A strong Combine, he profiles as a backup next level. Classic MIKE linebacker but could play weakside as well, featuring strong tackling consistency. The downside is a limited range and coverage upside, which caps his ceiling compared to others ranked higher.
Deontae Lawson, UDFA
Sleeper alert… only if healthy. Consider a great fit. A former five-star recruit who took time to break out, Lawson eventually became a Butkus Award finalist and a true box presence. He’s a downhill 4-3 linebacker who diagnoses quickly, rarely misses tackles (7.1% rate), and brings strong run defense (89.1 grade in 2025). Add in solid coverage ability and four sacks last season, and you’ve got a later-round target with legitimate three-down upside at a discount.
Kendal Daniels, Atlanta Falcons
Selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the 134th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Big nickel / LB-safety hybrid at 6’5”, 242 lbs. Physical, downhill presence who thrives in run support. Coverage instincts are still developing, but the size and versatility will be intriguing. The Falcons are weak at off-ball linebackers, so there’s a chance he could carve a role out there, but there are several contenders.
Wade Woodaz, Houston Texans
Drafted by the Houston Texans with the 123rd overall pick in the fourth round, the draft capital suggests he might get on the field, just unsure where. This could come into play in 2027. A Former safety with blitzing upside (22 pressures in 2024). The athletic profile is intriguing, but a 16.3% missed-tackle rate raises red flags.
Jaden Dugger, LB San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers selected Jaden Dugger with the No. 154 overall pick in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. He’ll be a depth piece, but could carve out a special teams role early.
A Shrine Bowl standout who boosted his stock significantly. He excelled in coverage drills, recording multiple interceptions and showing great range and instincts, likely thanks to his safety background. A true riser with Day 2 potential.
Jack Kelly, New York Giants
The New York Giants selected BYU linebacker Jack Kelly with the No. 193 overall pick in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Not sure how he gets on the field, but he fits the identity of what this team wants to do.
Kelly is an Elite blitzer with 15 sacks over the past two seasons and 128 career pressures. At 246 lbs, he brings size and surprising speed (18.94 MPH). A true pass-rush weapon from the linebacker spot.
Aidan Fisher, Houston Texans
In the seventh round, the Texans get a value pick to fill up their depth charts. Production is off the charts, 323 tackles over three seasons, and he’s a true instinct-driven linebacker. The knock is the level of competition and average size/athletic profile. If he tests well, he could jump tiers quickly. He’s always around the ball and makes splash plays.
Red Murdoch, Denver Broncos
The Mr. Irrelevant pick comes with massive production (215 tackles in two seasons), but this is where you have to be careful not to chase box scores. This draft capital proves that nothing is guaranteed, especially to linebackers. Likely a two-down player at the next level. Great story and effort, but the path now is limited.
Fun Fact: Holds the NCAA record for forced fumbles with 17. Forcing fumbles doesn’t just happen. This is a talented player worth winning a position and role in camp, but the path is buried, and the team also picked up Taurean York as a UDFA
Dasan McCullough, UDFA
Traits-based prospect at 6’5”, 235 lbs with a strong pedigree. Coming off a down year, but a 5.9% missed tackle rate stands out. Scheme fit will be everything here.
Jimmy Rolder, Detroit Lions
Drafted by the Detroit Lions with the No. 118 overall pick in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft a popular underdog, he profiles as a smart, steady depth option with leadership traits.
Harold Perkins Jr., Atlanta Falcons
The ultimate “buyer beware” prospect. Once a five-star phenom, but production and role have been inconsistent. Coverage struggles and high missed tackle rates are concerning. The hype may outweigh the projection.
Even though I don’t think highly of the prospect, the fact remains that the Falcons are weak at off-ball linebacker, so they could have a chance to carve out a role here.
Eric Gentry, UDFA
Signing with the Bengals makes this an interesting landing spot. Long, rangy linebacker prospect (6’6”) with strong coverage traits. Moves well in space but needs to add play strength to hold up consistently.
Taurean York, UDFA
Update: On 4/25/2026, our guy signed with the Broncos. A top player in this draft, yet size is the only concern, and he remains unsigned. Highly productive and instinctive, with excellent run defense and tackling reliability (7.4% missed rate). Size (5’10”, 232 lbs) is the main concern and why he’s ranked lower than consensus. Still, he’s shown strong diagnostic ability and could develop into a three-down “green dot” type if everything clicks.
Jackson Kuwatch, Carolina Panthers
Jackson Kuwatch was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Panthers selected him with the 227th overall pick in the seventh round. Quiet riser with a strong Senior Bowl showing and impressive speed.
Xavian Sorey Jr., UDFA
He doesn’t have a team yet. Currently has not been signed. Hoping someone picks him up. The Senior Bowl and Combine both backed up the athletic profile. He’s more of a blitz-heavy linebacker, but the production is there: 81 tackles last year, 99 the year before, and 37 pressures over two seasons. Run defense and tackling consistency keep him lower on the list, but as a pass-rush weapon, he can absolutely carve out a role.
Scooby Williams, UDFA
I am glad the Vikings signed Scooby Williams. Former top recruit with injury concerns; flashes dual-role potential when healthy. The injuries have plagued this once-talented prospect so he deserves one shot at making a roster spot.
UDFA Deep Flyers That Could Make a Practise Squad
- Isiah Glasker – Flashes in coverage and pursuit; likely a late-round or UDFA special teams contributor.
- Lander Barton-Productive (130 tackles) and athletic, but lacks elite traits. Solid run defender (89.1 grade)
- Cian Sloane – Developmental SAM with physicality but limited coverage ability.
- Owen Heinecke – Productive and high-effort (74 tackles, 12 TFLs), but lacks top-end speed.
- Caden Fordham – Assignment: sound and reliable, but limited athletic ceiling.
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