Logan's 2025 Saints NFL Draft Guide Pt. 5
- Logan Graffia
- Apr 12
- 12 min read
Part 5 will be the LBs
Linebackers
Jihaad Campbell – Alabama Crimson Tide
2024 Season Stats:
Total Tackles: 117
Tackles for Loss (TFL): 11.5
Sacks: 5.0
Strengths:
Elite Athleticism: Campbell boasts a 9.85 Relative Athletic Score, highlighting his exceptional speed, agility, and explosiveness for the linebacker position.
Coverage Skills: Campbell excels in pass coverage, effectively matching up against tight ends and running backs, and has shown the ability to disrupt passing lanes.
Physicality: At 6'3" and 244 lbs, he combines size with strength, allowing him to shed blocks and make impactful tackles.
High Football IQ: Demonstrates strong instincts and awareness on the field, often positioning himself effectively to make plays.
Weaknesses:
Experience: While his transition to linebacker has been impressive, he has only one full season as a starter, suggesting room for growth in reading complex offensive schemes.
Technique Refinement: Occasionally relies on athleticism over technique, which can lead to missed tackles or misreads against more disciplined offenses.
NFL Comparison: Bobby Wagner
Projected Draft Round: 1st Round
Carson Bruener – Washington Huskies
2024 Season Stats:
Total Tackles: 104
Tackles for Loss (TFL): 2.0
Interceptions: 3
Strengths:
Run Defense: Bruener excels at reading plays and filling gaps effectively. He consistently stays square to the line of scrimmage and demonstrates discipline in his assignments.
Coverage Ability: He has shown significant improvement in pass coverage, displaying comfort in zone schemes and the ability to cover seam and crossing routes in man coverage.
Special Teams Contribution: Bruener has been a consistent contributor on special teams throughout his college career, showcasing his versatility and team-first mentality.
Weaknesses:
Athleticism: While he possesses adequate speed, Bruener lacks elite sideline-to-sideline range, which may limit his effectiveness against faster opponents.
Pass Rush: He offers limited impact as a blitzer, often relying more on effort than technique to pressure the quarterback.
NFL Comparison: Nick Kwiatkoski
Projected Draft Round: 6th Round – 7th Round
Teddye Buchanan – California Golden Bears
2024 Season Stats:
Total Tackles: 114
Tackles for Loss (TFL): 12.0
Sacks: 5.0
Strengths:
Athleticism: Buchanan possesses impressive lateral agility and quickness, allowing him to cover ground efficiently and close in on ball carriers.
Coverage Skills: He demonstrates proficiency in both zone and man coverage, effectively matching up against tight ends and running backs.
Versatility: His experience in various defensive schemes makes him adaptable to different roles within a defense.
Weaknesses:
Block Shedding: He can struggle to disengage from blocks against larger offensive linemen, which may limit his effectiveness in certain run defense situations.
Over-pursuit: At times, his aggressive nature leads to over-pursuing plays, resulting in missed tackles or misalignments.
NFL Comparison: Jordan Hicks
Projected Draft Round: 3rd – 5th Round
Jamon Dumas-Johnson – Kentucky Wildcats
2024 Season Stats:
Total Tackles: 67
Tackles for Loss (TFL): 7.0
Sacks: 3.5
Interceptions: 1
Strengths:
Instinctive Play Recognition: Dumas-Johnson exhibits a strong ability to diagnose plays quickly, allowing him to position himself effectively against both run and pass.
Physical Tackler: He brings a physical presence to the linebacker position, consistently making impactful tackles and demonstrating solid tackling technique.
Weaknesses:
Coverage Skills: While effective against the run, Dumas-Johnson has room to improve in pass coverage, particularly against more agile receivers.
NFL Comparison: K.J. Wright
Projected Draft Round: 3rd – 5th Round
Shaun Dolac – Buffalo Bulls
2024 Season Stats:
Total Tackles: 168
Tackles for Loss (TFL): 18.5
Sacks: 6.5
Interceptions: 5
Strengths:
High Football IQ: Dolac demonstrates exceptional play recognition and positioning, allowing him to consistently be around the ball.
Tackling Efficiency: He is a reliable tackler, often bringing down opponents with minimal yards after contact.
Weaknesses:
Athleticism: While productive, there are concerns about his top-end speed and agility when matched against faster opponents.
NFL Comparison: Matt Milano
Projected Draft Round: 5th – 7th Round
K.C. Ossai – Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns 2024 Season Stats:
Total Tackles: 115
Tackles for Loss (TFL): 7.0
Sacks: 0.5
Interceptions: 1
Strengths:
High Tackling Efficiency: Ossai has an impressive ability to secure tackles. With 115 total tackles in 2024, his consistency and technique shine through, especially in run support. His ability to wrap up and secure the ball carrier is a key asset to his overall game.
Intelligence & Recognition: Ossai is highly adept at reading the play. His ability to react quickly to shifts in the offensive line or the ball carrier’s movement speaks to his football IQ. This makes him a dependable linebacker, especially in run-heavy schemes.
Coverage Skills: He has a surprising knack for coverage, particularly in zone schemes, where he can keep an eye on both the quarterback and the running backs. His one interception in 2024 demonstrates his ability to get his hands on the ball in pass coverage.
Tackling in Open Field: Ossai displays strong open-field tackling, rarely missing opportunities to stop a ball carrier. His ability to cover ground and finish tackles is a plus for a linebacker of his build.
Weaknesses:
Lack of Explosive Playmaking: Ossai’s production in terms of pass rushing and impact plays has been limited. With only 0.5 sacks in 2024, his ability to disrupt the backfield and create negative plays is below the level expected at the next level.
Struggles with Block Shedding: While he's a solid tackler, Ossai’s block-shedding technique can be inconsistent. He has a tendency to get bogged down by offensive linemen and can struggle against double teams or more physical blockers.
Speed and Lateral Quickness: While not slow, Ossai doesn’t have elite speed to cover the vast amount of ground required in some defensive schemes. His lateral quickness and ability to chase down plays from sideline to sideline need refinement.
NFL Comparison: Chris Odom
Projected Draft Round: 6th Round – Undrafted
TaMuarion Wilson – Central Arkansas Bears
2024 Season Stats:
Total Tackles: 87
Solo Tackles: 56
Interceptions: 2
Pass Breakups: 7
Strengths:
Tackling: Wilson's 56 solo tackles in 2024 demonstrate his ability to make plays in the open field. His physicality and technique allow him to be effective against both the run and pass.
Coverage Skills: With 7 pass breakups and 2 interceptions, Wilson showcases his ability to cover receivers and make plays on the ball. His awareness and positioning are key assets in pass defense.
Weaknesses:
Consistency: While Wilson has had strong performances, maintaining a high level of play throughout the season will be crucial for his development.
NFL Comparison: Darnell Savage
Projected Draft Round: 6th – 7th Round
Aaron Smith – South Carolina State Bulldogs
2024 Season Stats:
Total Tackles: 95
Tackles for Loss (TFL): 8.5
Sacks: 0.5
Interceptions: 1
Strengths:
Instinctive Play Recognition: Smith demonstrates a keen ability to read plays and react swiftly, allowing him to cover ground effectively in pursuit. His athleticism and quick decision-making contribute significantly to his defensive impact.
Coverage Skills: His agility and quickness enable him to stay with route runners, particularly those not in the slot, and effectively close on underneath passes. Smith's ability to make plays on the ball is evident, with two career interceptions and multiple pass breakups.
Weaknesses:
Physicality and Size: Standing at 6'2" and weighing 226 lbs, Smith's frame is considered average for an NFL linebacker. This may impact his ability to take on blocks with the necessary physicality at the next level.
Occasional Overpursuit: His speed and eagerness can lead to overrunning plays, resulting in missed tackles or being out of position. Refining his control and awareness will be crucial to mitigate this issue.
NFL Comparison: Kwon Alexander
Projected Draft Round: 5th – 7th Round
Tre Pinkney – Southern Miss Golden Eagles
2024 Season Stats:
Total Tackles: 74 (36 solo, 38 assisted)
Tackles for Loss (TFL): 5.0
Sacks: 0.5
Strengths:
Tackling Consistency: Pinkney's 74 total tackles in the 2024 season highlight his consistent presence on defense. His ability to combine solo and assisted tackles effectively showcases his reliability in defensive engagements.
Defensive Awareness: His statistics reflect a linebacker who is consistently involved in plays, indicating strong field awareness and positioning.
Weaknesses:
Pass Coverage: The absence of interceptions and pass breakups suggests that pass coverage may not be his strongest attribute. Enhancing skills in this area could increase his overall defensive value.
Impact Plays: With only 0.5 sacks and no forced fumbles in the 2024 season, Pinkney's ability to create disruptive plays is limited. Developing a more aggressive approach could lead to more game-changing moments.
NFL Comparison: Jelani Jenkins
Projected Draft Round: 6th – 7th Round
Jay Higgins – Iowa Hawkeyes
2024 Season Stats:
Total Tackles: 124
Solo Tackles: 53
Tackles for Loss (TFL): 2.5
Sacks: 1.0
Strengths:
Tackling Consistency: Higgins led the Hawkeyes with 118 total tackles in 2024, showcasing his ability to read plays and position himself effectively.
Ball Skills: With 4 interceptions, he demonstrated excellent awareness and hands for a linebacker, contributing significantly in pass coverage.
Weaknesses:
Athleticism: While productive, Higgins may not possess elite speed or agility, which could affect his range and coverage against faster opponents at the professional level.
Pass Rush: With only 1.0 sack, his impact as a blitzer was limited, suggesting he may be more suited to traditional linebacker roles rather than hybrid positions.
NFL Comparison: Josey Jewell
Projected Draft Round: 3rd – 4th Round
Eugene Asante – Auburn Tigers
2024 Season Stats:
Total Tackles: 45
Solo Tackles: 31
Assisted Tackles: 14
Tackles for Loss (TFL): 2.5
Sacks: 2.5
Strengths
Explosive Athleticism: Asante's speed and agility are standout traits. He has been clocked in the high 4.4-second range in the 40-yard dash and has impressive weightlifting numbers, earning him a spot on Bruce Feldman's 'Freaks' List.
Versatility: Asante's ability to contribute both in pass coverage and run defense makes him a versatile asset on the field.
Weaknesses:
Turnover Creation: Despite his speed and physical traits, Asante didn’t force any turnovers in 2024. Needs to sharpen ball skills and instincts around the football.
Consistency in Processing: At times, he takes false steps or over-pursues, leaving cutback lanes open. Needs to clean up his reads to reach full potential.
NFL Comparison: Parys Haralson
Projected Draft Round: 4th Round – 5th Round
Jeffrey Bassa – Oregon Ducks
2024 Season Stats:
Total Tackles: 54
Tackles for Loss (TFL): 2.5
Sacks: 1.5
Strengths:
Athleticism & Range: Bassa's background as a former safety contributes to his fluid movement and coverage abilities, allowing him to effectively handle both run and pass responsibilities.
Consistency: He recorded tackles in all 14 games of the season, demonstrating reliability and endurance.
Weaknesses:
Pass Rush Impact: With 1.5 sacks over the season, enhancing his pass-rushing skills could increase his overall defensive impact.
NFL Comparison: Jeffrey Bassa
Projected Draft Round: 4th Round – 5th Round
David Walker – Central Arkansas Bears
2024 Season Stats:
Total Tackles: 68
Tackles for Loss (TFL): 23.0
Sacks: 10.5
Strengths:
Elite Disruption: Walker led the FCS with 23 tackles for loss and ranked among the national leaders with 10.5 sacks in 2024. His ability to penetrate the backfield consistently disrupts offensive plays.
Explosive First Step: His quick get-off and low pad level enable him to beat offensive linemen off the snap, making him a constant threat on the edge.
High Motor and Stamina: Walker maintains relentless effort throughout games, often making plays late in downs and showing endurance that wears down opponents.
Versatility: Having played both defensive end and linebacker, Walker can adapt to various defensive schemes, offering flexibility to NFL teams.
Weaknesses:
Level of Competition: Playing in the FCS, Walker faced lesser competition compared to FBS prospects, raising questions about how his skills will translate to the NFL.
Size Concerns: At 6'1", he is considered undersized for a traditional NFL edge rusher, which may limit his role or require scheme-specific utilization. He will need to transition into a true Linebacker role.
Pass Rush Arsenal: While effective, his pass-rushing techniques are somewhat limited; developing a broader array of moves will be essential at the next level.
NFL Comparison: Haason Reddick
Projected Draft Round: 4th Round – 6th Round
Chris "Pooh" Paul Jr. – Ole Miss Rebels
2024 Season Stats:
Total Tackles: 88
Tackles for Loss (TFL): 11.0
Sacks: 3.5
Interceptions: 1
Strengths:
Instinctive Play Recognition: Paul Jr. showcases a high football IQ, allowing him to diagnose plays swiftly and position himself effectively to make tackles or disrupt passes.
Versatile Skill Set: His ability to contribute in various facets—rushing the passer, dropping into coverage, and defending the run—makes him a valuable asset in multiple defensive schemes.
Weaknesses:
Coverage Consistency: While capable in pass coverage, there are instances where Paul Jr. can be outmaneuvered by more agile receivers, indicating a need for refinement in this area.
NFL Comparison: Demario Davis
Projected Draft Round: 3rd Round – 5th Round
Carson Schwesinger – UCLA Bruins
2024 Season Stats:
Total Tackles: 136
Tackles for Loss (TFL): 9.0
Sacks: 4.0
Strengths:
Elite Tackling Production: Led the FBS with 90 solo tackles in 2024, showcasing exceptional instincts and range.
Athleticism: Demonstrated impressive agility with a 39.5" vertical jump and a 10'7" broad jump at his pro day.
Weaknesses:
Block Shedding: Needs to improve in disengaging from blockers, particularly against stronger offensive linemen.
NFL Comparison: Logan Wilson
Projected Draft Round: 2nd Round – 3rd Round
Smael Mondon Jr. – Georgia Bulldogs
2024 Season Stats:
Total Tackles: 57
Tackles for Loss (TFL): 3.0
Sacks: 3.0
Strengths:
Elite Athleticism: Mondon's speed and agility stand out, with a recorded top speed of 22.4 mph, ranking fifth among FBS linebackers. His athleticism enables him to cover ground quickly and effectively in both run defense and pass coverage.
Coverage Skills: He leads all SEC linebackers since 2022 with 16 coverage stops, showcasing his ability to read plays and make impactful decisions in the passing game.
Weaknesses:
Strength and Physicality: While athletic, Mondon needs to develop greater strength to shed blocks more effectively and handle the physical demands of the NFL.
NFL Comparison: Shaq Thompson
Projected Draft Round: Late 2nd Round – Early 3rd Round
Karene Reid – Utah Utes
2024 Season Stats:
Total Tackles: 54
Tackles for Loss (TFL): 6.0
Sacks: 3.0
Strengths:
Experience and Leadership: Reid has played in 43 career games with 39 starts, demonstrating durability and consistency.
Versatility: His ability to contribute in various defensive situations is evidenced by his tackles, tackles for loss, sacks, and pass breakups.
Weaknesses:
Coverage Skills: With only one pass breakup recorded, there may be room for improvement in pass coverage responsibilities.
NFL Comparison: Blake Martinez
Projected Draft Round: 5th Round – 6th Round
Nick Martin – Oklahoma State Cowboys
2024 Season Stats:
Total Tackles: 47
Solo Tackles: 28
Tackles for Loss (TFL): 7.5
Sacks: 1.0
Strengths:
Tackling Prowess: Demonstrated consistent tackling ability with 47 total tackles in 2024.
Versatility: Showcased adaptability by playing in various defensive schemes.
Weaknesses:
Coverage Skills: Recorded only 2 pass breakups in 2024, indicating potential areas for improvement in pass coverage.
NFL Comparison: Cory Littleton
Projected Draft Round: Late 3rd Round – 4th Round
Oluwafemi Oladejo – UCLA Bruins
2024 Season Stats:
Total Tackles: 57 (30 solo, 27 assisted)
Tackles for Loss (TFL): 13.5
Sacks: 4.5
Strengths:
Versatility: Transitioned effectively from inside linebacker to edge rusher in his senior year, demonstrating adaptability and a broad skill set.
Run Defense: Excels in setting the edge and handling lead blockers, contributing significantly to run-stopping efforts.
Athleticism: Possesses explosive traits, including a 36.5-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot broad jump, showcasing strong athletic metrics.
Weaknesses:
Pass-Rush Technique: Relies heavily on speed and outside moves; lacks a refined pass-rush repertoire, including limited inside rush and counter techniques.
Coverage Skills: Struggles in man coverage situations, indicating a need for development in pass-coverage responsibilities.
NFL Comparison: Josh Uche
Projected Draft Round: 4th Round – 7th Round
Shemar James – Florida Gators
2024 Season Stats:
Total Tackles: 64 (34 solo)
Tackles for Loss (TFL): 4.0
Sacks: 2.0
Interceptions: 1
Strengths:
Instinctive Play Recognition: James exhibits a strong ability to diagnose plays quickly, allowing him to position himself effectively against both run and pass plays.
Athleticism: At 6'1" and 229 lbs, he combines size with agility, enabling him to cover ground efficiently and match up against various offensive players.
Weaknesses:
Pass-Rush Technique: While effective in various roles, he lacks a diverse set of pass-rushing moves, limiting his impact when deployed on blitzes.
Consistency in Coverage: Although athletic, there are instances where he can be late reacting in zone coverage, leading to potential vulnerabilities against quick-developing pass plays.
NFL Comparison: Eric Kendricks
Projected Draft Round: 3rd Round – 4th Round
Cody Lindenberg – Minnesota Golden Gophers
2024 Season Stats:
Total Tackles: 94 (45 solo)
Tackles for Loss (TFL): 5.0
Sacks: 1.0
Strengths:
Run Defense: Lindenberg excels at diagnosing plays and filling gaps, demonstrating strong instincts and tackling ability.
Weaknesses:
Pass Rush: Limited sack production suggests he may not be a primary pass-rushing threat at the next level.
NFL Comparison: Matt Milano
Projected Draft Round: 4th Round – 5th Round
Tyreem Powell – Rutgers Scarlet Knights
2024 Season Stats:
Total Tackles: 57 (29 solo, 28 assisted)
Tackles for Loss (TFL): 3.5
Sacks: 0
Strengths:
Length and Frame: At 6'4" and 239 lbs, Powell possesses rare length for an off-ball linebacker, allowing him to disrupt passing lanes and engage effectively with blockers.
Run Defense: Demonstrates a physical presence against the run, with the ability to plug gaps and shed blockers.
Weaknesses:
Pass Rush Production: Limited sack numbers suggest he may not be a primary pass-rushing threat at the next level.
Coverage Consistency: While capable, there are instances where he can be late reacting in zone coverage, leading to potential vulnerabilities against quick-developing pass plays.
NFL Comparison: Joshua Perry
Projected Draft Round: 5th Round – 6th Round
Demetrius Knight Jr. – South Carolina Gamecocks
2024 Season Stats:
Total Tackles: 82
Tackles for Loss (TFL): 8.0
Sacks: 2.0
Interceptions: 1
Strengths:
Run-Stopping Prowess: Knight attacks downhill with urgency and rarely misses open-field tackles, showing great patience and balance through contact.
Veteran Savvy: Having played at multiple schools, he’s a mature, smart linebacker who communicates well and doesn't overcommit to misdirection.
Motor and Physicality: Brings high effort every snap and thrives in physical matchups, especially on early downs or in short-yardage situations.
Weaknesses:
Limited Range in Coverage: Doesn’t flip his hips fluidly and can struggle against more athletic tight ends and slot receivers.
Pass-Rush Ceiling: While a solid blitzer, he doesn’t consistently win with technique or bend off the edge.
NFL Comparison: Bruce Irvin
Projected Draft Round: 5th Round – 6th Round
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