2024 NFL draft prospect rankings: Linebackers

— BONUS: Marist Liufau (Sr., Notre Dame, 6-2, 234)

Liufau made 25 straight starts to finish his Irish career after a broken ankle sidelined him for the 2021 season. He's an aggressive tackler, but needs to be more consistent. He's inhospitable to tight ends early in their routes, and possesses the qualities to potentially compete as a nickel linebacker with special teams value in the pros. Liufau is the cousin of Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua and former Colorado quarterback Sefo Liufau. Projected: Rounds 5-6

— BONUS: JD Bertrand (Sr., Notre Dame, 6-0, 235)

Bertrand was a productive three-year starter, leading the Irish in tackles the last three seasons, while finishing as a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy (academic Heisman) in 2023. Elite instincts, work ethic and processing ability almost always puts the two-time team captain in a position to make a play. There are some durability concerns, but he's the type of player an NFL coach will pound the table for. Projected: Rounds 5-7

— BONUS: Nathaniel Watson (Sr., Mississippi State, 6-2, 233)

Watson's size/speed combination and production are impressive. He became the first player to lead the SEC in both tackles (137) and sacks (10) in the same season in 2023. He's a heat-seeking missile when he has eyes on the ball-carrier, but his tight hips make him a liability in coverage. Watson's off-field decision-making will also be scrutinized by NFL front offices. Projected: Rounds 6-7

— BONUS: James Williams (Jr., Miami, 6-4, 231)

Williams was the No. 1 safety in the 2021 recruiting class, and a top-15 overall prospect nationally. The further he is from the line of scrimmage, the more questions I have, so a defense that utilizes him primarily in the box in attack mode or to neutralize tight ends will likely put him in position to succeed. Williams features outstanding length and premium athleticism, but he'll need to play with more discipline (17 penalties in his collegiate career, including nine personal foul/unnecessary roughness flags). There are also some durability concerns (he's had surgeries on his left shoulder and groin). Projected: Rounds 6-7

— BONUS: Michael Barrett (Sr., Michigan, 5-11, 232)

No Wolverine has played in more career games (64). Barrett primarily played quarterback in high school, and originally began his time in Ann Arbor on offense before switching to defense full-time. He lacks ideal size, but he plays fast and physical. Barrett is a ferocious striker, and possesses enough cover talent to be developed and special teams ability to make a roster. He will be a 25-year-old NFL rookie. Projected: Rounds 6-7

— BONUS: Aaron Casey (Sr., Indiana, 6-0, 230)

Casey is limited in coverage, and his range will be tested against NFL speed, but he's an enforcer who brings the hammer down when he hits. The Hoosiers' team captain was the only Division I player with 100-plus tackles and 20-plus tackles for loss in 2023. Projected: Round 7-PFA

— BONUS: Easton Gibbs (Sr., Wyoming, 6-0, 232)

Gibbs was a two-star recruit at safety when he committed to the Cowboys in 2019 before switching positions and adding nearly 40 pounds. Former Wyoming linebackers Logan Wilson and Chad Muma followed a similar path to the NFL. Gibbs doesn't possess the same athletic traits Wilson or Muma had, but he's a productive team leader with 319 tackles over his last three seasons. Projected: Round 7-PFA

— BONUS: Kalen DeLoach (Sr., Florida State, 5-11, 210)

The three-year starter looks more like a safety, but only Jared Verse had more sacks for the Seminoles (seven) in 2023. DeLoach is a fast (ran a 4.47 40-yard-dash at the combine), run-and-hit talent with a nose for the football, but he may not have the size or strength to be an every-down player unless he switches positions or he ends up with a creative defensive coordinator. He's a potential special-teams ace at the next level — 10 career tackles for Florida State. Projected: Round 7-PFA

— BONUS: Bo Richter (Sr., Air Force, 6-0, 248)

Richter was a standout lacrosse player and didn't begin playing football until his junior year of high school. A no-star recruit, he chose his lone FBS scholarship offer over several Ivy League opportunities. Athletically, Richter is in the same stratosphere as NC State's Payton Wilson. He totaled 19.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks in 2023. Some teams could draft or sign him in hopes of developing his skills as an edge defender. Projected: PFA

— BONUS: Winston Reid (Sr., Weber State, 5-11, 223)

Reid is undersized, but the two-time team captain produced 230 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, seven forced fumbles, 5.5 sacks and two interceptions his last two seasons for the Wildcats. Projected: PFA