2025 NFL Draft Prospects: 3-4 Outside Linebacker

2/26/24: Perkins is the size of a traditional outside linebacker, but he is lightning-fast playmaker who was all over the field for LSU as a freshman in 2022 and 2023. He was a dynamic edge rusher who showed natural blitzing ability. In 2022, he totaled 72 tackles, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, one interception and four passes batted. In 2023, Perkins recorded 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, 74 tackles and four passes batted. Perkins possesses a unique body type and is undersized as an edge defender, but there is no doubt about his explosive speed and tremendous instincts.

In the NFL, Perkins could be a hybrid defender who rushes off the edge, similar to Micah Parsons or Von Miller, and also can play outside linebacker. However, Parsons and Miller are significantly thicker and bigger than Perkins, so it will be interesting to see how teams evaluate Perkins’ potential for their defenses.

2/26/24: Payton was superb in 2023, making a lot of clutch plays for the Seminoles. He totaled 43 tackles, seven sacks and nine passes batted on the year. Payton was more disruptive than the numbers illustrate. In 2022, he totaled 31 tackles, five sacks and three passes batted.

2/26/24: While playing behind some veterans, Williams flashed big-time ability as a freshman for Georgia, recording 4.5 sacks, 6.5 tackles for a loss and 28 tackles. He had 16 tackles with 4.5 sacks and two passes batted as a sophomore while playing in a rotation. Williams has good size, speed and athleticism.

2/26/24: Umanmielen played well in 2023, recording seven sacks and 39 tackles. He transferred out of Florida after the season with a pay day coming from Ole Miss. In 2022, he totaled 39 tackles, 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. Umanmielen totaled 3.5 sacks over the 2021 and 2020 seasons. The 6-foot-5, 255-pounder has quality size with some speed and athleticism off the edge. He has shown improvement and growth as he has gained experience. Umanmielen still possesses upside to develop, so he could make a jump in 2024.

2/26/24: Burke played well in 2023, recording 41 tackles, one forced fumble and 5.5 sacks. He ate up the Alabama offensive line in Week 2. Burke has upside to grow as he gains experience.