2025 NFL Draft Prospects: 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: In 2023, Stutsman totaled 104 tackles, three sacks, an interception, two forced fumbles and three passes defended. Team sources said Stutsman is very athletic, very fast and very instinctive. They stated they feel he has good size and length, but lacks ideal strength and physicality. They opined that Stutsman could be similar to Pete Werner, except Stutsman is a little more finesse and has a lack of strength compared to Werner. Stutsman had a good 2022 season for the Sooners, recording 124 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions and five passes broken up. He is a big linebacker who displayed good instincts as a sophomore.

2/26/24: Carter recorded 62 tackles, five passes batted, and 3.5 sacks in 2023. He had a strong 2022 season with 73 tackles, 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two interceptions and eight passes broken up. Team sources said Carter is fast and athletic, but he is small and can get destroyed in the inside run. He struggles to get off blocks and is a run-chase linebacker. Carter fits as a coverage sub linebacker, but he could have issues holding up in the base set in the NFL.

2/26/24: Over the course of 2023, Ford racked up 101 tackles, one sack, two passes defended and two interceptions. He was a solid run defender for the Longhorns. In 2022, Ford played well for the Longhorns, totaling 119 tackles, two sacks, four interceptions and two pass breakups. It was an outstanding junior year for Ford, and he has upside to develop.

7/20/23: Mondon played well in 2022 in his first season of playing time, recording 76 tackles, one sack, one breakup and one interception. In 2023, he totaled 68 tackles, three sacks and a pass defended. Mondon has a good skill set with speed and athleticism. He could fit as a Mike – middle – or Will – weakside – linebacker at the pro level.