Editor’s note: The Union-Tribune’s Eddie Brown is breaking down prospects, position by position, leading up to the NFL draft (April 24-26). Here are his top 10 linebackers, plus “bonus” players he believes will be drafted or signed as a priority free agent:

— 1. Jihaad Campbell (Jr., Alabama, 6-foot-3, 235 pounds)

Campbell is a former five-star recruit who played wide receiver and defensive end in high school, but developed into one of the best off-ball linebackers in the nation after starting the last two seasons in Tuscaloosa. The second-team All-American led the Crimson Tide in tackles (117), tackles for loss (11 1/2), sacks (five) and forced fumbles (two) last season. Campbell is big, rangy and transforms into a heat-seeking missile in the open field, but he’s still developing his overall instincts. His size, elite traits and athletic talent (9.88 RAS) point to upside as a pass rusher — he was the second-ranked edge rusher in the 2022 recruiting class. Campbell had surgery after the combine to repair a slight tear in his labrum. He was a locked-in top-20 pick before the news broke, but now teams are still working to find out how ready he’ll be for training camp or even the regular season. I’d still be mildly shocked if he’s available on Day 2. Projected: Round 1

— 2. Carson Schwesinger (Jr., UCLA, 6-2, 242)

A former walk-on turned first-team All-American, Schwesinger has catapulted up draft boards since the beginning of last season. He wasn’t even starting last August, but he finished the regular season with the most total tackles (136) and solo tackles (90) in the FBS. He wins with elite instincts and athleticism. He’s an asset as a blitzer and he diagnoses plays in a flash, but he needs to get stronger or he’ll get pushed around in the pros as a run defender. Schwesinger finished his collegiate career with over 500 snaps on special teams, including 15 tackles, and could develop into a core special-teamer at the next level. Projected: Round 2

— 3. Barrett Carter (Sr., Clemson, 6-0, 232)

Carter was the third-ranked linebacker in the 2021 recruiting class. He was chosen third-team All-American last year and has earned All-ACC recognition each of the past three seasons. Carter is a prototypical three-down linebacker with man-cover skills (24 career passes defensed) who lives in an opponent’s backfield (31 1/2 career tackles for loss). He’s an ideal QB spy and explosive blitzer when turned loose (12 1/2 sacks the last three seasons). Fine-tuning his block-shedding technique in the pros could unlock another level. Projected: Round 4

— 4. Danny Stutsman (Sr., Oklahoma, 6-3, 233)

A former three-star recruit, Stutsman played three years of varsity basketball and lettered in track before becoming a three-year starter for the Sooners at middle linebacker. He led them in tackles all three seasons, with at least 104 each year. He was a consensus All-American last season after earning second-team All-American recognition the year before. Stutsman is inconsistent in coverage, but he plays fast (9.62 RAS) and physical. He’s a textbook tackler with size and a natural at tracking the football. Projected: Round 3

— 5. Smael Mondon Jr. (Sr., Georgia, 6-2, 224)

Mondon was the fourth-ranked linebacker in the 2021 recruiting class. He’s a reliable tackler with elite athleticism (9.42 RAS) and technique. His speed allows him to play sideline to sideline, routinely making plays in space. Mondon features man-cover talent and is an effective blitzer when dialed up. He’s as battle-tested as they come, but he’ll need to build his play strength up in the pros. There are durability concerns. Mondon has dealt with foot injuries the past two season, and has had three surgeries (foot, labrum and meniscus) since his senior year of high school. Projected: Rounds 3-4

— 6. Demetrius Knight Jr. (Sr., South Carolina, 6-1, 235)

A former three-star recruit as a dual-threat quarterback, Knight spent four years at Georgia Tech and one at Charlotte before joining the Gamecocks last season. He’s an old-school thumper, one of the biggest hitters in this draft class. Knight still sees the game like a QB, relying on his eyes and instincts to stay ahead of an offense’s play design. He’s a fluid athlete, but there are some limitations in coverage (I’d trust him more in zone). Knight turned 25 in January. His cousin, DeAngelo Hall, was a first-round pick (No. 8 overall) in the 2004 NFL draft and played 14 seasons, earning Pro Bowl recognition three times. Projected: Rounds 2-3

— 7. Chris Paul Jr. (Jr., Ole Miss, 6-1, 222)

A former three-star recruit, Paul spent three years at Arkansas before joining the Rebels last season. He earned third-team All-American recognition after leading Ole Miss in tackles (88). He tossed in 11 tackles for loss and 3 1/2 sacks for good measure. Paul lacks ideal size, and optimal play strength, but he plays fast and physical. He wore the green dot (“QB” of the defense) in his only season with the Rebels. He’s a relentless playmaker. For as much as he worked, and as dirty as his jersey normally gets, I’m surprised Paul didn’t have a NIL deal with Tide. Projected: Round 4

— 8. Kobe King (Jr., Penn St., 6-1, 243)

A former three-star recruit, and national champion wrestler in high school, King became a two-year starter for the Nittany Lions at middle linebacker. He earned All-Big Ten recognition twice and was voted team captain last season. King’s change of direction can be clunky, and that can be exploited on passing downs, but he’s a stout, physical striker who will pancake a blocker if he’s impeding the mission. And he runs through ball-carriers. He’s also capable of being a core-four special-teamer. King’s twin brother, Kalen, was a cornerback at Penn State and was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the seventh round (No. 255 overall) last year. Projected: Rounds 4-5

— 9. Collin Oliver (Sr., Oklahoma St., 6-2, 240)

A former three-star recruit, Oliver was a freshman All-American who earned second-team All-Big 12 recognition his first three seasons with the Cowboys, leading the team in sacks each year (he had 11 1/2 as a freshman). He was voted team captain the past two seasons before missing the final 10 games of his senior year with a right foot injury. Oliver is an explosive athlete (9.74 RAS) with juice off the edge, but he doesn’t meet the size or length standards of an NFL edge rusher. His bad intentions as a run defender points to some sort of hybrid role in the pros, but he needs to tighten up his tackling technique. Projected: Rounds 5-6

— 10. Cody Simon (Sr., Ohio St., 6-2, 232)

Simon was the fourth-ranked inside linebacker in the 2020 recruiting class. A two-year starter at middle linebacker for the Buckeyes, he was voted team captain before earning third-team All-Big Ten recognition last season. He had a team-high 112 tackles, 12 1/2 tackles for loss, seven sacks and seven passes defensed. Simon was named defensive MVP of the Rose Bowl and national championship game. He is tough, instinctive and features functional athleticism (8.35 RAS). Simon was a semifinalist for the 2024 Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year award. Projected: Rounds 4-5

— 11. Jeffrey Bassa (Sr., Oregon, 6-1, 228)

A former four-star recruit at safety, Bassa began his transition to linebacker, a position he had never played before, midway through his first year in Eugene. He started 43 games and played on special teams all four seasons, earning All-Conference recognition in two conference (Pac-12 and Big Ten). Bassa wore the green dot for the Ducks last season. He’s an adequate athlete with man-cover talent, but patience isn’t his strongest virtue against the run. Projected: Rounds 3-4

— 12. Shaun Dolac (Sr., Buffalo, 6-0, 221)

A former no-star recruit, Dolac received scholarship offers to play lacrosse, but he ended up with the Bulls as a walk-on, becoming the program’s first consensus All-American last season. The MAC Defensive Player of the Year led the FBS in tackles (168) while producing 18 1/2 tackles for loss, 10 passes defensed, 6 1/2 sacks and five interceptions. Dolac lacks the size and explosiveness NFL teams covet, but he’s more-than athletic (8.21 RAS) enough to play in the pros, and he features elite instincts and vision (sees field in Ultra HD). Projected: PFA

— 13. Nick Martin (Jr., Oklahoma St., 5-11, 221)

A former three-star recruit, Martin had a massive breakout season in 2023 (140 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, six sacks and two forced fumbles) before missing the final seven games last year with a right knee injury. The two-time team captain is undersized, but he features elite closing speed (8.56 RAS) and is always around the ball. Martin has a seek-and-destroy mode if you’re D-line can keep him clean, but he’s more reactive in coverage. Projected: Rounds 4-5

— 14. Kain Medrano (Sr., UCLA, 6-3, 222)

A former three-star recruit, Medrano committed to the Bruins as a wide receiver before switching to linebacker after his first year in Los Angeles. He became a two-year starter, and was voted team captain before earning third-team All-Big Ten honors after producing 72 tackles (11 for loss) and leading UCLA in forced fumbles (three) and interceptions (two) last season. Medrano was the combine’s fastest linebacker with a 4.46 40-yard dash. He’s definitely undersized for an outside backer, and misses too many tackles, but he has the athleticism (9.83 RAS) to cover running backs and tight ends in space. Medrano also has extensive experience as a core special-teamer (blocked a punt in 2023). He turned 24 in February. Projected: Rounds 4-5

— 15. Francisco Mauigoa (Sr., Miami, 6-2, 233)

A former three-star recruit, Mauigoa spent two years at Washington State before joining the Hurricanes in 2023. He led the Canes in tackles both seasons, earning second-team All-ACC twice, and was voted team captain as a senior. Mauigoa is good-sized athlete (9.14 RAS) who consistently makes plays behind the line of scrimmage (29 tackles for loss the last two years). He flashed at times in coverage, but his overall awareness is lacking in that regard. Mauigoa was teammates with presumed No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward at two different programs. Projected: Rounds 6-7

— 16. Teddye Buchanan (Sr., California, 6-2, 233)

A former two-star recruit at outside linebacker, Buchanan spent four years at UC Davis, where he was voted team captain twice, before joining the Golden Bears last season. He was voted team captain at Cal as well. Buchanan led his team in tackles three of the last four seasons, and earned first-team All-ACC recognition after producing 12 tackles for loss, five sacks and two forced fumbles in 2024. He’s a strong blitzer with pursuit skills (9.42 RAS), and he can cover a lot of ground quickly in man or zone coverage. Buchanan’s block-shedding ability is a work-in-progress. Projected: Rounds 5-6

— 17. Jay Higgins (Sr., Iowa, 6-0, 224)

A former three-star recruit, Higgins became a two-year starter at middle linebacker for the Hawkeyes, earning first-team All-American recognition twice (unanimously in 2024). The two-time team captain was a prodigious tackler, including an FBS-best 171 tackles in 2023. He was the first player in school history to produce 100-plus tackles in back-to-back seasons. There are athletic limitations, but like life, Higgins finds a way. He’s a green-dot player with elite diagnostic capabilities and a motor with an infinitely-charged battery. Projected: Round 7-PFA

— 18. Jack Kiser (Sr., Notre Dame, 6-1, 229)

A former four-star recruit, Kiser set a Fighting Irish record for games played (70), and was voted team captain last season. He’s the surest of tacklers (led the Irish with 90 last year), wraps up and rarely misses. Kiser is instinctive and disciplined in both man and zone coverage. He played on punt coverages all six seasons in South Bend. Kiser turns 25 in September. Projected: Rounds 4-6

— 19. Eugene Asante (Sr., Auburn, 6-1, 223)

A former four-star recruit, Asante spent three years at North Carolina, mostly as a backup to future third-round draft pick Chazz Surratt, before joining he Tigers in 2022. His ultra-aggressive play style could be reined in a bit (he’s a reckless tackler), but his elite speed (4.48 40-yard dash in Indy) makes him a disruptive blitzer and capable QB spy. Asante’s production last season was underwhelming, but there’s a lot to work with here, including dynamic experience on special teams (14 career tackles). Asante was No. 33 on Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks” List last season (benches 405 pounds, squats 635). He turned 24 in January. Projected: Rounds 5-6

— 20. Chandler Martin (Sr., Memphis, 6-0, 229)

A former two-star recruit, Martin spent three years at East Tennessee State before joining the Tigers in 2023. He’s had at least 95 tackles, 9 1/2 tackles for loss and three sacks in three straight seasons, producing 33 tackles for loss and 10 sacks in his two seasons at Memphis. Martin is an explosive athlete (8.84 RAS) who can read-and-react and consistently makes plays in the backfield. His intensity, and eagerness to make a play, occasionally causes him to overrun or crash into the action without any real purpose other than destruction. Projected: Round 7-PFA

— 21. Jackson Woodward (Sr., UNLV, 6-2, 230)

A former no-star recruit, Woodward was a walk-on at Arkansas, where he spent three years before joining the Rebels in 2023. He was voted team captain twice while winning the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year and earning second-team All-American recognition last season. Woodward led all FBS linebackers in passes defensed (16) and was second in interceptions (four), while also producing a team-high 135 tackles and 17 tackles for loss. He’s a shadow in coverage with elite instincts and anticipation, but he can be manipulated with misdirection as a run defender. He could also develop into a core special-teamer (12 career tackles). Projected: Round 7-PFA

— 22. Cody Lindenberg (Sr., Minnesota, 6-2, 236)

A former three-star recruit, Lindenberg led the Golden Gophers in tackles last season with 94, earning first-team All-Big Ten recognition — he wore the green dot last year. He’s a good-sized athlete (8.17 RAS) who has been productive when healthy, but he had a sports hernia surgery last December. He missed nine games in 2023 due to a hamstring injury, and another 10 games in 2021 with an undisclosed ailment. Projected: Rounds 6-7

— 23. Carson Bruener (Sr., Washington, 6-1, 227)

A former three-star recruit, Bruener finally broke into the Huskies’ starting lineup for the first time last season. He was voted team captain before leading the team in tackles (104) and interceptions (three), earning third-team All-Big Ten recognition. Bruener is athletic (8.85 RAS), fast and physical. He’s has special teams ace written all over him — 23 career tackles and he can long snap. Bruener’s father, Mark, was a first-round pick (No. 27 overall) of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1995 NFL draft, and played 14 seasons in the NFL at tight end. He’s been a college scout for the Steelers since 2010. Projected: Rounds 6-7

— 24. Jailin Walker (Sr., Indiana, 6-0, 219)

A former no-star recruit, Walker spent three years at James Madison before joining the Hoosiers last season. He only got better after the leap in competition, producing 82 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 10 passes defensed, three forced fumbles, two sacks and two interceptions in his only season in Bloomington. He’s built like a safety, fast (4.40 40-yard dash at his pro day) with a nose for the football, but his size leaves him a small margin for error. Projected: Round 7-PFA

— 25. Jamon Dumas-Johnson (Sr., Kentucky, 6-1, 236)

A former four-star recruit, Dumas-Johnson spent three years at Georgia, earning first-team All-American recognition and winning two national titles, before joining the Wildcats last season. His athleticism (8.99 RAS) doesn’t really pop on film, but he’s usually where he needs to be and he’s flashed blitz potential for two different SEC programs (13 sacks in four seasons). Dumas-Johnson turns 24 in November. Projected: Round 7-PFA

— 26. Brandon George (Sr., Pittsburgh, 6-3, 246)

A former three-star recruit, George was voted team captain ahead of his sixth season with the Panthers. He played in a program record 65 games, but was a full-time starter in only one of his six seasons at Pitt. He made it count, producing 80 tackles (six for a loss), three forced fumbles and two sacks. George was a mainstay on special teams, but his explosive testing (9.98 RAS) at his pro day is what will likely earn him a shot in the pros. Projected: Round 7-PFA

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