2024 NFL Draft Betting Guide–Inside Linebackers

2024 NFL Draft Betting Guide–Inside Linebackers

If you are looking to get a jump on your 2024 NFL handicapping, let’s take a look at some of the top players at each position for the 2024 NFL Draft after the NFL Combine. You win with defense and there are some quality inside linebackers in this year’s draft, which starts on April 25. This is not the most glamorous position, but you need run-stoppers and pass defenders at this position.

Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper is one of the few inside linebackers expected to be drafted in the first round along with Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Both are +10000 (Draft Kings) to be taken in rounds 5-10.

1)Edgerrin Cooper, 6-3, 230, Texas A&M, 4.51 40

Cooper has good size, length and speed for inside linebacker. Last season, he recorded 83 tackles, eight sacks, two FF and a pass batted. He should end up being solid in coverage, but will need to improve there. Some questions about attitude at the East-West Shrine game won’t help his draft position. Rounds: 1-2

2)Payton Wilson, 6-3, 233, NC State, 4.43 40

Wilson is a speedster who had a great season in 2023 with 138 tackles, six sacks and three picks. He has the size and speed but also had dealt with injuries, making him a sixth-year player. Has short arms for his size and could limit him in coverage. Rounds: 1-2

3)Junior Colson, 6-2, 238, Michigan, 4.73 40

Colson has the size to be a run defender as he recorded 95 tackles and two passes defended last season. Very smart player and decent athlete, but probably more of a rotational player to start. Rounds 2-3

4)Jeremiah Trotter, 6-0, 228, Clemson, 4.60 40

It doesn’t hurt coming from a great program that has sent some really good linebackers to the pro’s in recent years. He’s outstanding in pass coverage and had 87 tackles, 5.5 sacks and two picks last season with two FF. The lack of height is a concern, but his father Jeremiah was an All-Pro so he has very good instincts. Rounds: 2-3

5)Cedric Gray, 6-2, 234, North Carolina, 4.64 40

Gray had a good season in 2023 with 121 tackles, five sacks, two FF and two fumble recoveries, but also missed a lot of tackles. Good enough athlete and run stopper, while being solid in coverage. Does a lot of things well. Just not great. Rounds: 1-3

6)Edefuan Ulofoshio, 6-1, 236, Washington, 4.56 40

Has the ability to be a playmaker with good speed. He’s 24 so not a ton of upside. Ulofoshio had 94 tackles, a pick, a forced fumble, two passes defensed and three sacks in 2023. Good closing speed with long arms. Better suited to the weakside linebacker in a 4-3. Rounds: 2-3.

7)J.D Bertrand, 6-1, 235, Notre Dame, 4.60 40

Solid player with a strong ability to cover. Runs well and has an ability to blitz. Is a bit undersized but has good toughness. Looks like a rotational player in a 3-4/4-3 scheme. Rounds: 2-4.

8)Tommy Eichenberg, 6-2, 233, Ohio State, 4.69 40

Can play the middle in the 4-3 defense, but lack of explosion and athleticism is a concern. Very tough and physical. Had 82 tackles last season. Rounds 3-4

9)Tyrice Knight, 6-0, 235, UTEP, 4.63 40

Undersized but fast linebacker who recorded 140 tackles, 4.5 sacks and six passes defensed last season. Needs to be more consistent, but is a sleeper in the middle rounds:3-5.

10)Marist Liafau, 6-2, 234, Notre Dame, 4.64 40

Strong in coverage with decent speed. Had 44 tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble. Hard hitter. Good athlete who could be a sleeper. Rounds 3-4.