Mel Kiper ranks Top 10 inside linebackers ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft
As Bowl Season rolls along, attention is starting to turn toward the 2023 NFL Draft. ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has broken down his top prospects by position, including a slew of talent at inside linebacker.
Kiper broke down his top 10 inside linebacker prospects, headlined by Arkansas’ Drew Sanders. He ranked fourth in the SEC with 103 tackles along with 13.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks to help anchor the Razorbacks’ season this year. Jack Campbell came in behind him at No. 2 after another impressive year for Iowa, including 115 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss.
Here’s Kiper’s full top 10 inside linebacker prospects:
- Drew Sanders, Arkansas
- Jack Campbell, Iowa
- Trenton Simpson, Clemson
- Noah Sewell, Oregon
- Dorian Williams, Tulane
- Daiyan Henley, Washington State
- Henry To’oTo’o, Alabama
- Owen Pappoe, Auburn
- Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State
- DeMarvion Overshown, Texas
Just missed: Jeremy Banks, Tennessee; Payton Wilson, NC State, Dee Winters, TCU
Simpson came in at No. 3 even though he’s dealing with an injury and didn’t put up huge numbers in the box score this year, totaling 72 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. However, he reportedly can run a 4.4 40-yard dash, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported, and has a 40-inch vertical jump. Those are important numbers to NFL scouts and will likely be key factors in when Simpson hears his name called on draft day.
Sewell became the latest inside linebacker prospect to declare for the draft Thursday, making the announcement via Twitter. He had 55 tackles, 1.5 sacks and an interception as a follow-up to an impressive year in 2021 when he had 114 tackles, four sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception.
The 2023 NFL Draft is set to take place from Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. The event will be held at the plaza just outside of Union Station.
Round 1 of the NFL Draft is set to begin at 8 p.m. ET on April 27. Rounds 2-3 will begin at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, April 28, and Rounds 4-7 will begin at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 29. The draft will be broadcasted throughout the weekend on both ESPN and NFL Network.