Best available LB in 2026 NFL Draft: Updated results, top prospects still on board
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Best available LB in 2026 NFL Draft: Updated results, top prospects still on board originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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Viewers have become accustomed to certain similarities. The best quarterbacks, edge rushers, offensive lineman and cornerbacks towards the top, while running back, safety and linebacker are less prioritized at the top. In 2026 throw out almost all the positional tendencies and trends.
Linebackers will come off the board early. A stark contrast from most years. Ohio State's Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles are expected to be top 10 picks. The second round could see a legitimate run on linebackers.
Even in the middle to late rounds, there are future starters to consider. Even into the fourth and fifth rounds should see significant names coming off the board. There could even be some late round steals if some linebackers are willing to entertain a transition to safety.
Best available LB in 2026 NFL Draft
Name SchoolHTWTRangePick TeamArvell ReeseOhio State6'4243Top 55GiantsSonny StylesOhio State6'5243Top 107CommandersAnthony Hill JrTexas6'3238Rd 1-2CJ AllenGeorgia6'1235Rd 1-253ColtsJacob RodriguezTexas Tech6'1235Rd 1-243DolphinsDeontae LawsonAlabama6'2228Rd 2-3Jake GoldayCincinnati6'4240Rd 2-351VikingsJosiah TrotterMissouri6'2237Rd 2-346BuccaneersKyle Louis Pitt6'1220Rd 2-3 Taurean YorkTexas A&M5'10227Rd 2-4Keyshaun ElliottASU6'2235Rd 2-4Aiden FisherIndiana6'1231Rd 2-4Trey MooreTexas6'2243Rd 3-5Kaleb Elarms-OrrTCU6'2230Rd 3-5Harold Perkins JrLSU6'1222Rd 3-5Red MurdockBuffalo6'1240Rd 3-5Owen HeineckeOklahoma6'1227Rd 3-5Bryce BoettcherOregon6'2232Rd 4-656JaguarsEric GentryUSC6'6225Rd 4-6Xavian Sorey JrArkansas6'3225Rd 4-6Lander BartonUtah6'5240Rd 4-6Scooby WilliamsTexas A&M6'2230Rd 4-6Jaden DuggerLA Lafayette6'5250Rd 4-6Jimmy RolderMichigan6'2240Rd 4-6Wesley BissaintheMiami6'1215Rd 4-6Karson ShararIowa6'2235Rd 5-7Wade WoodazClemson6'4235Rd 5-7Jack Kelly BYU6'2242Rd 5-7Jordan PollardSJSU6'1202Rd 5-7Desmond PurnellKansas State6'0232Rd 5-7Justin JeffersonAlabama6'1227Rd 5-7Triston NewsonMissouri6'2230Rd 5-7Social media reactions to LB selections in 2026 NFL Draft
Bryce Boettcher 4 bag agility pic.twitter.com/ySIy6kCiEy
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) February 27, 2026
With the 53rd pick in the draft, the #Colts have selected LB CJ Allen. Welcome to Indy! pic.twitter.com/QvGleAk4sq
— The Blue Stable (@TheBlue_Stable) April 25, 2026
Golday All Day.
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) April 25, 2026
The #Vikings have selected LB @GoldayJake with the 51st overall pick. https://t.co/S6CMEqZRpspic.twitter.com/wlbqixLMSX
Josiah Trotter is headed to Tampa Bay 🙌 pic.twitter.com/dxL6gGHvPh
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) April 25, 2026
With the No. 43 overall pick in the 2026 @NFLDraft, the @MiamiDolphins select Jacob Rodriguez.
— NFL (@NFL) April 24, 2026
NFL Draft on NFLN/ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/WBfRlfwNQD
LB Sonny Styles is heading to Washington at #7!
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) April 24, 2026
His reaction is awesome 🥹 pic.twitter.com/fPs7DwB8PJ
LB Sonny Styles is heading to Washington at #7!
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) April 24, 2026
His reaction is awesome 🥹 pic.twitter.com/fPs7DwB8PJ
2026 NFL Draft How to Watch
The 2026 NFL draft kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday in Pittsburgh (ESPN, ABC and NFL Network-- available on Fubo), The Las Vegas Raiders will likely select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick.