NFL Draft Late Round Value Picks: Linebackers

The 2026 NFL Draft features one of the more impressive linebacker classes in recent memory. Two players at the position rank top-five on our big board with Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles being elite prospects. April's NFL Draft is deep at linebacker.

Reese, Styles, Jake Golday, and CJ Allen are the best prospects at the position. There's also mid-and-late-round value to be identified at off-ball linebacker all throughout the NFL Draft. We've singled out our five favorite late-round value picks at linebacker.

2026 NFL Draft: 5 Late-Round Value Picks at Linebacker

Jimmy Rolder, LB, Michigan

Jimmy Rolder - Michigan — Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) tackles Washington wide receiver Dezmen Roebuck (81) during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder waited his turn as a multi-year reserve player. Named a starter in 2025, the Illinois native thrived when his number got called. Rolder recorded a team-high 73 tackles. He's a high-motor defender with read-and-react ability. He has three pre-draft visits lined up (Bills, Bucs, Bears) after 6+ formal interviews at the NFL Combine (Panthers, Broncos, Packers, Texans, Giants, Bucs).

Cian Slone, LB, NC State

Cian Slone - NC State — Nov 29, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; NC State Wolfpack defensive end Cian Slone (8) at the coin toss before the first half of the game against North Carolina Tar Heels at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images | Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

NC State defender Cian Slone has linebacker-edge hybrid ability. After recording 7.5 sacks at Utah State in 2024, Slone joined the Wolfpack via the transfer portal and registered 61 tackles in a more flexible role. Wherever he ends up playing, his first-step quickness and effort-level on backside pursuit will be appreciated.

Jaden Dugger, LB, Louisiana

Jaden Dugger - Louisiana — Linebacker Jaden Dugger during the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Football Media Day. Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. | SCOTT CLAUSE / USATODAY Network / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Louisiana linebacker Jaden Dugger made a huge impression on NFL scouts at the East-West Shrine Bowl. On film, he's a see-ball, chase-ball prospect with raw instincts, but his range and unique size (6045, 240 pounds with near 35-inch arm length) makes him an intriguing developmental prospect. Dugger is shot out of a cannon with sideline-to-sideline speed.

Bryce Boettcher, LB, Oregon

Bryce Boettcher - Oregon — Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon linebacker Bryce Boettcher (LB04) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Oregon linebacker Bryce Boettcher was drafted by the Houston Astros of Major League Baseball (MLB) as an outfielder. The ability to read-and-react, track the ball and play downhill translates to the football field. Boettcher is choosing to pursue a career in the NFL and has the traits, physical intentions, and football IQ required to carve out a successful stint.

Eric Gentry, LB, USC

Eric Gentry - USC — Oct 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Marlin Klein (17) hangs on to the ball after a complete pass as he is stopped by USC Trojans linebacker Eric Gentry (18) in the second half at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

USC linebacker Eric Gentry created waves at the NFL Combine following his unique weigh-in. The Philadelphia native is built like an NBA small forward with a 6-foot-7, slender 221-pound frame with 35-inch arms, an 86-inch wingspan, and 10.5-inch hands. On film, Gentry clearly requires additional muscle mass and upper-body strength to play a traditional linebacker role at the next level, but he showcases good closing burst, both as a blitzer and coverage defender.