Sorting through the grittiest linebackers in the 2025 NFL Draft and looking for Detroit Lions-type guys.
The Grit Index series rollout continues with the grittiest linebackers in the 2025 NFL Draft . If you missed any of our previous articles in this series, make sure you check them out:
- Introduction to the Grit Index
- Offensive skill players
- Offensive linemen
- Interior defensive linemen
- Edge rushers
Tier 1
Only a handful of players make it to the top tier of the Grit Index, and so far (amongst the articles published), we’ve seen 10 prospects make the cut:
- Tyler Booker, LG, Alabama: 97.3
- Tate Ratledge, RG, Georgia: 86.3
- Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State : 85.83
- Will Campbell, LT, LSU : 85.3
- Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State: 83.39
- Grey Zabel, IOL, North Dakota State: 83.4
- Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia: 81.59
- Mason Graham, DT, Michigan 80.9
- Donovan Jackson, OL, Ohio State: 80.9
- Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State: 80.5
As we start digging into the linebackers in the 2025 class, we can add another two players to the Tier 1 mix:
Carson Schwesinger, WILL/MIKE, UCLA: 90.72
Schwesinger walked-on to UCLA’s football team and worked his way into a starting MIKE linebacker role due to his highly competitive nature, instincts, and aggressiveness as a tackler.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler’s The Beast
“Competitive edge and internal wiring are different… NFL scouts rave about his effort and ‘walk-on’ attitude… Outstanding special teams profile.”
His read-react-and-close skills are reminiscent of Alex Anzalone, as he sees things as they’re evolving and has the athleticism and closing speed to consistently disrupt plays before they can get started.
From NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein :
“Schwesinger went from walk-on to All-American at UCLA. He’s a human bloodhound, pairing elite instincts with an understanding of blocking schemes and run tracks… He’s also a sound technician as an open-field tackler and bona fide standout on special teams… his instincts, athleticism and competitiveness help him project as a future starter.”
Demetrius Knight Jr., WILL, South Carolina: 84.87
A do-whatever-it-takes type of person, Knight seized an opportunity to transfer to South Carolina as a sixth-year senior and it looks like it’ll pay off. He’ll certainly hear his name called in the NFL Draft, and once he gets into an NFL training camp, he’ll have an opportunity to compete for a starting role—one he’ll likely never lose once obtained.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler’s The Beast
“To help provide for their family while at Charlotte, Knight and his wife held jobs as DoorDash delivery drivers (sometimes after games)… Described as ‘weight room addict’ and twice named ‘lifter of the year’ at Georgia Tech ; won Gamecocks’ Strength and Conditioning Award… Established himself as a Gamecocks leader and team captain, despite just one season in the program… A mature, well-traveled player, he spent four seasons as a special-teamer at Georgia Tech and one at Charlotte before transferring to Columbia in 2024. He quickly ingrained himself into South Carolina’s culture and became a productive team leader on defense.”
Linebackers
Tier 2 has two dynamic special teamers (Kiser and Simon) and a downhill run defender (Stutsman) who tackles with violence, but may be a MIKE-only linebacker. Tier 3 is highlighted by a cover linebacker (Mondon), a Detroit native (King) who hits with authority, and arguably the top off-ball linebacker in the draft (Jihaad Campbell)—though he is also a weapon on the edge.