The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be an exciting event, with plenty of talent across various positions, including one of the most vital defensive roles—outside linebacker. The outside linebacker position is a hybrid role in many defenses, demanding a combination of pass-rushing ability, coverage skills, and overall football IQ. Teams looking for edge rushers or versatile defenders who can contribute in both the run and pass games will find no shortage of talent at outside linebacker in this draft class.
In this primer, we will explore the key outside linebacker prospects in the 2025 draft, what they bring to the table, and how their skill sets could impact NFL teams. From explosive pass-rushers to well-rounded linebackers who can do it all, these prospects will play crucial roles at the next level.
The Role of the Outside Linebacker in Today’s NFL
Before we dive into the prospects, it’s important to understand the role that outside linebackers play in today’s NFL. In traditional 4-3 defenses, outside linebackers are primarily responsible for containment, setting the edge against the run, and covering short-to-intermediate routes in the passing game. However, the rise of the 3-4 defense has redefined the position, as outside linebackers are now often asked to serve as the primary pass rushers, tasked with disrupting the quarterback from the edge.
As defenses continue to evolve, outside linebackers are expected to be more versatile than ever before. Many of the top outside linebacker prospects in the 2025 draft class could fit into both 4-3 and 3-4 schemes, depending on their skill sets. As edge rushers, they are expected to pressure the quarterback, while as linebackers, they must be capable of covering running backs, tight ends, and even wide receivers in passing situations.
Top Outside Linebacker Prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft
1. James Harris – University of Georgia
James Harris is one of the most explosive pass-rushers in the 2025 class. Standing at 6’4” and weighing 250 pounds, Harris has the ideal physical attributes for a modern-day outside linebacker. He plays with a relentless motor and is often the focal point of opposing offensive lines. Harris’s combination of speed, strength, and technique makes him a dangerous player off the edge, capable of disrupting plays from the moment the ball is snapped.
What sets Harris apart is his burst off the line of scrimmage. He has an exceptional first step, which allows him to quickly close the gap between him and the quarterback. Harris has refined pass-rushing moves, including a deadly spin move and a rip-and-dip technique, allowing him to navigate through blockers with ease.
Additionally, Harris is a capable linebacker in pass coverage. He has shown the ability to match up against tight ends and running backs in short-to-intermediate routes. While his primary strength lies in rushing the passer, Harris is developing his coverage skills and could be an every-down player at the next level.
Pro Comparison: Von Miller (Denver Broncos)
2. Tyrell Montgomery – University of Alabama
Tyrell Montgomery is another top prospect in the 2025 class who has received high praise for his versatility and football IQ. Standing at 6’2” and weighing 240 pounds, Montgomery doesn’t have the same explosive burst as some other top prospects but makes up for it with his intelligence and instincts. He is known for his ability to read plays and anticipate where the ball is going, making him a valuable asset in both run defense and pass coverage.
Montgomery has the physicality to take on offensive tackles in the run game and is an excellent tackler in space. He excels in coverage, often matching up with tight ends and running backs in the passing game, thanks to his ability to stay in-phase with his assignment. Montgomery’s ability to play both inside and outside linebacker in various defensive schemes makes him one of the most intriguing prospects in this draft class.
Where Montgomery shines is in his leadership. On the field, he has the poise and communication skills necessary to direct traffic and be a captain of the defense. His high football IQ allows him to diagnose plays quickly, which helps him anticipate the next move and put himself in a position to make an impact.
Pro Comparison: Bobby Wagner (Seattle Seahawks)
3. Derrick “D-Train” Johnson – University of Michigan
Derrick Johnson, nicknamed “D-Train” for his physicality and aggression, is one of the more intimidating outside linebackers in this draft. Standing at 6’3” and weighing 265 pounds, Johnson has the size and strength of a traditional defensive end, but his athleticism allows him to drop back into coverage and make plays in space. He plays with a relentless, high-energy motor and is known for his aggressive style of play.
Johnson is a ferocious pass rusher, and his power moves are difficult to stop. He often bull-rushes offensive tackles, using his size and strength to overpower blockers. His ability to collapse the pocket and apply pressure on the quarterback is a major asset. Johnson has also shown the ability to play off the ball, tracking the ball carrier and using his strength to disengage blockers in the run game.
While Johnson’s primary value lies in his pass-rushing ability, he has also worked hard to improve his coverage skills. He still has room to grow in that area, but his physical attributes make him an intriguing prospect with the potential to become a three-down linebacker.
Pro Comparison: Chandler Jones (Arizona Cardinals)
4. Riley Carter – University of Oklahoma
Riley Carter is one of the most well-rounded outside linebacker prospects in the 2025 draft. At 6’2” and 235 pounds, he’s a bit lighter than some of the others on this list, but his quickness, agility, and ability to play sideline-to-sideline make him a versatile option. Carter’s exceptional lateral movement allows him to change direction on a dime, and he’s able to track down ball carriers from all over the field.
Carter’s best trait is his ability to disrupt plays in the backfield. He’s an explosive athlete with excellent hand technique, allowing him to disengage from blockers and chase down quarterbacks or running backs. He excels as a pass rusher, with a combination of speed and finesse moves that enable him to win consistently off the edge.
In coverage, Carter is exceptional. He has the fluidity and agility to cover tight ends and running backs, and his ability to make plays in the passing game has been a focal point of his development over the years. Carter may not be the biggest or strongest outside linebacker in the class, but his speed and athleticism give him the potential to be a disruptive force at the next level.
Pro Comparison: Matt Milano (Buffalo Bills)
5. Jason Pierce – University of Clemson
Jason Pierce is another high-profile outside linebacker in the 2025 class, known for his ability to be both a dynamic pass rusher and a solid defender in space. At 6’3” and 250 pounds, Pierce is an ideal size for an outside linebacker and has the frame to add more muscle if needed at the next level. Pierce possesses an excellent combination of speed, agility, and power that allows him to dominate at the point of attack.
While Pierce’s pass-rushing numbers are eye-popping, his ability to play the run and cover passing lanes makes him a complete linebacker. He has the ability to set the edge against the run, and he’s capable of making plays in the backfield. Additionally, Pierce has shown progress in his ability to cover running backs and tight ends, and his athleticism allows him to be effective in space.
What makes Pierce intriguing is his motor. He consistently shows up in big moments and has a knack for making plays in key situations. Teams that need an outside linebacker with the ability to impact the game in multiple ways will likely fall in love with Pierce’s potential.
A Loaded Class with Variety
The 2025 NFL Draft offers a wealth of talent at the outside linebacker position, with prospects ranging from explosive pass-rushers to versatile linebackers who can impact the game in multiple facets. Teams in need of a dynamic edge rusher or an all-around linebacker will find multiple candidates who can contribute right away.
Whether it’s a player like James Harris, who can dominate off the edge, or a more versatile talent like Tyrell Montgomery, who excels in coverage and run defense, there is a wide array of skill sets to choose from. This diversity of talent gives NFL teams flexibility and allows them to target a player who fits their defensive scheme and overall team philosophy.
For franchises looking to bolster their pass-rush or add a playmaker in the linebacker corps, the 2025 draft is shaping up to be an exciting one, offering several prospects who could make an immediate impact on the field.
