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.
The NFL Draft has arrived. No more conjecture or hypotheticals. Five months of preparations and the biggest job interview in the world will now become real.
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.
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.
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