2026 NFL Draft Profiles: 10 Linebackers the New England Patriots Could Target

Our 2026 NFL Draft Profiles series continues today with best fits for the New England Patriots at a position Eliot Wolf identified as a key need early in the offseason: off-ball linebacker.

An already top-heavy rotation featuring Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss was made thinner in the offseason with the departures of Jack Gibbens, Jahlani Tavai, and Marte Mapu. K.J. Britt arrives to fill in as a substitute defender and core special teamer, but there’s certainly still room for improvement at the position.

In 2027, linebacker is set to leave the cupboard nearly barren, with Elliss, Britt, and Chad Muma all playing out 2026 on expiring contracts.

New England will likely look to the draft to identify a young linebacker prospect that provides long-term stability to the room, fits within defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr’s aggressive scheme, and embodies the violent, effort-and-finish mentality that head coach Mike Vrabel builds his team on.

Positional value may restrict the Patriots from drafting a player to fill the need on Day 1 of the draft, but fortunately for New England, the 2026 linebacker class is rich with talent that will span through Day 2 and into Day 3.

Here’s a look at 10 linebackers that the Patriots will be targeting on Days 2 & 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft:

Consensus Big Board Ranking: #43 Overall (#4 LB)

Jacob Rodriguez had been a draft riser all season long, and that continued through an impressive pre-draft process. He’s an instinctive, high-motor linebacker whose diagnostic skills and playmaking ability let him flow to the football and make stops in the run game with consistent tackle production.

A four-year contributor at Texas Tech, Rodriguez received improved marks year-after-year, culminating in an outstanding senior year campaign that was highlighted by career-best marks in: total tackles (124), solo tackles (94, 11th in FBS), tackle assists (30), stops (70, third in FBS), coverage stops (27, second in FBS), run stops (43, tied for seventh in FBS), and forced fumbles (seven, first in FBS).

Rodriguez ranked as PFF’s highest overall graded linebacker in 2025 (of 809 qualifying linebackers), with first overall rankings in overall defensive grade (93.3), run defense grade (95.3), and coverage grade (92.7).

Questions surrounding his overall athleticism were answered at the NFL Scouting Combine, when Rodriguez ran a 4.57 second 40-yard dash with a 1.60 second 10-yard split, leaped 38.5” in the vertical jump and 10’1” in the broad jump, and ran the 20-yard shuttle in 4.19 seconds and the 3-cone drill in 6.90 seconds. He recorded a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.60 out of 10.00, ranking 135th of 3,346 linebacker prospects from 1987-2026.

He brings outstanding quickness and fluidity that show up in coverage and when chasing plays from sideline to sideline, and versatility as a plus run defender with aggressive pursuit of ballcarriers in the backfield.

Rodriguez is on the smaller-end for linebackers, measuring in at 6’1”, 231 lbs. with 30 ⅞” arms, but what he lacks in size, he makes up for with relentless effort. He’s sometimes caught out-of-position over-pursuing a play and has a higher-career missed tackle rate (15.1%), but is often involved in plays he wouldn't normally be in range to impact if not for his athleticism and intelligence on the field.

Rodriguez fits seamlessly into Vrabel’s tough, physical linebacker corps, giving the Patriots a foundational young piece who can develop alongside Spillane as an anchor in the middle of the defense.

But we’ll see just how high he’s climbed the board later this month.

Consensus Big Board Ranking: #49 Overall (#5 LB)

Anthony Hill Jr. is a fluid, athletic linebacker with outstanding production and speed that allows him to cover ground quickly in pursuit and penetrate into the backfield at a high rate.

In his three seasons at Texas, Hill recorded 17 sacks, 31.5 tackles-for-loss, eight forced fumbles, and 227 total tackles. He posted a career-best missed tackle rate of just 4.5% in 2025 with just three missed tackles on the season (23rd in FBS), and registered a career-low passer rating when targeted of 62.6.

Hill benefited from a run-blitz heavy scheme that highlighted his quickness and change-of-direction ability to slip blocks and make plays in the run game, while showing the versatility to handle multiple roles in modern defenses.

In Indianapolis, Hill measured in at 6’2”, 238 lbs., with 32 ⅜” arms, and tested near the top of the class in overall athleticism score (86, second among linebackers behind only Ohio State’s Sonny Styles). He ran a 4.51 second 40-yard dash that included a 1.58 second 10-yard split, 37” vertical jump, 10’5” broad jump, and bench pressed 225 lbs. for 21 reps.

His testing metrics earned him an RAS score of 9.81 out of 10.00, ranking 66th of 3,430 linebacker prospects from 1987-2026.

Hill’s athleticism shows on tape, but there still areas of improvement remain. He’ll need to work on more precise timing on blitz assignments and refine his spatial awareness in zone coverages, but his natural tools and production already make him a high-upside starter.

Hill’s skill set aligns perfectly with Kuhr’s vision of a versatile, run-and-chase front seven, providing the Patriots with a chess-piece linebacker who can effectively pursue sideline-to-sideline and into the backfield.

Consensus Big Board Ranking: #51 Overall (#6 LB)

Jake Golday brings outstanding size (6’4 ½”, 239 lbs., with 31 ⅞” arms), production, and athleticism to the linebacker spot, playing most effectively near the line of scrimmage with a relentless motor to attack blocks and erase running lanes with great play strength at the point of contact.

After spending his 2021-23 at Central Arkansas, Golday transferred to Cincinnati in 2024 and developed into one of the nation’s best linebackers in 2025. He recorded career-best marks in total tackles (101), solo tackles (70), tackle assists (31), total stops (43), coverage stops (19), run stops (24), and total pressures (18) in 2025, and earned high marks in overall defensive grade (82.4), run defense grade (90.6, 17th in FBS) and tackling grade (83.1).

Golday tested well athletically at the NFL Scouting Combine, running the 40-yard dash in 4.62 seconds with a 1.60 second 10-yard split, the 3-cone drill in 7.02 seconds and the 20-yard shuttle in 4.34 seconds, and jumping 39” in the vertical jump and 10’5” in the broad jump. Those measurables earned Golday a 9.85 RAS, ranking 53rd of 3,460 linebacker prospects from 1987-2025.

His length and athleticism created frequent impact plays at or near the line of scrimmage, but also led to leverage losses against better timing from higher-level offensive linemen. In coverage, Golday will need to improve processing speed in zone and his quickness in diagnosing plays post-snap.

While some development may be needed, Golday’s traits and downhill style align beautifully with Kuhr’s aggressive front seven scheme, offering the Patriots a high-upside building block who can grow into a versatile starter while contributing immediately on special teams.

Consensus Big Board Ranking: #121 Overall (#11 LB)

Harold Perkins Jr. is a former consensus five-star recruit coming out of high school as an edge defender before switching to off-ball linebacker as a junior at LSU. He profiles as an explosive athlete whose speed and playmaking ability let him create splash plays in the backfield and cover ground quickly in pursuit.

As a freshman, Perkins earned First-Team All-SEC honors from the Associated Press with 72 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks as an edge rusher. At 6’1”, 223 lbs., with 31 ⅜” arms, Perkins lacks the natural size of an edge defender, and was moved to off-ball linebacker in 2024, where his season was cut short due to a torn ACL, and he’s since experienced some ups and downs adjusting to the position.

Perkins recorded 49 total tackles in 2025, with 13 missed tackles (21.0% missed tackle rate), 27 total stops, 11 coverage stops, 16 run stops, 19 total pressures, three sacks, five hits and 11 hurries. In coverage, he allowed 29 receptions on 36 targets (80.6% completion percentage allowed), but held a touchdown-interception ratio of 1:3 and allowed a passer rating of just 73.6.

In his collegiate career, Perkins posted 35.5 tackles for loss, 17 sacks and eight forced fumbles.

Perkins didn’t test athletically at the NFL Scouting Combine, but put on a show at his Pro Day with a 4.38 second 40-yard dash, 35” vertical jump, 10’4” broad jump and 20 reps on the bench press. Those numbers would rank him at a 9.03 RAS score entering the draft.

His size and inexperience as an off-ball linebacker may impact his ability to be an every-down player early, but his upside and potential as a 21-year-old prospect with great production make him an exciting building block.

Perkins’ dynamic traits would give the Patriots a linebacker with position versatility that can develop into a disruptive force at weak-side linebacker.

Consensus Big Board Ranking: #129 Overall (#12 LB)

Kaleb Elarms-Orr is a downhill off-ball linebacker with elite straight-line speed and sideline-to-sideline range that allows him to close on the ball in a hurry and make plays from multiple alignments.

After spending 2023 with the Cal Golden Bears to begin his collegiate career, Elarms-Orr transferred to TCU in 2024 and broke out in 2025. He finished the year with career-best marks in total tackles (130), solo tackles (89, 18th among FBS linebackers), tackle assists (41, fourth among FBS linebackers), missed tackle rate (7.1%), total pressures (25, 18th among FBS linebackers), sacks (4), quarterback hits (4), hurries (17), total stops (53), coverage stops (14), and run stops (39).

He triggers quickly and with great timing as a downhill blitzer, flashes a solid array of pass-rush moves, and has shown marked improvement as a run defender with sound tackling technique and the motor to pursue plays through the whistle.

Elarms-Orr measured well for modern linebackers at 6’2”, 234 lbs., with 31 ½” arms, and showcased his explosiveness at the NFL Scouting Combine, ranking third among linebackers in total athleticism score (86). He ran a 4.47 second 40-yard dash, 1.59 second 10-yard split, 4.41 second 20-yard shuttle, and jumped 40” in the vertical jump and 10’4” in the broad jump. He registered an RAS of 9.62 with his testing measurables, ranking 127th of 3,346 linebacker prospects from 1987-2026.

Areas for improvement for the mid-round prospect include processing speed as plays develop, taking better pursuit angles, and maintaining better balance when taking on blocks at the point of attack.

Elarms-Orr’s speed, aggressiveness, and improving production would give the Patriots a high-motor developmental piece who can grow into a versatile contributor and contribute immediately on special teams.

Consensus Big Board Ranking: #132 Overall (#13 LB)

Bryce Boettcher began his collegiate career for the Oregon Ducks baseball team in 2021 before walking onto the Oregon’s football team as a special teams contributor in 2022 and growing into a second-team All-Big Ten linebacker in 2024 and 2025.

Boettcher continued to play baseball through the 2024 season, when he was named to the ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove Team after recording no errors in 142 chances as a center fielder and hitting 12 home runs. He was drafted by the Houston Astros in the 13th round of the 2024 MLB Draft, but passed on the opportunity to continue his baseball career and instead began pursuing football solely this past season.

As a football player in 2024, Boettcher won the Burlsworth Trophy as the nation’s best walk-on player. He followed an impressive 2024 campaign with a breakout performance on the gridiron in 2025, posting career-best marks in: defensive snaps taken (779), total tackles (126), solo tackles (94, 11th among FBS linebackers), tackle assists (32, 24th among FBS linebackers), total pressures (12), sacks (two), hits (four), hurries (6), total stops (49), coverage stops (14), run stops (35), passer rating allowed (74.7), and forced fumbles (two).

He plays with solid range and the awareness to find the ball quickly while showing the effort to chase down plays from behind. At 6’1”, 230 lbs., with 31 ¼” arms, Boettcher possesses average size for a modern linebacker but attacks with a relentless mentality downhill to disrupt plays.

Boettcher didn’t run at the NFL Scouting Combine, but participated in the following drills at his Pro Day: 40-yard dash (4.61 seconds), vertical jump (34.5”), broad jump (9’8”), 20-yard shuttle (4.30 seconds), 3-cone drill (7.25 seconds), and bench press (21 reps).

Continued refinement is needed in the anticipation of plays in the run game and in coverage, but for a player who just became a one-sport athlete this past season, he shows great potential for growth.

Boettcher’s ascension as a prospect, paired with his high-ceiling and effort-and-finish mindset fit Patriots’ identity at linebackers, giving Vrabel another piece who can provide long-term stability to the front-seven and eventually work his way in as a key contributor on defense.

Consensus Big Board Ranking: #140 Overall (#14 LB)

Keyshaun Elliott brings solid production and reliable instincts that let him read plays quickly and flow to the ball with good pursuit speed.

Elliott transferred to Arizona State in 2024 after beginning his collegiate career at New Mexico State in 2022-23, and earned Second-Team All-Big 12 honors in 2025 after leading the Sun Devils with 14 tackles-for-loss and seven sacks. He racked up 89 total tackles, 68 solo tackles, 21 tackle assists, 44 total stops, 18 coverage stops, 26 run stops, and 15 total pressures in 2025.

He shows high football character and non-stop effort, with heavy hands as a dependable wrap-up tackler that specializes moving downhill toward the line of scrimmage.

Unlike many of the other off-ball linebackers on this list, Elliott’s main question marks center around his athleticism. He measured in at 6’2”, 231 lbs., with 31 ¼” arms at the NFL Scouting Combine, but didn’t run a 40-yard dash. He jumped 38” in the vertical jump and 10’5” in the broad jump, and put up 21 reps on the bench press.

Elliott did run a 40-yard dash at his Pro Day, and clocked in at 4.58 seconds. He added a 4.28 second 20-yard shuttle and 7.02 second 3-cone drill to his resume, and earned a composite RAS of 8.57 with his testing metrics.

He shows room for improvement in coverage, where he was exploited with a passer rating allowed of 102.5 and received a coverage grade of just 47.9 in 2025.

Elliott’s downhill dependability and pro-caliber work ethic make him an ideal depth piece who can step up as a rotational contributor, helping Vrabel establish the physical linebacker play the Patriots want while contributing early on special teams.

Consensus Big Board Ranking: #147 Overall (#15 LB)

Aiden Fisher is a highly productive middle linebacker whose high football IQ and quick processing allow him to make plays all over the field in both the run game and coverage.

Fisher transferred to Indiana in 2024 after spending 2022-23 at James Madison, and immediately became a team leader that matched football character with on-field production.

Over the last three seasons, Fisher totaled 316 tackles, 137 stops, 57 total pressures, six sacks, 15 quarterback hits, and 35 hurries. In 2024, he was named First-Team All-Big Ten; and in 2025, Third-Team All-American by the Associated Press and a finalist for the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker.

He shows outstanding awareness as plays develop, timing to slip run blocks, and consistent ability to meet running backs in the hole.

Potential limitations surround Fisher’s athleticism. He measured in at 6’1”, 232 lbs., with 31 ⅛” arms in Indianapolis, but didn’t take part in athletic testing. He did perform at his Pro Day, registering a 4.76 second 40-yard dash, 37.5” vertical jump, 10’3” broad jump, 4.51 second 20-yard shuttle, and put up 18 reps on the bench press.

At the next level, Fisher will need to be more physical against bigger offensive linemen and tighten his angles in space against ball carriers, but his character and proven production are positive signs for a developmental path.

Fisher’s consistency and football intelligence make him a strong mid-round building block who can help Vrabel install a disciplined linebacker room and grow into a leadership role in Foxboro long-term.

Consensus Big Board Ranking: #199 Overall (#19 LB)

Jack Kelly is a two-time captain at linebacker whose athletic traits, play strength and demeanor led to consistent production and versatility to shift into a multitude of alignments.

A two-year starter at Weber State in 2022-23, Kelly began his collegiate career as an edge rusher before moving off-the-ball in his sophomore year. He transferred to BYU for the 2024 and 2025 seasons, and concluded his four years with 176 total tackles, 137 solo tackles, 39 tackle assists, 128 total pressures, 31 sacks, 24 quarterback hits, 73 hurries, and eight forced fumbles.

Kelly earned First-Team All-Big 12 honors in 2025 after leading the Cougars with 13.5 tackles-for-loss and nine sacks, which ranked fourth in the FBS among linebackers. He ranked ninth among FBS linebackers with 29 total pressures in 2025.

Kelly brings good range going sideline-to-sideline, closes on receivers quickly in zone coverage, and still generates pressure off the edge — with at least 100 snaps at that position every season — and frequently blitzes while aligned off-the-ball.

In Indianapolis, Kelly saw his draft stock rise after measuring in at 6’2”, 240 lbs., and testing out as the class’ fourth highest graded linebacker in overall athleticism score (85). He ran a 4.57 second 40-yard dash with a 1.61 second 10-yard split, jumped 37” in the vertical jump and 10’5” in the broad jump, finished the 3-cone drill in 7.12 seconds, and the 20-yard shuttle in 4.19 seconds. He registered a 9.70 RAS, ranking 100th of 3,300 linebackers from 1987-2026.

Key growth points for Kelly are in read-and-reaction timing, sharpening block-shedding technique, and finishing tackles consistently. Still, Kelly’s traits make him an ideal developmental piece who can contribute on special teams right away and grow into a reliable rotational player in Kuhr’s downhill scheme.

Consensus Big Board Ranking: #219 Overall (#21 LB)

Red Murdock brings a consistently high-motor with an unmatched nose for the football, generates turnovers at a high rate and lives in the backfield.

A three-year starter for the Buffalo Bulls, Murdock set an NCAA record for career forced fumbles (17), racked up 39.5 tackles-for-loss, 328 total tackles, 139 total stops, 42 total pressures, 11 sacks, 25 hurries and six quarterback hits.

In 2025, Murdock was named Second-Team All-American by the Associated Press and set career-bests in total tackles (135), solo tackles (93, 13th among FBS linebackers), forced fumbles (six, second in FBS), total pressures (20), sacks (six), hurries (12), missed tackle rate (9.4%), and run stops (40, tied for 16th in the FBS).

Murdock graded as PFF’s fifth overall linebacker with a defensive grade of 91.2 in 2025, with high marks in run defense grade (91.3, ninth of 809 qualifying linebackers) and coverage grade (86.5, 19th of 809 qualifying linebackers).

He showcased great play strength, heavy hands, the ability to hold his ground and stay effective as a tackler through blocks, and consistency finishing plays at the tackle point.

Off the field, Murdock graduated magna cum laude in three years in 2024, and was named a finalist for the “Academic Heisman” — the William V. Campbell Trophy — and to the AFCA Allstate Good Works Team for his community service efforts in 2025.

Murdock measured in at 6’2”, 232 lbs. at the NFL Scouting Combine, but didn’t compete in athletic testing. At his Pro Day, he ran an underwhelming 4.75 second 40-yard dash, jumped 31.5” in the vertical jump and 9’6” in the broad jump, and put up 22 reps on the bench press.

His average size and speed sometimes lead to limitations in pursuit sideline-to-sideline and in the open field in coverage, but his aggressive approach at the point of contact and breadth of proven production paired with his high character and leadership potential make-up for those deficiencies as a late-round prospect.

Murdock offers valuable depth on Day 3 with upside to develop into a starter long-term as a turnover-generating anchor in the middle of the Patriots’ defense.

Whether New England wants to spend a Day 2 pick on an off-ball linebacker or wait until Day 3 of the NFL Draft, they’re sure to find a valuable piece that brings a long-term projection as a key contributor on defense and makes an immediate impact on special teams. 

Where do you think the Patriots should target a linebacker in the 2026 NFL Draft? Which player do you think would bring the highest ceiling in Kuhr’s defense? Let us know in the comments section below.

Next up, we’ll be identifying “best fits” at tight end for New England.

Stay tuned for that and much more right here on Patriots Roundtable.

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- 2026 NFL Draft Profiles: 5 Offensive Tackles the New England Patriots Could Target

- 3 Positions the New England Patriots Will Target in the First Round of the NFL Draft

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