N.F.L. Draft 2023: The Trends That Will Shake Up the Top Picks

“We’re seeing so many of these guys that we are getting numb,” Galko said. “We’re losing sight of how freaky this is.”

Newfangled Linebackers

The rugged, snarling, somewhat lead-footed linebacker of the 1980s is now practically an endangered species. Defenses, both college and professional, have little use for a player type that is likely to get dusted by a running back or tight end in pass coverage, no matter how menacingly he growls.

The 2023 draft class, however, features several highly regarded linebackers, headlined by Drew Sanders (Arkansas), Trenton Simpson (Clemson), Jack Campbell (Iowa) and Henry To’oTo’o (Alabama). These defenders may look a little like Mike Singletary or Harry Carson, but they are really the spiritual descendants of Troy Polamalu.

“Bigger safeties are now moving down to linebacker,” said Mike Rittelmann, the director of scouting for the College Gridiron Showcase. “They can play zone coverage and be comfortable. They can fill the run gaps without getting washed out.”

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/12/sports/football/nfl-draft-trends.html