2026, an LB draft?

[Martin]

Looking way ahead here, but I think 2026 will be a very strong LB draft. So this might be the year we get our new defensive leader. Arvell Reese from Ohio State has a chance to be special. All this assuming Bryce is our QB moving forward. Feel free to not derail the intended LB thread with QB stuff.

[Bear Hands]

Yeah Arvell Reese could be awesome.

Both Harold Perkins (especially) and Whit Weeks out of LSU looked great as well out of the gate.  

Early look at 2026 shows some interesting skill position guys, but the OT and LB class look like the ones to take advantage of.  Good news for us.  

 

 

[jfra78]

Looks like it will be Sellers

[Icege]

On 9/2/2025 at 11:50 AM, Martin said:

Looking way ahead here, but I think 2026 will be a very strong LB draft. So this might be the year we get our new defensive leader. Arvell Reese from Ohio State has a chance to be special. All this assuming Bryce is our QB moving forward. Feel free to not derail the intended LB thread with QB stuff.

 

On 9/3/2025 at 10:14 AM, Bear Hands said:

Yeah Arvell Reese could be awesome.

Both Harold Perkins (especially) and Whit Weeks out of LSU looked great as well out of the gate.  

Early look at 2026 shows some interesting skill position guys, but the OT and LB class look like the ones to take advantage of.  Good news for us.  

 

 

I haven't looked at any of the ILBs in this class. Any recs on who to keep an eye on?

[45catfan]

On 9/7/2025 at 3:24 PM, jfra78 said:

Looks like it will be Sellers

Dude, he's NOT ready.  I really like the kid, but are you willing to let this staff try to coach up a kid that clearly needs  another year, or two, of college ball under his belt?  Why do you want to ruin his career before it starts?

[45catfan]

On 9/2/2025 at 11:50 AM, Martin said:

Looking way ahead here, but I think 2026 will be a very strong LB draft. So this might be the year we get our new defensive leader. Arvell Reese from Ohio State has a chance to be special. All this assuming Bryce is our QB moving forward. Feel free to not derail the intended LB thread with QB stuff.

Yeah, I'm not a fan of taking LBs in the top 10.  Luke was 1:1,000,000 prospect.  That's rare.  If we can somehow move back into the late first round, that's usually the sweet spot for the top LBs.

[Beast_3000]

On 9/15/2025 at 11:32 AM, 45catfan said:

Dude, he's NOT ready.  I really like the kid, but are you willing to let this staff try to coach up a kid that clearly needs  another year, or two, of college ball under his belt?  Why do you want to ruin his career before it starts?

Lol Bryce wasn’t ready and he still isn’t. His footwork is atrocious.  If we go Sellers I would expect this organization to bring in a viable veteran or let Bryce ride out his 4th season without the 5th year option. Either way it’s time. 

I do not want to derail the thread entirely. I completely agree with the OP, and the posts in this thread. I am hopeful we can get our generational leader in the 2nd round since linebacker value has decreased.  Three  intelligent dawgs in Arvell Reese, Perkins and Weeks. 

[Captain Morgan]

On 9/12/2025 at 7:47 AM, Icege said:

 

I haven't looked at any of the ILBs in this class. Any recs on who to keep an eye on?

1st Rd 

CJ Allen, Ga

Sonny Styles Ohio St

Anthony Hill  Texas

 

2nd/3rd

Arvelle Reese  Ohio St

Harold Perkins  LSU

Jaishawn Barham  Michigan

 

3rd/4th

Deonte Lawson   Alabama

Lander Barton   Utah