Matt Williamson, Mike Prisuta, and Max Starks discussed the leading inside linebacker prospects for the upcoming 2026 National Football League Draft, which is scheduled to take place in Pittsburgh in April, according to an April 16 report. The analysis focused on player rankings and potential impact at the professional level.
The discussion is significant as it highlights key athletes who may shape team rosters during the draft. Inside linebackers play a central role in defensive schemes across the league.
Williamson listed Sonny Styles from Ohio State as his top prospect, describing him as a likely early selection and one of the best overall players available this year. “Styles is going to get drafted very early and has a case to being one of the top three or four overall prospects in this class. He is a perfect fit for today’s NFL,” Williamson said. He also mentioned that after Styles, teams may wait until later rounds before selecting other linebackers due to depth at this position.
Prisuta’s ranking mirrored Williamson’s at number one with Styles but included CJ Allen from Georgia and Jacob Rodriquez from Texas Tech among his favorites. Prisuta noted several players’ unique backgrounds, such as Oregon’s Bryce Boettcher transitioning from baseball to football and TCU’s Kaleb Elarms-Orr impressing with his speed at the Scouting Combine. “He’s going to be in the right place and he’s going to tackle you,” said NFL Network analyst Charles Davis about Indiana’s Aiden Fisher during Prisuta’s segment.
Starks described this group of inside linebackers as notable for their range and physicality across different defensive schemes. He highlighted CJ Allen’s size advantage over Rodriguez and praised Anthony Hill Jr.’s athleticism on blitzes or coverage duties: “Golday is a brain at the middle linebacker position and has the athleticism to cover sideline to sideline.” Starks also raised questions about LSU’s Perkins’ ideal positional fit.
The event will take place in Pittsburgh, home of six-time Super Bowl champions according to their official website. The city hosts historical celebrations such as its Hall of Honor Museum at Acrisure Stadium displaying artifacts related to team history as reported by its official website. The Steelers are recognized members of the National Football League according to their official website.
Looking forward, these analyses provide insights into how teams might approach selections for inside linebackers when they convene in Pittsburgh next month.
