2026 NFL Draft - Inside Linebackers
Most Recent Update: 1/16/2026 7:00 PM EST
Position/Conference Rankings
| Rank | O/A | Chng | Player/School | Ht/Wt | Elig. | BIO |
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Glossary of Terms
Linebacker Position
Linebacker Position
Inside Linebacker (ILB)
A box player who plays behind the defensive line, usually makes defensive calls.
Outside Linebacker
In a 3-4 defense is considered an EDGE/blitzing player, in a 4-3 defense is a coverage and/or run-stuffing player.
Off-Ball Linebacker (Drafttek's OLB)
An off-ball linebacker is usually the smaller of the two middle linebackers in a 3-4 system. These linebackers are more often in pass coverage and often act as the cleanup guy on running plays as opposed to the linebacker that makes first contact.
LEO/Elephant/Jack
A hybrid role for a player who will be expected to both rush the passer and play linebacker.
MIKE
Middle linebacker whose primary responsibility is filling gaps against the run; for 3-4 teams, the strong-side middle linebacker.
MOE/Rover
(3-4 teams only) Weak-side middle linebacker whose primary responsibility is filling gaps against the run.
SAM
Strong-side linebacker, primarily a run-stuffing backer.
WILL
Weak-side linebacker, sometimes called the 'run-and-chase' linebacker whose primary role is split between defending backs/receivers and stopping the run.
Sack
(Statistic) When the quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage.
Strip-Sack
(Statistic) When the quarterback loses possession of the football as a result of defensive contact.
Pressure
(Statistic) When a defensive player affects the quarterback in a meaningful way.
Box
A (generally rectangular) area ranging vertically from the offensive tackles approximately 5-8 yards.
Weak Side
The side of the offensive formation that does not include a tight end.
Strong Side
The side of the offensive formation that includes a tight end.
