JETS COUNTRY DRAFT SERIES: Landing Linebacker Reinforcements Likely on List

Round 2 could be perfect time for Gang Green to grab top-tier LB prospect

Outside of reliable veterans CJ Mosley and Quincy Williams, the New York Jets are thin at the linebacker position and they can fix that during the 2023 National Football League Draft. 

Williams re-upped for three more years last month, but Mosley could be gone after 2023. Mosley, who has been effective when available, heads into the final year of the five-year deal he signed in 2019. 

In addition to planning for the future, Gang Green needs a talented option waiting in the wings should Mosley or Williams miss time this upcoming season.

The stage is set for Joe Douglas and Co. to use at least one of the Jets' six draft picks on a linebacker. 

The early second round may be an ideal time to pounce on one of the top linebacker prospects, none of whom earned consensus first-round draft grades. 

Noting that the position has been "de-valued" of late, NFL Draft Bible Ric Serritella said the players with the highest potential can likely be had on Day 2. 

Arkansas' Drew Sanders, Oregon's Noah Sewell and Iowa's Jack Campbell will all likely land somewhere in the Top 65. Meanwhile, Florida A&M's Isaiah Land could be a Day 3 steal.

Jack Campbell, Iowa

Ht: 6045 | Wt: 249 | Hand: 1028 | Arm: 3378 | Wing: 7828 | 40: 4.65

Campbell is the most-decorated linebacker in the 2023 draft class. The consensus All-America First Team selection made at least seven tackles in every game during the 2022 campaign. 

The 6-foot-4 Campbell won the 2022 Campbell Trophy also known as the “Academic Heisman.” He also captured the Dick Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker. The lengthy, athletic prospect started 27 games for Iowa over the last two years, totaling 271 stops in that time.

Campbell posted the top 3-cone drill (6.74) and 20-yard shuttle (4.24) amongst a limited group of LB participants at the NFL Combine.

NFL DB Intel: “An all-world tackler, Campbell uses length, range and instincts to impact the game. Willingly covers backs and tight ends in man coverage, welcoming the responsibility. Shows understanding of formations and tendencies, repeatedly sliding his d-line to correctly counter the offense.”

Iowa LB Jack Campbell :: Joseph Cress / Iowa City Press-Citizen

Drew Sanders, Arkansas

Ht: 6043 | Wt: 235 | Hand: 0968 | Arm: 3218 | 40: 4.59

Sanders snagged All-America honors in his first season after transferring from Alabama to Arkansas. The 6-foot-4 linebacker made 12 starts for the Razorbacks, making a team-leading 103 stops, including 13.5 tackles for loss.

The Butkus Award Finalist recorded at least 10 tackles in six of 12 games. His 9.5 sacks ranked second overall amongst Southeastern Conference leaders. The native Texan, who has special teams experience, played two seasons (2020, 2021) with Alabama.

NFL DB Intel: “In terms of range, explosion and upside, it doesn’t get much better than Sanders as a prospect and there is a lot of room for growth in his game. At Alabama, Sanders was utilized strictly as an edge rusher. At Arkansas, the former five-star recruit played mostly as a middle linebacker, with some reps off the edge. Sanders' decision to switch to linebacker has paid dividends, as he was one of the most productive players in the nation last season.”

Noah Sewell, Oregon

Ht: 6014 | Wt: 246 | Hand: 1000 | Arm: 3158 | Wing: 7638 | 40: 4.64

The three-year starter is a three-time All-Pac 12 Conference honoree. In 2022, Sewell totaled 56 tackles, 5.5 tackles-for-loss and four pass break-ups over a 12-game sample.

The 6-foot-1 Sewell plays with above-average strength that can also be seen during testing. The Samoan-born prospect recorded 27 reps on the 225-pound bench press, the second most of all linebacker participants at the 2023 NFL Combine. Sewell is the younger brother of current Detroit Lions’ offensive tackle Penei Sewell.

NFL DB Intel: “Sewell is an impressive athlete whose early impact in the NFL will come as a downhill player. A fluid and sudden mover with clean soft change of direction, the American Samoa native and Utah high-school product boasts impressive hand usage, power and flexibility against blockers to avoid engagement or shed if need be.”

Isaiah Land, Florida A&M

Ht: 6034 | Wt:236 | Hand: 0948 | Arm: 3248 | Wing: 7700 | 40: 4.62  

The Florida A&M Sack Machine piled up 37.0 tackles-for-loss over his last 20 games in a Rattlers’ uniform. The explosive pass rusher, who could operate as an off-ball linebacker in the pros, recorded a nation-high 19.0 sacks over a 12-game sample in 2021.

After winning the 2021 Stats Perform Buck Buchanan Award as the top defensive player in Division I Football Championship Subdivision, Land entered the NCAA transfer portal only to return to Florida A&M for the 2022 season.

In eight games this past fall, Land logged 7.5 sacks and eight quarterback hurries. The small-school HBCU prospect earned his way to the Reese’s Senior Bowl, where he boosted his draft stock.

NFL DB Intel: “Land will need to add more go-to moves, counters, and weight to stand a chance as an edge rusher in the NFL, but he has the agility, speed, and muscular frame to potentially be a developmental chess piece.”

Florida A&M edge rusher Isaiah Land discusses his draft prospects, his insane production in college and why he stayed with the Rattlers when the major colleges came calling @FAMUAthletics pic.twitter.com/z698OmdABm

— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) April 4, 2023

READ MORE:

Ric Serritella's NFL Draft Bible

Jets Country Draft Coverage

Kiper-McShay Three-Round Combo Mock Fills Three Positional Needs

DRAFT SERIES: Potential Offensive Line Pickups for Joe Douglas' Crew

DRAFT SERIES: Good Reason to Include DT in 2023 

Jets Country's 2023 Offseason Personnel Tracker