NFL Combine Linebacker Big Board For Atlanta Falcons

Anthony Hill is a linebacker who could be gone by the time the Falcons get to turn in their draft card, but may drop to them at No. 48. Hill is an outstanding athlete with good size (6-foot-3, 238 pounds) and a lot of off-ball versatility. He can contribute all over the field on all three downs, evidenced by his 70 tackles, 4.0 sacks, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions last season.

Hill projects as an instant-impact rookie that could provide the Falcons with an elite linebacker duo in short order. 

Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati

Jake Golday was supposed to be part of the Shrine Bowl, but he pulled out at the last minute. The linebacker has a massive frame (6-foot-4, 240 pounds), but is also on Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks List” for the otherworldly athleticism for his size (1.54-second 10-yard split, 4.24-second shuttle, 10-7 broad jump, 36-inch vertical).

If he hits some of those numbers this week, he may shoot up some draft boards. Like Hill, Golday and Deablo at the second level would make for a fearsome duo. 

Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech

The Butkus Award winner from 2025 could be an option in the third or fourth round, and he is a high-IQ player who could take over the ‘green dot’ of the defense. He was a turnover machine for the Red Raiders, forcing 13 fumbles and picking off six passes over the last four seasons. Rodriguez is all over the field, too, evidenced by his 127 and 128 tackles in 2024 and 2025, but he lacks elite length and size, which will push him a little lower on some draft boards. 

Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri

Josiah Trotter is the son of former NFL linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, and he plays like it. There is a lot of downhill run-stopping ability, but he plays with a high motor that is clear to see. His coverage ability leaves a bit to be desired, and that could push him down boards, but he is still a young player with just two years of playing experience. With some development, he could emerge as a good value pick for the Falcons.

Keyshaun Elliott, LB, Arizona State

Kyle Louis is not as athletic as some of his linebacker counterparts, but he is a hard worker on the field and could be a good day three value pick. His coverage was a bit up-and-down, but he had high production (98 tackles, 7.0 sacks). Elliott needs some more development, but could be a solid depth player or special teams contributor early on. 

Bryce Boettcher, LB, Oregon

Bryce Boettcher was a two-sport athlete at Oregon, also playing center field for the Ducks, and the former walk-on brings that sort of range to the football field. Boettcher filled up the stat sheet last season, tallying 136 tackles, a sack, two forced fumbles, one interception, and five passes defended. He attacks the ball off the snap and has experience contributing on special teams, meaning he could see the field early in the NFL.