2026 NFL draft: A linebacker for every round

The Arizona Cardinals have a number of needs they will try to address in the 2026 NFL draft. They really could go with any position during the draft.

Over the next few articles, we will go over players who could be targets in each round.

Let's have a look at linebackers.

Round 1: Sonny Styles, Ohio State

Styles is fast. He is fierce. He looks like a star.

Round 2: Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech

He was the nation's top linebacker in 2025, leading the dominant Texas Tech defense. He had 63 solo tackles, led the nation with seven forced fumbles, 11 tackles for loss and four interceptions. He is fast and athletic.

Round 3: Kyle Louis, Pitt

He is six feet tall and 220 pounds with speed. He had 85 total tackles and 8.5 tackles for loss.

Round 4: Deontae Lawson, Alabama

He was a three-year starter for Alabama and two-year captain. He is 6-3 and 226 pounds with twitchy athleticism.

Round 5: Keyshaun Elliott, Arizona State

Elliott is 6-2 and 231 pounds and showed explosiveness with his jumps. He was productive with 98 tackles 14 tackles for loss and seven sacks.

Round 6: Jack Kelly, BYU

Kelly has pass-rushing juice and might be able to play some off the edge, as he had 10 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss. He ran the 40 in 4.57 seconds at almost 6-2 and 240 pounds.

Round 7: Eric Gentry, USC

He is very tall at almost 6-7, weighing 221 pounds. He had 76 tackles, three sacks and seven tackles for loss.

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