dailyloe.com – The ‘On The Clock’ crew has released a second look at top inside linebacker prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft. Analysts Matt Williamson and Mike Prisuta provided their rankings on April 15, 2026. The draft will be held in Pittsburgh that April. Their opinions are their own and not of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Matt Williamson’s first look ranks Sonny Styles from Ohio State as the top prospect. Styles is listed at 6-foot-5 and 244 pounds. Jacob Rodriquez from Texas Tech is ranked second at 6-foot-1 and 231 pounds. CJ Allen from Georgia is third at 6-foot-1 and 230 pounds.
Anthony Hill from Texas is ranked fourth at 6-foot-2 and 238 pounds. Jake Golday from Cincinnati is fifth at 6-foot-4 1/2 and 239 pounds. Williamson stated his rankings at this position have not changed. He said Styles is going to get drafted very early.
Williamson said Styles has a case for being a top three or four overall prospect. He called Styles a perfect fit for today’s NFL. Williamson noted the next linebacker might be selected well into the draft’s second day. He said rounds two through four could be a sweet spot for drafting linebackers.
Williamson said the linebacker class has very good depth. He mentioned Arizona State’s Keyshaun Elliott had a case for his top five. Elliott is 6-foot-2 and 233 pounds. Williamson said Elliott remains a work in progress in coverage.
Williamson called Elliott an experienced player with a great head for the game. He said Elliott has a great playing temperament. Prospects like Elliott often have long successful careers as team leaders. Williamson said they become quarterbacks of an NFL defense.
Williamson also finds Pitt’s Kyle Louis very intriguing. Louis is 6-foot-0 and 220 pounds. Williamson said Louis is not a take on linebacker. He said Louis should not be used in a traditional fashion at the next level.
Williamson called Louis a big-time athlete that flies around the football field. He said Louis really shines playing in space. Williamson said every NFL team is looking for their version of Nick Emmanwori. He said Louis has some of those traits.
Williamson said the former Pitt Panther should be an A+ special teams contributor. He said Louis is a probable dime linebacker. Williamson also discussed Aiden Fisher from Indiana. Fisher is 6-foot-1 and 230 pounds.
Fisher followed Curt Cignetti from James Madison to Indiana. He was the Hoosiers’ unquestioned defensive leader during their National Title run. Williamson called Fisher productive and always around the football. He said Fisher plays fast.
Williamson noted Fisher is a little undersized. He said Fisher often makes up for it with his physical nature. Williamson stated NFL coaches will love this guy. Mike Prisuta also provided his first look rankings.
Mike Prisuta’s first look ranks Sonny Styles from Ohio State first. Styles is listed at 6-foot-5 and 244 pounds. CJ Allen from Georgia is ranked second at 6-foot-1 and 230 pounds. Jacob Rodriquez from Texas Tech is ranked third.[]
Source: Steelers.com
