2020 IDP Prospects: Linebacker

In this series, we analyze rookie IDP prospects by position group, giving you insight into where players will be selected and the pros and cons of each prospect’s game. Today, we’ll focus on first-round 2020 rookie linebackers. 

LINK to Rookie Defensive Line Article 

Isaiah Simmons (Clemson)

Position: Linebacker/Safety hybrid

Projected NFL Draft Selection: Top 10 pick

Pros: Versatility, range, athleticism

Cons: Instincts

NFL Outlook

Simmons has the skills and experience to be a star at the next level. The former Clemson star posted a sub 4.4 forty at the combine, which pushed his expected draft position into the top 10. A player who can be used in dozens of situations (see snap tracker below), there are defensive coordinators throughout the league salivating at the chance to work with Simmons.

Stats from pff.com

IDP Status

A true three-down player in every sense, Simmons will be asked to play multiple positions. Able to cover, blitz the passer, spy dual-threat QBs and make tackles at every level in the pros, Simmons will be a cheat code option for a defensive coordinator. NFL.com compares Simmons to Darius Leonard, so expect Simmons to be a late 2nd round pick in rookie IDP drafts.

K’Lavon Chaisson (LSU)

Position: Linebacker/Edge

Projected NFL Draft Selection: Top 20 pick

Pros: Fluid, athletic, high football IQ

Cons: Balance and injury risk

NFL Outlook

A top 50 national recruit out of Houston in 2017, Chaisson has continually improved his draft stock in his time at LSU. The All-SEC first-team stud has some of the best pass-rushing moves of the class, proven by his 6.5 sacks and 13.5 TFLs last year. Given number 18 for his high character, the 254-pound edge is a very tempting prospect for multiple teams early in the draft. I see Chaisson as an immediate starter in the NFL.

IDP Status

As a linebacker, Chaisson won’t create as much value in many tackle forward IDP leagues but will have plenty of value in sack premium leagues.  He’s also a prime option in best-ball formats, where his bust games don’t harm weekly scores. Chaisson will be a mid-round pick in IDP rookie drafts.

Patrick Queen (LSU)

Position: Off-ball Linebacker

Projected NFL Draft Selection: 1st round pick

Pros: Physical, fast, able to read an offense

Cons: Experience

NFL Outlook

The one knock on Queen, pushing his draft stock to the back half of the first round, is his lack of starting experience. The Louisiana local started just one year for LSU. In that year, however, Queen racked up 85 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, three sacks and an interception. That said, Queen will be a starter as an NFL rookie.

IDP Status

Queen should be in line for plenty of tackle opportunities early in his career. If selected by a team like Jacksonville or Green Bay, Queen could easily become an LB1 right away. Queen will be selected in the top five rookie defenders of 2020.

Kenneth Murray (Oklahoma)

Position: Off-ball Linebacker

Projected NFL Draft Selection: 1st round pick

Pros: Range, production, athleticism

Cons: Strength

NFL Outlook

Murray possesses all of the qualities of a stud, inside linebacker in the NFL. Producing outrageous numbers in his three years at Oklahoma (325 total tackles, 36.5 TFLs, 9.5 sacks), the 234-pounder is expected to produce the same types of numbers as a pro. Most likely to be chosen in the 20s, Murray will see plenty of snaps as a rookie.

IDP Status

Depending on scheme fit, Murray has a chance to lead the rookie class in IDP scoring. Expect the ex-Sooner to be a second or third-round pick in rookie IDP leagues.

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