Linebackers took the field on Thursday night for their on-field workout portion of the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. Several athletic standouts took advantage of the primetime opportunity by improving their pre-draft stock. Various talents are now in the early round conversation. We've identified five off-ball linebackers that won the NFL Combine.
EDGERRIN COOPER, TEXAS A&M
The premier off-ball linebacker in the 2024 NFL Draft did not disappoint. Edgerrin Cooper ran a blazing-fast 4.52 on his first attempt with a position-best 1.54 10-yard split. That athleticism is easy to spot on tape.
Cooper measured in with 34-inch arms that helped the Aggie defender make plays away from his frame. Cooper is a twitched-up linebacker prospect with terrific length and explosiveness. The full range of Cooper's capabilities was on display in Indianapolis.
PAYTON WILSON, NC STATE
Payton Wilson won the day by running a linebacker-best 4.44 in the 40-yard dash. Confidently staking his claim, Wilson surprisingly participated in the second go-around, running a 4.49 on his second attempt. Both are outstanding results.
Pairing athleticism with effort and instincts gives Wilson an uncapped ceiling. An unquestioned leader within the lungs of a defense, Wilson carries annual Pro Bowl potential. If the medicals check out, and sources say they will, Wilson established himself as a top-50 selection.
EDEFUAN ULOFOSHIO, WASHINGTON
Jump out the gym, young man! Washington's Edefuan Ulofoshio recorded the position-best vertical jump result at 39.5 inches. It would have led all off-ball linebackers at the 2023 NFL Combine as well (Anfernee Orji, 38.5 inches). Ulofoshio's 10-foot-8 broad also topped all participating linebackers and his 4.56 result in the 40-yard dash was a great time.
Ulofoshio was extremely productive throughout 2023, helping the Huskies advance to the National Championship by recording 94 tackles, eight for a loss, and four passes defensed. He will find a role for himself on Sundays.
TREVIN WALLACE, KENTUCKY
Trevin Wallace was arguably the most consistent performer among all linebackers. Wallace finished third in the 40 (4.52) and second in the vertical (37.50 inches) and broad jump (10-foot-7) drills. Wallace is an all-around athlete.
Wallace's performance was no surprise. He's a former high school track star who once long jumped 23 feet, 4.25 inches to shatter a 44-year-old school record, per Bruce Feldman. Wallace reached 22 MPH on the GPS during a Kentucky game.
JORDAN MAGEE, TEMPLE
Temple's Jordan Magee entered the pre-draft process as an underrated commodity but his performance in Indianapolis turned some heads. Magee's 10-foot-4 broad jump tied for the position lead with Penn State's Curtis Jacobs. Scouts took notice. Magee's 4.55 40 and 35.5-inch vertical jump were also top-five positional results.
Magee was a workhorse for the Owls’ defense in 2023. The Dover, Delaware native totaled 80 tackles and a career-high 14 tackles for loss. Magee also recorded four pass breakups and 3.5 sacks. Pairing the production with the athletic testing results certainly indicates that Magee is a draftable prospect.
Honorable mentions: Dallas Turner (OLB, Alabama), Curtis Jacobs (LB, Penn State), Kalen DeLoach (LB, Florida State), Chris Braswell (OLB, Alabama), Tyrice Knight (LB, UTEP).
