Northwestern linebacker Xander Mueller was terrific throughout the 2023 campaign, recording 110 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, and three interceptions. An injury prevented Mueller from replicating that exact form in 2024. Scouts are still reminded of the productive prospect he was in 2023.
Mueller recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Mueller discussed his breakout 2023 season, overcoming adversity, his favorite aspects of playing the linebacker position, and more.
JM: You were phenomenal in 2023, recording 110 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, five sacks, and three interceptions. What changed for you that season?
Xander Mueller: I definitely focused on my overall knowledge of the defense. Improving my football IQ led to on-field production. I bought into what our defense was built on. Linebackers are supposed to make tackles. The better you play within the structure of a defense, the more tackles you’ll have at linebacker.
We had a phenomenal defensive line as well, especially throughout my final two seasons at Northwestern. We all played within the structure of the defense. It made it very easy for me to make plays at linebacker.
JM: There was no doubt about it. You battled an injury in 2024. It unfortunately prevented you from reaching your full potential this past season. How did you handle that?
Xander Mueller: This was the first time I ever had to be sidelined by injury. It definitely taught me a lot about myself and football. You never expect to have an injury. It was my final season and I was looking forward to having my best season.
I was thankful to come back and play in 2024. We have an awesome training staff and medical team. I played in our final two games and put an appropriate bow on my career at Northwestern.
JM: You came back and finished strongly. What's your favorite aspect of playing the linebacker position?
Xander Mueller: I love the blend of a bunch of different aspects of playing linebacker. I love being the quarterback of the defense. It’s an awesome job to have. It comes with a ton of physicality and opportunity to make plays.
Quarterback is obviously a different position altogether, but we get to hit people at linebacker (laughs). I enjoy that. I love making plays on the ball as well.
JM: Have you met with any teams throughout this process, and do you have any future visits scheduled?
Xander Mueller: I met with a few teams at the Tropical Bowl in January. I had a few sit-down interviews. I met with the Patriots, Texans, Titans, Chargers, Bears, Raiders, Commanders, Dolphins, and Saints.
JM: There’s a good amount of interest in you. Talk to me about your ability to play in coverage. You had terrific production in the passing game in 2023. It’s so important in today’s game.
Xander Mueller: It’s so important at linebacker. I plan to focus on that a lot at the next level. I’ve had scouts tell me they want to see me improve my ability in coverage. I think we played a solid amount of zone coverage at Northwestern. We didn’t play a lot of man coverage. We played man a bit more this past season. I felt good playing in space.
Like I said, I’ve played a ton of zone coverage though. I feel good reading the quarterback. Improving that aspect of my game is an emphasis. Like I said earlier, learning the intricacies of the defense helped me play zone coverage. When it comes to man, that’s physical tools, speed, and hips.
JM: We've appreciated your time today. Why should a team use one of their draft picks on Xander Mueller?
Xander Mueller: I’m going to give everything I have to the program. I loved every second I spent at Northwestern. I would love to continue giving everything I have for an NFL organization. I can do a lot of things to help on defense and special teams at the next level.
