The Steelers’ inside linebackers have been a hot topic of discussion lately. Rumors began to circulate that Patrick Queen was on the trade block, linked to teams like the Dallas Cowboys. Adding some fuel to the fire, the Steelers seem to be at least dipping their toes into the linebacker draft pool. So far, the team has met with three: Jacob Rodriguez, Kyle Louis, and Harold Perkins.
Long-time NFL reporter Bob McGinn recently did his 42nd installment of a position-by-position series previewing the NFL Draft based on what he’s hearing from scouts. In it, he ranked the top inside linebackers in the class.
Texas Tech’s Rodriguez was the top-ranked of the bunch, finishing fourth.
“He is a damn good player,” one scout said.
“He’s head and shoulders above the rest of that crew besides Reese and Styles,” said another.
They also pointed out warts in his game, highlighting his missed tackles and suggesting his turnovers won’t translate to the NFL.
Rodriguez had an outstanding 2025 season, tallying 123 tackles, four interceptions, and seven forced fumbles. Those numbers landed him fifth in the Heisman race. He can play both Mike and Will linebacker, so if Queen departs, he could be a solid replacement.
Kyle Louis was the next highest on the ranking, coming in at seventh.
Scouts had more questions than answers about Louis in McGinn’s report. Specifically, they seem to question his “tweener” size and think he would need to be schemed around. Still, he was productive last year and has plus athleticism, intriguing scouts.
“People are intrigued by his athleticism and speed,” said one scout. “He showed up at the Senior Bowl and stood out in practices.”
Last among the Steelers pre-draft visitors is LSU’s Harold Perkins. Formerly considered a potential top-10 pick, Perkins had an intriguing college career. He has played edge and both linebacker spots with the Tigers, utilizing his A+ athleticism.
“He looks like a Will linebacker that you blitz on third down,” said one scout. “He’s just not that big, but he is a really good athlete, and he is really instinctive.”
The scout suggests that former Steelers coach Brian Flores would provide a scheme fit. If he landed with the Steelers, perhaps Patrick Graham, who has historically gotten the most out of his players, could find a way to properly use him.
Overall, the linebacker position is touted as one of the strengths of the class, and the scouts McGinn spoke with seem to agree, having something positive to say about each. His overall rankings are below.
1. Arvell Reese
2. Sonny Styles
3. CJ Allen
4. Jacob Rodriguez
5. Jake Godly
6. Josiah Trotter
7. Kyle Louis
8. Anthony Hill
9. Bryce Boettcher
10. Jimmy Rolder
11. Jack Kelly
12. Deontae Lawson
13. Xavian Sorev
14. Aiden Fisher
15. Harold Perkins
16. Keyshawn Elliott
17. Eric Gentry
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