Positional value is a phrase used often in football analysis, particularly when it comes to player contracts and draft capital. In recent years, two positions that have seen their value come into question are running back and off-ball linebacker.
With the modern game placing an emphasis on the passing game — a shift bolstered by data that shows that passing is more efficient for offenses than running the football — the more you can contribute when the ball is in the air, on either side of the football, the more valuable you are to a team.
As the 2022 NFL draft approaches, two off-ball linebackers are in a position to test those positional value waters. Utah’s Devin Lloyd and Georgia’s
Nakobe Dean are at the moment the top two players at the off-ball position, although prospects like Quay Walker, Christian Harris, Chad Muma, Brian Asamoah and Leo Chenal are making some noise as well.
But with most mock drafts pointing to Lloyd and Dean as the two most likely to come off the board in the first round, we can take a look at how both players impact the passing game.
Which might be the reason their stock is highest.