In Indianapolis, NFL teams don’t just ask for stats. They ask players to explain their best plays on the whiteboard. They want to see if the player understands the scheme, anticipates concepts, and executes with discipline.
The same question was asked of five linebackers: Sonny Styles, Kendal Daniels, Lander Barton, Kaleb Elarms-Orr, and Jake Golday.
These were the plays they chose… and what they really say about their NFL projection.
Sonny Styles
If you follow the Draft, Styles needs no introduction. He’s often compared to Fred Warner, and most mock drafts place him in the Top 15.
Production 2025
- 71 solo tackles
- 47 stops
- 2 sacks
- 15 pressures
- 7 tackles for loss
- 1 forced fumble
Coverage:
- 29 receptions allowed on 34 targets
- 183 yards
- 129 YAC
- 1 TD
- 1 interception
- 3 passes defended
- Rating allowed: 86.6
The play he chose as a pass rusher
He went to 2024. Sack with strip included against quarterback Quinn Ewers.
The important thing isn’t just the play itself. It’s what he explained: in 2025 it wasn’t his main role, but he wanted to demonstrate that this upside exists.
In 2024, with only 78 pass rush snaps:
- 6 sacks
- 19 pressures
That’s not anecdotal production. That’s efficiency.
His best play as an off-ball linebacker
College Football Playoff 2025 against Miami. Jet sweep towards receiver Malachi Toney. Styles had seen it on film. He anticipated the play and closed for a six-yard loss.
Kendal Daniels
Daniels represents the new mold: safety turned linebacker. Full range of play.
Production 2025
- 38 solo tackles
- 27 stops
- 10 tackles for loss
Coverage:
- 21 receptions in 31 targets
- 139 yards
- 92 YAC
- 1 TD
- 2 passes defended
- Rating allowed: 88.0
The play vs. Michigan that he prefers
Many remember the big hit on Justice Haynes. He doesn’t.
He chose another earlier action in the game against the Michigan Wolverines.
From 12 yards in half-field coverage, he drops back to 13, reads the development, and goes down aggressively for a tackle for loss on third down.
The “coffeehouse” in front of Ole Miss
He fakes a fall into cover and then blitzes. But what makes the difference is what he detects: the guard hits his teammate in the back, an unmistakable sign of a screen.
Instant recognition.
Daniels believes he’s entering the NFL at the perfect time: defenses on dime, same players on base, and subpackages.
Jake Golday
Coming from the Cincinnati Bearcats, Golday has generated late first-round talk.
Production 2025
- 70 solo tackles
- 43 stops
- 4 sacks
- 18 pressures
- 4 tackles for loss
- 1 forced fumble
Coverage:
- 25 receptions in 35 targets
- 217 yards
- 121 YAC
- 2 TD
- Rating allowed: 106.5
Two plays vs Nebraska
Opening match. 20-17 loss to the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
- Fourth quarter. Lined up on the edge. Speed-to-power on the tackle. Pressure that forces a long third down and returns the ball to his offense.
- Earlier in the game. In open space. He compresses the formation, breaks free from the block, and achieves a tackle for loss.
Golday wanted to show two things: he can press and he can play in space.
Lander Barton
Brother of Cody Barton, but with his own identity.
Production 2025
- 36 solo tackles
- 18 stops
- 2 sacks
- 19 pressures
- 2 tackles for loss
Coverage:
- 8 receptions on 13 targets
- 65 yards
- 1 interception
- Rating allowed: 67.8
Barton made it clear he wants to sell versatility. He has played multiple defensive positions. He frequently covers tight ends, especially against 12-man personnel.
The play against West Virginia
Third down near midfield against West Virginia Mountaineers.
They know it’s four-down territory, they expect a quarterback run.
They execute a lead zone with the running back blocking for QB Jaylen Henderson.
Barton reads, follows the ball, and finishes with a strong tackle. Personal pride. And he caps it off with another play, Pick Six.
Kaleb Elarms-Orr
Transferred from Cal in 2024, he broke out in 2025 with TCU Horned Frogs.
Production 2025
- 89 solo tackles
- 53 stops
- 4 sacks
- 25 pressures
- 7 tackles for loss
Coverage:
- 25 receptions in 35 targets
- 237 yards
- 188 YAC
- 1 TD
- Rating allowed: 99.3
The play vs Houston
3-on-1 formation. Speed option. Exploit the play and get a tackle for a turnover in the last quarter.
The full game vs Arizona State
He didn’t choose a single play. He chose the entire game. Sideline to sideline. Blitz. Run game. Constant presence. And in the combine
Final shot
The linebackers analyzed at this 2026 Combine make one thing clear: the modern linebacker cannot be a specialist.
Has to:
- Read concepts
- Cover space
- Attack the QB
- Adjust in subpackages
- Maintaining physical fitness in the box
Styles has star potential.
Daniels fits into hybrid defenses.
Golday offers production on two levels.
Barton provides diagnosis and coverage.
Elarms-Orr adds size and physicality.
Five different profiles. One same NFL mold.
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This article was translated from it’s original form in Spanish to English via META AI.
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