Film Room: 2026 Chicago Linebackers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>During the offseason we will be breaking down the film of all the top prospects from across the state ahead of our massive 2026 rankings update in the upcoming months!&nbsp; Here is a look at some of the linebackers in the 2026 class in <strong>Film Room: 2026 Chicago Linebackers</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["682480"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67e37b8434660"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This Taft linebacker racked up 69 tackles, 15 TFL, 7 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles.&nbsp; Plays mostly on the edge with his good length and bend.&nbsp; Wins with quickness off the edge getting after the QB. Pursues the ball.&nbsp; Takes on blockers while still being able to make the tackle.&nbsp; Sets the edge well with his strength.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1524594"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67e37b8434709"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Winkler is an excellent outside linebacker at 5'11" 210 pounds.&nbsp; Very good in coverage being able to cover in space and flip his hips.&nbsp; Good speed and long arms makes up for lack of ideal height.&nbsp; Runs extremely well and does a nice job getting off blocks to make plays.&nbsp; Contributes on special teams coverage and is a solid tight end on the offensive side.&nbsp; Good overall athlete that makes winning plays.&nbsp; Not out of realm he could even play some safety.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1268657"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67e37b84347c0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Beck is a 6'1" linebacker that pops off the table with his speed to the ball carrier and explosiveness.&nbsp; Wraps up very well consistently making plays in the backfield.&nbsp; Really liked what we saw of his coverage skills especially when playing on the outside covering in the slot along with being effective in zone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1640603"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67e37b843483a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">King is a 6'3" 215 pound edge/outside linebacker that has a great frame.&nbsp; Very technically sound in everything he does.&nbsp; Pursues on the backside.&nbsp; Runs sideline to sideline in the run game. Physical player that crashes down the line to make the tackle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1244432"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67e37b84348e9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lynch is a 6'2" 212 pound middle linebacker that tallied 90 tackles, 8 TFL, and 5 sacks as a junior. Changes directions quickly. Flows to the ball and has burst to the ball carrier. Gets through traffic well and wraps up.&nbsp; Hits hard.&nbsp; Contributes on kick coverage units.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["283925"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67e37b84349f6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Anderson goes 5'11" and 205 pounds.&nbsp; Kenwood linebacker showed off his versatility playing inside and out.&nbsp; Changes directions very well.&nbsp; Excellent instincts.&nbsp; Stuffs in the hole and hits hard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->