Desman Stephens II LB USC |
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| Jersey: #8 PLAY STYLE: BOX LB | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 11/02/2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2027 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FORTY time: 4.67 seconds (62%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Jersey: #8 | |
| PLAY STYLE: BOX LB | |
| Last Updated: 11/02/2026 | |
| Draft Year: 2027 | |
| Forty time: 4.67 seconds (62%*) | |
| Overall Rating: |
66.8 / 100
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| Average rating of opposition Offense player has faced | ||
| Offense Rating: |
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76% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| Tackling: |
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72% |
| Pass Rush: |
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59% |
| Run Defense: |
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67% |
| Coverage: |
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79% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
UDFA
Overall Rank:
#888
Position rank:
#60 (LB)
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| College Games: 30 College Snaps: 1189 | ||
ESPN RATING: 80/100
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247 RATING: 89/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.8 (95%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Branden Jennings - Mississippi State |
|
84% |
| Shaka Heyward - Duke |
|
78% |
| Ben Bywater - BYU |
|
77% |
Draft Profile: Bio
Desman Stephens II played on offense, defense and special teams at Clarkston High School in Michigan. As a senior he made 88 tackles and three interceptions, ran for 614 yards and nine touchdowns and returned a punt for a score. A four-star recruit, he was also a three-year varsity basketball player.Stephens made 13 tackles in 13 appearances in 2024 and returning an interception 42 yards against Penn State. Every game of 2025 was a start for him, and he made 89 tackles, including a career-high 17 against Oregon.
Stephens is USC's starting middle linebacker in 2026. He was ejected for targeting after a late hit on Oregon quarterback Dante Moore on 26 September and was suspended for the next game against Washington, and he apologized. Since returning he has made 10 tackles and five stops at Wisconsin and 10 tackles plus a forced fumble when USC beat Ohio State 30-18. Linebackers coach Mike Ekeler has called him a pro and very smart.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Made 10 tackles and forced a fumble against Ohio State
- Had 10 tackles and five stops in the game at Wisconsin
- Productive full-time starter with 89 tackles during the 2025 season
- Brought down the Rutgers quarterback for a sack in September
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Ejected for targeting against Oregon and suspended for the next game
- Missed three tackles in the October win over Ohio State
- Allowed 16 catches on 24 targets in coverage this season
- Oregon completed two passes on him for 47 yards before his ejection
- Gave up touchdowns in coverage at Rutgers and Penn State
Scouting Report: Summary
Stephens is a smart, productive linebacker who has started for USC since 2025. He flows to the ball well and makes impact plays, such as 10 tackles and a forced fumble against Ohio State.However, his ejection and suspension for a late hit on Oregon's quarterback will draw questions from teams. He also gives up too much in coverage and missed three tackles against Ohio State.
Overall, Stephens is a productive, instinctive linebacker with discipline and coverage questions. He projects as a priority free agent with special teams value.
How other scouting services rate Desman Stephens II (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
607.5
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
70.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.