Payton Pierce LB Ohio State |
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report

Scouting Report: Weaknesses

• Worked a rotation role, with the body of work still small
• No pass-rush production, registering zero pressures on the year
• Undersized at 223 pounds against downhill power inside
• Block-shedding must improve against climbing linemen at the next level
• Range is good rather than rare to the perimeter

Scouting Report: Summary

Pierce is a clean, instinctive off-ball linebacker whose sets a firm edge against the run, a downhill trigger who finishes tackles reliably with only three misses. In a rotation role behind veterans, he stoned Minnesota for four stops and eight tackles, held up in coverage with an interception, and earned enough trust to be slated for the green dot as Ohio State's 2026 signal-caller. The instincts, the finish, and the leadership flag a player on the rise.

The holdups are about volume and disruption. He played a rotation role so the body of work is small, he registered zero pressures with no pass-rush production, and at 223 pounds he is light against downhill power inside. His take-on strength must improve against climbing linemen, and his range is good rather than rare. He is an ascending player whose projection leans on instincts and trajectory more than a thick resume.

The appeal is the instincts, the tackle finish, and the leadership, an ascending linebacker who profiles as a downhill three-down option if the frame and the pass rush develop. The small sample and the light frame keep the grade measured, but the tape and the green-dot role are encouraging. He grades as a Day 3 linebacker with starter upside, a bet on a rising signal-caller.