Inside Linebacker

1. Abdul Hodge, Iowa – One of the most productive players in the draft, Hodge is always around the ball. Not real big for an inside ‘backer, but he could play inside in the right scheme or, even better, in a 3-4. Might struggle against bigger blockers in the NFL, but is good enough at finding the ball and making plays to warrant early round two consideration.

2. D’Qwell Jackson, Maryland – Almost a carbon copy of Hodges. Jackson made plays all over the field for the Terps, but doesn’t have much in the way of size and will also struggle against bigger blockers. Is solid in coverage as well. Would make a nice addition for depth and immediate help on special teams somewhere in round two.3. Kai Parham, Virginia – Unlike the first two, Parham has good size and fits the physical description of an inside linebacker better than Jackson or Hodge. Hits like a ton of bricks, but isn’t a great athlete and not great in coverage. Might be better inside in a 3-4 where he doesn’t have to cover as much. Probably a third-rounder.

4. Gerris Wilkinson, Georgia Tech – Wilkerson also has good size and plenty of experience. He played end and both linebacker spots for the Yellow Jackets. Needs to add some bulk to his frame, but might be better as a pass rushing linebacker than in the middle. Will land somewhere around the same time as Parham.

5. Leon Williams, Miami – Playing linebacker at Miami has been a good path to the NFL in recent years. Jonathan Vilma, D.J. Williams, Dan Morgan, etc. have all had tremendous success at the next level. Williams isn’t that type of player, but he does have a similar type of athleticism. However, he doesn’t always put that athleticism to use and is not much in the way of a read and react type of guy. He probably will go early on day two, but could sneak into day one for a team willing to take a risk on someone with plenty of upside and the ability to contribute on special teams right away.
Sleeper: Anthony Schlegel, Ohio State – Similar to McCargo in that he has been overlooked at his position because of the amazing talent around him. With guys like A.J. Hawk and Bobby Carpenter flanking him on the outside, Schlegel had no problems getting to the ball carrier to make tackle after tackle. He is limited athletically and doesn’t cover well. But, Schlegel is a great character guy and understands how to tackle. Could become a great special teams player in the NFL and provide depth for a team in a pinch.

Outside Linebacker

1. A.J. Hawk, Ohio State – The best linebacker prospect to enter the draft since Brian Urlacher. Hawk has the speed, the size and the athletic ability to make that much of an impact in the NFL. A surefire top 10 pick and will likely land somewhere in the top five or six.

2. Chad Greenway, Iowa – Greenway is a good athlete who excels in coverage and was super productive next to Hodge in college. Probably best suited as a weakside linebacker as his pass rushing abilities are unknown and questionable. Greenway’s confidence and coverage skills should land him somewhere in the top half of the first round.

3. Bobby Carpenter, Ohio State – Most rankings have Carpenter below Sims and Ryans, but Carpenter brings as much to the table as that duo and more. Carpenter missed the end of the year with an injury, but is a prototype strong side linebacker with good pass rushing skills. Were it not for the injury, he might be considered a top 15 pick. Instead, he will probably land in the bottom third of the first round. Would be a perfect fit as a rush linebacker for a 3-4 team such as New England. Mike Vrabel II, anyone?

4. Ernie Sims, Florida State – Not the biggest linebacker in the draft, but one of the most productive and talented players available. Sims was once the most highly sought recruit in the nation and battled some nagging injuries and problems along the way. Is best suited as a weak side ‘backer, but can play anywhere. Good in coverage and a sure tackler. Should hear his name in the first round.

5. DeMeco Ryans, Alabama – Also a little on the small side, but has good athleticism and was extremely productive for the Tide. Another prototype on the weak side that should fine a home some time in the first round at this strong and deep position.

Sleeper: Thomas Howard, UTEP – Maybe not much of a sleeper anymore after some excellent workouts. Howard played at tiny UTEP, where he flew under the radar. But the word is out on his ability and his productivity. The proof is in the pudding on the film and he has climbed from a mid-round pick to a surefire first day and perhaps early second round guy. Tennessee’s Kevin Simon is another player who has been under the radar that could be a nice find in the middle rounds.