NFL Draft: Linebackers

Linebackers are among my favorite position group to anticipate playing in the NFL.  To be an NFL prospect at LB you need a mean streak, freakish athletic skills, size and, strength-- a very exciting combination.  The Linebackers in this draft are no exception.

Blue Chips
Von Miller OLB-Texas A&M
Von Miller is a freakish athlete who unleashed himself in every Big 12 backfield this past season.  He is rightly so the numero uno Linebacker prospect in this years draft.

Pros-Incredibly athletic, uses his speed and quickness to avoid blocks and also does a great job of using his hands to create separation from lineman.  Has incredible burst off the line and in-and-out of his breaks.  Deceptively good in coverage.

Cons-Most media guys seem to think Von Miller is a rush linebacker in the same mold as Clay Matthews or James Harrison... he's not, and if put in that position he will have a very difficult time anchoring against the run in the NFL.  Miller isn't strong enough to bull rush and only has one reliable pass rush move-the speed rush.  If put in the right position, off the line and asked to blitz occasionally, he will be a star.

Akeem Ayers OLB-UCLA
Ayers is the prototype 3-4 OLB, and was voted first team all PAC-10 while starting at UCLA for 3 years.

Pros-Has the size and strength to mix it up with tackles in the NFL.  Will be a very valuable player setting the edge and anchoring against the run.  Is more athletic than given credit for and will come up with some amazing plays every now and then.

Cons-Won't always play with maximum effort and when his effort wanes so does his technique.  Not a guy who can be asked to change directions and play in space.  He also did not do a great job of rushing the passer despite playing rush end in nickel packages.  Will need to improve in order to stay on the field for 3rd downs at the next level.

Sleepers
Colin McCarthy MLB-Miami
Team Captain racked up over 300 tackles in his time at Miami.  A super senior who exploded into the spotlight his last year in college.

Pros-Hustle player with an energizer battery.  Won't stop running to the ball.  Has great eyes and diagnoses the play quickly.  Does a good job in pass coverage leaning on TEs and has an uncanny ability to constantly be around the ball.

Cons-Struggles to break down in space and plays a little too reckless at times.  Doesn't keep himself very clean on the inside and will occasionally be completely blocked.  Needs to work on the finer techniques of the game like swatting the ball and keeping an arm and leg free when taking on blocks.

Brian Rolle MLB-Ohio State
Another team captain who played for 4 years at Ohio State.  Will likely be asked to move to outside linebacker in the NFL.

Pros-Rolle is fast and physical, he shows plenty moxy despite his small size to play in a phone booth and make blockers miss.  He never takes a play off and takes proper angles to the ball carrier.  Breaks on throws and is skilled in pass coverage.

Cons-The knock on Rolle is his stature.  5'10'' 220lbs doesn't sound like an NFL linebacker.  But he can play and if put in the right situation he can shine.  Needs to do a better job of reading his keys and not dance around blocks in the NFL.