2011 NFL Draft: Linebackers

Again seriously weak linebacker class after the 3-4 OLB. I really like Carter and Sheppard on film, and I think Carter stands a chance to be one of the bigger steals from this draft. This class is weak at the top and doesn’t have depth. Last year’s draft had 3 players better than all these guys.

1.) Bruce Carter—UNC—6’2”-241—3rd round/day—86—Tore his ACL in November, but serious athlete that’s an absolute tackle machine. Gonna play the Will or maybe inside in a 3-4, and gonna be a real value pick when he recovers from the ACL. Kinda lick Brandon Tate was coming out gonna slip cuz of the injury but has top 40 talent. A definite player to like. Think DeMeco Ryans.

2.) Kelvin Sheppard—LSU—6’2”-250—3rd round/day—85—I like him, I think he has real good read and react skills. Plays up to his 40 time (4.65). Plays downhill when he needs to and has good lateral speed to cover the sweep. I think he can play inside in the 3-4 or outside in the 4-3. I think he drops well in space, looks fluid in his drop. Blitzes with speed and hits angry. Team captain, 1st team all SEC, 30 game starter.

3.) Martez Wilson—Illinois—6’4”-250—2nd—75—Great length, long arms, 4.49 and a 36” vert. The man’s a specimen. I wanna see him take on blockers more aggressively, I wanna see more fluidity in his drop, but he could be a very effective blitzer with his burst. With his measurable you wish you could see him at 3-4 OLB, but he’s playing ILB or the Sam which is where he’ll end up in the pros. He’ll go in the 2nd but I give him a 3rd/4th  round grade.

4.) Akeem Ayers—UCLA—6’3”-254—Late 1 early 2—86—I don’t really like him on film. Watched the Stanford and Cal tapes and he looks weak at the point of attack. He certainly is very athletic, pursuit is the best part of his game. I think he gives good hustle, I think he drops well in coverage. Probably a 4-3 backer, maybe 3-4 inside if someone gets creative, I doubt he’s going to set the edge in a 3-4. 33” arms and 4.88 with a 31”vert spells a 2nd round talent. Athlete that is perfect for a sub-package cuz he can dip and rip or drop into zone coverage (not man).

5.) Quan Sturdivant—UNC—6’1”-241—2nd day—77—Downhill player, stiff in the hips even though he ran a 4.65. To me he’s a 3-4 ILB. I like him in the 3rd round. Missed some games last year and he’ll need another 10 pounds. But he’s a decent player that has potential to start.