2012 NFL Draft: Linebacker

1.      Luke Kuechly—BC—6’3”-242—Top 15—98—Stud middle backer, tackling machine, intelligent, good size, great pursuit, good coverage skills, aggressive and hard nosed. I have nothing bad to say about him. He’s a stud who deserves to be a top 10 pick. Best MLB prospect in recent memory, yes better than Rolando McClain. 500+ tackles in 3 years, 4.5 40 and 38” vert, need I say more?

2.      Dont’a Hightower—Alabama—6’2”-265—1st—92—Man in the middle for the tide. Big ILB prospect who plays well downhill. He even played a bit as an edge rusher during passing situations. He was surrounded by excellent talent which concerns me a bit, but for a big dude moving at 4.62 with his blitzing ability I think he would be an excellent ILB in a 3-4. I could see the Steelers drafting him. He’s a solid player, reminds me of Karlos Dansby.

3.      Lavonte David—Nebraska—6’1”-233—2nd round—85—Love him as a football player. Watched him play a few times and he was always all over the field. Played OLB and MLB. Unfortunately he is pretty small which would make him a Will ideally. Good speed, good tackling ability, great pursuit and excellent instincts. Great in coverage. I think he is a solid football player and deserving of a 2nd rounder.

4.      Sean Spence—Miami—5’11”-231—3rd round/day—80—Super athletic guy, ran a 4.56 which is very good for a backer and he plays at least that fast. When I watch him I’m reminded of Bob Sanders. He plays way off the ball at times and is able to meet running backs at the line of scrimmage. He has good instincts, loves contact, and was super productive in college. He will certainly be a good special teamer. His quickness and aggressiveness combined with being undersized and weak (12 reps) would make him a good in the box safety. It’s a tough projection but if he can drop weight and learn the position he could make it.

5.      Bobby Wagner—Utah St.—6’0”-241—2nd day—78—Tackling machine (143 last year) with blazing sub 4.5 speed. He’s another short linebacker but is built real sturdy. He is aggressive and sticks his nose into the hole which complements his strength of pursuit. He will be a solid will backer and a great special teamer.

6.      Bruce Irvin—West Va.—6’3”—245—2nd day—80—Ran a blazing 4.43 at the combine. Played standing up and will need to continue to do so at the next level. Put on pounds for the combine but still is a bit light, and plays weak. Had 14 sacks as a junior and only 8.5 as a senior. He could be a sub package rusher, not every down because he is at his best when he’s moving forward. Decent player but I think is overrated because of his measurables.

7.      Zach Brown—UNC—6’1”—244—2nd round—76—Guys a freak. 4.44 40, 1.52 10 yard split at his size is absurd. He moves very well, and is surprising good when moving laterally. He’s a good blitzer and can make big plays with his speed. Doesn’t play to contact, kinda shys away from it, and has trouble wrapping up ball carriers. He plays a bit like Akeem Ayers last year, and despite being much faster, Ayers was a better football player.

8.      Ronnell Lewis—Oklahoma—6’2”-253—2nd day—69—Played in a 3-4 system with the sooners spending most of his time at OLB with some at DE. Looks good in zone coverage. He doesn’t show pass rush ability though. Ok speed (4.7). Reminds me a bit of Sam Acho from last year and I think he should be a 4th rounder

9.      Mychal Kendricks—Cal—5’11”-239—2nd day—68—Obviously pretty short, but he has a serious burst (4.41) and plays like that. Likes contact too. As an OLB as a junior he put up 9 sacks, moving to the inside his senior year he collected 100+ tackles. He has versatility and his speed will make him an effective blitzer, problem is he is so short that he probably wont be an every down player. His best chance is as a sub package LB or maybe a 3-4 ILB. The success of Navarro Bowman makes me hesistant on bashing this guy.