2016 NFL Draft: Linebacker

What an exciting linebacker class. If everyone’s knee was ok this would be an excellent top loaded linebacker group but Jaylon Smith and Myles Jack to a lesser degree come out with injury questions. That being said you have some athletes here and according to many prognosticators this is a deep class after these four that I’ve scouted here.

Myles Jack-LB-UCLA-6’1”-245-Top 10-97

He might be the most athletic linebacker I’ve ever seen. No wonder they gave him carries on offense. Watching film I had serious trouble finding him on the field because he moves from deep coverage linebacker, to Sam linebacker, to cornerback, and also defensive end. He makes plays in coverage, the running game, and spends some time rushing the passer (33.5” arms). All around incredible athlete that moves well forward, backwards, laterally, displays balance and strength, and has an aggressive streak to his play. I’m very impressed but I’m not sure where he fits in the pro game. He could absolutely be a Will linebacker but I bet whatever defensive coordinator he plays for is going to get very creative with Jack’s skillset. A knee injury (cartilage) ended his Junior season after only 3 games, and it appears he used the time off to bulk up as he played closer to 230 pounds. Jack didn’t run at the combine but at his pro day people said he looked understandably rusty but he did post a 40” vertical. If he stays at 245 lbs he has Von Miller athleticism, though Von was a more polished pass rusher entering the draft. If he drops back to 230 lbs he could play the wildcard/joker/spur/elephant position giving a defensive a simultaneous base and nickel look. After the knee injury in October he withdrew from UCLA, not really a team first move. I’m very excited to see how this guy turns out, hopefully his knee is ok.

Reggie Ragland-LB-Alabama-6’1”-247-1st Round-91

Three Alabama players have earned unanimous All-American recognition. Those Derrick Thomas, Cornelius Bennett (2nd overall pick in 1987), and Reggie Ragland. Not bad company. A two year starter in Tuscaloosa, Ragland is the next in an impressive streak of 1st round linebacker prospects that includes Rolando McClain, Dont’a Hightower, and C.J. Mosley. Ragland is closer to Hightower because he is a run stuffer first, though High has a good 25 pounds on him. Only in his final year with the Tide did Ragland show some coverage ability and even spent time as an edge rusher in obvious passing situations. In the end he’s a truly solid football player with limited athleticism (4.72 40 and 31.5” vert) that will start as a two down linebacker but should be an above average 3 down defender by year 2.

Darron Lee-LB-Ohio State-6’1”-232-86

Tremendous athlete for a linebacker. Lee lit up the combine running the 40 in 4.47 seconds featuring a running back like 1.55 second 10 yard split. He then tacked on a 35.5” vertical leap and very good 4.20 second 20 yard shuttle. Obviously he’s on the small side for an NFL linebacker, but not much different than former teammate Ryan Shazier. The 21 year old started both years for the Buckeyes after redshirting in 2013. All he did to replace Shazier was put up 16.5 tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks as a redshirt freshman in 2014 including defensive MVP honors in the Sugar Bowl against Alabama. Lee is an athletic linebacker in the Mychal Kendricks mold who plays best in space and coming downhill but has difficulty getting off blocks. His speed will be an asset both as an edge rusher (33.25” arms) and in coverage, but I worry about his run stopping ability on early downs, especially because he looks hesitant on film. After being a high school QB and CB he may have the skills to play a Deone Buchanon role but I need to see more aggressiveness from Lee.

Jaylon Smith-LB-Notre Dame-6’2”-225-Day 3-78

He entered his final game with the Fighting Irish already a surefire first round pick who just wanted to end his college career on a high note. Then just about the worst thing that could’ve happened did, he blew out his knee. ACL recoveries have become no big deal, but Smith’s injury includes nerve damage and to this day, 4 months after the injury, he still can’t lift his foot like if you were stretching your calf. Now people don’t even know if he’ll be drafted. Unbelievable bad luck for a kid who never missed a game in high school or college. One of my worst draft blunders was saying Marcus Lattimore was worth a 2nd round pick. Lattimore had 2 serious knee injuries on his resume heading into the draft and after being selected in the 4th round by the 49ers he never played in an NFL game. I don’t want to make the same mistake with Jaylon Smith but you just cannot write this kid off. By all accounts he has great character and is upbeat about his recovery. Older brother Rod Smith is a running back for the Cowboys. On the field he has a long rangey look but still plays with leverage and aggressiveness downhill. His lateral agility is elite for a linebacker. Good burst and closing speed highlight the premier athlete that he is/was. Without the injury this guy is a top 15 pick, it’s hard to think of a comparison that’s his caliber athlete combined with pure football skill but I would go with a skinnier Jamie Collins. I’m definitely pulling for Jaylon, but it’s impossible for me to put a draft value on him because I have no idea about his recovery.