Brandon On Sports/ Sports Trap Radio

By Brandon Pemberton

Okay when scouting outside linebackers, you have some that are fit to rush the passer and hold the point as a standing 3-4 OLB, with some ability to drop in zone coverage as well. And then you have the traditional 4-3 Will and Sam linebackers who are usually 4-5 yards off the ball, stacked behind a even set of defensive lineman. These linebackers are usually good in space, and in man to man coverage, as well as zone. I’ll give you my top 10 and let you know what kind of defense is fit for them.

1. Jarvis Jones Georgia Jr. 6’2 245 lbs (3-4 OLB)

If he didn’t have a medical redflag, Jones would still be talked about as a top five pick in this draft. He’s the best edge pass rusher in the draft hands down. Others talk about his workouts and 40 times, but just throw on the tape from the last two seasons and watch him go to work. 28 sacks and 44 TFL in the SEC over his last two seasons of football. Elite off of the edge, top notch speed, decent bull rush, and a much better run defender then he gets credit for. The mild case of spinal stenosis is the only thing holding him back from being one of the top 5 picks in this draft. Played some 4-3 OLB at USC before transferring to Georgia after his freshman year.

Grade: Top Ten

2. Alec Ogletree Georgia Jr. 6’3 242 lbs (4-3 OLB)

Ogletree, a former safety converted to ILB and was a great player at that position for Georgia. But because of his slender frame, height,speed, and playmaking ability, I see playing the Will linebacker in a 4-3 as his best fit. He is at his best making plays out in space because of his history of playing safety. Could develop into one of the league’s best cover LB’s early in his career. Fluid hips, good footwork, good field awareness are all the positives. The negatives are his willingness to take on blocks, shed and use his hands and long arms to keep defenders off of him. In a league that’s a passing league, having a player with his speed, athleticism, and playmaking ability is key. But this is the same guy who cost himself a possible pick in the top 15 buy getting a DUI a week before the NFL Combine.

Grade:  Mid to Late 1st round

3. Arthur Brown Kansas St. 6’0 241 lbs (4-3 OLB)

Was a beast over the last two years at MLB for the Wildcats. Started his career at the U of Miami, but didn’t get time there so he left. Off the chart instincts, knows what he sees, at hits it full speed. Sound tackler, doesn’t miss many, and is a thumper as well. Has the ability to play both MLB and OLB, some teams that play the Tampa 2 scheme will want him to be their MLB and regular 4-3 base teams could see him as their Will backer. Bottom line is, regardless of where he plays and is picked , that team is going to get a player. He’s a bit undersized, but the guy can flat out play.

Grade: Late 1st round

4. Dion Jordan Oregon Sr. 6’6 248 lbs (3-4 OLB)

Dion Jordan has been everyone’s favorite prospect at OLB. I’ve heard him compared to Lawrence Taylor, DeMarcus Ware, and Terrell Suggs. Frankly, I’m about sick of it. He’s a athletic freak who came to Oregon as a tight end and was switched to DE/OLB as a sophomore. He still needs to add bulk and strength to his frame, he’s built like a SG/SF more the a 3-4  OLB. He shows flashes on tape, but not at a consistent basis. I really don’t like the way Oregon used him, they didn’t send him after the QB enough for me or anyone to get a legit idea whether he can really do it. A team drafting him in the top ten is really taking a risk in my opinion.

Grade: Late 1st round

5. Khaseem Greene Rutgers Sr. 6’1 241 lbs (4-3 OLB)

Another Prospect who made the switch from Safety to Linebacker and the result is the two time Big East Defensive Player of the year. Brings great athleticism to the OLB position, great speed, smooth hips, and good ability to change protection. Down on draft boards because of size and some might question his durability. Greene has supreme instincts, you can tell that he studies the game, is rarely out of position. Good hitter and sure tackler, forced 12 fumbles during his career. Will need to be covered, he struggles taking on lead blocks and shedding those blocks as well.

Grade: Mid to late 2nd round

6. Sio Moore UConn Sr. 6’1 245 lbs (4-3 OLB)

A lot of people don’t get to or choose to watch UConn play on Saturdays, but they have plenty of NFL talent and Sio Moore is a damn good player. The perfect size and athlete for the Will position in a 4-3, he also has the ability to drop in coverage and play in space. He does a real good job in both zone and man coverage. Explosive hitter with no fear of contact, regardless of the size of his opposition.

Grade: Late 2nd round

7. Cornelius Washington Sr. Georgia 6’4 265 lbs (3-4 OLB)

Playing on a defense full of studs, Washington was a solid player, with great athletic ability and combine numbers. You see flashes on tape, but just not on a consistent basis. He worked out at the combine and opened eyes, but you don’t see the dominance for someone with his physical tools weekly.If he gets with the right coach and works on technique, he could turn into a player.

Grade: 3rd round

8. Jamie Collins Southern Miss Sr. 6’3 1/2  250 lbs (3-4 OLB)

Collins is a 3-4 OLB prospect with some edge rushing ability. Had 40 TFL and 16.5 sacks over his last two seasons at Southern Miss. He has the perfect build for a strongside 3-4 OLB, holds the point well vs the run, uses his hands well to shed blocks. Looks okay in space, but covering in open space could be an issue.

Grade: Mid to Late 3rd round

9. DeVonte Holloman South Carolina 6’1 243 lbs ( 4-3 OLB)

Started out as a strong safety, but he naturally grew and was switched to the outside linebacker and still played some SS as well. Really good tackler, plays well in space, due to his safety background. Not the greatest at the POA, doesn’t take on and shed blocks well. Should fit in well as a OLB in a cover two scheme, he has to ability to chase down plays from the backside and cover tight ends and running backs out of the backfield.

Grade: 4th round

10. Trevardo Williams UConn 6’1 241 lbs (3-4 OLB)

Williams is an undersized pass rush specialist in the James Harrison mold. Short, strong, stout, explosive, and plays with good leverage due to his short build. Has 12.5 sacks in 12 games this past season. Not the biggest guy, his height, weight and short arms could hinder his success as a 3-4 backer. Haven’t seen much of him in coverage or in space to know if he can play in a 4-3 off of the line of scrimmage.

Grade: 4th round

Next 5 worth mentioning: Zavair Gooden Missouri 6’1 234 lbs, Gerald Hodges Penn St. 6’1 243 lbs, Jelani Jenkins Florida 6’0 243 lbs, Chase Thomas Stanford 6’3 244 lbs, Nick Moody Florida St. 6’1 236 lbs

Next Up: Inside Linebackers