2026 Linebackers

  NUMERICAL RATINGS/DRAFT VALUE EXPLANATION INSIDE LINBACKERS

95-100 ELITE PLAYER, Yearly in All Pro debate, consistently a Top 5 player at the position, can change the direction of the franchise.  Likely a league MVP at some point of his career potentially more than once. Face of the franchise, elite level football IQ, high personal character and while talent can trump that for some it cannot for me for this level of rating. Expect elite level performance and undeniable team leadership for 10/15 years. Possible Hall of Fame Career. TOP 5/10 DRAFT PICK

90-94   Top 5/10 at the position most years, All Pro 3-5 years over 10/15-year career with drafting team, may possibly win a MVP award with a special season. Capable of turning the fortunes of a franchise as long as other pieces in place.  One of the primary faces of the franchise, high football IQ, preferred high personal character team leader on the offensive side. Consistently a top-level performer in all years, could make HOF ballot for a few years.    Mid/Late 1st round draft pick

82-89 Solid at the position. Look for 8/12-year career perhaps spending last few as a backup. Possibly an All-Pro season or two should   finish in top half of players at position most years.  Very good but not great.  Very solid and dependable player. Team will be looking for replacement after 5/7 years, may not find one but looking. 2nd contact with drafting team 50/50. 2nd/3rd round

74-81 Flaws that can possibly be overcome. Could be, lack of ideal arm strength, prototypical size or athleticism, mechanical issues, could be injury or personality concerns. Likely 3/5-year career max at starter level in most cases, then relegated to backup duty. Rare players with a few years of patience, good coaching, along with a strong personal work ethic can evolve to more. Potential to become long term starter but the team will always be looking for a better option, this can last for many years, but player will be on the bubble year to year. 2nd contract with drafting team unlikely.  Draft 3rd/4th round

65-73 Numerous flaws, Injury concerns or physical limitations. May start a year or two for a desperate team. Could be star players with serious injury concerns, some with rare physical attributes who will need serious coaching and patience, some who never found a fit in college.   Likely a 3-to-5-year career then on the bubble, some players can carve out a longer career or even start will hard work and patience or as a backup if willing to play for multiple teams over career.  Some fortunate few beat the odds and find a long-term home; most are out of football within 5 years.   Draft 4th/5th round

57-64 Career backup/ developmental player.  At this point the draft is even more of a gamble.  Could be formerly high rated recruit who failed to live up to expectations. Could be star players with serious injury concerns, some with rare physical attributes who will need serious coaching and patience, some who never found a fit in college. Some can develop (Brady) but this is rare. likely will begin as a #3 or practice squad player, the rest depends on patience and work ethic. Player not finishing rookie contract with drafting team is more likely. Will live on the bubble.  Draft 6th/7th round

50-56 Developmental Practice squad player. Another home for those who did not find great success in college or after much hype in High School. 1 in 50 can beat the odds and have a longer career. Just an arm for practice and scout team, the "preferred walk on" of the NFL, could, could, develop into role player with tenacity and patience. Likely just on roster a year or two at best as a practice player not active on game days.  Draft late 7th round/Priority Free Agent (PFA) Free Agent (UDFA)

45-49 Player for Training Camp or practice squad 1 in 100 will carve out a longer career due to incredible diligence and tenacity. Only active when team needs a body for a couple games due to injuries.. Not long for the team. Week to Week. Likely will sign with several teams over a few years. Teams will lead these guys on often knowing they will never play a down for them. Better not completely leave school before graduation that degree will be necessary. Free Agents only. (UDFA)

Under 45 Training camp body at best, HOPE YOU GOT YOUR DEGREE!!! THE REAL WORLD IS COMING!!!!!!!!! Well maybe after numerous stints in Arena Ball or the UFL!!  Players with a specific skill or perhaps tremendous intangibles worthy of a Camp Invite, 1 in 500 make more of it like making the practice squad for a year or two. Frankly, GM's who sign these guys for anything more than a camp body will be looking for work soon. Free Agents only. (UDFA)

  EXPLANATION OF OTHER TERMS

BUST ALERT!!! A player highly ranked by many others but one I do hold in the same regard.  Also, this term will be used for players who I call "ONE YEAR WONDERS" these players are either freakish athletes or players who had one season that FAR exceeded their previous production creating serious risk.   This term will be reserved for 1st round projections where mistakes can cripple a franchise.

OVERRATED ALERT!!! Similar to the above but not as extreme, for after 1st/2nd rounds.. Players are not as highly rated so mistakes while still important do not carry the same weight.  There are multiple reasons for this designation some but not limited to character, talent, injuries,college scheme or system.  

UNDERRATED ALERT!!! Players I feel deserve a higher ranking than many/most other so called experts.  These players in the future will be referred to as "STEALS" but I want it known my evaluation were on point when they were drafted.

SLEEPER ALERT!!!! A player that perhaps played in a poor scheme for his talents, suffered from poor coaching, revolving door coaching, poor supporting cast but has shown flashes that can lead him to success in the proper environment.

POSITION CHANGE ALERT!!! These are players who I feel due primarily to their skill set or more rarely at times measurables  will reach their maximum level of NFL success by changing from their primary College position.  

CHARACTER ALERT!!!  This designation is reserved for players who have had multiple issues concerning there character. This can be legal issues, multiple transfers, poor practice habits, friction with teammates and/or Coaches, Academic issues and or any other infraction that brings into question the players decision making. Teams must weigh the risk/reward related to these players VERY CAREFULLY!!  

INJURY ALERT!!!! A player with serious injury concerns, medicals vital. Possibly multiple injuries while in college or one severe injury. Also, could have a long history in College and even perhaps High School "Injury Prone" is the common term.   If you are missing time on the field, you are costing your team $$$$         

  4-3 MIDDLE LINEBACKER 

 Traditional inside MLBs suited for a single inside set. capable to defend both run and pass efficiently. Often QB of defense so intelligence vital piece of the puzzle. This can and does trump pure physical prowess and I will rate someone with high football IQ over physical talent, a quick search of the NFL's greatest MLB's will explain my thought process.

2026 4-3 MIDDLE LINEBACKER OVERVIEW:

I see a couple of very sure things then some questions. Scheme fit can be very critical for several of these players. I'm taking arisk with my #1 but I'm all in on him and usually don't miss on those.

      4-3 MIDDLE LINEBACKERS RANKINGS/CLASS GRADE C-

RK                    NAME               SCH      Ht     Wt    Rtg   RND

1.Jacob Rodriguez          TxTch    6-1    231     92    Late 1st

CRAZY Motor on this guy. Relentless, active, tech-sound. I don't care about his size; his heart and motor make up for it. Over 250 tackles, 6 sacks, 10 FF and 5 INTs last two seasons. I'm big on analytics but this guy breaks the mold. I know others have him several rounds later and I don't care!!

2.Anthony Hill                      Tx         6-3    238     87    Early 2nd

Best athlete in the group, struggled some in '25 and a dominant '24 season. Can likely start at any LB position. Physically, he needs nothing. Work is need in the mental side of the game; he relies on superior athletic ability to make-up for poor/late reads. If he dedicates himself to learning that side of the game, he will outplay this rating with ease.

3.Josiah Trotter                    Mo      6-2    237     83    Early 3rd

Outstanding tackler, solid play caller and great instincts, struggles in pass game and will need some major work there. Should have returned to school for that reason. Still a solid pick. 

4.Deontae Lawson            Ala        6-3    226     80    Late 3rd

Very active, athletic with a nose for the ball, sure tackler could be a better fit in 3-4 but I believe he can play either. Almost 300 career tackles, 19 TFLs and 17 PDs

5.West Weeks                      LSU       6-2    235      75   Mid 4th

Really should great progress in his 5th season. Violent, sure tackler, 8 TFLs and 2.5 sacks last season. He will need work in pass game, should be a Special teams beast.

6.Aiden Fisher                     Ind        6-1    232     70    Late 4th

7.Lander Barton              Utah       6-5    233     68   Early 5th  

8.Jimmy Rolder               Mich       6-3    238     62   Mid 6th

9.Keyshaun Elliot            AzSt        6-2    231    60   Late 6th  

10.Karson Sharar           Iowa        6-2   231     58   Mid 7th

11.Micah Davey               UTEP      6-2   235      56   Late 7th

12.Red Murdock               Buf        6-2    232      54   Late 7th

13.Decan Williams         IncW       6-1   245      52   PFA

14.James Jackson         Vir           6-3   234      49    UDFA

15.Langston Patterson  Van      6-1    235      47    UDFA     

16.Cole Kozlowski          UCF       6-1    230      46    UDFA

17.TJ Quinn                        Lou        6-1    235       40    UDFA

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3-4 INSIDE LINEBACKER

Players best suited for a set with two inside LB's, very strong as run stoppers but can be a liability against the pass. With many college teams playing 4-2-5 defenses there are more players suited for this position than the traditional MLB.

2026 3-4 INSIDE LINEBACKER OVERVIEW:

Only one I truly like here, and many believe his size won't work in NFL. I don't care! Not a deep field either but several players who could surprise

          3-4 INSIDE LINEBACKER RANKINGS/CLASS GRADE D

RK                    NAME               SCH      Ht     Wt    Rtg   RND

1.Taurean York               TxA&M    5-11  226     88   Early 2nd

UNDERRATED ALERT!!  Very productive all 3 seasons in CFB. 228 tackles, 25 TFLs, 6.5 sacks and 8 PDs. Nice athlete with great straight-line quickness he uses to cause disruption. Shows great football IQ and understands how to audible into correct plays, never mind the lack of size, he doesn't!! Probably a day 3 pick but I like him here,

2.Justin Jefferson             Ala        6-0    223     84   Early 3rd

Undersized but moves like a SS. Great short are burst and finishes what he starts. Active and athletic, 85 tackles, 6.5 TFLs and 3 sacks last season. Could use some bulk, can play in 4-3 set also, could move outside with his athleticism and should be a Special Teams demon.

3.Bryce Boettcher             Ore       6-1    233     82    Mid 3rd

SLEEPER ALERT!! Interesting dual-sport athlete who played baseball as well as football his first 3 seasons. Once he commits full time things will get very interesting, the last two season he recorded 230 tackles, 13.5 TFLs, 3 sacks,11 PDs and 3 FF with no spring ball!!

4.Owen Heinecke              Okl        6-2    227     74   Mid 4th

5.Kendal Daniels                Okl       6-5    242     72   Late 4th

6.Mohamed Toure           Mia(F)   6-1    236     70   Late 4th

7.Scooby Williams         TxA&M   6-2    231     64    Early 6th

8.Shad Banks                     UTSA     6-0    230    60     Late 6th

9.Desmond Purnell        KanSt    5-11 232     57    Mid 7th

10.Jack Dingle                    Cin        6-4    240     55    Late 7th

11.Chase Wilson              WVir       6-1    230     48     UDFA

12.Caleb Wheatland       Aub       6-1    231     46      UDFA

13.Quinn Urwiler           NILL        6-0    226     42      UDFA

14.Mason Woods           KentSt    5-11  215     38     UDFA

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NUMERICAL RATINGS/DRAFT VALUE EXPLANATION OUTSIDE LINBACKERS

95-100 ELITE PLAYER, Yearly in All Pro debate, consistently a Top 5 player at the position, can change the direction of the franchise.  Likely a league MVP at some point of his career potentially more than once. Face of the franchise, elite level football IQ, high personal character and while talent can trump that for some it cannot for me for this level of rating. Expect elite level performance and undeniable team leadership for 10/15 years. Possible Hall of Fame Career. TOP 5/10 DRAFT PICK

90-94   Top 5/10 at the position most years, All Pro 3-5 years over 10/15-year career with drafting team, may possibly win a MVP award with a special season. Capable of turning the fortunes of a franchise as long as other pieces in place.  One of the primary faces of the franchise, high football IQ, preferred high personal character team leader on the offensive side. Consistently a top-level performer in all years, could make HOF ballot for a few years.    Mid/Late 1st round draft pick

82-89 Solid at the position. Look for 8/12-year career perhaps spending last few as a backup. Possibly an All-Pro season or two should   finish in top half of players at position most years.  Very good but not great.  Very solid and dependable player. Team will be looking for replacement after 5/7 years, may not find one but looking. 2nd contact with drafting team 50/50. 2nd/3rd round

74-81 Flaws that can possibly be overcome. Could be, lack of ideal arm strength, prototypical size or athleticism, mechanical issues, could be injury or personality concerns. Likely 3/5-year career max at starter level in most cases, then relegated to backup duty. Rare players with a few years of patience, good coaching, along with a strong personal work ethic can evolve to more. Potential to become long term starter but the team will always be looking for a better option, this can last for many years, but player will be on the bubble year to year. 2nd contract with drafting team unlikely.  Draft 3rd/4th round

65-73 Numerous flaws, Injury concerns or physical limitations. May start a year or two for a desperate team. Could be star players with serious injury concerns, some with rare physical attributes who will need serious coaching and patience, some who never found a fit in college.   Likely a 3-to-5-year career then on the bubble, some players can carve out a longer career or even start will hard work and patience or as a backup if willing to play for multiple teams over career.  Some fortunate few beat the odds and find a long-term home; most are out of football within 5 years.   Draft 4th/5th round

57-64 Career backup/ developmental player.  At this point the draft is even more of a gamble.  Could be formerly high rated recruit who failed to live up to expectations. Could be star players with serious injury concerns, some with rare physical attributes who will need serious coaching and patience, some who never found a fit in college. Some can develop (Brady) but this is rare. likely will begin as a #3 or practice squad player, the rest depends on patience and work ethic. Player not finishing rookie contract with drafting team is more likely. Will live on the bubble.  Draft 6th/7th round

50-56 Developmental Practice squad player. Another home for those who did not find great success in college or after much hype in High School. 1 in 50 can beat the odds and have a longer career. Just an arm for practice and scout team, the "preferred walk on" of the NFL, could, could, develop into role player with tenacity and patience. Likely just on roster a year or two at best as a practice player not active on game days.  Draft late 7th round/Priority Free Agent (PFA) Free Agent (UDFA)

45-49 Player for Training Camp or practice squad 1 in 100 will carve out a longer career due to incredible diligence and tenacity. Only active when team needs a body for a couple games due to injuries.. Not long for the team. Week to Week. Likely will sign with several teams over a few years. Teams will lead these guys on often knowing they will never play a down for them. Better not completely leave school before graduation that degree will be necessary. Free Agents only. (UDFA)

Under 45 Training camp body at best, HOPE YOU GOT YOUR DEGREE!!! THE REAL WORLD IS COMING!!!!!!!!! Well maybe after numerous stints in Arena Ball or the UFL!!  Players with a specific skill or perhaps tremendous intangibles worthy of a Camp Invite, 1 in 500 make more of it like making the practice squad for a year or two. Frankly, GM's who sign these guys for anything more than a camp body will be looking for work soon. Free Agents only. (UDFA)

EXPLANATION OF OTHER TERMS

BUST ALERT!!! A player highly ranked by many others but one I do hold in the same regard.  Also, this term will be used for players who I call "ONE YEAR WONDERS" these players are either freakish athletes or players who had one season that FAR exceeded their previous production creating serious risk.   This term will be reserved for 1st round projections where mistakes can cripple a franchise.

OVERRATED ALERT!!! Similar to the above but not as extreme, for after 1st/2nd rounds. Players are not as highly rated so mistakes while still important do not carry the same weight.  There are multiple reasons for this designation some but not limited to character, talent, injuries, college scheme or system.  

UNDERRATED ALERT!!! Players I feel deserve a higher ranking than many/most other so called experts.  These players in the future will be referred to as "STEALS" but I want it known my evaluation were on point when they were drafted.

SLEEPER ALERT!!!! A player that perhaps played in a poor scheme for his talents, suffered from poor coaching, revolving door coaching, poor supporting cast but has shown flashes that can lead him to success in the proper environment.

POSITION CHANGE ALERT!!! These are players who I feel due primarily to their skill set or more rarely at times measurables  will reach their maximum level of NFL success by changing from their primary College position.  

CHARACTER ALERT!!!  This designation is reserved for players who have had multiple issues concerning there character. This can be legal issues, multiple transfers, poor practice habits, friction with teammates and/or Coaches, Academic issues and or any other infraction that brings into question the players decision making. Teams must weigh the risk/reward related to these players VERY CAREFULLY!! 

INJURY ALERT!!!! A player with serious injury concerns, medicals vital. Possibly multiple injuries while in college or one severe injury. Also could have a long history in College and even perhaps High School "Injury Prone" is the common term.   If you are missing time on the field you are costing your team $$$$         
                 4-3 OUTSIDE LINEBACKER

Strong run defenders with pass coverage ability, pass rush and blitz skills a must. Was once the premier position on the Defense and key to the defensive side of the ball. There is still some of that needed and those with the highest ability in that discipline are the top players here.

95-100 ELITE PLAYER, Yearly in All Pro debate, consistently a Top 5 player at the position, can change the direction of the franchise.  Likely a league MVP at some point of his career potentially more than once. Face of the franchise, elite level football IQ, high personal character and while talent can trump that for some it cannot for me for this level of rating. Expect elite level performance and undeniable team leadership for 10/15 years. Possible Hall of Fame Career. TOP 5/10 DRAFT PICK

90-94   Top 5/10 at the position most years, All Pro 3-5 years over 10/15-year career with drafting team, may possibly win a MVP award with a special season. Capable of turning the fortunes of a franchise as long as other pieces in place.  One of the primary faces of the franchise, high football IQ, preferred high personal character team leader on the offensive side. Consistently a top-level performer in all years, could make HOF ballot for a few years.    Mid/Late 1st round draft pick

82-89 Solid at the position. Look for 8/12-year career perhaps spending last few as a backup. Possibly an All-Pro season or two should   finish in top half of players at position most years.  Very good but not great.  Very solid and dependable player. Team will be looking for replacement after 5/7 years, may not find one but looking. 2nd contact with drafting team 50/50. 2nd/3rd round

74-81 Flaws that can possibly be overcome. Could be, lack of ideal arm strength, prototypical size or athleticism, mechanical issues, could be injury or personality concerns. Likely 3/5-year career max at starter level in most cases, then relegated to backup duty. Rare players with a few years of patience, good coaching, along with a strong personal work ethic can evolve to more. Potential to become long term starter but the team will always be looking for a better option, this can last for many years, but player will be on the bubble year to year. 2nd contract with drafting team unlikely.  Draft 3rd/4th round

65-73 Numerous flaws, Injury concerns or physical limitations. May start a year or two for a desperate team. Could be star players with serious injury concerns, some with rare physical attributes who will need serious coaching and patience, some who never found a fit in college.   Likely a 3-to-5-year career then on the bubble, some players can carve out a longer career or even start will hard work and patience or as a backup if willing to play for multiple teams over career.  Some fortunate few beat the odds and find a long-term home; most are out of football within 5 years.   Draft 4th/5th round

57-64 Career backup/ developmental player.  At this point the draft is even more of a gamble.  Could be formerly high rated recruit who failed to live up to expectations. Could be star players with serious injury concerns, some with rare physical attributes who will need serious coaching and patience, some who never found a fit in college. Some can develop (Brady) but this is rare. likely will begin as a #3 or practice squad player, the rest depends on patience and work ethic. Player not finishing rookie contract with drafting team is more likely. Will live on the bubble.  Draft 6th/7th round

50-56 Developmental Practice squad player. Another home for those who did not find great success in college or after much hype in High School. 1 in 50 can beat the odds and have a longer career. Just an arm for practice and scout team, the "preferred walk on" of the NFL, could, could, develop into role player with tenacity and patience. Likely just on roster a year or two at best as a practice player not active on game days.  Draft late 7th round/Priority Free Agent (PFA) Free Agent (UDFA)

45-49 Player for Training Camp or practice squad 1 in 100 will carve out a longer career due to incredible diligence and tenacity. Only active when team needs a body for a couple games due to injuries.. Not long for the team. Week to Week. Likely will sign with several teams over a few years. Teams will lead these guys on often knowing they will never play a down for them. Better not completely leave school before graduation that degree will be necessary. Free Agents only. (UDFA)

Under 45 Training camp body at best, HOPE YOU GOT YOUR DEGREE!!! THE REAL WORLD IS COMING!!!!!!!!! Well maybe after numerous stints in Arena Ball or the UFL!!  Players with a specific skill or perhaps tremendous intangibles worthy of a Camp Invite, 1 in 500 make more of it like making the practice squad for a year or two. Frankly, GM's who sign these guys for anything more than a camp body will be looking for work soon. Free Agents only. (UDFA)

2026 4-3 OUTSIDE LINEBACKER OVERVIEW:

One of the top players in the draft here in Reese, much has been made of where he fits best, I see it here. Also, many have dismissed Perkins for his size, bullshit!! It won't matter and Louis is another I'm much higher on than others . I'm taking a few risks against the group her but that usually works out well.

  4-3 OUTSIDE LINEBACKER RANKINGS/CLASS GRADE    A

RK                    NAME               SCH      Ht     Wt    Rtg   RND

1.Arvell Reese                       OSU     6-4   241    96    Top 10

Tremendous athlete! Very quick and fast, decisive and violent when he gets downhill and doesn't miss tackles. Used as QB spy when facing athletic QBs and was dominant. Some see him as an edge due to his 10 TFLs and 6.5 sacks last season but his best spot is here where he can rush passer but also use his rare athleticism to roam the field creating chaos. He does still need some work in coverage, can be fooled out of position and he had the ability to make out up in CFB, he won't in NFL. Could easily excel in a 3-4 also.

2.Harold Perkins                 LSU      6-1   223    94    Mid 1st

Came back from a serious injury and looked great. Yes, he is undersized but wildly athletic and was a victim of the mess at LSU the past few seasons. With some stability and solid, GOOD coaching he will explode.

3.Kyle Louis                           Pitt       6-0   220    89    Early 2nd

Yet another dismissed for his size. Outstanding in coverage, solid, sure tackler, glides from sideline to sideline with ease. 6 INTs, 12 PDs, 10 sacks, 2 FF and 24 TFLs last two seasons. Ignore the size, kids a PLAYER!!

4.CJ Allen                                  Ga      6-1    230    85    Late 2nd      

Really has stepped up last two seasons. Very athletic, solid, sure tackler who understands coverage and has shown improvement the last two season but still a bit raw there. 8 TFLs, 3.5 sacks and 4 PDs last season, very active.

5.Jake Golday                        Cin      6-4    239    77   Early 4th

6.Xavian Sorey                       Ark     6-2    228    74   Mid 4th

7.Ric Gentry                            USC     6-7   221    72   Late 4th

8.Namdi Obiazor                   TCU    6-3   229    64   Early 6th

9.Wade Woodaz                    Clem   6-3    236   63   Mid 6th

10.Jackson Kuwatch       Mia(O)  6-4    232   60  Late 6th

11.Mac Harris                          USF    6-0   235    56  Mid 7th

12.Wesely Bissainthe        Mia(F) 6-2   225    55  Late 7th

13.Bengaly Kamala              Kan    6-2   235    54   Late 7th

14.Caden Fordham             NCSt    6-1   230    53   PFA

15.Javin Wright                       Neb   6-4  230     50   PFA

16.Jack Kelly                            BYU    6-2  240    49   UDFA

17.Kaleb Elarms-Orr            TCU     6-2  234    48   UDFA

18.Triston Newsom                 Mo    6-2   230    46    UDFA

19.Keli Lawson                        UCF   6-5    230    45   UDFA

20.Troy Fields                           NTx    6-0   220    42    UDFA

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     3-4 OUTSIDE LINEBACKER

 Usually, larger LB's many were speed DE's in college. Must excel in pass rush and blitz situations, but often not the best run defenders. Length is nice but not mandatory, disruption is!  Many of these players picked in mid/later rounds end up as passing down specialists.

2026 3-4 OUTSIDE LINEBACKER OVERVIEW:

The BEST ATHLETE in the draft here but what worries me is his lack of experience at the position. After that several players with tremendous upside but work is needed to become complete players, some will put in the effort, some will not as always.

      3-4 OUTSIDE LINEBACKER RANKINGS/CLASS GRADE   A

RK                    NAME               SCH      Ht     Wt    Rtg   RND 

1.Sonny Styles                     OSU     6-5   244     94    Mid 1st

BUST ALERT!! I'm not saying he will BUST but with only two years at LB I'm concerned he is not ready for the leap in competition. BEST athlete in the draft but still needs work in several areas of his game where he relied on superior athleticism to excel in CFB. Coverage, play-action, pass rush all need attention. The NFL will not wait for him to learn, and they will attack any weakness; how will he handle some exposure to failure. I'm still betting on him log-term but don't expect him to come in and dominate day one! For that reason, I have him rated a bit lower than others.

2.Cashius Howell           TxA&M    6-2   253     90    Late 1st

Shows the best pass rush skills in the group, 11.5 sacks, 14 TFLs and 6 deflections last season!! He can flat out get after the passer. The rest of his game needs work, mostly a DE in college but did drop back in some sets and looked comfortable so the tools are there. May be a bit one dimensional at 1st but a good enough athlete to overcome. Worth the pick for rush ability on its own, could move to an edge player also.

3.R Mason-Thomas            Okl       6-2   241     87    Mid 2nd

INJURY ALERT!!  More of a DE in CFB, while he has surprising strength for his size, he is still a bit slight for an edge and will have to become some sort of hybrid player. With his strength and athleticism, I'm betting he wins that battle. Showed great explosiveness with 6.5sacks and 9.5 TFLs last season, has had some nagging injury problem during his career

4.Jaishawn Barham       Mich       6-4   240     85    Late 2nd

Only one season at the correct position puts him behind right now so teams may not use this high of a pick on him. Showed tremendous upside when moved into a hybrid type LB position. 4 sacks and 10 TFLs last season and he was leaning on the fly. Coverage will be troublesome, but this long talented athlete has all the tools to become a star. Teams with need to show some patience and that is not a strong point in NFL.

5.Romello Height           TxTch      6-3   239     80    Late 3rd

5th year player who was at 4 schools. He exploded for 10 sacks and 10.5 TFLs this season when put in position that fit him.DE in college so he will be relegated to rusher only at 1st and Special teams. He will need major work to see the field more.

6.Nadame Tucker           WMich    6-2    247    76     Early 4th

7.Joshua Joseph               Tenn     6-3    242     64   Early 6th

8.Trey Moore                           Tx       6-2    243     63    Mid 6th

9.George Gumbs                  Fla      6-4    245     61    Late 6th

10.Quin Hutchins              BColl    6-3    233    58    Mid 7th 

11.Marvin Jones                  Okl      6-5    245    56    Late 7th

12.Dasan McCullough      Neb      6-4    235    55    Late 7th

13.Bryan Thomas             SCar      6-2   249     54    Late 7th

14.Clayton Smith             AzSt      6-4    245     51    PFA

15.Isaiah Glasker               BYU     6-4     235    49    UDFA

16.K James-Newby        NMex    6-2     244    46    UDFA

17.Jaden Dugger              ULL       6-4     250    43   UDFA