One month in…Things must improve
May 2, 2014A “real possibility” the Browns select Mike Evans at No. 4 overall
May 2, 2014Linebackers are the brain of an NFL team’s defense. These players are the guys on the field who must put their teammates in the right formation and optimal spots. They are asked to rush the passer, stop the run, and go into coverage. The linebackers are typically the most athletic guys on the defense because of their need to get all over the field. The 2014 NFL Draft linebacker position is a very talented group. The players at the top are very good with a lot of future stars. The position is also very deep with good prospects available in the later rounds who can contribute this season. The athleticism of this group is in full force especially in my top five players. Alas, here are my top five linebackers in the 2014 NFL Draft.
1) Khalil Mack, Buffalo
Buffalo’s Khalil Mack is rated as the top linebacker in the draft due to his superb ability to get to the quarterback. Mack’s speed, strength and technique are unrivaled by any of his peers. He ran an outstanding 4.65 seconds in the 40-yard dash, making him one of the fastest linebackers who performed at the NFL Combine. The Bulls product can get around the corner using his speed and agility, but also using a bull rush that drives the offensive lineman back into the backfield. He has multiple moves that he can use to get to the quarterback, which will help him be an instant impact for the team that drafts him.
Greg Cosell of NFL Films says, “When I watch Khalil Mack I see a really strong, explosive, multi-dimensional player who’s a very good pass rusher who showed the ability to rush the quarterback in multiple ways, from speed to power and bending the edge, which are two important qualities for a pass rusher.” The only question people have for Mack is that he did not face the best competiton. This should not be a factor as evidenced by the fact that was easily the best player on the field when Buffalo played Ohio State this past fall. His best position will be the 3-4 outside linebacker, but he could play 4-3 defensive end due to his size.
2) C.J. Mosley, Alabama
Alabama’s C.J. Mosley is considered the best middle linebacker in the draft. He is a team leader who can play sideline to sideline with great athleticism. He is one of the smartest players in the draft in reading the play and knowing how to be in the right place at the right time.
Mosley has great instincts to know what the offense is trying to do. He is a great tackler who drives defenders into the ground and finishes his tackles. Mosley can also play very well pass coverage due to his athleticism and instincts. Mosley can be placed in the middle of a team’s defense during Week 1 and can be counted on to make the team work as one.
Mosley does everything you want on the field out of a linebacker. He plays all downs and is good in pass coverage. He is the prototypical middle linebacker in 3-4 and an inside linebacker in 4-3 scheme. He does have the ability to get after the quarterback, but this is something he will need to improve on in the NFL.
3) Anthony Barr, UCLA
UCLA’s Anthony Barr could be the best defender in the draft in three-to-four years. He is a super athletic player who is still raw because of his lack of experience at the position. The 6-foot-5-inch, 255-pound linebacker has great speed, running 4.66 seconds in the 40-yard dash, but he has only played the linebacker position for two years after switching from running back.
Barr can get off the line as good as any player in the draft. His initial burst gives his an advantage over the offensive lineman to get around the corner. He can be a lethal pass-rusher in the NFL because of athleticism and strength. Bucky Brooks of NFL.com says, “I think he’s a natural pass rusher at the next level and will be dominant. You put him as an OLB in a 3-4 defense and let him go. He’ll be a double-digit sack artist.” In order to reach his full potential, Barr must improve his ability to read the play and his technique. This can be improved because he is still very young at the linebacker position. He could be a steal for a team in the middle to late first round. Barr will be best suited as a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL.
4) Ryan Shazier, Ohio State
Ohio State’s Ryan Shazier is a versatile player who can play at any linebacker position. He is athletic and seems to be around the ball every play. He is a very good tackler that is can play from sideline to sideline.
The Buckeye product is a player who can lead your team in tackles due to his effort and athleticism. He is a very good playmaker who seemed to be a part of all the big defensive plays for Ohio State the last few seasons. Todd McShay says, “Shazier is at his best playing in space, and is a big-time playmaker at the linebacker position.” Shazier also is very good at rushing the passer especially in blitzes up the middle. He uses speed to get through the line and get to the quarterback. He his versatile enough to play both the outside and inside linebacker positions in a 4-3 and both the middle and outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. Shazier must improve his ability to disengage and get around lineman. He also might need to add a few pounds in order to take the bigger players of the NFL.
5) Chris Borland, Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s Chris Borland is another player who seems to always find the ball and make a play. Another Big Ten backer, Borland is a very instinctive and smart player that can read an offense very well. He was one of the most productive linebackers in college the past few seasons.
Borland is a sure tackler that is also finishing his tackles with great form. He can go back in zone coverage very well to help in pass coverage. His instincts help him read the play and be in the right position to guard against the pass.
The Badger product has a motor that never quits and so he will go all out to get to the ball carrier. He is good at blitzing because of good anticipation of snap counts and he has good technique to leverage past lineman with his speed and strength. Borland has a few flaws that might limit him in the NFL. He is not a big player so he can caught up by bigger lineman and can get controlled because of the lack of size. His size also limits him in trying to cover tight ends and bigger receivers. I believe his instincts, technique, and effort will make him and effective a 3-4 middle linebacker or 4-3 inside linebacker in the NFL. Mel Kiper agrees saying, “He doesn’t pass the eye test for some, but put a helmet on him and you see an immediate NFL starter.”
6 Comments
Borland was a fantastic college player. That being said, he is short and slow. In the NFL, that is a bad combination. I would be shocked to see him end up better than a guy like Van Noy.
Bolts from the Blue has a great breakdown on him:
http://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2014-nfl-draft-scouting-reports/2014/4/1/5569270/should-the-chargers-go-with-the-safe-pick-and-select-kyle-van-noy
#4 is a safety.
LoL
I like Mack.
I like Mosley.
I love lamp
Jim Lampley?
http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s–7upAFunG–/18s0508ufqz1yjpg.jpg