1. Shane Ray- 6’3” 245 Ilbs. 4.5 40 time Missouri Junior – 6.7
Shane has racked up 36.5 sacks over the past two seasons, a true playmaker all over the field. He has great size and speed for the position, he can play OLB in the 3-4 or the 4-3 and possibly DE in the 4-3. His strength will need to be worked on. Ray is a rare player who I see making an immediate impact for whichever team is lucky enough to draft him.
2. Vic Beasley – 6’3” 245 Ilbs. 4.5 40 time Clemson – 6.55
One of the most decorative prospects to come out for some time. Beasley has been making plays for the Tigers since 2013. He has the height weight speed that is coveted for the position. He can play multiple positions in different schemes. I would not be surprised to see him become the best linebacker out of this year’s draft class.
3. Hau’Oli Kikaha – 6’3” 253 Ilbs. 5.0 40 time Washington – 6.5
33.5 sacks has him as one of the more productive OLBs in the draft. His size and speed may make him more suitable for DE. He plays with a tenacity that you cannot teach. There are few players that hit or play harder than he does. With the effort he gives on every down it will be surprising if he does not have a successful career in the NFL.
4. Eli Harold – 6’3” 250 Ilbs. 4.6 40 time Virginia – 6.4
Eli yet again is another productive player at the position. His height weight and speed is right on par for the position. He can add pressure to the QB, stop the run, and chase plays down from behind. His pass defense will need to improve at the next level. This years class of OLBs is impressive and due to this, Eli may fall into the second round where he would be a steal.
5. Randy Gregory - 6’5” 235 Ilbs. 4.8 40 time Nebraska – 6.0
With 17.5 sacks over the past two seasons, Randy has shown a knack for pass rushing even though it was not his number one assignment in college. Gregory came from a JC and then missed his first year at Nebraska due to injury. His speed is a bit of concern mainly because his size is slim and should be able to run faster. He will need to add bulk which will likely slow him down even more. I do not see him a one of the best linebackers in this draft.
6. Bud Dupree – 6’4” 270 Ilbs 4.55 40 time Kentucky – 5.9
Bud has had adequate production over his college career. His size and speed are perfect for the position. He does well in pass defense. Against the run I am surprised that he is not stronger. He does not show too much to offer in terms of variety on ways to beat offensive lineman. On film he disappears at times, it is frustrating at times because you want to see him reach his full potential. He could still turn it around at the next level with some better coaching.
7. Nate Orchard – 6’3” 250 Ilbs. 4.8 40 time Utah – 5.75
Orchard is a victim of this year’s deep class at OLB. He is a sack master, racking up 38.5 sacks over the past two seasons. He is an ideal 3-4 OLB that can come off the edge and apply pressure. He is not much in pass defense but shows the room to improve in this area. Against the run he is consistently above average. Nate could be one of the bigger steals of this year’s draft.
8. Shaq Thompson – 6’0” 230 Ilbs. 4.64 40 time Washington Junior – 5.7
Shaq is in a similar boat as the OLB rated just below him, P.J. Dawson. He is an undersized OLB at the next level, however his speed is much better. Coming out as a Junior tells me that he thinks he is ready to play with the big boys, only time will tell. Shaq could possibly move to Strong Safety at the next level. There is a good chance he will be good enough to stay OLB.
9. P.J. Dawson – 6’0” 235 Ilbs. 4.93 40 time TCU – 5.6
P.J. was a big playmaker during his time at TCU. I do not see him translating well into any system in the NFL except the Tampa 2. There are many things that he does well that most OLBs do not do well. The biggest asset he will have is in pass coverage, the only concerning aspect in this area is his speed. Dawson has to find the right scheme in order to stand a chance at the next level.
10. Kyle Emanuel – 6’3” 255 Ilbs. 4.75 40 time North Dakota State University – 5.55
Kyle comes from the most decorative division II College for the past few years. He has been a part of one of the most impressive winning streaks in football in my opinion. I do think that his stats are relevant because he dominated and that is what you need to do when you are not play against elite talent. I see a team taking him a little too high because they will like what they see in workouts and on film.
11. Kwon Alexander – 6’1” 227 Ilbs. 4.55 40 time LSU Junior– 5.5
This has got to be one of the fastest OLB groups I have ever seen. Kwon is another OLB however that will need to overcome being undersized. Alexander is coming from a great program, has the speed and makes some impressive plays most games. I see him eventually becoming a starter for the right team, I am just not that sure how productive he will be. Will he be a Dekota Watson or a LeVonte David?
12. Davis Tull – 6’3” 245 Ilbs. 4.57 40 time Tennesse-Chattanooga 5.25
Tull is a small school prospect that did very well during his time at Chattanooga. He has an excellent blend of height strength and speed. There is always a big learning curve for players that do not play at an elite conference during college, however he would not be the first if he proves to belong in the NFL. I will be intrigued to see what comes out of his NFL career.
13. Lorenzo Mauldin – 6’4” 260 Ilbs. 4.8 40 time Louisville – 5.2
Mauldin was not the most productive OLB in college however he has an NFL body that will make teams look to see if they can get more out of him. He is a bit of a tweener however in a bad way. He is too slow for pass defense as an OLB in the 3-4. He is not quite strong or big enough to play with his hands in the dirt. It will be a surprise if he turns into anything more than a serviceable NFL player.
14. Ramik Wilson – 6’2” 240 Ilbs. 4.7 40 time Georgia – 5.0
Ramik is one of the more decorated defensive players in terms of tackles. He is not exactly a playmaker, however he makes the plays that others sometimes do not care to make. Wilson plays with the energy to chase plays down that are on the other side of the field. Often times players like him are overlooked only to go on to have decent NFL careers.
15. Jake Ryan – 6’”3 240 Ilbs. 4.65 40 time Michigan – 4.9
Jake racked up a ton of tackles the past two seasons, however that is mainly because of how crappy of an Offense Michigan has had. He has the blend of size and speed that translates well to the NFL which makes him somewhat valuable. There is a chance that he was simply on a mediocre team, and once he gets around some help he will develop into a starter.
