Inside Linebackers
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Inside Linebackers
1. Rey Maualuga – Southern California
Height: 6′2″ | Weight: 249 | 40 Time: 4.91 | Bench: 23 reps | Projected: Top-20
Upside: Maualuga is a fierce player who intimidates his opponents. He may be one of the hardest hitters in this draft. A classic “Mike” inside backer who thumps everything that comes his way.
Downside: Rey struggles at times when he has to drop into man coverage and can be exposed by faster receivers. Has such a high motor that he can over pursue at times. Has had discipline problems during his college career.
Bottom Line: Maualuga is as pro ready as any middle linebacker entering the draft and he will be a long time NFL Player if he can keep his head on straight. Teams like Maualuga’s ability to be an every down enforcer at the next level.
2. James Laurinaitis – Ohio State
Height: 6′2″ | Weight: 244 | 40 Time: 4.88 | Bench: 22 reps | Projected: 1st Round
Upside: Has great size and plays with solid technique. Very quick to diagnose plays and is a natural leader on the field. A very mature person who is ready for the next level.
Downside: Struggles to navigate through traffic at times and can be engulfed by bigger blockers. Does not have an arsenal of pass rushing moves and will need to add more bulk.
Bottom Line: Should be a starter from day one. Laurinaitis almost entered the ‘08 draft but is coming out this year much more prepared. He takes great angles, recognizes the plays quickly, and plays with his wits about him. Has very little downside.
3. Darry Beckwith – Louisiana State
Height: 6′0″ | Weight: 242 | 40 Time: 4.79 | Bench: 23 reps | Projected: 3rd Round
Upside: Terrific athlete with great range sideline to sideline. Will catch ball carriers from behind. Mature team leader and three year starter.
Downside: Instincts need refinement, as he can get caught flat footed changing directions late. Beckwith is not a “blow up” hitter and is more of a wrap up artist. Does not possess great size or bulk.
Bottom Line: Beckwith is a gifted athlete and was recruited to LSU as a running back. He excels in pass coverage and would fit best in a 4-3 cover-2 scheme on the weak side.
4. Dannell Ellerbe – Georgia
Height: 6′1″ | Weight: 236 | 40 Time: NA | Bench: NA | Projected: 4th Round
Upside: Amazing athlete who shows a lot of explosion. Has pass rushing ability and can drop into coverage.
Downside: Has off-field concerns as well as injury issues. The kid has been a total moron throughout his career. Also has durability concerns
Bottom Line: Hits like a ton of bricks but has brains to match. Were it not for Ellerbe’s character concerns, he would be first day pick but any team that drafts him will want to hire a babysitter on the side.
5. Jason Phillips – Texas Christian
Height: 6′1″ | Weight: 239 | 40 Time: 4.69 | Bench: 20 Reps | Projected: 5th Round
Upside: Coach’s son who plays smart and doesn’t stop until the whistle blows. A hard hitter who is a natural leader on the field.
Downside: Very stiff in the hips and does not have great range. Struggled at the East-West Shrine game. Will be a liability in pass coverage.
Bottom Line: If this Zach Thomas type played with anymore heart, he’d be Rudy’s dad but this is “Today’s NFL” and he may not last long.
6. Scott McKillop – Pittsburgh
Height: 6′1″ | Weight: 244 | 40 Time: 4.80 | Bench: 27 Reps | Projected: 5th Round
Upside: McKillop is smart, understands the game, and has great instincts. Two year starter who can manage himself well in coverage. Knows exactly where to be which explains his 288 combined tackles in the last two season alone.
Downside: Does not possess great range, speed, or strength to handle the pro level players and blockers. Can get hung up by bigger opponents and does not hit with authority.
Bottom Line: McKillop racked up the tackles but a lot of scouts think he’s a system player. His athletic limitations will hurt his draft stock but he consistently shows up on game day. An NFL team will get a tremendous value here if they use him correctly.
7. Anthony Felder – California
Height: 6′2″ | Weight: 233 | 40 Time: 4.81 | Bench: 28 Reps | Projected: 5th Round
Upside: Good instincts and solid play by a smart player. Can play inside or outside but his best position is the mike.
Downside: Needs to bulk up and is not a natural in pass coverage. Has had some durability issues.
Bottom Line: Took to the Bears’ new 3-4 system like a duck to water and showed flashes at the East West Shrine game. His best fit will be in a 4-3 system either at Mike or on the weak side.
(Sorry about the video but Felder is #7)
8. Jasper Brinkley – South Carolina
Height: 6′2″ | Weight: 252 | 40 Time: 4.72 | Bench: 26 Reps | Projected: 6th Round
Upside: Had a great season coming off a devastating knee injury in ‘07. Very hard worker with great size who can blitz the passer.
Downside: Durability is a concern and Brinkley is very limited athletically, as he lacks a top gears. Shows bad form in pursuit at times.
Bottom Line: Like I said, considering that Brinkley is only one year removed from his knee surgery, he turned in a great ‘08 effort. He is drawing a lot of attention from 3-4 teams as an inside plugger.
9. Worrell Williams – California
Height: 5′11″ | Weight: 240 | 40 Time: 4.90 | Bench: 23 Reps | Projected: 6th Round
Upside: Great athlete with good agility to make plays. Has NFL bloodlines, as he is the little brother of Broncos’ LB DJ Williams.
Downside: Very short and struggles to locate the ball as a result. Does not possess great instincts and takes bad angles at times.
Bottom Line: Teams will gamble on Williams’ athletic ability and range but he will need a lot of coaching up to be regular contributor at the next level. Will fit best in a 4-3 as a weakside backer or at the mike spot.
10. Antonio Appleby – Virginia
Height: 6′3″ | Weight: 245 | 40 Time: NA | Bench: NA | Projected: 7th Round
Upside: Has great size and athletic ability. Shows versatility and is a three year starter with a lot of experience in a 3-4 system.
Downside: Did not test as high as you would have expected. Lacks a passion for the game and looks to be going through the motions at times.
Bottom Line: Appleby needs to take the game more seriously and could be very successful if he develops his pass coverage skills more. He has all the toold to be a regular starter in the pros.
