Outside Linebackers
QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | OG | C | DE | DT | ILB | OLB | CB | S
Outside Linebackers
1. Aaron Curry – Wake Forest
Height: 6′2″ | Weight: 254 | 40 Time: 4.56 | Bench: 25 Reps | Projected: Top-5
Upside: Curry is the safest pick in this draft. He’s a great athlete, he prototypical size, and he understands the game extremely well. Curry is a physical tackler who drives right through his targets and he takes great angles in pursuit.
Downside: I’m not even going to justify this section with a response in this case. Curry has been called short by some scouts but I don’t care one bit.
Bottom Line: Great in pass coverage, solid against the run, physically tough, and a vocal leader. Curry is a complete player who has superb character and it shows on the field. A+++ to whoever drafts this kid!!!
2. Brian Cushing – Southern California
Height: 6′3″ | Weight: 243 | 40 Time: 4.74 | Bench: 30 reps | Projected: Top-25
Upside: The Cush has excellent strength and takes good angles. He has good work ethic and understands pass coverage assingments.
Downside: Has been moved around a lot at USC and it explains why he didn’t always make the impact plays. Is a little stiff in his movements at times, causing some scouts to call him “overly muscular”
Bottom Line: Cushing is bringing a ton of versatility and that’s exactly what NFL teams moving to the 3-4 crave. While Cushing’s best position might be as a ‘Sam’ backer in a 4-3, he will get a lot of attention from 3-4 teams wanting him to play OLB for their squad.
3. Clay Matthews – Southern California
Height: 6′3″ | Weight: 240 | 40 Time: 4.67 | Bench: 23 reps | Projected: 1st Round
Upside: Very motivated player who walked on to the USC football team, which is no small task. Has NFL bloodlines, as his father is an NFL legend. Matthews is a very natural pass rusher.
Downside: Was a late bloomer and is still raw in his technique. One year starter who does not have a lot of experience dropping into coverage.
Bottom Line: Matthews will win over coaches and assistants with his attitude and hard working mentality. Will need some time to develop before he’s a starter at the next level.
4. Clint Sintim – Virginia
Height: 6′3″ | Weight: 256 | 40 Time: 4.82 | Bench: NA | Projected: 2nd Round
Upside: Sintim is an explosive athlete who can put pressure on the opposition. He is a four year starter from a major college program and he’s a natural pass rusher.
Downside: Is not very good in pass coverage and might only be a 2 down player right now.
Bottom Line: Great hybrid player who will get a ton of attention from 3-4 teams that need an attacking strong side backer. Sintim is a poor man’s Shawne Merriman and he will be able to be plugged in right away for a team like the Ravens.
5. Cody Brown – Connecticut
Height: 6′2″ | Weight: 244 | 40 Time: 4.84 | Bench: 26 Reps | Projected: 2nd Round
Upside: Great leader with terrific quickness. Uses his hands well and makes up for his lack of bulk.
Downside: Lacks ideal height and will not make it as a defensive end at the next level. Lacks pass coverage ability and will need a lot of coaching.
Bottom Line: Likely will be a situational linebacker on passing downs and will be moved all over the field. Has the potential to be groomed into a solid starter at some point.
6. Gerald McRath – Southern Mississippi
Height: 6′2″ | Weight: 231 | 40 Time: 4.61 | Bench: 19 Reps | Projected: 4th Round
Upside: Reads and reacts extremely fast. Chases to the sidelines very well and takes good angles.
Downside: Very thin framed and has inflated production. Does not deliver the big hit and is more of a wrap up style tackler. Lacks power in all phases.
Bottom Line: Has the potential to be very good but needs to bulk up. He is more of a chase/drag down tackler who needs protection and would benefit from playing in a 4-3 system on the weak side.
(A perfect example of McRath demonstrating his lack of bulk & size)
7. Tyrone McKenzie – South Florida
Height: 6′2″ | Weight: 243 | 40 Time: 4.87 | Bench: 27 Reps | Projected: 4th Round
Upside: Great career production. Good durability, as he missed very little time with injury. High motor player who possesses nice speed.
Downside: Lacks power and needs to play with more leverage. Will get lost in traffic at times and can struggle to change directions. A little stiff in the hips.
Bottom Line: McKenzie is a very hard worker and makes up for his lack of strength with suddenness and quickness. Will be a great value pick.
8. Marcus Freeman – Ohio State
Height: 6′0″ | Weight: 239 | 40 Time: 4.74 | Bench: 30 Reps | Projected: 5th Round
Upside: Comes from a great program and is an excellent athlete. Flies around the field and plays with good instincts.
Downside: A little small in stature and might struggle to recognize plays at the next level. Does not use his hands well and struggles to protect his feet.
Bottom Line: Freeman’s athletic play and versatility are his saving grace, as 3-4 teams crave versatile players that can perform multiple tasks on the field. Had a great Senior Bowl and will get drafted based on his great upside.
9. Zack Follet – California
Height: 6′2″ | Weight: 236 | 40 Time: 4.75 | Bench: 30 Reps | Projected: 6th Round
Upside: Has been clutch in college and can make the “wow” play. Is intense and productive, while being strong at the point of attack.
Downside: His lateral movement does not look natural. Will struggle in pass coverage and runs too upright in his back peddle.
Bottom Line: Will get in on passing downs immediately since he is a gifted pass rusher from the LB spot. A better football player than an athlete at this point.
10. Frantz Joseph – Florida Atlantic
Height: 6′1″ | Weight: 243 | 40 Time: NA | Bench: NA | Projected: 6th Round
Upside: Shows a great nose for the ball and can chase plays sideline to sideline, as he takes good angles in pursuit.
Downside: Has marginal size for a LB but does not make up for it with any kind of game changing speed. Needs to use his hands better to shed blockers more quickly.
Bottom Line: A transfer from Boston College, Joseph has a ton of ability and is a great ombination of athlete/football player. Will need some coaching up and would fit best in a 4-3 defense on the weak side.
