I will be doing a top 5 for each position. And these rankings are pre-Combine. I reserve the right to change my mind later this month.
Outside Linebacker
1. Zach Brown (North Carolina, 6’1”, 236lbs)
Although he may be a little on the small side, Brown has exceptional speed and agility that make him a tremendous prospect. He had an excellent showing in Mobile at the Senior Bowl, making plays all over the field. He has very fluid hips and chases plays down from behind. He doesn’t look to be a good fit for a 3-4 team, but he has all the tools to play weakside linebacker for a 4-3 team. Looked to be an early second round pick, but his Senior Bowl performance (combined with the Giants continual need at this position) could make him a first rounder.
2. Lavonte David (Nebraska, 6’1”, 225lbs)
A two year starter for Nebraska (after transferring from Fort Scott JUCO), David was the epitome of consistency. He racked up nearly 300 tackles in his two seasons for the Cornhuskers. He isn’t blessed with elite speed and is a bit small, but he has exceptional instincts and always puts himself in position to make the play. He is an asset in the run defense and a much better pass rusher than you’d think. He’s a pretty solid second round selection.
3. Ronnell Lewis (Oklahoma, 6’2”, 244lbs)
Lewis split his time between defensive end and outside linebacker while playing for the Sooners. And since he doesn’t have the size to play with his hand on the ground, I’m listing him at this position. The classic tweener prospect, probably best suited for a 3-4 team looking for an edge rusher, which is what Lewis does best. Has some character issues that he will need to discuss with potential employers as he missed the bowl game due to grades and was basically told by the Oklahoma staff that it was time to move on. Has the talent to be a second round selection.
4. Sean Spence (Miami (FL), 5’11”, 228lbs)
Definitely undersized, but I love this kid. He plays the game fast and smart. He consistently blows up running plays in the backfield. Excellent in pass coverage. And an above average pass rusher (Tim Tebow was his first sack). He can be overpowered at the point of attack by bigger linemen, but he uses his hands well to get off blocks. Needs to work on wrapping up. Probably in the second to third round category.
5. Bruce Irvin (West Virginia, 6’2”, 244lbs)
Another hybrid player that has a nose for getting to the quarterback. He is extremely fast off the edge. Uses his hands well to fight off blocks. Has little to no experience in coverage, but he’s a tough player that works hard so I have little doubt that he can overcome that. Has some issues when they run the ball straight at him. Very raw. Will need to discuss his past with scouts, but I think his history is a nice story. Third round talent.
Honorable Mention:
Danny Trevathan (Kentucky, 6’1”, 230lbs)
Travis Lewis (Oklahoma, 6’2”, 228lbs)
Nigel Bradham (Florida State, 6’2”, 237lbs)
Jonathan Massaquoi (Troy, 6’2”, 250lbs)
Other positional rankings…
Offense
Quarterbacks
Running backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
Offensive Tackles
Interior Linemen
Defense
Defensive Ends
Defensive Tackles
Outside Linebackers
Inside Linebackers
Cornerbacks
Safeties
