Linebacker tends to be one of the "make or break" decisions for a team and is the one position where there is so much altering and changing. Many prospects have made the change from down lineman to linebacker in the NFL and there are a few this year who will have that chance. Any of them in my top 5? Read on to find out. Let's get it on!
1. Rolando McClain ('Bama)
McClain was the leader of the National Championship defense this past season and really flourished under the watchful eye of Coach Saban. He was the Ray Lewis of their defense this year and should transition to the NFL nicely. The only concern that some may have would be his demeanor during his combine interviews as being quiet and reserved. Although hes quiet as a mouse his play should roar like a lion.
Projection: Top 15
2. Sergio Kindle (Texas)
Sergio Kindle was, without a shadow of a doubt, the best LB in the Big 12 this season. He streaked across the field to make tackles in pursuit and was able to stop offenses at the point of attack. Deemed an athletic freak he will be tantalizing for any coach to get and mold into the prototypical LB. However, Kindle has a history of injuries and an incident of texting while driving that gave him a concussion. Harnessing him will be key and I'll chalk up the texting to young ignorance.
Projection: Top 20
3. Sean Weatherspoon (Mizzou)
Mr. Yoder I should love this shout out to what has to be one of his favorite Tiger's this past season. Weatherspoon showed flashes of greatness this season leading the Big 12 in many statistical categories and earning Alamo Bowl MVP. He is intelligent and will be a great cerebral LB in the mold of Singletary, except on the outside most likely. His size, at only 239 will make some wonder if his body will be able to take the pounding; some weight room visits and eating should fix that.
Projection: Late 1st
4. Ricky Sapp (Clemson)
Sapp was a bright spot on the Clemson Tiger's season showing the NFL potential he has. His playmaking ability as well as toughness (played much of the season with a knee injury) will make him look worthy of a selection to any team. However, his knee injury as well as raw ability from moving from the line to the linebacker position will make some wonder; he may be better suited in pass-rushing situations and not an every down linebacker.
Projection: First 1/3 of 2nd round
5. Daryl Washington (TCU)
Washington was an integral part of the Hornfrog success this past season, leading his team to the Fiesta Bowl vs. Boise State. He had over 100 tackles and showed great potential to NFL scouts. However, his short time playing LB and his lack of instincts and ability to execute assignments may relegate him to rushing downs.
Projection: Later 1/3 of 2nd round
Sleeper: Thaddeus Gibson (Ohio State)
Gibson has the size to be a great LB, more than likely ILB given he doesn't have the optimal speed to rush from the side. Gibson had great gap recognition and ability to stay home on the Buckeye line and should be able to do the same in the pros. He will be raw in moving to LB but the right coaching will workout well for him. Look for Gibson to go mid-3rd round at the earliest and not to last too far into the 4th round.
The Yoders' Ones to Watch
Y1: Jerry Hughes of TCU was one of the stars of the combine. The OLB out of TCU shined in every drill and ran a sub-4.6 40 time. Hughes is more of a 3-4 pass rushing OLB, but if he's there at the end of Round 1 for the New Orleans Saints and Sean Weatherspoon is gone, Hughes would look very nice in the black and gold. Plus, he played for one of the consistently best defenses in college football at TCU.
Y2: Brandon Spikes is one of the most decorated linebackers in this year's draft. He played for a National Champion at Florida. But, his 40 time north of 5 seconds has teams running away from Spikes at even faster speeds. Before the 40 time, he was a 2nd round pick and now he's projected in the 4th or 5th round. Yes, that time is atrocious, but anyone who watched the Gators play knows this guy can play football.
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