NFL Draft 2007: The Top 15 Linebackers

Our defensive projections take their final form with a look at the top linebacker prospects in the upcoming draft. The hope is that this list hits you hard. Then you will know how it feels to be smashed by one of the members of our list.

1. Patrick Willis, Ole Miss (6’1” 242lbs) – Willis is a stud. He opened eyes with his 40 times both at the combine and his pro day and he plays even faster. Willis is a tackle machine who was perhaps the most under-acknowledged defensive player over the last few seasons in college football. Willis will be a star in the NFL. He should be a top 5 prospect, but he doesn’t play a “sexy” position. Willis should be taken in the top 15 picks.

2. Paul Posluszny, PSU (6’1” 238lbs) – Posluszny had a lot of scouts projecting him as being in the same class as A. J. Hawk (a top 5 selection last year) at the end of last season. This past season he racked up 120 more tackles and now scouts think he’s a late first round selection. I say, “Horseshit.” This kid can flat out play. He’s played both inside and outside and excelled at both. Posluszny is a class act who flies around the field making plays. He should be a top 10 pick, but he’ll be selected in the mid to late first round.

3. Lawrence Timmons, FSU (6’0” 235lbs) – Note to NFL scouts: This kid is from Florida State. This means he won’t make much of an impact in the NFL. Sure, he’s fast and was good in the ACC (now there’s a stacked conference), but that doesn’t always mean NFL success. Ask Mike Mamula. I think Timmons will be a serviceable NFL player, but he won’t be a star. Someone will select him in the first round and later wish they had waited until the third round.

4. Jon Beason, Miami (6’0” 237lbs) – Beason is an intriguing prospect. He’s very talented, but played on some of Miami’s worst teams. He also struggled with some injuries. Beason is similar to Timmons – except he’s good. Beason comes from a program that has repeatedly churned out talented linebackers (Ray Lewis, Jonathan Vilma, D.J Williams). Beason should continue this list. He’ll be selected anywhere from the mid to late first round.

5. David Harris, Michigan (6’2” 243 lbs) – I like Harris a lot because I saw him play a lot this year thanks to my Michigan-crazed friend. He’s extremely quick and has great recognition skills. Harris is a smart player who just knows where to be and when to be there. He’s got a great build and should be a great fit for the NFL’s current trend of 3-4 defenses. Harris is a sure fire second round selection.

6. Tim Shaw, PSU (6’1” 236lbs) – Shaw played all over the place at Penn State. He came to Happy Valley as one of the most prolific prep school running backs to hail from Michigan. He also competed as a sprinter. Shaw then made the move to linebacker at PSU and even played some rush end. He’s a fantastic athlete who should draw a lot of attention as the draft nears because of his strong combine and pro day. Shaw has taken himself from second day pick to a third round prospect.

7. Justin Durant, Hampton (6’0” 230lbs) – Durant is the classic example of teams searching for a hidden gem. I’ll admit that I don’t know a lot about this kid, I just know what I’ve read. From what I’ve seen about him, he’s a fast, athletic kid who could use some coaching. People are also a little unsure of him because of the level of competition he played against. He could blossom into a star or he could find himself overwhelmed. Either way, one team will gamble on him in the third round.

8. Brandon Siler, Florida (6’1” 241lbs) – Siler was the man in the middle of Florida’s championship defense last season. He’s a tough kid, who plays with a chip on his shoulder. Siler doesn’t look fast or play fast, but he finds a way to get to the ballcarrier and makes plays. He may struggle a little early in his career, but should be a serviceable starter in two to three years time. Siler should be a third round selection.

9. Jon Abbate, Wake Forrest (5’9” 230lbs) – Abbate is undersized at 5’9”, but he’s got a huge heart. Abbate plays hard and is a proven leader. I’m really pulling for this kid to have a solid pro career. He has the determination and instincts to possibly turn into a Zach Thomas-type player. Expect Abbate to find an NFL home in the late-third to mid fourth-round.

10. Rufus Alexander, Oklahoma (6’0” 228lbs) – Alexander should be a solid pro player if he can add some bulk to his frame. He has good instincts and plays a tough, physical game. He could also use some work in coverage, but that’s not a huge problem. Linebackers are built to tackle instead of cover and Alexander lays the wood with the best of them. Alexander is a solid third round pick.

11. H.B. Blades, Pittsburgh (5’11” 236lbs) – Blades comes from a football pedigree (two of his uncles played in the NFL) and will also find his way to the pros. Blades is a good athlete who plays intelligently. He finds ways to put himself in positions to make plays. He may be undersized to play the middle spot in the pros, but should have no trouble adjusting to outside linebacker. Blades should be a fourth round pick.

12. Stewart Bradley, Nebraska (6’3” 254lbs) – Bradley has phenomenal size at the linebacker position. He’s a true grinder who never stops chopping. He is a solid athlete, but doesn’t have great speed or quickness. He is another guy who could find a home playing any of the linebacker positions. There are some questions about his durability, but he should be a fourth round selection regardless.

13. Prescott Burgess, Michigan (6’3” 240lbs) – There is no question that Burgess is a gifted athlete. Scouts rave about his size and physique, but he never put it all together at the college level. Burgess could be one of those players that the light bulb goes on for once he reaches the pro level. Maybe some coach will find a way to help him realize his potential. Burgess is a fifth round prospect at this point.

14. Anthony Waters, Clemson (6’2” 245lbs) – Waters has a great build to be a star middle linebacker. He’s also a tough, instinctive, and crafty player. He had a spectacular junior season at Clemson, but spent his senior season on the sidelines after tearing his ACL in the opener. If a team is willing to give him a shot, he should return some strong dividends once he’s healthy again. Waters is probably a fifth round pick at best.

15. Buster Davis, FSU (5’9” 239lbs) – A few things are working against Davis. First, look at the first 4 letters of his first name. Second, look at where he played his college ball. Lastly, look at his height. Davis is a quick player who finds ways to get around the ball, but he will most likely be a backup and special teams player in the NFL. He’ll be a late round selection in April.


Next Week: The Top 15 Running Backs (we save the best for last)