NFL Draft: Breaking Down the Top Inside Linebacker Prospects

Louisville Cardinals linebacker Preston Brown (2) tackles Houston Cougars running back Ryan Jackson (22). USA TODAY Sports photograph

TIER THREE

9. Preston Brown, Louisville: 6-1, 251 (4.79)

Brown is a great between-the-tackles thumper who excels in stopping the run and shooting the gap to make a play behind the line of scrimmage.

Brown also has the size and strength to take blockers head on and hold the point of attack. Overall, Brown is an underrated linebacker prospect because he lacks the top-end speed more notable names at the position possess. Brown also needs to improve his play in coverage.

Brown reminds me a bit of former Packer Desmond Bishop. He’s tough, plays with a tremendous motor, and is a physical force up in the box.

I like Brown’s game a lot. I would love to see him land in Green Bay come draft day. The Packers may just be able to get him with a fourth or fifth round pick.

(Draft Projection: Rounds 4-5)

Stanford Cardinal linebacker Shayne Skov (11). Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

10. Shayne Skov, Stanford: 6-2, 245

Skov’s draft stock has plummeted this offseason. As one of the better linebackers in college football last season, many saw Skov as a possible first or second round pick entering the draft evaluation process.

Skov’s decent began with his decision not to participate in the Senior Bowl, and it continued when he decided not to workout at either the NFL Combine or run the forty at the Stanford pro day.

Some believe Skov has still not recovered from the multiple knee surgeries he’s undergone since his ACL tear in 2011. The fact Skov has declined to run or workout for pro scouts at this point before the draft has to be concerning and has made many wonder what he could be hiding.

Skov was already believed to have marginal speed and quickness, but his medical history certainly hasn’t helped his cause. Teams want to see that he’s recovered from the knee surgeries and possesses the athleticism to compete in the NFL.

On film, Skov looks like a dominate playmaker between the tackles that can make the occasional play in coverage. He’s a savvy, tough linebacker who may lack the athleticism and speed to be an impact player at the next level.

(Draft Projection: Rounds 4-5)

LSU Tigers linebacker Lamin Barrow (18) tackles Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Johnny Manziel (2). Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

11. Lamin Barrow, LSU: 6-1, 237 (4.64)

Barrow is flying under the radar as a linebacker prospect. He’s quick and instinctive and swarms to the ball, using his athleticism to win his one-on-one matchups.

Barrow is a sound tackler who also moves well enough in space to be effective when dropping back in zone coverage and can make a play on the ball from time to time.

Barrow does lack impact plays at LSU and needs to bulk up a bit and add strength to prevent bigger guards in the NFL from washing him out of the play.

The LSU product has plenty of upside though, which makes him a good early day-three pick.

(Draft Projection: Round 5)

Auburn Tigers tight end C.J. Uzomah (81) is tackled by Florida State Seminoles linebacker Telvin Smith (22). Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

12. Telvin Smith, Florida State: 6-3, 218 (4.52)

Smith is a bad fit in a 3-4 defense, which significantly drops him in the rankings. As an undersized outside linebacker, Smith still made plenty of impact plays in the Seminoles defense.

He plays with a high-motor and doesn’t shy away from contact. He’s explosive and has the speed that allows him to fly around the field and make plays.

Smith may be better off switching to strong safety in the NFL. He definitely needs to add bulk if he’s going to play linebacker at the next level, especially if he plays on the inside in a 3-4 defense.

(Draft Projection: Round 5)