NFL Draft: Breaking Down the Top Inside Linebacker Prospects

California Golden Bears linebacker Khairi Fortt (11) dives to try to stop UCLA Bruins running back Paul Perkins (24). Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

TIER FOUR

13. Khairi Fortt, California: 6-2, 240 (4.68)

Not much is being said about Fortt, but his impressive measurables make him an intriguing day three pick in the draft. Fortt’s game is a bit raw, but his combination of size, speed, and athleticism give him enough upside for a team to take a chance on him come draft day.

Fortt needs to do a better job trusting his instincts. At times, he’s slow to the ball and tends to get out of place as the play develops.

Fortt is a developmental player who has enough natural ability to make him worth a fifth or sixth round pick.

(Draft Projection: Rounds 5-6)

Kentucky Wildcats safety Mikie Benton (31) and linebacker Avery Williamson (40) tackle Louisville Cardinals running back Jeremy Wright (28). USA Today-Sports photograph

14. Avery Williamson, Kentucky: 6-1, 246 (4.66)

Williamson does well reading and reacting to plays. He also possesses good speed and athleticism, which helps him move well in space and get to the ball carrier in the open field.

Williamson is also a very sound tackler, but he lacks the explosiveness to really deliver a big hit or make that game-changing play.

Williamson is a solid all-around linebacker prospect who may make his mark on special teams in the NFL as he further develops his game behind a team’s starters.

(Draft Projection: Round 6)

Michigan State Spartans linebacker Max Bullough (40). Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

15. Max Bullough, Michigan State: 6-4, 249 (4.76)

Like Skov, Bullough’s draft stock has taken a hit since the college season has come to a close. Some character concerns were raised about Bullough after he sat out the Rose Bowl because the team gave him a one-game suspension for an undisclosed reason.

Work ethic and conditioning concerns were also raised when Bullough showed up to the East-West Shrine Game significantly overweight at 265 pounds.

Since then, Bullough has helped his cause by showing up to the NFL Combine 20 pounds lighter at 245 and putting up high marks on the bench (30 reps) and running an adequate forty time (4.76).

And despite the concerns raised about Bullough’s game, he was the captain and centerpiece of one of the top defenses in college football last season at Michigan State.

Bullough is a highly intelligent and tough linebacker prospect who could offer a team tremendous value in a later round if he keeps the character concerns under wraps.

(Draft Projection: Round 6)

Other Late-Round Prospects:

16. Derrell Johnson, East Carolina – 6-1, 248

(Draft Projection: Rounds 6-7)

17. Andrew Jackson, Western Kentucky – 6-1, 254

(Draft Projection: Rounds 6-7)

18. Jeremiah George, Iowa State – 5-11, 234 (4.91)

(Draft Projection: Rounds 6-7)