NFL Draft: Breaking Down the Top Outside Linebacker Prospects

Buffalo Bulls linebacker Khalil Mack (46). Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

The 2014 NFL Draft is a little over a week away, and as we inch closer, I will continue providing my position rankings for the draft and discuss which prospects the Green Bay Packers may consider selecting come draft day.

I have already provided my rankings for safety, tight end, inside linebacker, wide receiver, defensive line, and offensive line. Click on the links if you’d like to check these outs.

Despite having signed Julius Peppers and re-signed Mike Neal this offseason, the Packers are still in need of more pass rushers on their roster.

The Packers struggled to generate consistent pressure with Clay Matthews sidelined by injury, and it still remains to be seen what the they have in Nick Perry, Andy Mulumba, and Nate Palmer.

The Packers need depth at this position, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they take a close look at some edge rushers come draft time, specifically on day two of the draft with players like Marcus Smith, Jeremiah Attaochu, and Trent Murphy likely available in the second or third round.

Here are my top 20 outside linebackers for the 2014 NFL Draft. I grouped the players into four tiers.

Tier One being potential impact players at the next level.

Tier Two being players who could be solid starters or make contributions as a rookie.

Tier Three being developmental prospects who have some upside but may not be ready to contribute immediately.

And Tier Four being role players who could offer depth on the roster.