NFL Draft: Breaking Down the Top Outside Linebacker Prospects

Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Adrian Hubbard (42). Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

TIER THREE

12. Adrian Hubbard, Alabama: 6-6, 257 (4.69)

Hubbard has prototypical size and athleticism for the position in the NFL. Hubbard’s experience as an outside linebacker in Alabama’s defense also helps his case.

However, Hubbard was inconsistent getting pressure on the quarterback coming off the edge. He only recorded three sacks in 2013 after tallying seven in 2012.

Some question Hubbard’s work ethic and effort on the field. He’s a guy with all of the physical tools to excel at the position, but he just hasn’t put it all together.

Hubbard is a bit of a project at the next level, but if a team finds a way to develop his talent and light a fire under him, then Hubbard could develop into a solid starter in the league.

(Draft Projection: Rounds 3-4)

Utah Utes defensive end Trevor Reilly (9). Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

13. Trevor Reilly, Utah: 6-5, 245 (4.66)

Reilly is undersized for a defensive end and will have to make the transition to linebacker at the next level.

Reilly has some natural ability as a pass rusher, recording 8.5 sacks in 2013. He also has some experience at linebacker, making one start at middle linebacker as a senior.

Reilly brings versatility and athleticism to a defense. However, a history of knee injuries hurts Reilly’s draft stock, not to mention he’ll be coming into the league at age 26.

(Draft Projection: Round 4)

Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Prince Shembo (55) pressures Miami Hurricanes quarterback Stephen Morris (17). Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

14. Prince Shembo, Notre Dame: 6-1, 253 (4.71)

Shembo was a three-year starter at outside linebacker in Notre Dame’s 3-4 defense, recording a 15 sacks in that time.

Shembo is a solid pass rusher off the edge, shows good movement in space, and can hold the point of attack against the run.

Shembo is the prospect that does everything well at the position, but isn’t great at any one aspect.  He’s a reliable, consistent player off the edge and is a decent mid-round option for the position.

(Draft Projection: Round 4)

Virginia Tech Hokies defensive end James Gayle (99). Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

15. James Gayle, Virginia Tech: 6-4, 259 (4.66)

Gayle is an explosive athlete with all of the physical tools to play outside linebacker in NFL.

However, Gayle tends to disappear on film. He lacks the splashy plays the other players at the position tend to make.

Gayle also struggled against better tackles bound for the NFL. He was dominated by Morgan Moses when Virginia Tech played Virginia, and he was a complete non-factor in the Sun Bowl against UCLA.

Gayle needs to play with better leverage and not get pushed around by bigger offensive linemen.

(Draft Projection: Round 4)

Florida Gators linebacker Ronald Powell (7). Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

16. Ronald Powell, Florida: 6-3, 237 (4.65)

Powell is a bit of a darkhorse at the position. A long list of injuries in college, including two ACL tears in 2012 and a pulled hamstring running at the NFL Combine, has negatively impacted Powell’s draft stock.

When healthy, Powell is a speedy edge rusher with experience in Florida’s hybrid DE/OLB position. Powell is reliable in coverage and has the burst to chase down ball carriers and get behind the line of scrimmage and pressure the quarterback.

Powell’s game remains raw because of the lack of experience due to injury, but Powell possesses a lot of upside and could be a great find on day three of the draft.

(Draft Projection: Rounds 4-5)

Southern California Trojans safety Devon Kennard (42). Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

17. Devon Kennard, USC: 6-3, 249 (4.70)

Like Powell, Kennard’s collegiate career was littered with injuries.

Finally, in 2013 Kennard put together a season unhampered by injury and recorded 60 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, and nine sacks. His breakout season as an outside linebacker in USC’s 3-4 defense got him some national attention.

Kennard is a decent athlete with experience at both linebacker and defensive end. He shouldn’t have any problem adjusting to outside linebacker in the NFL, but with only one fully healthy season at USC, questions remain about his durability.

(Draft Projection: Rounds 4-5)