NFL Draft: Breaking Down the Top Outside Linebacker Prospects

UCLA Bruins defensive end Cassius Marsh (99) and Oregon State Beavers offensive tackle Michael Philipp (77). Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

TIER FOUR

18. Cassius Marsh, UCLA: 6-4, 252 (4.70)

Marsh excelled as a defensive end in the Bruins 3-4 defense. However, the UCLA prospect lacks the size to play end in the NFL and will need to make the switch to outside linebacker.

Marsh has plenty of skeptics out there. Some wonder if he’s athletic enough to rush the quarterback from a two-point stance or drop back in coverage.

One thing is for sure, Marsh has an incredible motor and anyone who’s watched him play can see this. Marsh uses this to generate pressure off the edge or chase down ball carriers against the run.

Marsh is also scrappy and holds his ground well against the run. He leaves it all on the field and this is an admirable trait and one coaches will love.

(Draft Projection: Round 5)

Boston College Eagles defensive end Kasim Edebali (91). Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

19. Kasim Edebali, Boston College: 6-2, 253 (4.79)

Edebali is an undersized pass rusher with some burst off the edge. He plays with a good motor, which helps him get after the quarterback and has adequate athleticism to make plays in space.

Edebali had a breakout season in 2013 at Boston College, recording 9.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss. Edebali just needs to show teams he can get this kind of production on a more consistent basis.

Edebali is a good developmental player with plenty of untapped potential.

The former Boston College defensive end will need time to learn and develop at linebacker in the NFL.

(Draft Projection: Rounds 5-6)

Missouri Tigers Michael Sam runs through drills during the 2014 NFL Combine. Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

20. Michael Sam, Missouri: 6-1, 261 (4.91)

Sam’s draft stock has plummeted during the draft evaluation process.

I get the feeling it has taken the draft analysts in the media some time to catch up to what scouts around the league have known about Sam for awhile, that he’s just not a great athlete.

Sam’s dilemma is that he doesn’t seem to have a natural position in the NFL. He lacks the size and strength to hold up well on the edge as a traditional 4-3 end, and he lacks the athleticism, speed, and ability to move in space to play as a 3-4 outside linebacker.

Maybe a 4-3 team will draft him higher than I have him here and use him as a situational pass rusher.

(Draft Projection: Rounds 5-6)

Other Late-Round Prospects:

21. Chaz Sutton, South Carolina: 6-4, 263

(Draft Projection: Rounds 5-6)

22. Howard Jones, Shepard: 6-3, 235 (4.60)

(Draft Projection: Round 6)

23. Morgan Breslin, USC: 6-1, 240 (4.60)

(Draft Projection: Round 6)

24. Aaron Lynch, South Florida: 6-5, 249 (4.69)

(Draft Projection: Rounds 6-7)