Green Bay Packers 2015 NFL Draft: Breaking down the inside linebacker prospects

Charleston Southern Buccaneers quarterback Austin Brown (4) is sacked by Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Ramik Wilson (51). Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Tier Two

7. Ramik Wilson, Georgia (6-2, 237)
8. Ben Heeney, Kansas (6-0, 231)
9. Kwon Alexander, LSU (6-1, 227)
10. Jordan Hicks, Texas (6-1, 236)
11. Taiwan Jones, Michigan State (6-3, 245)

The Skinny: This second group of linebackers is pretty solid.

Both Wilson and Heeney could start in the league and seem like the next-best options if the Packers miss out on one of the top six guys at the position.

Wilson is a tough player who also possesses decent athleticism. On several occasions, you’ll see him on tape trail a tight end or slot receiver down the seam. He’s a better player in coverage than people realize.

Kansas Jayhawks linebacker Ben Heeney (31) drops into pass coverage. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Heeney is physical player that plays bigger than his size. He reminds me a lot of Chris Borland, and could also be a third or fourth round steal in the draft.

He has excellent closing speed and can make plays outside of the tackles.

Alexander is a speedy linebacker in the mold of the Buccaneers’ Lavonte David. He can make plays in space, but struggles in traffic and could get outmatched when asked to take on offensive linemen.

He’s a better fit in a 4-3 defense.

Hicks won’t wow you on film, but he does everything well at the position. He’s a solid, but not great, player at the next level.

Jones is a big-time thumper who can take on blocks and demolish backs between the tackles. However, his lack of speed and athleticism limit him to being a two-down player in the NFL.

Next: Tier Three