Packers 2016 Draft: Ranking the top-25 inside linebackers

Tier 1: First Round ILBs

1. Myles Jack, UCLA (6-1, 245)
Jack is one of the most highly-touted linebackers to come out of college in some time now, but he still would only play second fiddle to Jaylon Smith if the former Notre Dame linebacker hadn’t suffered a major knee injury in the Fiesta Bowl. Jack is an athletic freak at the position—a type of player that only comes around once every few draft classes. His ability to play any linebacker spot as well as safety or eve slot corner have many NFL teams salivating over his potential at the next level. However, even though he’s a lock to go early in the first round, his lack of big play production in college still has to be concerning given the hype surrounding his name. One sack, four interceptions, and 15 tackles for loss in a little over two years of playing the position aren’t exactly dominant numbers. (Projection: Top-10)

2. Darron Lee, Ohio State (6-1, 235, 4.47)
Lee is a linebacker built for the modern NFL. He’s fast, athletic, and can make plays out in space. I love his tenacity against the run and his ability to run and chase down ball carriers sideline-to-sideline. With all of the media praise Jack gets for his ability in coverage, Lee isn’t far behind him. At Ohio State, Lee filled a similar role, frequently lining up wide over the slot and keeping pace with wideouts down the field. I do wish Lee was a bit stronger at the point of attack, however, and could take on and shed blocks in the tackle box, but if kept clean, specifically as a weakside chase linebacker, Lee could make a lot of plays for any defense at the next level. (Projection: Round 1)

3. Reggie Ragland, Alabama (6-1, 247, 4.72)
There may not be a better linebacker against the run in this class. Ragland can crash down and plug rushing lanes, giving guards hell as a 3-4 ILB. I love the way he battles through the trash and imposes his will as a physical presence in the middle of the field. His tremendous instincts and adequate speed enable him to also run and chase ball carriers outside of the box as well. He’s also a better player in coverage than people give him credit for. He’d give the Packers a true three-down inside backer and a leader in the middle of the field. (Projection: Round 1)

4. *Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame (6-2, 240)
Smith is my favorite player in this class by a mile, and he has been since the beginning of the 2015 college season. However, his knee injury is one of the most unfortunate things to happen to a prospect for some time now. I have no idea where Smith will get drafted because of his injury, but if he fully recovers after sitting out the 2016 season, the team that drafts him this spring will get a very special player. (Projection: Rounds 1-4)

Next: Tier 2: Early Round ILBs