Packers 2016 Draft: Ranking the top-25 inside linebackers

Tier 3: Mid-Round ILBs

11. Dominique Alexander, Oklahoma (6-0, 232, 4.75)
Alexander is a very good coverage linebacker and a guy who can excel in nickel and dime sub-packages. Having played in the Big 12, he has plenty of experience against spread offenses; however, this also makes it difficult to get a sense of his ability as a between-the-tackles run defender. He’s still an athletic linebacker with good upside and a nose for the ball and worth a mid-round pick. (Projection: Round 4)

12. Blake Martinez, Stanford (6-2, 237, 4.62)
As a two-year starter in the middle of the Cardinals defense, Martinez established himself as a leader and playmaker at the position. He was one of the nation’s leading tacklers in 2015 with 140 stops, proving to be an active run stopper in Stanford’s tough 3-4 front. Martinez also recorded four interceptions, eight pass breakups, and six sacks in his final two seasons, demonstrating a well-rounded game. He also tested well at the combine, showcasing his excellent quickness and ability to change direction. He should compete for a starting role in the NFL and could be one of the steals of the draft. (Projection: Round 4)

13. B.J. Goodson, Clemson (6-1, 242, 4.69)
Goodson’s impressive testing numbers at the NFL combine grabbed my attention and led me back to the Clemson film. On a defense already full of NFL talent, it’s easy to overlook Goodson, but further study shows a hard-nosed linebacker that can plug running lanes, make plays between the tackles, and slice through the line to stop the ball carrier behind the line of scrimmage. Goodson may be limited to a two-down role in the NFL, but the way he plays the game is admirable. (Projection: Round 4)

14. Nick Kwiatoski, West Virginia (6-2, 243, 4.73)
Like Goodson, Kwiatoski is also very active against the run and can be fun to watch because of the tough, physical nature he plays the game. However, Kwiatoski doesn’t take on blocks as well as Goodson, but instead, is more of a run and chase linebacker that can make a lot of stops if kept clean and allowed to roam in space. (Projection: Round 4)

15. Cassanova McKinzy, Auburn (6-1, 248, 4.79)
Once lauded as one of the better linebackers in college football, McKinzy became a bit of a forgotten man this past season because of Auburn’s struggles throughout the year. On top of this, McKinzy was also asked to rush the passer and split time between linebacker and defensive end due to issues in personnel. He managed to record a respectable 5.5 sacks in this role, but his overall draft stock took a hit. However, if you go back to his 2014 tape you’ll still see an old school, punishing middle linebacker who was a force against the run. (Projection: Rounds 4-5)

16. Tyler Matakevich, Temple (6-0, 238, 4.81)
Like Brothers, Matakevich is a player I’d love to make a case to go higher in my rankings because he’s just a tough linebacker who plays the position the right way. However, the former Temple standout isn’t quite fast or athletic enough to be a really effective chase linebacker in the NFL, nor does he have the size to take on blocks and be a thumper between the tackles as a 3-4 inside linebacker. He’s tough to project, but I’d still like him on my team.  (Projection: Rounds 4-5)

Next: Tier 4: Late Round ILBs