Packers 2016 Draft: Ranking the top-25 inside linebackers
By Dan Dahlke
Tier 4: Late Round ILBs
17. Jared Norris, Utah (6-1, 241, 4.73)
As a two-time All Pac-12 linebacker, Norris is a natural leader on the field with adequate athleticism and playmaking ability. He should make an NFL roster and immediately carve out a role for himself on special teams and as an early-down defender. (Projection: Round 5)
18. Scooby Wright III, Arizona (6-0, 239, 4.86)
Scooby is a scrappy, high-motor linebacker who makes plays based on good football instincts, but having said this, I’m just not comfortable taking him earlier than the fifth round. Severe limitations athletically and the lack of overall speed limits Wright to a two-down run stopper in the NFL. His 4.91 forty at the combine is even a far cry from the baseline required by a majority of NFL teams at the position. Even with speed concerns aside, a close examination of Wright’s film shows a lot of inconsistency against the run and major limitations making stops out in space. Wright made a lot of plays at Arizona, but watching his film he also missed a lot of plays as well, which is another major red flag. Add his injury history to all of these concerns, and he’s too much of a risk to take any earlier than a later round. (Projection: Round 5)
19. Elandon Roberts, Houston (6-0, 235, 4.60)
Roberts is a really exciting player to watch. He’s a downhill missile who can slice through the the line and blow up the run in the backfield. As a small, yet explosive athlete, he’s an excellent run and chase linebacker who led the FBS in solo tackles in 2015 with 88. He plays with his heart on his sleeve and has been commended by coaches and scouts for his high-character and leadership. (Projection: Round 5)
20. Luke Rhodes, William & Mary (6-2, 242, 4.71)
One of the top small-school prospects in this class, Rhodes checks all of the boxes teams look for in a NFL linebacker. He has ideal size, strength, and speed. He was also a tackling machine at William & Mary, recording 341 stops over his career, and held his own in pass coverage. His level of competition is the biggest thing working against him, however. (Projection: Rounds 5-6)
21. Josh Forrest, Kentucky (6-3, 249, 4.85)
Forrest is a downhill hammer against the run, leading Kentucky in tackles for two-straight seasons with 110 and 93 stops, respectively. However, he’s a limited athlete who looks stiff in space and will be a major liability in coverage. (Projection: Rounds 5-6)
22. Jatavis Brown, Akron (5-11, 217, 4.47)
Brown is a big time playmaking linebacker out of Akron, but measuring under six feet and hovering around 220 pounds, I just don’t know where you play Brown in the NFL. Given his speed and overall athleticism, some like him as an in-the-box safety, which I could see, but this type of project from a small school prospect is only worth the risk in the later rounds. (Projection: Round 6)
23. Zeek Bigger, East Carolina (6-1, 231)
If you want a special teams demon and an early-down enforcer against the run late on day three of the draft, then Bigger is your guy. He’s has some great film out there, but I’d have to see how fast he runs and tests athletically before I move him up my board. (Projection: Round 6)
24. Kris Frost, Auburn (6-2, 240, 4.97)
When Frost was considering leaving college a year early following the 2014 season, many analysts viewed him as an early to mid-round pick. However, Frost decided to return to Auburn for his senior season and the buzz on him fizzled after a quiet 2015 campaign. On top of this, Frost tested really poorly at the NFL combine, which may have been due to a lingering injury, but nonetheless, may lead to him going undrafted. In my opinion, Frost is still a tough enough between-the-tackles linebacker to warrant a late-round selection. (Projection: Rounds 6-7)
25. Steven Daniels, Boston College (5-11, 243, 4.86)
Daniels is a mauling two-down run stuffer who should earn a spot on an NFL roster as a backup and special teams contributor. (Projection: Rounds 6-7)
*All forty times represented are the player’s best mark between the NFL combine and his pro day.