As with any position, evaluating the scheme fit of linebacker prospects is both crucial for teams and often times difficult for the average fan. Why is Manti Te'o suited better for a 3-4? What sort of player will Jarvis Jones be at the next level?
As we've done for several other position groups, we'll help you out and compare some of the top linebacker prospects to players you've watched every Sunday afternoon.
OLB Jarvis Jones
Aside from the worries surrounding a diagnosis of spinal stenosis that Jarvis Jones has worked hard to dispel during the pre-draft process, the biggest knock on Jones is a general lack of athleticism and size that worries many as they try to project him to the next level. Following a less than ideal combine and pro-day workout, those concerns are legitimate. However, considering how productive he was during his time at Georgia, there's still little doubt that he's a first round talent.
Lamar Woodley was a similar case leading up to the draft. While he didn't have the same medical issues, Woodley was never known as a player with ideal size but overcame by refining his game and making use of NFL weight rooms. Jones will need to show that same dedication (and that is somewhat of a concern, as well), but if he does, he could have the same sort of career.
ILB Arthur Brown
As one of the favorite prospects of many online draftniks, Arthur Brown is a player who might be considered as both an inside and outside linebacker at the next level. He's got the athletic ability to play outside adequately, but he as an inside backer he'd be one of the most gifted at the position and that's probably where he'll eventually land.
A similar type player is D'Qwell Jackson, who also had the ability to play outside but has seen the best years of his career as a inside linebacker in 4-3 defenses. Brown has the same sort of play making ability from that position and if his potential is to be maximized that's where he needs to end up.
OLB Barkevious Mingo
As a player with great athletic talent but perhaps without a true position in the NFL, Barkevious Mingo will be one of the most interesting players to follow both during the draft and through his career. Mingo has all the potential to be an elite pass rusher, but to this point in his development he relies almost entirely on his athleticism to get to the quarterback.
It makes him a rather one dimensional player that is very susceptible to being taken advantage of in the running game – quite similar to Bruce Irvin. Irvin's ability to rush the passer was huge for Seattle last season, but his vulnerability against the run was a problem and it's something the Seahawks have had to address with more additions during the offseason. Mingo isn't yet the same talent that Irvin is as a pass rusher – will a team find a way to get him on the field anyway?
ILB Manti Te’o
Manti Te'o has been crushed during the pre-draft process to the extent that a player who was once assumed to be a top ten player now is widely regarded as someone who shouldn't be considered in the first round. The reality is that Te'o was probably always considered a late first round talent by the NFL, and it's likely that's where he'll hear his name called.
Te'o has athletic limitations to go along with his interesting back-story, but he's still strong against the run and he's polished in coverage even if he won't have the wheels to keep up in the NFL. DeMeco Ryans had the same limitations when he entered the league, but he still has had a decent career as a 3-4 inside linebacker, and it's the same expectations we should have for Te'o.
OLB Dion Jordan
As a defensive end/outside linebacker prospect that some feel is gifted enough to even cover slot receivers in the NFL, there may not be a more unique prospect in this draft than Dion Jordan. While he spent plenty of time at defensive end at Oregon, it's most likely that due to his relatively thin frame he'll be best suited playing at linebacker at the next level.
Because of his unique skill set, comparing him to just one current player is quite difficult. Some have compared him to Aldon Smith, but Smith is significantly stronger than Jordan is, while Jordan has much more speed and versatility. Still, if Jordan can continue to gain weight and strength, the two could end up being similar players.
ILB Kiko Alonso
Thanks to some off the field issues early in his career and catfishing drama from other inside linebacker prospects, Kiko Alonso hasn't got nearly the same attention as other inside linebackers leading up to the draft. While he's chosen of late to keep a low profile off the field, on the field it's tough not to notice him.
Alonso's style of play is quite reckless and that creates big plays – sometimes for the defense, and other times for his opponents. Were his instincts better he might just be one of the best linebackers in this class. However, until he develops his football knowledge he'll likely be a player in the mold of Donald Butler: certainly a starter, but not someone the defense will look to often rely on to carry them.
OLB Sio Moore
By far one of the most explosive linebackers in the draft, Sio Moore is essentially a blank slate for a defensive coordinator to work with. He's only had 31 career starts but has shown consistent development throughout his career, and that should be expected to continue when he enters the league.
Moore could prove to be simply a special teams contributor, or he could grow into one of the better outside linebackers in the league. The safe bet is that he'll end up somewhere in the middle, as a player of a similar caliber to the 49ers Ahmad Brooks.
ILB Jon Bostic
Jon Bostic's doesn't possess the athleticism that teams look for in a first round selection, but as an experienced linebacker that has been praised for possessing a strong work ethic and high football IQ, Bostic represents a player that will be selected later in the draft but could still be a starter very early in his career.
Bostic won't go undrafted like Jameel McClain did, but the two are quite similar. Bostic should always be strong against the run like McClain, and both will be limited in coverage due to their lack of elite speed. Both players are also valuable on special teams and like McClain, Bostic should be a great value relative to where he's selected.
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