The reason that teams are concerned or excited about a prospect is because there has usually been some ground work and evidence to suggest one of those outcomes. That evidence is looking at former and current players’ successes and failures and comparing them to this year’s crop of franchise changers or busts.
So, by taking a look at which of this year’s top linebackers remind of current NFL players, we can possibly get a good indication and projection of their potential of NFL success.
Rolando McClain, Alabama – Patrick Willis
According to many of the people that I’ve spoken with, teams that feel that they shouldn’t have passed on Patrick Willis a few years back feel that McClain is their second chance to get a difference making inside linebacker.
McClain has great field vision and intensity to go with his size and quickness that made him such a dynamic threat in college and should make him one of the most feared inside linebackers in a 3-4 or non-zone 4-3 defense in the NFL.
Navarro Bowman, Penn State – Lance Briggs
I have been singing his praises since the season ended, as I really feel he could end up being one of the best linebackers in this draft class and in the NFL.
He isn’t a great blitzer, he needs to work on his tackling technique, and he plays too upright at times. But all of those things are coachable. Like Briggs, Bowman can drop back in coverage, makes great plays in the running game, and can be a team leader without having to say much at all.
Brandon Spikes, Florida – David Harris
Some have been staunchly against Spikes as the draft process moves forward, and I really don’t see why.
I never felt he was a top ten type of player, but he is very good at what he does do well. He is a sound tackler that may need to bulk up a little bit. He isn’t great on the edges but he makes enough plays thanks to his instictiveness to overcome that lack of sideline to sideline speed.
For a team looking for a complete 3-4 inside linebacker in the mold of a less quick version of Pro Bowler David Harris, Spikes can be that kind of threat.
Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri – Lawrence Timmonds
With many character question marks coming into the draft, there is a lot of buzz on where Weatherspoon may go on draft day.
While his character issues are more vocal questions than off-the field type of concerns like Timmonds had, Weatherspoon is a great athlete and a versatile prospect similar to how Timmonds was in college and how he’s played with the Steelers now.
Eric Norwood, South Carolina – Justin Durant
I feel a player like Norwood can either bust fairly quickly in the NFL or thrive to Pro Bowl levels, completely depending on how well he fits in a system.
Durant in Jacksonville showed signs of top notch potential when Greg Williams installed a more pass rushing defense, and that’s exactly what Norwood can bring to a team.
He doesn’t drop back in coverage all that well, he isn’t a force in the run game as much as you’d like, and has some durability concerns, but as a blitzer off the edge, he may be as effective at that as any current NFL player.
Dekota Watson, Florida State – Ernie Sims
Florida State linebackers are guys that generally just on the border of having the size to play at the next level and play in a system in college that is very relatable and easier to analyze to NFL scouts.
Watson was asked to do a lot of NFL type of things in college such as drop back in zone, cover tight ends, and blitz. He isn’t a physical tackler and will need to play in a system where he isn’t asked to engage fullbacks or blocking tight ends. He isn’t as gifted as Ernie Sims, but he can max out as a linebacker in a similar role.
Darryl Washington, TCU – Channing Crowder
I’m not as high on Washington as others, but I feel that if he plays in a similar system in the NFL as he did in college, his skills are very transitional.
He doesn’t move well enough to play in a 4-3 defense at inside linebacker, and his best fit in the pros would be a power 3-4 defense or as a strong side linebacker in a 4-3 defense.
He can drop back in coverage a little bit and is a decent blitzer, but his effective tackling and need for another inside linebacker presence reminds me a lot of Crowder.
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