NFL Draft Prospect Comparisons: Linebackers

Finding comparisons in each position is both an entertaining way to get some final thoughts on these prospects as well as get a good indication of what they could actually be once they get to the NFL.

While these linebacker comparisons are not likely shared by everyone and it may not be an exact match, these are who the top linebackers on our board remind me of.

Dontay Moch, Nevada – Robert Mathis
A fringe outside linebacker/defensive end, Moch is likely a bit undersized to fit in any 4-3 defense except for the Colts. Only around 240, Moch is built like a linebacker but needs to be in a defense that allows him to constantly attack the backfield. Mathis has made a living out of using his quickness and small size to at times terrify big, mauling blockers. Moch could have similar success as  a 3-4 rusher.

Nate Irving, NC State – Jonathan Vilma
Probably an even better athlete than Vilma, both players have remarkably similar playing styles. Both can fit in a 3-4 defense if need be, but are better rushing the quarterback and playing in space. Both have the stoutness up the middle to help in the run game, with Irving getting the edge there, as well as the range to play outside the tackle box.

Greg Jones, Michigan State – Lance Briggs
Deffinetly a “best case scenerio” for Jones, he has the body make-up, the under rated coverage skills, and the high football IQ to be successful as an inside linebacker or outside in a defense that allows him to dip back in coverage, a skill I think Jones could excel at. Briggs has had a consistent stream of Pro Bowls, and I’m not sure if Jones has quite the level of athletic ability that Briggs has, but could fill a similar role in the NFL.

Bruce Carter, North Carolina – Aaron Curry
Curry was drastically over-picked on draft day because he’s such a prototypically built linebacker and the Seahawks felt they didn’t have many needs. While he hasn’t shown to be worth that Top 5 pick, he has been able to do a lot for the Seahawks as a starting linebacker and can fill multiple roles. Once he’s recovered from his knee injury, which could happen during next season, and a team is willing to sit him and develop him further, he could be as well-built and dynamic as any 4-3 linebacker in the NFL.

Akeem Ayers, UCLA – Joey Porter
Ayers could potentially fit as either an attacking 4-3 linebacker or, probably ideally, a 3-4 rusher off the edge in a defense. Joey Porter had a tremendous amount of success in flying off the edge and making one quick, powerful move in his pursuit to the quarterback, and only really started to struggle when he lost that explosiveness later in his career. Ayers does have some motor question marks based on film, but he has the talent of a first rounder.

Colin McCarthy, Miami (FL) – David Thornton
One of my favorite prospects in this whole draft, McCarthy could slip on draft day because of injury concerns, but has the potential to be a dynamic inside or outside linebacker in a 4-3 defense for a long time in the NFL thanks to his coverage ability and under rated athleticism. Thornton was at one point in his career one of the feature outside linebackers in the NFL, and if he gets into the right system, there’s no reason McCarthy can’t become that as well.

Martez Wilson, Illinois – Brian Cushing
An athletic rusher who can fit as a 3-4 or 4-3 outside linebacker, Wilson could be viewed as first rounder because of that versatility and potential as an athlete. While Wilson isn’t as fluid or complete of a prospect as Cushing was out of college, both players have similar styles and if Wilson ends up in the right system, he could have similar early success in the NFL.

Kelvin Sheppard, ILB – LSU – Jerod Mayo
When I look for an inside linebacker, I’m looking for a reliable tackler, a powerful presence inside the tackle box, and a leader of the defense. While Sheppard isn’t the athlete Jerod Mayo or Ray Lewis are, he is a tremendously effective leader and has the size and strength to be a mainstay in the middle of a defense for a long time.

Justin Houston, Georgia – Anthony Spencer
Houston has an outstanding first step as a pass rusher and has the potential to make an impact early and often in the NFL. His best fit is a 3-4 outside linebacker and has a similar rushing style as Cowboys backside rusher Anthony Spencer, though Houston has a higher ceiling as a pass rusher.

Von Miller, Texas A&M – Terrell Suggs/Lawrence Simmons
Maybe the best 3-4 outside linebacker in the past ten years or so, it’s almost impossible to find a more pro ready, developed, and dynamic pass rusher in recent history. Miller has the pass rushing quickness and body control of Terrell Suggs as well as the ability to move in space and even dip in coverage if need be. His best fit is likely a 3-4 defense, but a talent like his could be a star anywhere with time.