Scout’s Notes: Top Six Inside Linebackers

Few positions in the NFL Drafts of the past 10-20 years feature zero BCS conference seniors as the premier talent in the class. But, that’s exactly the case for the inside linebacker class. While juniors from Arizona State (Vontaze Burfict), Boston College (Luke Kuechly), and North Carolina (Kevin Reddick) likely will declare and add some BCS flavor, but for now, the top six inside linebackers are from the WAC (3), MAC (2), and Mountain West (1) respectively.

Why is this? Maybe because most top inside linebackers are declaring as juniors. Maybe because generally, inside linebackers are a dying breed with more defenses looking for guys that can play in space. Or maybe because these great inside linebackers are developing inside at these small schoolers because what they lack in athletic ability in high school, they make up for in instincts. Regardless, these top six inside linebackers are all likely draft picks and lead the charge in the new-found depth in the non-BCS ranks. 

1 . Tank Carder – TCU – 6’3 – 237
In last year’s BCS game, Carder was one of the two or three biggest reasons for the bowl win. His play last year and this year have demonstrated his consistency and knack for making crucial plays and stops. While he isn’t a blitzing inside linebacker, he’s range in pass coverage is very impressive for a relatively limited athlete, and consistently clouds up the middle of the field. He doesn’t have the ideal hip fluidity to come downhill in a hurry and make stops close to the LOS, but is a solid in space form tackler and can evade blockers in traffic well. Not a fit for every system, but his ability in pass coverage and in space make him a great fit for a team looking for a versatile inside linebacker.
 
2 . James Michael-Johnson – Nevada – 6’3 – 235
An ideally built, in size, weight, and body build, inside linebacker, Michael-Johnson has been the apple to some scouts eyes at inside linebacker. His shear size and power in his lower half allow him to drive second level blockers and push back to the direction of the ball. He comes downhill well and can attack inside shoulders of interior linemen when shooting the gap or being a delayed blitzer. He doesn’t make as many plays in the guard-tackle region as I’d like, and I see him almost consistently missing 3-4 tackles a game he could get if he was more aggressive to the outside. Also, I’m unsure about his long term ability in coverage. Still, as an in the box 4-3 inside linebacker or a 3-4 inside linebacker with added range for that position, he could be a solid starter in year one.

3 . Stephen Johnson – Temple – 6’1 – 230
A former walk-on at Temple, I’ve gotten the chance to watch him develop over his career at inside linebacker. He’s played next to former and current NFL prospects at linebacker, and he’s the most consistent of the Temple defenses the past two years. His range in the run game has improved, and he sits low and attacks the ball well through traffic. He does look to run around second level blockers at times, but when he does engage, he isn’t a lost cause. Also, he can tackle in space as well as drop in short area coverage as well. Not an elite athlete nor a perfect in-traffic tackler, but he could be a starter in a 4-3 scheme in time in the NFL.
 
4 . Adrien Cole – Louisiana Tech – 6’0 – 220
Maybe the most rangy and fluid inside linebackes in this draft, Cole has shown outstanding range, quickness to the ball on the outside, and smooth drop back in coverage. While he can struggle to get off blocks on the interior and is a bit slow at times in reacting to the play, he can get off blocks when an underneath rip and still keeps his hand aimed at the ball. His smooth-ness as an athlete and speed make him a fit to play at the inside linebacker spot in an aggressive 4-3 or be moved to the weakside so he can better utilize his quickness in space and rushing abilities.

5 . Noah Keller – Ohio  – 6’1 – 245
Keller isn’t an ideal athlete to be a tackling machine in the NFL, but he’s not the low level of athlete from his junior year either. A powerful, well built inside linebacker, Keller scrapes well on the interior and tracks the ball well through the line. He breaks down in great tackling position consistently and wraps up with strong hands and a forceful bring down. His coverage and blitzing ability aren’t spectacular, and that lack of great versatility will limit the systems he can really fit into, but his ability to make plays inside, get off blockers, deliver a big hit, and some ability outside the tackle box make him a very draftable linebacker.
 
6 . Bobby Wagner – Utah State – 6’3 – 230 
A prospect I wasn’t overly sold on throughout the season, Wagner’s play against Ohio made me re-evaluate Wagner. He showcased the ability to reach and bring down the speed of Ohio’s running backs without being in ideal position. He also showcased better get-off from linemen when he did shoot the gap, and remained in good position to reach and close holes in the run game. I had already been impressed by his blitzing ability and aggression to the backfield as a rusher, and that was displayed as well. While I’m not sold on his abilities to get off blocks consistently, especially against bigger guards at the second level, as well as his ability to stay in tight tackling position on the outside, he’s shown the potential to be a solid 3-4 inside linebacker at the next level.