LB Draft Prospects

N Barnett Dec. 14, 2006

1) Patrick Willis, 6'1" 240 lbs, Ole Miss

An underrated player who is a pure tackling machine. Willis is the top LB in the draft and rightfully so. He has the size and speed to play any of the LB positions but is a natural in the middle. Willis is a sure tackler who has huge upside. Coverage leaves a little to be desired but his overall talent and character make up for it and then some.

NFL pro comparison: London Fletcher

2) Buster Davis, 5'10" 242 lbs, Florida State

Overshadowed a bit by last season's very talented LB group, Davis really shined again this year and has proven himself to be a top talent at the position. A hard hitting, physical player who has a great motor. Davis's main concern is his height and weak coverage skills. Might be a better strong side LB in the NFL or as a 3-4 LB.

NFL pro comparison: Zach Thomas

3) H.B. Blades, 6'0" 240 lbs, Pittsburgh

Quickly moving up the draft charts is H.B. Blades. He plays with high intensity and a fierce mentality. A little short but he is a hard hitter who can shed blocks. Great motor. Blades can play any of the LB positions in the 4-3 or 3-4 defense. A quality talent who could slide his way into the 1st round because of his huge potential.

NFL pro comparison: Ray Lewis

4) Paul Posluszny, 6'1" 236 lbs, Penn State

Posluszny's stock has cooled over the last few months. Mainly because people comparing him with last years stellar LB class. The fact is that Posluszny is a football player. He won't really blow you away, but he does his job each and every play. Needs to bulk up a bit in order to shed blocks better and he does have some questionable pass coverage skills. Tore up his knee a year ago. Overall though, he could be the safest pick and go in the mid to late 1st round.

NFL pro comparison: Ian Gold

5) Earl Everett, 6'3" 234 lbs, Florida

Everett has alot of potential to be a very talented weakside LB. He has good size and above average speed. A solid tackler who is a sideline to sideline player. Improving in coverage but still needs some work. Look for him to test out well at the combine and really boost his stock.

NFL pro comparison: Cato June

6) Rufus Alexander, 6'1" 231 lbs, Oklahoma

A playmaker at LB, Alexander has a nose for the football. Really starting to come on strong as a junior, he continued that success into his senior season. He's become a tackling machine who excels at making plays in the backfield. An all around good player who could really dominate in the NFL if he can bulk up a little.

NFL pro comparison: Lance Briggs

7) David Harris, 6'2" 251 lbs, Michigan

A pure middle LB. Harris has excellent size but lacks the speed to play outside LB. A consistant wrap up tackler, he is a excellent run stopper. Could be a canidate to be an inside LB in the 3-4 defense as well. Harris is still learning but has a good upside.

NFL pro comparison: Andra Davis

8) *Dan Connor, 6'3" 220 lbs, Penn State

Connor had a standout junior season this year. He was one of the top tacklers and was a great run stopper. Very good strength for a guy his size. He has sideline to sideline speed and is improving in coverage. Could declare for the draft this year but would be wiser to return to school whereas he could be the top LB next year.

NFL pro comparison: Pisa Tinoisamoa

9) Justin Warren, 6'3" 242 lbs, Texas A&M

In a draft with alot of talent LBs who project to play the inside at the NFL level, Warren has been in the shadows a bit. While he lacks even average speed, Warren is a tremendous run stopper. He will pile up tackles but because of his lack of speed, he would likely need to be off the field in passing situations. Yet another canidate as an inside LB in the 3-4 defense.

NFL pro comparison: Jeremiah Trotter

10) KaMichael Hall, 6'0" 225 lbs, Georgia Tech

A speedy LB who really excels as a pass rusher. Hall has alot of potential and has gotten better every season in college. Very good speed and pass coverage skills. Definetly needs to bulk up a bit in order to maximize his potential in the NFL. A sleeper pick who will likely go in the late 3rd or early on 2nd day.

NFL pro comparison: Morlon Greenwood

* Underclassmen eligible for 2007 NFL draft