PatriotofMaine
01-18-2005, 07:38 AM
Which of these guys do we like in:
1. The first round
2. The second round
3. The 3-6th rounds
4. 7th or RFA.
Outside Linebackers for the 2005 Draft
-Seniors and declared underclassmen
Analysis: A decent year for linebackers with good depth. The verdict is mixed on most of these guys, but Derrick Johnson is a rare athlete, but might get pushed around a little in the NFL. They all have there strengths and weaknesses with kind of a mixed bag.
1. LB Derrick Johnson, 6-4, 230, Texas
As a 2002 first-team All-Big 12 selection, Johnson led the Longhorns in tackles (108), solo tackles (71), tackles for loss (17), fumble recoveries (3) and has two sacks, seven pass breakups and caused a fumble. His four interceptions in 2003 are a UT season record for linebackers while his eight career picks also are a Longhorn linebacker best, so he is obviously good in coverage. Don’t think he can’t tackle, he lead his team in tackles last year with 125 and 78 solo tackles. At 6' 4" and 220 pounds he has ideal height with frame to easily add more muscle, which he will need to add to be effective in the NFL. He was smart to come back for his senior year. Johnson has created a lot of fumbles with his patented strip move but he hasn't dominated games tackling. He was a non factor in Texas's bowl game against Michigan.
2. LB Kevin Burnett, 6-3, 237, SR, Tennessee
Maybe the best player to come from the Volunteer state since Payton Manning. In 2003 Kevin was first team All-ACC and American Football Coaches Association AFCA Good Works Team. Kevin underwent reconstructive left knee surgery in October 2002 but made it back strong in 2003. In the season opener against Fresno State, he recorded six tackles, including a TFL on his first play. He finished the regular season ranked fourth on the team in tackles with 83. Kevin has prototype size and speed had another awsome season this year (2004), he finished ranked 3rd in the nation in solo tackles with 86 and 2nd in the nation in total tackles with 104, he also recorded 1 sack and 1 INT..
3. LB Daryl Blackstock, 6-4 235, JR, Virginia
Underclassmen like Darryl will play a huge part in the 2005 NFL draft. Blackstock became a star in his freshman season as he led the nation's freshmen with 10 sacks and 14 tackles for loss. He finished the season with 107 tackles and set an ACC record for most sacks by a freshman. As a true freshman from Newport News, Virginia, Rivals.com and CollegeFootballnews.com named him national defensive rookie of the year. He has the frame to get even bigger. In 2003 he was used more in a traditional linebackers role and he didn’t rush the passer as much, but he still had a productive year. He recorded 50 solo tackles and 35 assists with a marvelous 16 tackles for loss and 4 sacks. Subsequently, Blackstock was named 2003 ACC-All Conference (honorable mention). He is a supreme pass rushing linebacker and perfect for a 34 defense. He is very young and a converted defensive end so he needs to improve on play recognition and in pass coverage.
4. LB Rian Wallace, 6-4, 245, SR, Temple
No problem with size here, an unknown from Temple but he will rock your world. Wallace drew national attention in 2003 recording 148 tackles (97 solo), 19.5 tackles for loss, one sack, six broken up passes and two fumble recoveries. Wallace is a supreme linebacker stuck on a poor team that rarely plays on national TV. But if you're looking for a future NFL star Wallace is your man. Rian is very versatile and can play inside or out. He should be a finalist for the Butkus Award and on most preseason All-America teams. He has the size and speed ratio that NFL scouts look for, and is able to shed blocks as well as the best of them. He's a great pass rusher, has fine instincts and is a scrappy brawler. He usually has some blood and grass sticking on his helmet by the end of a game. Rian needs work on improving his pass coverage; he is decent in zone, but struggles in man to man coverage. Rian won’t play in the spotlight this year but could develop into one of the top 5 linebackers in the nation.
5. LB Michael Boley, 6-3, 225, SR, Southern Miss
The two-time First-Team All-Conference USA selection finished with 154 tackles and a team-leading 11 sacks for the Golden Eagles this past season. He has to be commended for coming back to Southern Miss for his final season, many thought he would declare for the NFL draft as a junior last year. Named as preseason first team All-American by Athlon Sports and Lyndy”s, he should be a Butkis award candidate this year. However, there is a chance Boley might be moved to strong safety in the NFL. Boley reminds me of Michael Boulware who played OLB for Florida State, was drafted by Seattle and is now being asked to play SS. If Boley continues to get stronger he could easily be a first round draft pick in the 2005 draft, but will being a tweener hurt his stock?
6. LB Marcus Lawrence, 6-3 236, SR, South Carolina
Not blazing fast but good size, his 40 time has been listed at 4.8 which is only average for a linebacker. Lawrence is a strong run stopper and an aggressive player who plays with intensity and consistently makes big plays and crushing tackles. He is able to effectively drop back into coverage, but it's not his forte'. The downside to Lawrence is that he is very inexperienced. He tends to play a little too aggressive at times and will over-pursue and miss some plays. Lawrence could be one of those middle round picks that seem to be functional starters but never stars in the NFL.
7. LB Pat Thomas, 6-2 230, SR, NC State
Another skilled linebacker from the ACC, not as heralded as some, but he could emerge into a fine NFL prospect, in 2003 Pat was voted to the second team All-ACC team. In 2002 he played on the weakside, made 106 tackles and was great at getting into the backfield making three sacks and nine tackles for loss, he put on a real show in the Gator Bowl. Pat is a great pass rusher for a linebacker and last year (2003) he recorded eight sacks, 13 quarterback pressures and 15 tackles for a loss. He has been Mr. steady for the Cavaliers and the last two years he amassed a whopping 236 total tackles. He's as good at chasing down ball-carriers and is as consistent a linebacker as there is in the ACC. If he continues to develop and get stronger he will be an excellent candidate to play for an NFL team that needs a pass rushing outside linebacker.
8. LB DeMarco Ryans, 6-2 225, SR, Alabama
Quick, mobile backer that can fly. He has produced big numbers for the Tide defense, had 25 tackles against Arkansas in 2003, His 2003 tackle total was second in the storied Alabama school history. Not only are his numbers impressive, but his style of play is worth noting as well. Ryans is a sideline to sideline 'backer with a natural intensity and a knack for making the hard hit. He leads an Alabama defense that could surprise people in the SEC. He is a hard hitter and he can fight through blocks very well. When you watch Alabama play he jumps out at you because he is a playmaker. He will need to bulk up a little for the NFL, but he will probably get drafted early on day two.
9. LB/DE Jonathan Goodard, 6-0 245, SR, Marshal
Kind of a tweener, which may hurt his stock. Jonathan is a very athletic DE for the Thundering Herd who will have to move to a rush OLB slot in the pros. He has a non-stop motor and virtually lives in the opponent’s backfield. Very experienced, in 2003 he had 43 tackles, 25 assists, 20.5 TFLs, 6.5 sacks. He is very reminiscent of the Colt’s Dwight Freeney as a supreme speed rusher. Jonathan had an incredible 12 tackle, 4 sack, 1 FF, 1 FR, 3 TFL game against Miami (OH) in the last intra-league rivalry game between these two classic MAC opponents (9/29/04) and is one of the fastest risers on NFL draft boards. At mid point of the 2004 season he leads the entire nation in sacks with 10.5!
Best of the rest
Matt Grootegoed-USC
Matt Sinclair-Illinois
Zach Woodfin-UAB
Wendell Hunter-California
Derek Wake-Penn State
Maurice Lloyd, U Conn
Andy Avalos, Boise State
Jonathan Pollard, Oregon St.
Travis Harris, Florida
Brandon Hoyte, Notre Dame
Jared Newberry, Stanford
Dale Robinson, Arizona St.
Nick Speegle, New Mexico
Byron Santiago, LA Tech
Corey Dodds, Utah
Source: Consensus Draft Services (used w/permission)
1. The first round
2. The second round
3. The 3-6th rounds
4. 7th or RFA.
Outside Linebackers for the 2005 Draft
-Seniors and declared underclassmen
Analysis: A decent year for linebackers with good depth. The verdict is mixed on most of these guys, but Derrick Johnson is a rare athlete, but might get pushed around a little in the NFL. They all have there strengths and weaknesses with kind of a mixed bag.
1. LB Derrick Johnson, 6-4, 230, Texas
As a 2002 first-team All-Big 12 selection, Johnson led the Longhorns in tackles (108), solo tackles (71), tackles for loss (17), fumble recoveries (3) and has two sacks, seven pass breakups and caused a fumble. His four interceptions in 2003 are a UT season record for linebackers while his eight career picks also are a Longhorn linebacker best, so he is obviously good in coverage. Don’t think he can’t tackle, he lead his team in tackles last year with 125 and 78 solo tackles. At 6' 4" and 220 pounds he has ideal height with frame to easily add more muscle, which he will need to add to be effective in the NFL. He was smart to come back for his senior year. Johnson has created a lot of fumbles with his patented strip move but he hasn't dominated games tackling. He was a non factor in Texas's bowl game against Michigan.
2. LB Kevin Burnett, 6-3, 237, SR, Tennessee
Maybe the best player to come from the Volunteer state since Payton Manning. In 2003 Kevin was first team All-ACC and American Football Coaches Association AFCA Good Works Team. Kevin underwent reconstructive left knee surgery in October 2002 but made it back strong in 2003. In the season opener against Fresno State, he recorded six tackles, including a TFL on his first play. He finished the regular season ranked fourth on the team in tackles with 83. Kevin has prototype size and speed had another awsome season this year (2004), he finished ranked 3rd in the nation in solo tackles with 86 and 2nd in the nation in total tackles with 104, he also recorded 1 sack and 1 INT..
3. LB Daryl Blackstock, 6-4 235, JR, Virginia
Underclassmen like Darryl will play a huge part in the 2005 NFL draft. Blackstock became a star in his freshman season as he led the nation's freshmen with 10 sacks and 14 tackles for loss. He finished the season with 107 tackles and set an ACC record for most sacks by a freshman. As a true freshman from Newport News, Virginia, Rivals.com and CollegeFootballnews.com named him national defensive rookie of the year. He has the frame to get even bigger. In 2003 he was used more in a traditional linebackers role and he didn’t rush the passer as much, but he still had a productive year. He recorded 50 solo tackles and 35 assists with a marvelous 16 tackles for loss and 4 sacks. Subsequently, Blackstock was named 2003 ACC-All Conference (honorable mention). He is a supreme pass rushing linebacker and perfect for a 34 defense. He is very young and a converted defensive end so he needs to improve on play recognition and in pass coverage.
4. LB Rian Wallace, 6-4, 245, SR, Temple
No problem with size here, an unknown from Temple but he will rock your world. Wallace drew national attention in 2003 recording 148 tackles (97 solo), 19.5 tackles for loss, one sack, six broken up passes and two fumble recoveries. Wallace is a supreme linebacker stuck on a poor team that rarely plays on national TV. But if you're looking for a future NFL star Wallace is your man. Rian is very versatile and can play inside or out. He should be a finalist for the Butkus Award and on most preseason All-America teams. He has the size and speed ratio that NFL scouts look for, and is able to shed blocks as well as the best of them. He's a great pass rusher, has fine instincts and is a scrappy brawler. He usually has some blood and grass sticking on his helmet by the end of a game. Rian needs work on improving his pass coverage; he is decent in zone, but struggles in man to man coverage. Rian won’t play in the spotlight this year but could develop into one of the top 5 linebackers in the nation.
5. LB Michael Boley, 6-3, 225, SR, Southern Miss
The two-time First-Team All-Conference USA selection finished with 154 tackles and a team-leading 11 sacks for the Golden Eagles this past season. He has to be commended for coming back to Southern Miss for his final season, many thought he would declare for the NFL draft as a junior last year. Named as preseason first team All-American by Athlon Sports and Lyndy”s, he should be a Butkis award candidate this year. However, there is a chance Boley might be moved to strong safety in the NFL. Boley reminds me of Michael Boulware who played OLB for Florida State, was drafted by Seattle and is now being asked to play SS. If Boley continues to get stronger he could easily be a first round draft pick in the 2005 draft, but will being a tweener hurt his stock?
6. LB Marcus Lawrence, 6-3 236, SR, South Carolina
Not blazing fast but good size, his 40 time has been listed at 4.8 which is only average for a linebacker. Lawrence is a strong run stopper and an aggressive player who plays with intensity and consistently makes big plays and crushing tackles. He is able to effectively drop back into coverage, but it's not his forte'. The downside to Lawrence is that he is very inexperienced. He tends to play a little too aggressive at times and will over-pursue and miss some plays. Lawrence could be one of those middle round picks that seem to be functional starters but never stars in the NFL.
7. LB Pat Thomas, 6-2 230, SR, NC State
Another skilled linebacker from the ACC, not as heralded as some, but he could emerge into a fine NFL prospect, in 2003 Pat was voted to the second team All-ACC team. In 2002 he played on the weakside, made 106 tackles and was great at getting into the backfield making three sacks and nine tackles for loss, he put on a real show in the Gator Bowl. Pat is a great pass rusher for a linebacker and last year (2003) he recorded eight sacks, 13 quarterback pressures and 15 tackles for a loss. He has been Mr. steady for the Cavaliers and the last two years he amassed a whopping 236 total tackles. He's as good at chasing down ball-carriers and is as consistent a linebacker as there is in the ACC. If he continues to develop and get stronger he will be an excellent candidate to play for an NFL team that needs a pass rushing outside linebacker.
8. LB DeMarco Ryans, 6-2 225, SR, Alabama
Quick, mobile backer that can fly. He has produced big numbers for the Tide defense, had 25 tackles against Arkansas in 2003, His 2003 tackle total was second in the storied Alabama school history. Not only are his numbers impressive, but his style of play is worth noting as well. Ryans is a sideline to sideline 'backer with a natural intensity and a knack for making the hard hit. He leads an Alabama defense that could surprise people in the SEC. He is a hard hitter and he can fight through blocks very well. When you watch Alabama play he jumps out at you because he is a playmaker. He will need to bulk up a little for the NFL, but he will probably get drafted early on day two.
9. LB/DE Jonathan Goodard, 6-0 245, SR, Marshal
Kind of a tweener, which may hurt his stock. Jonathan is a very athletic DE for the Thundering Herd who will have to move to a rush OLB slot in the pros. He has a non-stop motor and virtually lives in the opponent’s backfield. Very experienced, in 2003 he had 43 tackles, 25 assists, 20.5 TFLs, 6.5 sacks. He is very reminiscent of the Colt’s Dwight Freeney as a supreme speed rusher. Jonathan had an incredible 12 tackle, 4 sack, 1 FF, 1 FR, 3 TFL game against Miami (OH) in the last intra-league rivalry game between these two classic MAC opponents (9/29/04) and is one of the fastest risers on NFL draft boards. At mid point of the 2004 season he leads the entire nation in sacks with 10.5!
Best of the rest
Matt Grootegoed-USC
Matt Sinclair-Illinois
Zach Woodfin-UAB
Wendell Hunter-California
Derek Wake-Penn State
Maurice Lloyd, U Conn
Andy Avalos, Boise State
Jonathan Pollard, Oregon St.
Travis Harris, Florida
Brandon Hoyte, Notre Dame
Jared Newberry, Stanford
Dale Robinson, Arizona St.
Nick Speegle, New Mexico
Byron Santiago, LA Tech
Corey Dodds, Utah
Source: Consensus Draft Services (used w/permission)