Brugler: Pre-Combine NFL Draft Rankings - Lackluster linebacker class a chance for under-the-radar prospects to rise

Cotton

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By Dane Brugler 26m ago

Most​ consider​ pass rusher as​ the strength of the 2019​ NFL Draft with tight end, defensive tackle and even​​ center also receiving votes. One position you won’t hear in that conversation: linebacker.

Talking to evaluators around the league, none of the linebackers in this year’s class is on the same level as the first three linebackers drafted in the 2018 group: Roquan Smith (Chicago Bears), Tremaine Edmunds (Buffalo Bills) and Leighton Vander Esch (Dallas Cowboys). With hindsight in mind, you could probably also include Indianapolis Colts’ second-rounder Darius Leonard.

With that said, there is still talent in this class, starting with LSU’s Devin White, who could be a top-15 selection in April. A lackluster class is also an opportunity for under-the-radar prospects like Hawaii’s Jahlani Tavai and Minnesota’s Blake Cashman to make a name for themselves.

These rankings are based on tape study and all-star games and will be updated and expanded after the scouting combine (along with testing numbers and round projection). The number in parentheses after each prospect’s date of birth is his age (to the nearest hundredth) on draft day. 1. Devin White, LSU (6-1, 243, 4.72)

Springhill, La. (North Webster), Junior, 2/17/1998 (age 21.20)


Strengths: Unlocks his speed and chases down ball carriers … active motor expands his range and allows him to cover every inch of the field … plays with short-area explosion to redirect and slither through gaps near the line of scrimmage … loves to scrape-and-bang in the trenches … hungry tackler, starving for contact … competes with a violent edge and looks to tune up his target … shows timing and a closing burst as a blitzer … alpha-type mentality and named a 2018 team captain (LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda: “People listen to him and respect him … his passion shows both on and off the field”) … durable and started all but one game the last two seasons (didn’t start 2018 vs. Alabama due to a targeting ejection the week prior) … consistently productive, leading the SEC in tackles each of the last two seasons.

Weaknesses: Flies around the field without coming to balance, making tackles tougher than they need to be … loses his footing and takes false steps due to his crazed movements … undeveloped anticipation and needs to quicken his reads … needs to more efficiently use his hands to stay clean … needs to better identify targets in zone and develop a better feel for coverage … showed maturation at LSU and character isn’t considered a red flag, but he was charged with two misdemeanors his senior year in high school – charged with “carnal knowledge” (November 2015) after he attempted to have consensual sex with a 14-year old; charged with “flight from an officer” (December 2015) after he received a speeding ticket and didn’t immediately pull over.

Summary: A two-year starter at LSU, White played the “Rover” linebacker position in Aranda’s 3-4 base scheme, lining up both inside and outside and playing on special teams coverages. He was the unquestioned leader of the defense and looked like an excited air traffic controller pre-snap, identifying keys and communicating with his teammates. A see-ball, get-ball type, White is raw instinctually and flies around like a mad man, which is his best and most concerning quality. Everything he does is full speed, which leads to violent hits, but also breakdown issues and falling off tackle attempts. Overall, White’s tape doesn’t show the same level of instincts and discipline as Roquan Smith, but his play speed and relentless nature are off the charts, projecting as an NFL starter similar to Jarrad Davis (drafted No. 21 overall to the Detroit Lions in the 2017 NFL Draft). 2. Devin Bush, Michigan (5-11, 226, 4.65)

Pembroke Pines, Fla. (Flanagan), Junior, 7/18/1998 (age 20.78)


Strengths: Above-average speed and lateral range to mirror … elite-level reaction quickness due to his instincts and athleticism … displays the range to cover quick screens and flat routes … controls himself well on the move, settling his feet and squaring up his target … fills gaps like a much bigger player, physically taking on lead blocks – doesn’t have the size of a thumper, but that doesn’t stop him from trying to thump … strikes with violence and wraps as a tackler … understands field leverage and pursuit angles … quick to diagnose coverage and find passing lanes … outstanding blitzer with his bend and closing burst … disciplined off the field and passionate on the field, giving 100 percent effort on every down (Michigan defensive coordinator Don Brown: “This guy is special … plays with a chip on his shoulder and can flat out fly.”) … voted a team captain in 2018 … NFL bloodlines: his father is former NFL safety Devin Bush.

Weaknesses: Undersized and lack of length shows up often on tape … struggles to disengage once locked up … climbing blockers can too easily eliminate him from plays … lack of inches leads to broken tackles … knocked around when working downhill in the trenches … will attempt to run around blockers instead of using his hands … room to improve his strike zone as a tackler to avoid hits above the shoulders … competitiveness can go too far at times (i.e. pregame antics prior to the 2018 Michigan State game).

Summary: A two-year starter at Michigan, Bush played inside and outside linebacker in Don Brown’s base 4-2-5 defense and was called the “glue” of the scheme, according to his coaches. He grew up around the game and has a special father-son bond, which has helped mold his football-focused mindset. Bush checks boxes for speed, instincts and tenacity, but he falls short in the size department, which will be critiqued differently by each NFL club and system. He will get washed and lost in the sea of bodies near the line of scrimmage, but there is no doubting his toughness, football character and competitive drive (and it isn’t manufactured, his energy is genuine enjoyment hunting the football and playing physical). Overall, Bush doesn’t have the take-on skills or length to live inside as a Mike, but his diagnose skills, reaction quickness and closing speed are special, projecting as a starting Will in the NFL. 3. Mack Wilson, Alabama (6-1, 238, 4.73)

Montgomery, Ala. (Carver), Junior, 2/14/1998 (age 21.21)


Strengths: Excellent space athlete … light-footed and cleanly redirects … rangy in coverage and comfortable carrying receivers on crossers or verticals … quick to trigger, unlock his hips and pursue … reads the eyes of the quarterback from various depths and angles … violent hit-lift-drive tackler when he calms his feet and stays square … uses his long arms to wrap and ground ball carriers … natural ball skills and takes advantage of his opportunities (six interceptions the past two seasons) … physical hands to shock and bounce off blockers … competes with an attacking mindset and burst as a blitzer.

Weaknesses: Poor habits in pursuit … inconsistent finisher due to excited feet and wild angles, flying past his target or letting ball carriers out of his grasp … late to anticipate or leverage blocks … tends to attack before reading, leading to false steps … minimal production behind the line of scrimmage … better cover athleticism than cover instincts right now … played through a right foot injury his sophomore year until it “popped out of place” vs. LSU (November 2017), requiring surgery … only one full season as a starter.

Summary: A one-year starter at Alabama, Wilson took over as the full-time Mike linebacker in Nick Saban’s 3-4 scheme as a junior and produced mixed results. He was pegged early on as the next first-round linebacker in the Alabama pipeline, but his development appeared stagnant throughout the 2018 season, not taking the expected steps in his growth as a player. Wilson is a good-sized athlete with the fluid movements, field range and ball awareness to make plays against the pass and the run. However, he needs to become more refined to be a reliable playmaker, projecting similar to an inconsistent version of Colts’ linebacker Darius Leonard. Overall, Wilson’s wild play, undisciplined approach and lack of anticipation are holding him back, but he is an impressive size/speed/strength athlete with the versatile skill set to develop into a true three-down NFL player. 4. Germaine Pratt, NC State (6-2, 241, 4.76)

High Point, N.C. (Central), RS Senior, 5/21/1996 (age 22.94)


Strengths: NFL body thickness, adding nearly 50 pounds since high school … speed to play both sidelines, which is aided by a persistent motor … physical hands to fend off blockers, find the ball carrier and flow … strong hands/wrists to finish tackles … times his blitzes well to affect the backfield action … comfortable sticking with backs and tight ends out of the backfield … looks to make passing targets uncomfortable in coverage … competes through the whistle and described as a “gym rat” by his coaches … vocal leader and team captain … graduated with a degree in parks, recreation and tourism management (May 2018).

Weaknesses: Shorter arms … inconsistent take-on skills and late to shed second-level blocks … over-aggressive tendencies, reacting before reading … undisciplined eyes, falling for misdirection or play fakes … better straight-line athlete than sink-turn-redirect quickness … tight transition leads to inconsistent coverage angles … underwent surgery (July 2016) to repair a torn labrum and missed one game as a senior (November 2018) due to injury … only two years at linebacker and one season as a starter.

Summary: A one-year starter at NC State, Pratt made the safety-to-linebacker transition during his redshirt year in 2016 and spent the 2017 season learning the new position as a reserve before becoming the starting Will linebacker in the Wolfpack’s 4-2-5 scheme in 2018. He not only led the team in tackles as a senior (105), but he also finished No. 1 in the ACC with 9.5 tackles per game. Pratt is field fast and quick to key, read and finish from various depths, boasting a strong batting average as a tackler. Although he needs to clean up some things in coverage, he has the functional skill and experience as a safety to stick with backs and tight ends. Overall, Pratt needs to mature his take-on skills and play discipline, but he competes with automatic reaction to movement and a combative mindset, projecting as a starting NFL outside linebacker. 5. Jahlani Tavai, Hawaii (6-3, 235, 4.73)

Inglewood, Calif. (Mira Costa), RS Senior, 9/28/1996 (age 22.59)


Strengths: Outstanding size and length for the position … physical, knockback tackler … uses his long arms to corral tacklers when not squared … flashes violence in his hands to strike, shed and find the football … above-average chase skills, accelerating and closing the gap … fills with pop and low pad level, not giving ground … quick to key and diagnose, making plays in the backfield (41.0 career tackles for loss) … flashes bend and active chop/rip moves as a blitzer … moves clean in coverage, flipping his hips and staying balanced in reverse … developed his leadership skills as a senior (flew back to Hawaii after his surgery to rejoin and support his teammates for the final few games in 2018).

Weaknesses: Overaggressive reads, attacking the wrong gap or creating false steps … needs to better find his balance and calm his momentum to finish tackles … plays tall and would benefit from a more accurate strike zone … needs to finish through his hips as a tackler … late to leverage blocks and shed once linemen attack his chest … needs to improve his awareness in zone coverage … missed the final five games his senior year with a grade 3 AC joint sprain in his right shoulder (November 2018), requiring surgery … arrested for third-degree assault (June 2018) for his role in a bar fight (suspended for the 2018 season opener).

Summary: A four-year starter at Hawaii, Tavai was a high school nose guard and moved to linebacker for the Warriors, serving as a three-down Mike the past three seasons. He played under six defensive coordinators over his college career and was one of the nation’s most productive tacklers, averaging 10.3 tackles per game the last two seasons. Tavai has the size, length and athleticism to be a modern-day NFL defender, moving well laterally, dropping in space or blitzing as an edge rusher. His shoulder injury kept him from participating at the Senior Bowl and combine, allowing him to fly under the radar as a prospect. Overall, Tavai needs to tidy up his anticipation and breakdown skills, but he has true three-down ability with his physicality vs. the run and athleticism to drop in coverage, projecting as a hybrid linebacker with inside-outside versatility. 6. Te’von Coney, Notre Dame (6-0, 235, 4.72)

Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. (North Beach Gardens), Senior, 6/10/1997 (age 21.89)


Strengths: Brawny frame with defined muscle tone … diagnoses the backfield action quickly to beat blockers to the spot … understands field leverage and won’t overrun his gap … calms his feet and drops his pads as a tackler … strong hands and long arms to wrap and finish … play anticipation helps mask average speed … no one will question his effort … high stamina player for all four quarters … graduated with his degree in philosophy (May 2018) … back-to-back 100-plus tackle seasons.

Weaknesses: Doesn’t play with much burst to his game … average-at-best speed in pursuit … shows stiffness in space and elusive ball carriers can make him miss … late to shed once long-armed blockers reach him at the second level … underdeveloped instincts in man coverage and late to anticipate passing lanes in zone … character isn’t considered a concern, but he was arrested and charged with marijuana possession (August 2016) … missed spring drills after a dislocated shoulder (January 2016).

Summary: A three-year starter at Notre Dame, Coney lined up primarily as the Mike in the Irish’s 4-2-5 scheme, playing under three defensive coordinators the last three seasons (Clark Lea, who was elevated from linebackers coach to defensive coordinator prior to the 2018 season, helped keep schematic continuity). Coney isn’t an explosive mover, which especially shows in space, but he is always in the vicinity because of his strong diagnose skills. Although he made strides in zone coverage this season, he is late to recognize and react to targets. Overall, Coney lacks the fluid athleticism and cover instincts to be a rangy playmaker, but he is an assignment-sound run defender who projects as an early-down Sam linebacker in the NFL. 7. Vosean Joseph, Florida (6-1, 228, 4.69)

Miami, Fla. (Norland), Junior, 12/15/1997 (age 21.37)


Strengths: Quick reaction skills … fluid athleticism and redirection skills … shifty in space to elude blockers … knack for timing his blitz and getting skinny through gaps, making plays in the backfield … lacks ideal play strength but has the unique ability to stay balanced through congestion while tracking the ball carrier … natural feel for pursuit angles … fearless in run support and looks to light up his target … fiery competitor and plays hungry.

Weaknesses: Lean-limbed with a narrow torso … needs to develop his functional strength … loses his bearings when attempting to finish … overaggressive tendencies in the run game opens cutback opportunities and leads to missed tackles … prone to mental breakdowns in coverage … doesn’t show the anticipation or urgency as a cover defender that will scare quarterbacks from targeting him (see 2018 Georgia tape) … highly emotional player and somewhat of a loose cannon who is still learning what it takes to be a professional … suffered a 50 percent torn MCL in his knee (November 2015) as a high school senior, prematurely ending his prep career.

Summary: A two-year starter at Florida, Joseph entered the starting lineup as a sophomore, helping to replace Jarrad Davis and Alex Anzalone under the previous coaching staff. He took a sizable step in his development as a junior under Todd Grantham in his dual-linebacker scheme, leading the Gators in tackles (93). Joseph is an athletic player with quick reflexes and range, showing the ability to stay balanced through creases at the line of scrimmage. He has the movement skills to drop and run, but his comfort level in coverage is lacking. Overall, Joseph is a quick twitch downhill linebacker with a natural feel for navigating through traffic, but he needs to improve his discipline, coverage and finishing skills to earn a starting role in the NFL. 8. Bobby Okereke, Stanford (6-2, 232, 4.74)

Santa Ana, Calif. (Foothill), RS Senior, 7/29/1996 (age 22.75)


Strengths: Twitchy athlete … unlocks his hips and instantly accelerates … closes with purpose, especially as a blitzer through gaps or off the edge … elite length for the position with arms that hang past his knees … creates stopping power as a tackler … processes things quickly, reading his keys and putting himself in position to make plays … projects well as a cover defender … competes with the desired intensity and toughness … senior captain with the character and preparation expected from an Eagle Scout … graduated with a degree in management (May 2018) … durable and finished his career with 40 straight starts.

Weaknesses: Doesn’t properly use his length to stay clean from blocks … eyes are glued on the backfield and late to locate climbing blockers … too easily lost in congestion … can be driven from his spot … overaggressive and misdirection can get him off schedule … needs to improve his breakdown and positioning skills to eliminate the missed tackles … needs to load more ammo in his hands to create movement as a blitzer … inconsistent coverage depth and awareness in zone.

Summary: A three-year starter at Stanford, Okereke stepped into the starting rotation as a sophomore and helped fill the void left by Blake Martinez, lining up as the inside Sam linebacker in Stanford’s 3-4 base scheme. He was a senior captain and his coaches (high school and college) glowingly talk about his intangibles. Okereke will take the occasional false step because of his instant reactor, but his diagnose skills appeared to improve each season and are now a strength to his game. As a tackler, his strength doesn’t match his intentions and he leaves production on the field, struggling to leverage and detach from blocks. Overall, Okereke offers the play speed, length and intelligence required for the NFL game, but it will be tough for him to secure a starting role until he improves his take-on skills and play strength, projecting as a nickel linebacker and special teamer with starting upside. 9. Blake Cashman, Minnesota (6-2, 237, 4.74)

Eden Prairie, Minn. (Eden Prairie), Senior, 5/10/1996 (age 22.97)


Strengths: Better play speed than timed speed … gets a head start attacking plays due to his instincts … moves well laterally to mirror vs. the run … loose lower body to weave and avoid blocks … fearless gap filler … plays low and physical downhill, skimming blocks and finding cracks on the line of scrimmage (31.0 career tackles for loss ranks seventh best in school history) … opens his hips and his speed doesn’t die in reverse, matching the speed of backs and tight ends in coverage … extensive special teams experience … former walk-on who earned a scholarship (April 2017) shortly after P.J. Fleck was hired as head coach … tough-minded grinder (Fleck: “I wish I had 130 Blake Cashman’s”) … led team in tackles (104) as a senior and was the first Big Ten player to record 20-plus tackles in a four-quarter game since 2013 (Ryan Shazier).

Weaknesses: Lacks ideal size and length for the NFL game … doesn’t have the point-of-attack power to tear through blockers … too easily washed from the hole by angle blocks … small margin of error as a tackler … late to drive in coverage and has more confidence as a run defender … step late on crossers … underwent three shoulder surgeries since the end of the 2017 season and long-term durability is a question mark … only one season of starting experience.

Summary: A one-year starter at Minnesota, Cashman played inside and outside in the Gophers’ 4-2-5 base scheme as a senior captain, rarely coming off the field. He was a top performer on special teams his first three seasons and spent his sophomore year as a pass-rush specialist to get him on the field. Cashman plays with his hair on fire, finds openings and rarely misses tackles. His lack of ideal size will be tougher to hide in the NFL and teams won’t want him playing man coverage vs. the slot, although he doesn’t look out of place covering running backs out of the backfield. Overall, Cashman’s height/length/speed numbers look pedestrian on paper, but his tape shows an impressive blend of play speed, toughness and FBI, projecting as an NFL special teams standout who will push for playing time on defense. 10. Drue Tranquill, Notre Dame (6-1, 230, 4.68)

Fort Wayne, Ind. (Carroll), RS Senior, 8/15/1995 (age 23.71)


Strengths: Owns an abundance of smarts and toughness … trusts what he sees and plays confident … competes with plus timing and reaction quickness … flashes violence in his hands to strike then shed … sound, physical tackler, wrapping to finish … sharp angles in pursuit … intelligent zone player, undercutting routes and pouncing at the catch point … stays attached to tight ends on digs or down the seam … Academic All-American and graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering (May 2018) with a 3.73 GPA … experienced at three positions the last three years … two-time team captain and “the model for what a football player is,” according to ND defensive coordinator Clark Lea.

Weaknesses: Adequate athlete but doesn’t play with explosive traits … inconsistent eyes and can be manipulated in coverage … hugging is a common problem, leading to pass interference penalties … marginal ball skills … durability is a red flag, suffering ACL tears in his left knee (November 2014) and right knee (September 2015); missed time as a senior with a high right ankle sprain (October 2018) and broken left hand (October 2018), playing through both injuries … will be a 24-year-old NFL rookie.

Summary: A three-year starter at Notre Dame, Tranquill started his collegiate career at safety before moving to a hybrid rover position in 2017 and then to Buck linebacker in 2018. His position changes corresponded with three defensive coordinators the last three seasons, earning high praise from each. Tranquill is a football lifer during the week (nutrition, weights, film) and on game days (tempo setter), competing with the passion that raises the level of teammates. He struggles to match the burst of offensive players in coverage, showing only average range on film. Overall, Tranquill might not have the consistency of a three-down player, but he sets the tone and his football intelligence, trademark toughness and tackling skills will be an asset for an NFL team, projecting as a special teams ace and subpackage linebacker.
 

boozeman

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This is a pretty lousy LB class. Makes me wonder if that means we re-sign Damien Wilson or get a cheap FA to play SOLB.
 

Cotton

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This is a pretty lousy LB class. Makes me wonder if that means we re-sign Damien Wilson or get a cheap FA to play SOLB.
My guess is they re-sign Wilson. I'm okay with that unless something huge falls into our lap, which doesn't appear to be realistic with this group of LBers. Wilson has at least been serviceable.
 

Cowboysrock55

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My guess is they re-sign Wilson. I'm okay with that unless something huge falls into our lap, which doesn't appear to be realistic with this group of LBers. Wilson has at least been serviceable.
Yeah Wilson works unless someone likes him in free agency enoigh to offer him real money.
 

Plan9Misfit

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This is a pretty lousy LB class. Makes me wonder if that means we re-sign Damien Wilson or get a cheap FA to play SOLB.
That’s probably the approach, because this class is really bad at LB. One could even argue that Devin Bush may make a better SS than WOLB because he so undersized.
 
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