The linebacker position has changed in the NFL over the course of the past twenty years. Inside linebackers are two down specialists now. Outside linebackers are three down hybrids who rush the passer and drop into coverage. The days of the leveled linebackers who played all three downs are over.
Here are my top twenty linebackers and ten thoughts on the position.
XNOJOE’S Top 20 Linebackers
1.Tremaine Edmunds, 6-5 253, Virginia Tech (BE)
2. Roquan Smith, 6-1 236, Georgia (ILB)
3. Rashaan Evans, 6-3 234, Alabama (ILB)
4. Leighton Vander Esch, 6-4 256, Boise State (ILB)
5. Josey Jewell, 6-1 235, Iowa (ILB)
6. Shaquem Griffin, 6-1 227, Central Florida (OLB)
7. Darius Leonard, 6-2 213, South Carolina State (OLB)
8. Jerome Baker, 6-1 230, Ohio State (OLB)
9. Malik Jefferson, 6-3 236, Texas (OLB)
10. Fred Warner, 6-3 227, BYU (OLB)
11. Tegray Scales, 6-0 230, Indiana (ILB)
12. Dorian O’Daniel, 6-0 215, Clemson (OLB)
13. Micah Kiser, 6-2 240, Virginia (ILB)
14. Andre Smith, 6-0 240, North Carolina (ILB)
15. Mike McCray 6-4 248, Michigan (ILB)
16. Christian Sam, 6-2 237, Arizona State (ILB)
17. Jack Cichy, 6-2 234, Wisconsin (ILB)
18. Shawn Dion Hamilton, 6-0 233, Alabama (ILB)
19. Skai Moore, 6-2 221 South Carolina (OLB)
20. Matthew Thomas, 6-3 232 Florida State (OLB)
Thoughts on the Class
-There are several quality inside linebackers in this class. Usually it is the outside linebackers that garner the most attention at this position but the inside linebackers are just as good.
– Trumaine Edmunds offers position versatility as a three down linebacker. He can anchor down and hold C gap versus the run and he can drop into coverage and consistently rush the passer on third down.
– Roquan Smith is one of my favorite players in this draft. He is tough, plays with good instincts and is terrific athlete. Smith is a three down linebacker who is best suited to play in the 4-3.
– Leighton Vander Esch is a first round talent on film although I am not convinced he goes in the first round. Part of the reason I say that is because I don’t think he can play inside in the 4-3. Better suited as a MIKE backer in the 3-4.
– Rashaan Evans can play in a 30 or 40 front and be effective. He is an explosive athlete who times stunts well and can pressure the quarterback on BOG blitzes. Evans is a three down linebacker who has experience playing in a pro style defense.
– Shaquem Griffin is the most talked about player in this draft and rightfully so. Forget about his hand. In this day in age of hybrid outside linebackers and safeties, Griffin is the ideal fit in most schemes because of his versatility and athleticism. I think he is a second round talent.
– Like Griffin, Darius Leonard is also undersized. Despite that, he is an explosive edge rusher and athlete who can play on or off the line and impact a game.
– Malik Jefferson is one of the best football players in this class. He’s tough, smart and instinctive. Has the leadership qualities you look for from this position.
– Florida State outside linebacker Matthew Thomas is one of my sleepers in this class. I think he can make an impact as a situational passer as a rookie. Thomas is explosive off the snap.
– Shawn Dion Hamilton of Alabama will slip in this draft because of injuries but some team will get a good football player in either day two or early day three.
– Undersized outside linebackers will become the norm in football in the coming years. Teams want linebackers who can play in all situations and packages.