NFL Draft: Top five linebackers
The NFL Draft will be a bit different this year without a combine, but the scouting must go on and evaluations are as important as ever with millions on the line. Here’s a look at my top five linebackers and a few sleepers to watch.
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NFL DRAFT: Top five QBs heading into March | RBs | WRs | TEs | OLs | DTs | DEs
CLASS OF 2021 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
CLASS OF 2022 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
COVERAGE: Rivals Transfer Tracker | Rivals Camp Series
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1. Micah Parson, Penn State
Despite opting out last season, Parsons is clearly the most athletic and best all-around linebacker in this draft. He has sideline-to-sideline ability and can rush the passer as a former end in high school.
Possible teams: Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, LA Chargers, Miami Dolphins
2. Zaven Collins, Tulsa
Collins is a massive linebacker who covers a lot of ground and can rush the passer. He’s an excellent blitzer and can handle bigger linemen with his 260-pound size.
Possible teams: Washington Football Team, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, Buffalo Bills
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3. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame
Owusu is much smaller than Parsons and Collins, but he’s so good laterally he can cover slot receivers and play as a hybrid linebacker and safety.
Possible teams: Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders, Buffalo Bills, Washington Football Team
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4. Jabril Cox, LSU
Cox is a natural as a pass-coverage linebacker with great ball skills and instincts. He makes so many plays in the passing game that his work as a run stopper and tackler often gets overlooked.
Possible teams: L.A. Rams, Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders, Cleveland Browns
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5. Joseph Ossai, Texas
Ossai is a hybrid who can play with his hand in the dirt and rush the passer. His closing speed is exceptional.
Possible teams: New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders, Carolina Panthers
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SLEEPERS
I don’t have Bolton as high on my list as some others, but he’s a very solid downhill linebacker. I worry about his coverage in space, but he’s a tackling machine someone will take by day two.
Possible teams: Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs
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I like Hilliard as a potential third-round steal with his length, ability to run plays down and leadership. Linebacker wasn’t the problem last year at all for Ohio State.
Possible teams: Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns.
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Davis is one of the more aggressive linebackers out there. He is very smart at reading the play and finding the proper lane.
Possible teams: New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns