With a bunch of young but unproven talent, expect the Vikings to take a good, hard look at every linebacker leaving school this year, to see how they can improve upon the patchwork unit they sent out last year.
The class of 2014 has some stud linebackers in the early rounds, but the depth may be what makes this class so intriguing. Teams can pick up some talented, intelligent players in the middle rounds, but not all of them have the impressive athleticism some teams are looking for at the position.
With the trend towards mobile quarterbacks, teams are valuing sideline-to-sideline linebackers more and more, especially those that have the ability to spy on players like Cam Newton and Colin Kaepernick. Is the tough, run-plugging linebacker becoming somewhat of a dinosaur in the NFL? Prospects like Wisconsin's Chris Borland, Michigan State's Max Bullough and Iowa's Christian Kirksey will try to prove that tough, instinctual linebackers who don't run a blazing 40 can still make some noise at the next level.
And now, the top 10 linebackers in the 2014 NFL Draft:
1. Khalil Mack, Buffalo (Sr.)
Measurements: 6'5, 251, 4.65
Mack tied the FBS record for most tackles for loss and most forced fumbles in his college career, which should tell you the kind of disruptive force he can be. Mack has outstanding instincts and play recognition ability, and his propensity for creating negative plays for an offense causes teams to center their game plan just around stopping him. And even then, sometimes they can't.
Draft Projection: Top 10
2. C.J. Mosley, Alabama (Sr.)
Measurements: 6'2, 234, No 40 time
Mosley exits college as perhaps the most recognizable defensive player on college football's current dynasty in Alabama. Mosley is a rangy, athletic play-maker who shows a heightened ability to diagnose plays and find the football. The only thing preventing Mosley from being a near top 10 guarantee is a knee injury he suffered during his career that could give teams pause when it comes to selecting him early.
Draft Projection: 1st Round
3. Anthony Barr, UCLA (Sr.)
Measurements: 6'5, 255, 4.66
Barr was actually only a linebacker for two years in college, as early on in his career he was a running back. Barr flashes amazing potential as an edge rusher due to his physical traits, but since he is still relatively new at the position his technique is raw and unpolished. Any team that drafts Barr could be getting a terror off the edge, but considerable time will need to be put in first so he can grasp the fundamentals of the positions.
Draft Projection: 1st Round
4. Ryan Shazier, Ohio State (Jr.)
Measurements: 6'1, 237, No 40 time
Like Barr, Shazier projects best as an edge rusher in a 3-4 defense, where he can use his speed to disrupt the timing of opposing quarterbacks. Shazier was a very productive player while with the Buckeyes, though some think he did not face enough top level competition to solidify himself as a top prospect. Shazier also needs to work on his ability to handle blockers if he wants to make an impact in the run game as well.
Draft Projection: 1st-2nd Round
5. Kyle Van Noy, Brigham Young (Sr.)
Measurements: 6'3, 243, 4.71
Van Noy comes out a year after fellow BYU pass rusher Ezekiel Ansah, and while they project to play different positions in the NFL, Van Noy shows many of the same disruptive techniques as his former teammates. Van Noy looks likely to find a home on the outside of a 3-4 defense, where he can rush the passer and impact the game from the edge.
Draft Projection: 1st-2nd Round
6. Telvin Smith, FSU (Sr.)
Measurements: 6'3, 218, 4.52
An impact inside linebacker with great speed, Smith ended his career on a high note after the Seminoles hoisted the crystal football in Pasadena. One of the best coverage linebackers in this draft, he is able to stay with backs, tight ends and even receivers and limit their yards after the catch. Teams would like to see him gain weight though so he can hold up better against the run, though that may cut into his trademark speed.
Draft Projection: 2nd Round
7. Carl Bradford, Arizona State (Jr.)
Measurements: 6'1, 250, 4.76
Bradford is a prospect that could have an interesting transition to the NFL, as he could play either outside or inside depending on where a team thinks he best fits. The plus side is that Bradford has great burst and can deliver a powerful hit, as well as the fact that he's plenty athletic for his size. He had an altercation with his coaches last year, and that's something he'll have to show is in the past for him to get drafted.
Draft Projection: 2nd Round
8. Trevor Reilly, Utah (Sr.)
Measurements: 6'5, 245, No 40 time
Reilly is a polished defensive product on the outside, showing solid fundamentals and technique throughout his career. He will need to bulk up when he gets to the NFL or find some way to increase his raw strength, as it seems that opposing lineman are able to overpower him if his footwork or hand placements isn't ideal on a particular play. If he gets stronger though, he is going to be a tough man to beat.
Draft Projection: 2nd-3rd Round
9. Chris Borland, Wisconsin (Sr.)
Measurements: 5'11, 248, 4.83
Borland probably has the worst measureables of all the linebackers on this list, but he makes up for his lack of physical tools with outstanding instincts on the football field. It was those instincts that helped him stick out at Senior Bowl practices despite playing with some of the best athletes in the country. No one is sure if Borland will be a star at the next level, but it seems obvious that the man knows how to play football.
Draft Projection: 2nd-3rd Round
10. Jeremiah Attaochu, Georgia Tech (Sr.)
Measurements: 6'3, 252, No 40 time
A immigrant from Nigeria, Attaochu seems to be a natural rushing the passer and should quickly find a home in the NFL on passing downs. While Attaochu lined up at all sorts of spots for teams at the Senior Bowl, his comfort level when getting after opposing quarterbacks is quite clear, and he could be a godsend for teams looking for a pass rush in the middle rounds of the draft.
Draft Projection: 3rd Round
Those are my top 10 linebackers in the 2014 draft, but as I mentioned earlier, many more intrigue me! Keep checking back here in the coming days for more draft coverage, as I unveil my last positional rankings, defensive backs, before moving on to an updated big board and my first mock draft of the season!
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