(20th Post) Outside Linebackers

Here's my top 10 including a few 3-4 converts (** means 4-3 DE possible) :


1) Von Miller - TEXAS A&M**

Ht: 6'3" Wt: 243
Miller was the Butkus Award winner as the nation's top linebacker, and it seems like his game will translate very well to the next level. He is a great athlete that has prototypical size and very good instincts for the linebacker position. He is at his best as a pass rusher in a 3-4 defense, as he is explosive and strong with an arsenal of pass rushing moves. He may lack the size to consistently anchor against the run, but he flashes the ability to disengage from blockers and is an underrated run stopper. -NFL.com

Best Fits: (Bills, Raiders, Bears, Chargers)



2) Akeem Ayers - UCLA**

Ht: 6'3" Wt: 254
Ayers is very impressive on the hoof, and he has the speed and athleticism to make an immediate impact at the next level. He has the range and ball skills to play strong side linebacker in a 4-3, and the balance and closing burst to play outside linebacker in a 3-4. He lacks the lower body strength to be stout against the run but uses his long arms to keep blockers away from his body and flashes the ability to quickly shed. Ayers is a versatile athlete with great measurables. -NFL.com

Best Fits: (Packers, Chargers, Raiders, Patriots)

3) Bruce Carter - NORTH CAROLINA

Ht: 6'2" Wt: 241
Carter is an excellent athlete, but he tore his ACL in November and has a long road to recovery. He is an explosive athlete that takes proper angles in run support and has excellent speed to make plays from sideline-to-sideline. He is a very fluid, transitions with ease and is very effective dropping into coverage. He struggles to disengage from bigger blockers in and must add more bulk to become stouter against the run. -NFL.com

Best Fits: (Falcons, Jaguars, Raiders, Giants)

4) Mark Herzlich - BOSTON COLLEGE

Ht: 6'4" Wt: 244
Herzlich has the physical tools, work ethic, character and toughness coveted by every NFL franchise. He displayed these traits not only in his triumph over cancer, but as a natural team leader on the field. Is a complete player against the run. Takes on and gets off blockers quickly and chases down plays all over the field. He can run with tight ends and backs, play in zone, and rush the quarterback. Some teams may continue to view his medical history as a red flag. -NFL.com

Best Fits: (Patriots, Packers, Vikings, Browns)

5) Martez Wilson - ILLINOIS

Ht: 6'4" Wt: 250
Wilson is a pretty impressive physical specimen with good measurables. Probably projects best as a strong side outside linebacker in a 4-3. At that position, should be able to hold outside contain using his long arms and strength to keep tight ends off his body against the run, and jam at the line or pressure the quarterback in passing situations. Is susceptible to good ball handling and doesn't show good awareness dropping into coverage. Has character flags and endurance has been questioned. -NFL.com

Best Fits: (Raiders, Giants, Packers, Jaguars)

6) KJ Wright - MISSISSIPPI ST.

Ht: 6'3" Wt: 246
Wright's a well-rounded linebacker prospect who could line up as a strongside outside linebacker in a 4-3 front or inside for a 3-4 team. Very nice combination of length, speed and size that can hold up against the power running game, chase down plays across the field, rush the passer and play some in coverage. Main drawback is his lack or pure linebacker instincts. Susceptible to misdirection and run-action. You'd like to see him diagnose a bit quicker and get his physical tools in motion sooner. -NFL.com

Best Fits: (Falcons, Browns, Raiders, Jaguars)

7) Dontay Moch - NEVADA**

Ht: 6'1" Wt: 248
Moch's a college defensive end and lacks size to keep his hand down in the NFL but is blessed with the burst and athleticism to develop into a 4-3 outside linebacker. Has the potential to be a pass rushing specialist. Lacks experience playing standing up in space, finding the football, and in pass coverage but fluid and quick enough to develop in these areas. Relentless in pursuit. Not stout at the point of attack and also doesn't currently have a wide arsenal of pass rushing moves. It may take some time, but Moch has several redeeming qualities. -NFL.com

Best Fits: (Chargers, Packers, Dolphins, Ravens)

8) Sam Acho - TEXAS**

Ht: 6'2" Wt: 262
Acho is a good football player who shines off the field, as he was awarded the 2010 William V. Campbell Trophy for excellence in the classroom and the community. On the field, he is a strong, relentless pass rusher who uses his hands to keep blockers at bay. However, he is a bit of a "tweener," as he does not have the bulk to be stout against the run and lacks the athleticism to play linebacker in a 3-4 defense. -NFL.com

Best Fits: (Steelers, Packers, Jets, Dolphins)

9) Chris Carter - FRESNO ST.

Ht: 6'1 Wt: 248
Carter is a college defensive end who could find a home as a backup 4-3 outside linebacker at the next level. Lacks the size and strength to keep his hand down full-time but also limited athletically. Has some redeeming qualities - shows awareness at DE that looks transferable to OLB and special teams, is accountable for his responsibilities within your defensive system, can fire off the ball and rush the passer, and does a good job tackling in tight areas. However, he isn't overly stout taking on blockers, struggles to shed, and does not project to hold up dropping into coverage. -NFL.com

Best Fits: (Packers, Chargers, Steelers, Cardinals)

10) Ross Homan - OHIO ST.
Ht: 6'1" Wt: 240
Homan is an undersized linebacker with good speed that could potentially develop into a starter on the weak side. He runs very well and shows the ability to chase running backs down from behind. He is a smooth athlete that makes plays in space and flashes the ability to mirror tight ends and running backs in man coverage. However, he lacks the strength and shedding ability to be a run stopper at the next level and can be a non-factor on running plays directed at him. -NFL.com

Best Fits: (Rams, Browns, Panthers, Giants)