(21st Post) Inside Linebackers

Here's my top 10 ILB's:


1) Quan Sturdivant - NORTH CAROLINA

Ht: 6'1" Wt: 241
Sturdivant's draft stock dipped after missing five games this past season with a hamstring injury, but he is athletic enough to eventually become a starter at the next level. He is a smart football player that flows to the ball and shows a good closing burst. He gets in good position and shows the ability to anticipate routes in zone coverage, and he maintains speed in transition which makes him effective in man. He lacks the necessary bulk and strength to take on blockers and can is engulfed in phone booth situations too often. -NFL.com

Best Fits: (Seahawks, Ravens, Packers, Jets)

2) Colin McCarthy - MIAMI

Ht: 6'1" Wt: 231
McCarthy has a chance to win a job as a starting middle or strong side linebacker. Has great size. Exhibits very good instincts diagnosing against the run and when asked to play in zone coverage. Has enough speed and athleticism for the next level but isn't a guy you want locked up in man coverage or isolated in space against playmakers. Needs to watch his composure at times and stay under control. Put together two productive seasons after a serious shoulder injury so he should check out medically. -NFL.com

Best Fits: (Raiders, Dolphins, Cardinals, Giants)

3) Kelvin Sheppard - LSU

Ht: 6'2" Wt: 250
Sheppard has the skill-set necessary to become a solid starting 4-3 outside linebacker in the NFL. Does a good job pursuing and tackling in open space and on the perimeter and can play in zone coverage but doesn't possess elite speed to consistently apply pressure off the edge or matchup in man against dangerous backs or tight ends. Struggles when cornered in a phone booth. Can be neutralized if blockers get good position and their hands on him. Takes some false steps and loses discipline with pursuit angles at times, but does possess solid instincts and awareness. -NFL.com

Best Fits: (Falcons, Cardinals, Dolphins, Texans)

4) Casey Matthews - OREGON

Ht: 6'1" Wt: 231
Matthews is the latest in a family of guys who play the game the right way. While he lacks some size and speed, he is a smart, relentless, highly-productive player who will provide solid depth and special teams value while developing into a starter. Overcomes lacks of power by reading and reacting quicker than most linebackers. Does a great job of slipping blocks inside the box and is a sure tackler but does not have true sideline-to-sideline range and may struggle when caught in a phone booth. Better suited for zone coverage with his great awareness than man. -NFL.com

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

5) Mason Foster - WASHINGTON

Ht: 6'1" Wt: 245
Foster projects as a future starting 3-4 inside linebacker or SAM 'backer in a 4-3. Will immediately provide excellent depth and contribute on special teams. Nice combination of size and speed. Shows impressive awareness and instincts reading run, staying in position against misdirection, and in coverage. Has good range against the run, is athletic enough to hold up in man coverage, and is a sure, reliable tackler. However, doesn't have sideline-to-sideline ability, struggles at times shedding blocks, and doesn't bring much production as a pass rusher. -NFL.com

Best Fits: (Chargers, Falcons, Seahawks, Raiders)

6) Akeem Dent - GEORGIA

Ht: 6'1" Wt: 242
Dent is an undersized, hard-nosed, productive linebacker but lacks the strength to hold up in the box or the pure speed and athleticism needed to start in the NFL. Likely projects as a backup and special teams coverage guy. Does not find the football quick enough when engaged, has a difficult time shedding, but also doesn't possess the range to provide much value out in space or dropping into coverage. Can get sucked in by play-action and will chase underneath routes giving up deeper responsibilities. Just adequate when pressuring the passer. -NFL.com

Best Fits: (Falcons, Texans, Jaguars, Dolphins)

7) Greg Jones - MICHIGAN ST.

Ht: 6'0" Wt: 242
Jones has been one of the most productive linebackers in college football over the last few seasons. He fits as a starting middle linebacker in a Tampa-2 or great backup with special teams upside. Displays outstanding effort and is fearless on the field but is always fighting to overcome his lack of size and strength. Flies around the field, whether pursuing the ball-carrier, rushing the passer, or dropping into coverage, but doesn't possess ideal speed or athleticism for a Tampa-2 'backer.  -NFL.com

Best Fits: (Giants, Lions, Vikings, Eagles)

8) Nate Irving - N.C. STATE

Ht: 6'1" Wt: 241

Irving has shown tremendous fortitude and determination recovering from a devastating car crash that cost him his 2009 season, and he has the tools to compete for a starting job at the next level. He is a bit undersized, but runs well to make plays outside of the tackle box. He has very good instincts and is rarely out of position, but he can get overwhelmed by bigger blockers in a phone booth situation. In the passing game, he plays with good discipline and flashes the burst to jump underneath routes and put pressure on the quarterback when blitzing. -NFL.com

Best Fits: (Saints, Panthers, Jaguars, Giants)

9) Nick Bellore - CENTRAL MICHIGAN

Ht: 6'1" Wt: 245
Bellore was extremely productive at Central Michigan, but his limited speed will likely make him a two-down player at the next level. He has very good football intelligence and reacts a step quicker than most, but he does not use his hands well enough to consistently shed blockers. He flashes a closing burst to make plays behind the line despite lacking great range. In the passing game, he is not fluid or explosive enough to stick in man and lacks the recognition skills to jump routes in zone. -NFL.com

Best Fits: (Packers, Lions, Vikings, Jaguars)

10) Orie Lemon - OKLAHOMA ST.
Ht: 6'1" Wt: 242
Lemon is a compact run stuffer, but he lacks the agility and instincts to be an every down player at the next level. He is a powerful 'backer that takes on blocks, sheds quickly, and has the speed to hunt down ball carriers in the backfield. He lacks the hip fluidity to maintain speed in transition and struggles to make tackles in space and is a liability in coverage. He will not always locate the football and is caught out of position too frequently. -NFL.com

Best Fits: (Falcons, Cowboys, Texans, Chiefs)