With eight outside linebackers and five inside linebackers rated as possible first- or second-round picks next April by NFLDraftScout.com, this senior class seems poised to continue the trend of producing immediate contributors at the position.
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| Keith Rivers is one of the many talented players at USC. (Getty Images) |
Rivers, Connor and Groves have proven to be difference-makers throughout their careers. Extraordinary first halves this season turned in by Beau Bell (UNLV), Shawn Crable (Michigan), Tavares Gooden (Miami) and Ezra Butler (Nevada) have their respective stocks skyrocketing in a linebacker class as strong as it has been in years.
An in-depth look at my current top 10 senior linebackers for the 2008 draft:
1. Keith Rivers, OLB, USC, 6-3, 235, 4.58 (40-yard dash)
If scouts were to draw up the prototypical outside linebacker, Rivers might be it. Blessed with a rare combination of size, speed, instincts and open-field tackling ability, Rivers is a difference-maker in the running and passing games. He led the team in tackles (85) as a junior and would have gaudier numbers if he wasn't surrounded by so much talent. Through six games this season, he leads the Trojans with an average of 7.67 tackles per game.
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| Dan Connor (Getty Images) |
Some questioned how Penn State would recover from the loss of second-round pick, Paul Posluszny. With Connor moving inside this season, the transition has been seamless. Statistically speaking, Connor has been an improvement over the former Butkus Award winner. Connor has the blend of size and instincts that scouts are looking for and may be the country's most reliable open-field tackler.
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| Quentin Groves (Provided to CBSSports.com) |
A defensive end at Auburn, Groves is at his best rushing the passer. He lacks the size to be a 4-3 pass rusher in the NFL, but his shocking athleticism should make a transition to outside linebacker an easy one. Capable of playing strong-side in the 4-3, his best fit might be as a rush linebacker in the 3-4 alignment. Three dislocated toes will keep Groves sidelined for a few more games, and the injury will certainly be checked out thoroughly by NFL medical staffs.
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| Philip Wheeler (Getty Images) |
An instinctive linebacker known for his range and explosive hitting, Wheeler may have to answer questions about his size to remain in the middle in the NFL.
Though listed at 6-2, 235, he appears smaller and may ultimately be moved to the weak-side position. Wheeler has struggled with consistency as a senior after a breakout 2006 campaign, and his stock is slipping.
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| Ali Highsmith (Getty Images) |
Another undersized linebacker scouts are watching closely. Like Wheeler, what Highsmith lacks in size he more than makes up for in speed.
Highsmith's instincts and agility make him one of the nation's better coverage linebackers.
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| Xavier Adibi (Getty Images) |
In terms of raw athleticism and upside, Adibi is as gifted as any prospect on this list. A veteran who has been a presence in the Hokie defense since his freshman season, Adibi still relies too much on his natural tools, struggling to disengage from blocks. With continued refining he could turn into a Pro-Bowl talent.
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| Beau Bell (Getty Images) |
Arguably the most dominant player no one in the country seems to know about, Bell is a classic inside linebacker capable of plugging interior running lanes and beating backs to the outside. Bell has struggled a bit with injuries in the past, but is a dominant force in the Mountain West Conference who could turn a week at the Senior Bowl or East-West Shrine Game into a launching pad toward the top two rounds.
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| Shawn Crable (Getty Images) |
Big enough to play defensive end but athletic enough to cover like a safety, Crable's stock is skyrocketing. He is still quite raw, having only started eight games before this season. Crable is a terror attacking the line of scrimmage and could have an instant impact as a 3-4 rush linebacker.
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| T. Gooden (Getty Images) |
Scouts will have to check the status of Gooden's shoulder due to previous injuries, but if healthy he could prove to be one of the nation's most underrated defenders. Gooden has spectacular speed and has started at all three linebacker positions. This season, his first on the inside, Gooden has blossomed into a legitimate star.
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| Ezra Butler (Getty Images) |
Like Groves, Butler has spent much of his career playing a hybrid defensive end position. A natural pass rusher, Butler shows burst off the snap and can close on the quarterback. Butler also has excellent straight line speed and change of direction to break down in space and make the secure tackle. He may not have the most recognizable name, but could prove an even more sought-after prospect come April than some of the bigger names on this list.
Rob Rang is a Senior Analyst for NFLDraftScout.com, published by The Sports Xchange.
