The inside linebacker position in the NFL remains a critical area in pro defenses with most clubs playing the standard 4-3 scheme. In recent seasons though, the position has usually been relegated to a two-down position, with most starters coming out in passing situations.

Few blue-chip prospects emerge usually at this position despite its importance in the standard 4-3 defensive set. In last year's rookie class, two blue-chip prospects were selected in the first round, a rare occurrence for the position.

Miami's Dan Morgan may be the only inside linebacker selected in the early rounds. (AP)

Rob Morris warranted a first-round grade off his well-developed skills for the middle linebacker position. He unfortunately went down early this fall with a season-ending injury.

Rookie freak defender Brian Urlacher was tried at both the inside and outside linebacker position in the Bears' scheme and finally settled into the middle linebacker spot early in the 2000 season. He is currently drawing rave reviews in the Windy City and comparisons with former Bears great Dick Butkus. He combines rare size and speed with the instincts and intangibles to make him a special anchor in the middle. He is a leading candidate for the Rookie Defensive Player of the Year award.

This year's class of inside linebackers is an average group that might see only one prospect selected on the first day -- Dan Morgan of Miami (Fla.). Morgan has played both inside and outside with equal success and brings a throwback attitude for the position. As a four-year starter, he is well developed for the pro game and has both the physical and mental skills to start early in the NFL.

Torrance Marshall is a fine athlete who will light it up at offseason workouts combining speed and power. He needs to prove that his best position is in the middle.

Carlos Polk has the physical skills to fill the hole between the tackles but needs further refinement in his coverage skills to be an every down defender. The majority of this class will be selected in the middle to late rounds off their limited athletic talent.

Most inside players will have to earn NFL roster spots on their ability to play special teams until they find a niche in their club's defensive schemes.

More draft analysis

Inside Linebackers

1. Dan Morgan, Miami (Fla.)
Senior, 6-1, 235
Rugged senior defender has seen time at every linebacker position over his outstanding career. He combines quickness, instincts, strength and smarts to be an early NFL starter either inside or outside. He is the only prospect who carries a blue-chip label on the inside.

Nebraska's Carlos Polk is strong against the run, but needs to work on his pass coverage skills. (Allsport)

2. Carlos Polk, Nebraska
Senior, 6-2, 245
Strong mikeman has been a key performer for the "Black Shirts" over the past few seasons. He is stout at the point of attack, showing a strong base to fight off big offensive linemen. He also has the speed and agility to drop in coverage.

3. Torrance Marshall, Oklahoma
Senior, 6-2, 245
Athletic middle linebacker has been instrumental in the Sooners' rise to the top of the national standings. He is a well-rounded athlete with the speed to match up with running backs and the power and agility to take on blockers and runners between the tackles.

4. Jamie Winborn, Vanderbilt
Junior, 6-0, 230
Tough junior mikeman has been one of the SEC's stellar performers over his abbreviated career. He is a strong tackler with the speed to cover the field and the instincts to read plays quickly.

5. Kendrell Bell, Georgia
Senior, 6-1, 245
Athletic defender has been one of the leaders on the Bulldogs defense over the past two seasons. He is a strong blitz defender with the speed to go sideline to sideline, but he must improve his ability to get off blockers on the inside.

6. Brandon Spoon, North Carolina
Senior, 6-1, 245
Strong senior mikeman has made a successful return from an arm injury that ended his '99 season. He is quick to diagnose the play and finishes the play with sure tackling skills and power. He needs further work on his pass coverage.

7. Zeke Moreno, Southern California
Senior, 6-1, 235
Versatile senior defender has played both inside and outside this season. He is fine athlete who runs well to finish plays at the sidelines and has the agility and smarts to drop in coverage.

8. Jashon Sykes, Colorado
Junior, 6-3, 230
Athletic junior defender has performed at a high level since his freshman season in the Big 12. He has outstanding speed for the inside with the ability to match up with backs and receivers. His lack of game-to-game consistency should make him question declaring for the 2001 NFL Draft.

9. Matt Smith, Oregon
Senior, 6-2, 245
Savvy senior mikeman has been the catalyst for the Ducks tough defense over the past two seasons. He is a smart defender who reads plays quickly and sifts through traffic nicely to bring down runners.

10. Anthony Denman, Notre Dame
Senior, 6-2, 230
Productive middle linebacker has been instrumental in Notre Dame's hug turn around this season. He has the range to make plays at the sidelines and the quickness and sure tackling to fill the inside.

Coyle, a full-time NFL scout, has published Draft Insiders' Digest, an NFL Draft and free agency publication for the last 10 years.

He attends practices, games and individual workouts across the country as well as breaking down game films to study the nation's top players. He writes for numerous pro weeklies on the NFL Draft and free agency in addition to game matchups and player profiles.

Coyle attends NFL minicamps in May and June and numerous training camps throughout the summer. He is a frequent guest on sports talk shows from coast-to-coast, and has also been a personnel consultant to several NFL teams in recent years.