Inside Linebacker

1) Rolando McClain (Alabama)-9.7
Rolando McClain is a top 3 prospect in this draft. He is explosive, relentless, and he has great instincts. He is also a fantastic leader, the heart and soul, of an Alabama defense that played very well this year. Also helping McClain’s cause is the fact that he played in a 3-4 scheme at Bama, so his transition will be seamless to the NFL. He will either play inside in a 3-4 or strong-side in a 4-3. I believe he could also play inside in a 4-3, but many say he does not possess the straight-line speed to play there. However, with his split-second reaction time and down-hill aggression, I completely disagree with these people, and think he could excel inside or out in either scheme. He will provide great versatility, leadership, and intimidation to whatever defense lands him in the top half of the first round.

2) Brandon Spikes (Florida)-9.0
Spikes was exposed a bit in coverage this past year at Florida. Because of his speed, he plays man fairly well, but he is very inconsistent in his zone play. Aside from this, he is the perfect prospect for an inside linebacker in the 3-4. He is aggressive and plays downhill against the run, and has the burst and strength to get to the quarterback if he is asked to blitz between the guard and center. He is a quick decision maker, but often is overly aggressive, can get swallowed up in blocks, or miss tackles with quicker ball carriers. His cousin is former NFL linebacker Takeo Spikes, so it is easy to make the comparison.

3) Daryl Washington (TCU)-8.0
Don’t be surprised when Daryl Washington is the steal of this draft a few years down the road. He is this low on the board because of his small size (228 lbs) but could be a very productive linebacker in the NFL. He is fast, very fast for a middle linebacker (could come in the 4.5s at the combine). His 40 time might not show it, but this guy can stick with slot receivers and also get to the quarterback in the blink of an eye. He lacks the instinct McClain and Spikes boast, but reacts quickly and explodes downhill. He is a very sure tackler, wrapping up with technique rather than going for big shoulder-blows that backs often bounce off of. Honestly, this guy reminds me of London Fletcher, so he may not fit in a 3-4, but I think he could be a pro-bowl middle linebacker in this league. For a third or fourth round pick? Someone is getting a great deal.

4) Sean Lee-7.8
Very similar to Paul Posluszny, and maybe a less-instinctive James Laurinitis. He is an average athlete that tackles very well, even if it is without much explosiveness. He is not very good in coverage, but he is there to tackle sideline to sideline and eat up the middle. He can do this, and do it well, but he will need help up front. Just as people said with Laurinitis last year, without good defensive line play, he will struggle. These guys are cerebral middle-linebackers, and if they all had the bodies to stick with their brain, they would be dominant. Lee, though, will still be a solid starter in the middle, a good value pick in the third or fourth rounds.

5) Pat Angerer-7.0
Angerer is a puer motor player with great speed and instincts. He is also small though, which is the reason for the low grade. He also is not a very effective blitzer. He reacts well, and can find receivers quickly on play-passes. He is very solid in coverage, almost more so than against the run. If nothing better, he will at least be a solid linebacker that plays on short-yardage passing downs, where he can take on a running back or tight end, but also be there in case of a draw play. There are not very many cover linebackers in the league, so if a team can make him more effective against the run, he could be a steal in the later rounds.