hagan714

Boy the guy at this Chicago paper has been busy.

Scout talk: Top linebackers to draft

If the Bears lose Lance Briggs in free agency, they at least can take solace in knowing the draft will offer many viable alternatives. It's a strong class for linebackers, and it wouldn't be surprising to see nine of the players listed here drafted in the first two rounds.

1. James Laurinaitis, Ohio State. The junior is expected to declare because he is regarded as a bona fide top 10 pick. He's big, tough, strong and instinctive. Some regard him as a better athlete than A.J. Hawk. He can play in the middle or outside.

2. Keith Rivers, Southern California. There isn't anything he doesn't do well. Rivers can play any linebacker spot. He's extremely athletic and fast. Covers very well. Makes plays in pursuit. Finds the ball.

3. Rey Maualuga, Southern California. Big, explosive inside linebacker who plays hard. Is very physical and has good speed. Plays downhill. Is a little stiff athletically and limited in coverage.

And I quote:
"There is no amount of money the NFL can pay me to make me skip my senior year at USC"

4. Ali Highsmith, Louisiana State. Undersized linebacker who plays big. Is very explosive and athletic. Can run and cover. Solid tackler. Needs the right scheme. Probably is best suited to play on the weak side.

5. Beau Bell, UNLV. Explosive backer who can run and hit. Good pass rusher. Knows how to get the ball out. Could fit best in a 3-4 as an outside pass rusher.

6. Dan Connor, Penn State. Tough, instinctive middle linebacker who makes plays. Most scouts rate him below Paul Posluszny, his former teammate who was chosen by the Bills high in the second round last year

7. Jordan Dizon, Colorado. Little backer who finds a way to get it done. Excellent tackler. Explosive hitter. Fast and very athletic. Would be a perfect fit in a scheme like that of the Bears as a weak-side linebacker.

8. Tavares Gooden, Miami. Smallish player with top athleticism and speed. Plays hard and hits hard. Isn't great in coverage. Would be best on the weak side.

9. Ezra Butler, Nevada-Reno. Big, fast linebacker who has been used in a variety of roles. Probably is best suited to be a 3-4 outside linebacker. Goes all out. Needs to improve his ability to escape blockers.

10. Phillip Wheeler, Georgia Tech. Solid player who is not an elite athlete. Can run and gives good effort. Has average size and gets engulfed at times.

11. Xavier Adibi, Virginia Tech. Very fast linebacker who could boost his stock with a spectacular workout. Is stiff in space and misses tackles. Instincts are questionable.

12. Shawn Crable, Michigan. Has the body and ability but hasn't produced enough. Probably should be an outside linebacker in a 3-4. Can rush the passer. Gets blocked.

13. Vince Hall, Virginia Tech. Is an instinctive overachiever who lacks size and speed. Plays hard and always is around the ball.

14. J Leman, Illinois. Smart middle linebacker who makes a ton of plays. Lacks top athleticism. Has great intangibles. Probably won't be as good in the NFL as he was in college.

Scout talk: Top linebackers to draft on ChicagoSports.com

While I may have a few hair to split over the reviews and rankings. I think overall he did a niece job.

"We may have lost the game, but you'll be hurting tomorrow." Doug Atkins