Finally, close to 30 linebackers will be selected over the two-day draft period and most will contribute on special teams and back up existing starters in the NFL. After the selection of Derrick Johnson, I don't believe this draft has a Ray Lewis, Brian Urlacher or even a Keith Bulluck, but I do think there may be an Ian Gold, Dhani Jones or Dan Morgan-type. But you better reach for them because if you wait until the third round, the short supply will be gone.


By Pat Kirwan
NFL.com Senior Analyst

After Johnson, things get a little cloudy for linebackers. There will be a few conversion-type players who were defensive ends in a 4-3 scheme that may get selected by teams in the 3-4 defense and used as outside linebackers. David Pollack from Georgia has the talent to make the transition, while Shawne Merriman from Maryland gets a split review from people I talk with about his ability to make the transition and may be better off sticking with his defensive end skills, which happen to be excellent. Georgia linebacker Thomas Davis is slated to go in the first round but as a safety, and that leads us to the true linebackers who should all go between the 25th pick late in the first round and the bottom of the second round. Odell Thurman of Georgia and Channing Crowder from Florida have good skills for inside players, but the safer pick when you factor in maturity, off-the-field issues and down right production is Barrett Ruud from Nebraska. Ruud is a tackling machine and would be a nice fit for the Patriots, who like smart players.

As for outside linebackers, Darryl Blackstock from Virginia played in a 3-4 defense in college so there\'s no conjecture about how he fits in that scheme. Keep in mind the top three teams in this draft -- San Francisco, Miami and Cleveland -- are all in the process of switching to a 3-4 package, while Dallas and San Diego, who also play the 3-4 defense, both have two picks each in the first round. Former Bill Parcells assistant Al Groh coached Blackstock in college and NFL people know he\'s well prepared. Kevin Burnett from Tennessee is making a late charge to get into the run on \'backers in this draft with his 4.57 40-yard dash time at his Pro Day.

After Johnson, things get a little cloudy for linebackers. There will be a few conversion-type players who were defensive ends in a 4-3 scheme that may get selected by teams in the 3-4 defense and used as outside linebackers. David Pollack from Georgia has the talent to make the transition, while Shawne Merriman from Maryland gets a split review from people I talk with about his ability to make the transition and may be better off sticking with his defensive end skills, which happen to be excellent. Georgia linebacker Thomas Davis is slated to go in the first round but as a safety, and that leads us to the true linebackers who should all go between the 25th pick late in the first round and the bottom of the second round. Odell Thurman of Georgia and Channing Crowder from Florida have good skills for inside players, but the safer pick when you factor in maturity, off-the-field issues and down right production is Barrett Ruud from Nebraska. Ruud is a tackling machine and would be a nice fit for the Patriots, who like smart players.

As for outside linebackers, Darryl Blackstock from Virginia played in a 3-4 defense in college so there\'s no conjecture about how he fits in that scheme. Keep in mind the top three teams in this draft -- San Francisco, Miami and Cleveland -- are all in the process of switching to a 3-4 package, while Dallas and San Diego, who also play the 3-4 defense, both have two picks each in the first round. Former Bill Parcells assistant Al Groh coached Blackstock in college and NFL people know he\'s well prepared. Kevin Burnett from Tennessee is making a late charge to get into the run on \'backers in this draft with his 4.57 40-yard dash time at his Pro Day.

Danno -- Here\'s the rest of the article that I got the quote from.

It appears to me that any LB after Derrick Johnson would be a reach in the FIRST round and you could probably get one with as much talent in the 2nd round.

Point me in the right direction, Danno. I really don\'t know.

Alex Smith is the pick in the first , if he drops grab him .....

Crowder - trade up and nail him early second if he is still on the board , he knows how to open a can of whoop ass ....

• ILB Channing Crowder (Florida)
Vital statistics: 6 foot 2¼, 245 pounds, 4.67 in the 40.
Numbers game: Played mostly at tailback in high school and delayed enrollment at Florida while he rehabilitated a knee injury. Played in 20 games and started 17 of them, recording 179 tackles, 13½ tackles for loss, four sacks, one pressure, two forced fumbles, three recoveries and an interception. Voted a team captain as a sophomore. Was an all-SEC choice in 2004. Was twice suspended, one game on each occasion, for scrapes with the law.
Upside: Has an undeniable swagger to him. Plays with a sense of urgency. Vocal on the field and just a naturally intense defender. Cuts through the traffic to get to the ball and, when he arrives, is an explosive hitter. Tries to de-cleat the ball carrier every chance he gets. Fancies himself an intimidator and, at times, certainly fills the role. Sheds nicely, really uses his hands well, strong enough to slap blockers away. Makes plays outside the box and can get out on the edge. Has some rush ability and times his blitzes well.
Downside: Not as fluid as you want, especially through the hips, and falls into the habit of not breaking down into a textbook football position. Sometimes allows his emotions to take over and will play out of control and with a lack of discipline. Got away with some freelancing in college that won\'t cut it at the next level. Has had knee problems and some off-field issues that could be a factor.
The dish: Teams are looking hard at his character and examining some of the off-field incidents in which he was involved, but seem almost as concerned with his knees. Might still sneak into the bottom of the first round, depending on individual teams, but could just as easily slip into the third round.