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

tapout

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"

like top ten money? or more specifically 10th overall money. hit him on his cell Reggie.

Supes

James Laurinaitis will not make to us
i don't know why everyone thinks we should take him
he won't be there the patriots will take him to replace one of there elderly linebackers
i think the best available will be Keith Rivers,Sed Ellis,Kenny Phillips
i think if Sed Ellis is there take him, if not Phillips because both r big needs,big upgrades,big playmakers and the drop after James Laurinaitis isn't that big and could easily pick up a good replacement Linebacker in the second such as Dan Connor, Penn State
remember we do pick early this year in draft in all rounds not just the first

glock

how about the db brandon sumrall out of southern miss. he was the confrence usa defensive player of the year, and i think he would be a good one late in the draft

Supersaint19

if ellis or laruinaitis are gone i would trade back and try and get the cowgirls 2 first round picks, they like phillips, then we could take mike jenkins, dan conner, and frank odam in the 2nd

TheDeuce

I've got two words for you: Keith Rivers. Laurinaitis is overrated, give me Rivers' athleticism any day over Laurinaitis.

mjf150

My gut says that the Saints are going to draft Keith Rivers. The only concern I have is when there are two highly rated LB's on the same team, you have to wonder if they are benefiting significantly from playing with one another. Who is feeding off of whom? You have to wonder if there will be a drop-off when the two are seperated.

saintsfan1976

I like Highsmith.

TheDeuce

Last night was a perfect example of why I don't want Laurinaitis. He disappears in big games, just like he did in last year's championship. He can't play with ultra athletic teams.

DeadmaN

I don't know...
I think he would be a fantastic fit here the problem is that he should be an early round pick and he is going to pull a big payday with what ever team he signs with