LBs Not Named Rivers?
 

We talk alot about K. Rivers, and for good reason, but there's not alot of talk about many other LBs. Who are some LB prospects you'd like to see us get in round 2 or later? You guys know any sleeper type LBs that we could snag on day 2? Here are a few guys that I'm gonna be keeping an eye on during draft weekend: Alvin Bowen_Iowa State_6-3_224....Ezra Butler_Nevada_6-2_247. I watched these two guys last year and they tackling machines.

Re: LBs Not Named Rivers?
 

Others I really like:

Curtis Lofton LB Oklahoma (I think he could be just as effective as an OLB)

Ali Highsmith LB LSU (this guy will drop bc of his combine, but we have all watched him play and know in the game he has been dominant against the best teams in the country, and why shouldn't we draft some LSU boys, the fans would love it)

I haven't really seen alot of the other LBs play, so I'm not going to have an opinion on them, but these are two that I have seen play a lot and I like them.

Re: LBs Not Named Rivers?
 

Conners, Mayo, Avril, and especially Groves are guys I really like. I have no problem passing on Rivers... actually I would prefer it if we could land one of these guys.

Re: LBs Not Named Rivers?
 

I like Highsmith in the 5th round if possible.

Re: LBs Not Named Rivers?
 

Xavier Adibi.... get him in the second. He is a beast.

Re: LBs Not Named Rivers?
 

I wouldn't waste a 1st day pick on any of them. I like Mayo & Adibi if they fall to the 2nd day & I especially like Highsmith if he falls to the 5th. He's got way more speed than the combine showed. He's put on about 20 lbs., but he has great field awareness & is a playmaker.

Re: LBs Not Named Rivers?
 

There is no way that Xavier Adibi will fall to the second day, he's just way too good. He might not even be on the board for us in the second but if he is I say pull the trigger. He's not the biggest guy in the world but we need a WLB and he would be a perfect fit. He's great in coverage and he has the speed to blitz off the edge. He would provide instant playmaking ability to our D.

I don't see Highsmith falling to round 5. I think he goes no later than mid 4th. I'm sure that some scouts and GMs are very happy that Ali ran so slow at the combine because now they might be able to get a guy they had targeted later than expected. Anyone who has seen Highsmith on video knows that he has superior game speed. With some players you just have to throw out the 40 time and just watch game tape. And while you're watching the game tape keep in mind that he was playing in the SEC, not in some rinky dink Pac 10 or slow as syrup Big 10. He has as much burst to the football as any LB in the draft. With proper coaching I think Highsmith will excel at every aspect of the LB posistion.

Re: LBs Not Named Rivers?
 

I agree with you 100% I love this guy in the second round.

Re: LBs Not Named Rivers?
 

I also like Erin Henderson

Re: LBs Not Named Rivers?
 

What happened to Curtis Lofton? He reminds me of Sam Mills, and I thought his stock was up.

Re: LBs Not Named Rivers?
 

Wesley Woodyard would be a good one in the middle rounds. Hes fast and a playmaker but undersized and may not be able to succeed in our defensive system - he is more of a Cover 2 fit. Marcus Howard from Georgia is projected to play LB in the NFL and would be a good situational pass rusher or blitzer. J Leman from Illinois has limited upside but would be a solid backup and situational player that we could in a the late rounds.

Re: LBs Not Named Rivers?
 

Another ILB that is flying way under the radar is Vince Hall. Adibi was the more athletic one of the two but Hall was the leader and the one that held the defense together. He missed some games due to injuries this last season but they were a completely different team when he was playing. He is another tackling machine, 100 tackles in 2007 besides missing four games and 404 for his career. He really excels against the run but with work can get better against the pass. I think that if he is available rounds 5-6 we should take a good look. He could be a steal.

Re: LBs Not Named Rivers?
 

Exactly. I may be a little biased because I live in VA about an hour near VT, but these two are the real deal. I wouldn't put it past him to be a first day prospect if he didnt mess up his wrist. Adibi can step in immediatley and Hall can learn to play MLB. If we used our 1st on a DT or CB, get Adibi in the second, 3rd get the opposite of first, BPA 5th, hall in 6th, and a K in the 7th Id be escatic

Re: LBs Not Named Rivers?
 

I was reading an article today from LSU's combine saying that the scouts weren't impressed about Highsmith's workout and the he could possibly not even get drafted!!