NFP Senior Outside Linebacker Breakdown

FROM WES BUNTING:

The 2010 senior outside linebacker class is led by a variety of undersized pass rushing defensive ends who will likely be asked to make a transition to 3-4 outside linebacker at the next level. With more and more NFL teams utilizing a “30” front, the need for these pass rushing hybrids is now at an all-time high. The 2010 class also features a number of talented 4-3 linebackers who know how to play in space and get after the ball.

Click HERE to view the rest of the NFP’s Senior rankings.

Here’s our first look at the senior OLB group.

Note: Boston College’s Mark Herzlich, who was my No. 1-rated outside linebacker prospect going into the 2010 draft, has been diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, a cancer most often found in the bone or soft tissue. Herzlich will sit out the 2009 season to focus on beating the disease. Our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family.

The Top Three

Sergio Kindle, Texas (6-4, 254)

Kindle emerged last season as Texas’ top pass rusher, and yes, that includes 2009 first-round pick DE Brian Orakpo. Kindle, who worked primarily from the outside linebacker position last season, will be making the move to Orakpo’s rush end spot. He possesses a thick, muscular frame and showcases an explosive first step with the closing speed to consistently reach the quarterback. He’s a fluid athlete in space and does a nice job changing directions and sidestepping pressure off the edge. Kindle registered 10 sacks last year from his outside linebacker position, and NFL teams are looking at him mainly as a 3-4 rush linebacker. He doesn’t quite possess the frame to play as a down defensive end in the NFL, but his combination of quickness, burst and fluidity make him an ideal fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker and a likely first-round pick

Antonio Coleman, Auburn (6-2, 257)

Coleman is another defensive end/outside linebacker tweener who has made his living as a down DE rushing the passer in the SEC. He finished 2008 with six sacks and 10½ tackles for loss and is one of the conference’s most feared pass rushers. However, he’s undersized for the DE position in the NFL and possesses the kind of skill set better suited to stand up and rush off the edge as a 3-4 outside linebacker. Coleman is a thickly built defender with a strong base and powerful lower body. He displays a quick first step off the edge and does a nice job staying low in his pass rush and slipping offensive tackles on the outside. He’s also a pretty fluid athlete in space who knows how to sink his hips and redirect cleanly out of his breaks. He’s only an average straight-line athlete and will struggle running with athletic tight ends and backs down the field, but he possesses great closing speed on the ball and knows how to pressure the quarterback.

Jerry Hughes, TCU (6-2, 248)

Hughes finished the 2008 season as the nation’s sacks leader (15) and ranked in the top 10 nationally in tackles for loss (19½). He’s an explosive, quick-twitch lineman who curls up well into his stance and can really fire off the ball. Hughes works hard off the snap and does a nice job dropping his pad level and dipping under offensive linemen off the edge. However, at 6-2 and only 248 pounds, it’s obvious that he’ll struggle holding the point of attack and playing vs. the run in the NFL. So the switch to OLB in a 3-4 looks like the most natural progression for Hughes, who, like the first two defenders on my list, possesses the burst, body control and quickness to consistently generate pressure off the edge. He lacks ideal fluidity in space and will need to add more strength, especially to his lower half, but he knows how to reach the quarterback and will be in the mix as the draft’s top 3-4 rush linebacker. 

The Next Two

Eric Norwood, South Carolina (6-0, 252)

Norwood is one of the more intriguing outside linebackers in the country due to his combination of burst, power and athletic ability. He led the South Carolina defense last season with nine sacks and 14½ tackles for loss, good enough to earn him first team all-SEC honors. He’s at his best attacking downhill and consistently makes plays behind the line of scrimmage. Norwood is a fluid athlete who moves well in space and understands how to use his natural leverage to get under blockers and shed at the point of attack. He plays outside linebacker in the Gamecocks’ 4-3 defense but projects to either outside linebacker spot in either a 3-4 or 4-3 defense. He was said to be downright unblockable during spring ball this year and should be one of the more dominant defenders in the SEC.

Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri (6-1, 245)

Weatherspoon is a tackling machine who recorded 155 total tackles, 18½ tackles for loss, five sacks and three interceptions last season. He does it all on the Missouri defense and has the ability to be effective vs. the run and pass at the next level. He’s the nation’s top “pure” 4-3 outside linebacker prospect and does a great job deciphering plays at the line of scrimmage and closing quickly on the football. He’s also a sound wrap-up tackler who breaks down well in space and does a nice job driving his legs through contact. But what sets Weatherspoon apart is his ability to play in space against the pass-happy Big 12. He is natural in both man and zone coverage and showcases possibly the best range of any linebacker in the country. He does a great job getting in and out of his breaks and has shown an ability to stay with even the most athletic tight ends in man coverage. He’s an NFL-ready type linebacker who will come in and contribute from day one.

The Rest

Rico McCoy, Tennessee (6-1, 224)

An explosive, undersized athlete who should have a great year playing in Monte Kiffin’s patented Cover 2 defense.

Clinton Snyder, Stanford (6-4, 235)

A smart, blue-collar linebacker who has a real nose for the ball and possesses the closing speed to consistently make plays away from his frame.

Dexter Davis, Arizona State (6-2, 252)

A productive defensive end in the Pac-10 who recorded 21½ sacks the past two years. However, Davis will likely be asked to make the move to a 3-4 OLB spot at the next level.

Perry Riley, LSU (6-1, 242)

A well-built linebacker who showcases the burst and closing speed to develop into one of the better defenders in the SEC.

Cam Martin, Virginia Tech (6-1, 215)

Is vastly undersized and has a tendency to get nicked up too easily, but the guy knows how to make plays on the ball.

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