With the NFL Scouting Combine set to get underway this week in Indianapolis, let's start to take a peek at some of the rankings of the draft prospects at each position. Next up, let's check out NFL Network draft expert Mike Mayock's top five players at the inside linebacker position. The notes on each player were provided by NFL.com from their Combine section.
| Mayock's Top 5 Inside Linebackers | |||
| Name | Height | Weight | College |
| 1. Martez Wilson |
6-4 |
240 |
Illinois |
| Note: Wilson is a pretty impressive physical specimen with good measurables. Is susceptible to good hall handling and doesn't show good awareness dropping into coverage. | |||
| 2. Colin McCarthy |
6-2 |
240 |
Miami (FL) |
| Note: McCarthy has a chance to win a job as a starting middle or strong side linebacker. Has great size. Exhibits very good instincts diagnosing against the run and when asked to play in zone coverage. | |||
| 3. Quan Sturdivant |
6-2 |
230 |
North Carolina |
| Note: Sturdivant's draft stock dipped after missing five games this past season with a hamstring injury, but he is athletic enough to eventually become a starter at the next level. He is a smart football player that flows to the ball and has a good closing burst. | |||
| 4. Casey Matthews |
6-1 |
232 |
Oregon |
| Note: The latest in a family of guys who play the game the right way. While he lacks some size and speed, he is a smart, relentless, highly-productive player who will provide solid depth and special teams value while developing into a starter. | |||
| 5. Kelvin Sheppard |
6-3 |
240 |
LSU |
| Note: Sheppard has the skill-set necessary to become a solid starter. Does a good job pursuing and tackling in open space and on the perimeter and can play in zone coverage. Can be neutralized if blockers get good position and their hands on him. | |||
-- Posted by Bo Wulf, 4:00 p.m., February 23
