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. Today, let's check out NFL Network draft expert Mike Mayock's top five players at the outside linebacker position. The notes on each player were provided by NFL.com from their Combine section.
| Mayock's Top 5 Outside Linebackers | |||
| Name | Height | Weight | College |
| 1. Von Miller |
6-3 |
243 |
Texas A&M |
| Note: Miller was the Butkus Award winner as the nation's top linebacker, and it seems like his game will translate very well to the next level. He is a great athlete that has prototypical size and very good instincts for the linebacker position. | |||
| 2. Akeem Ayers |
6-4 |
249 |
UCLA |
| Note: Ayers is very impressive on the hoof and he has the speed and athleticism to make an immediate impact at the next level. He has the range and ball skills to play SLB in a 4-3, and the balance and closing burst to play OLB in a 3-4. | |||
| 3. Justin Houston |
6-3 |
254 |
Georgia |
| Note: Houston is a bit undersized as a traditional 4-3 defensive end but fits the mold of a 3-4 outside linebacker. Gets off the ball quickly, has enough athleticism to get the corner, and can also use the bull rush but needs to do a better job after contact. | |||
| 4. Bruce Carter |
6-3 |
235 |
North Carolina |
| Note: Carter is an excellent athlete, but he tore his ACL in November and has a long road to recovery. He is an explosive athlete that takes proper angles in run support and has excellent speed to make plays from sideline-to-sideline. | |||
| 5. Chris Carter |
6-1 |
246 |
Fresno State |
| Note: Carter is a college defensive end who could find a home as a backup 4-3 outside linebacker at the next level. Lacks the size and strength to keep his hand down full-time but also limited athletically. | |||
-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 10:30 a.m., February 23
