2016 NFL Draft Top 5 Outside Linebackers
1). Myles Jack, OLB, UCLA
Height: 6-1. Weight: 245. Arm: 33.63.
Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
“Special” is the word for UCLA linebacker Myles Jack, Jack showed up 15 pounds heavier than expected to the NFL combine, and carried it well. Extra weight means he could play inside linebacker also. Jack is a rare athlete who is exceptional in pass coverage, and many expect him to have his name called early on Thursday night during the 2016 NFL Draft. Will be a force at linebacker in the pass happy NFL.
2). Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia
Height: 6-6. Weight: 244. Arm: 33.13.
40 Time: 4.60.
Floyd split reps between inside and outside linebacker at times during the 2015 season. While Floyd handled the new duties at inside linebacker okay, he looked awkward at dropping into coverage. Sources tell me that he won’t be playing inside linebacker in the NFL. Floyd’s much better served doing what he does best: rushing the quarterback.
3). Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State
Height: 6-1. Weight: 232. Arm: 33.25.
40 Time: 4.47.
Clearly, Lee has a lot of athletic upside to develop for the NFL. With his speed and athleticism, he looks like a future three-down starter. His best fit would come as a Will (weakside) linebacker in a 4-3 defense. In speaking with sources, some teams feel that Lee is more of a second-round talent, but they expect him to go late in Round 1.
4). Su’a Cravens, OLB/S, USC
Height: 6-1. Weight: 226.
40 Time: 4.69.
His best role in the NFL could come as a safety on run downs and a linebacker in passing situations. A good defensive coordinator could get a lot of out of Cravens by moving him around and using him in a variety of ways.
5). Yannick Ngakoue, OLB/DE, Maryland
Height: 6-2. Weight: 252. Arm: 32.5.
40 Time: 4.75.
A sleeper pick, he could have a lot of potential as a pro edge rusher. Ngakoue has length to him with speed off the edge. He flashed some moves during his Maryland career and played well when taking on future NFL linemen. Ngakoue had a strong combine.
