2012 NFL Draft rankings: Outside Linebacker

by Dan Kadar on Jun 29, 2011 11:00 PM EDT in 2012 NFL Draft

It's become unusual for the best players at a position to be in the senior class. But for the outside linebacker group, that's clearly the case.

The 2012 NFL Draft looks particularly strong for weak-side linebackers. Zach Brown of North Carolina, Travis Lewis of Oklahoma and Nigel Bradham all project as weak-side players.

As a draft analyst/geek, ranking linebackers is a challenge. There are clearly several defensive ends who will transition to linebacker in the NFL. I'll have different rankings for those 3-4 types. An exception was made for Pittsburgh's Brandon Lindsey and Oklahoma's Ronnell Lewis, who play a hybrid OLB/DE position.

1. Zach Brown | 6'2, 225 pounds | OLB | North Carolina

2. Courtney Upshaw | 6'2, 263 pounds | OLB/MLB | Alabama

3. Travis Lewis | 6'2, 232 pounds | OLB | Oklahoma

4. Brandon Lindsey | 6'2, 250 pounds | OLB/DE | Pittsburgh

5. Nigel Bradham | 6'2, 238 pounds | OLB | Florida State

6. Sean Spence | 6'0, 220 pounds | OLB | Miami (Fla.)

7. Lavonte David | 6'1, 220 pounds | OLB | Nebraska

8. Keenan Robinson | 6'3, 235 pounds | OLB | Texas

9. Danny Trevathan | 6'1, 230 pounds | OLB | Kentucky

10. Greg Williams | 6'3, 240 pounds | OLB | Pittsburgh

11. Tyler Nielsen | 6'3, 235 pounds | OLB | Iowa

12. Mychal Kendricks | 6'0, 240 pounds | OLB | California

13. Emmanuel Acho | 6'2, 240 pounds | OLB | Texas

14. Bobby Wagner | 6'1, 232 pounds | OLB | Utah State

15. Darius Fleming | 6'2, 248 pounds | OLB | Notre Dame

JUNIORS:

1. Nico Johnson | 6'3, 245 pounds | OLB | Alabama *

2. Jake Knott | 6'2, 243 pounds | OLB | Iowa State *

3. Chase Thomas | 6'4, 240 pounds | OLB | Stanford *

4. Ronnell Lewis | 6'2, 237 pounds | OLB | Oklahoma *

5. Terrell Manning | 6'3, 224 pounds | OLB | North Carolina State *

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Comments

Lavonte David is a beast.

He may be small, but he’s still going to tackle you.

Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!

Green Bay Packers: Super Bowl XLV Champions!!!!

I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.

by Omaha Sun on Jun 30, 2011 2:02 AM EDT reply actions

The best defensive player for the Huskers last year

I think this guy could put on 15lbs and be a solid OLB in a 4-3 in the NFL

"The Holy Writ of Gloucester Rugby Club demands: first, that the forwards shall win the ball; second, that the forwards shall keep the ball; and third, the backs shall buy the beer." - Doug Ibbotson

by SteveUK on Jun 30, 2011 3:23 AM EDT up reply actions

I wonder if Belichick would find any of these acceptable

"We talk football here, specifically the NFL and, more specifically, the New England Patriots."
"If you can’t treat others with respect, then you shouldn’t be commenting, period."

by statsare4losers on Jun 30, 2011 2:35 AM EDT reply actions

Bama is stacked at LB.

On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu

by AV23 on Jun 30, 2011 3:18 AM EDT reply actions

Zaviar Gooden (Jr.) out of Mizzou

may be one of the top players at OLB after the season and combine if he declares. 4.37 40 on Missouri’s track (for what thats worth), a 40 inch verticle and a 405 bench will surely be more than enough to propel him to near the top of the class.

by Robin's-meats-and-vegetables on Jul 4, 2011 10:43 AM EDT reply actions