2009 NFL Draft: Inside Linebackers

updated on Mar 22, 2009 12:09 AM EDT

QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | OG | OC | DT | DE | OLB | ILB | CB | FS | SS | All Rankings

1. Rey Maualuga | 6’2, 260 pounds | USC

Tenacity and hard work are Maualuga's biggest assets. He's a physical run stopper who doesn't get as much credit as he should against the pass.

Scouting Report

2. James Laurinaitis | 6'2, 240 pounds | Ohio State

A top performer his whole career with the Buckeyes, Laurinaitis is about as good of a competitor as there is in the draft. He plays with a lot of intelligence and can play the run and the pass.

Scouting Report

3. Gerald McRath | 6'3, 224 pounds | Southern Mississippi

Somewhat of a surprising entrant into the draft as a junior, McRath was a highly productive player at Southern Miss. He has the athleticism to cover tight ends and backs, and is physical when he needs to be.

Scouting Report

4. Dannell Ellerbe | 6’1, 236 pounds | Georgia

Ellerbe is an athletic linebacker who uses his natural ability against the pass. He can play all three linebacker spots and plays bigger than his size.

Scouting Report

Additional Rankings:

5. Scott McKillop, ILB, Pitt, 6’1, 240

6. Darry Beckwith, ILB, LSU, 6’1, 235

7. Jasper Brinkley, ILB, South Carolina, 6’2, 262

8. Jason Phillips, ILB, TCU, 6’1, 236

9. Dave Philistin, ILB, Maryland, 6’2, 232

10. Josh Mauga, ILB, Nevada, 6’2, 245

11. Worrell Williams, ILB, California, 5’11, 242

12. Maurice Crum, ILB, Notre Dame, 5’11, 235

13. Antonio Appleby, ILB, Virginia, 6’3, 250

14. Anthony Felder, ILB, California, 6’2, 231