2013 NFL Draft: Outside Linebacker Rankings

The top 2013 outside linebacker prospects available for the 2013 NFL Draft in the order in which I believe they will be drafted. * - denotes 2014 prospect. ** - denotes 2015 prospect.

This page was last updated May 20, 2012. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

By Charlie Campbell.
Send Charlie an e-mail here: draftcampbell@gmail.com
Follow Charlie on Twitter @draftcampbell for updates.

1. Jarvis Jones*, OLB, Georgia
   Height: 6-2. Weight: 242.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
   Projected Round (2013): Top 16.
   5/16/12: The USC transfer was a pass-rushing terror as a sophomore for the Bulldogs. He tied for fifth in the nation in sacks with 13.5. He also had 70 tackles with 19.5 tackles for a loss, two passes broken up and two forced fumbles. Jones' season was highlighted with a four-sack game against Florida, but he was held in check against Michigan State in the Outback Bowl.
   
   Jones is an explosive pass-rusher off the edge. He is a perfect fit in the Bulldogs' 3-4 defense. His speed and agility make him extremely difficult for tackles to get a hold of. After leading the SEC in sacks in 2011, he won't take anybody by surprise next season and will see plenty of extra attention. Jones should still produce a quality season, and if he does, he could be a high first-round pick next April. If Jones could add 8-10 pounds of muscle for the NFL, that would make him an even better prospect.





2. Sean Porter, OLB, Texas A&M
   Height: 6-2. Weight: 230.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.55.
   Projected Round (2013): 1.
   5/16/12: After the Aggies lost Von Miller to the NFL, Porter was looked at to be a replacement in 2011. In his junior season, Porter did an admirable job of replacing Miller. Porter was a dangerous edge rusher and used his speed to fly around the field. He totaled 79 tackles with 17 tackles for a loss, 9.5 sacks and one forced fumble.
   
   Porter played well against good teams and respectable offensive tackles. He recorded five sacks against Oklahoma State, Arkansas and Baylor. All three of those teams have offensive tackles that are well regarded. Heading into November, Porter had 8.5 sacks and looked poised to compile a total in the teens. However, he had a streak of four games late in the season that he didn't record a sack. In those games, he still was around the ball and had quality tackle totals with four tackles for a loss. He ended the season well against Northwestern with six tackles and a sack.
   
   Porter is a seek-and-destroy defender who flies around the field chasing down ball carriers. His biggest strength is his ability to rush the quarterback off the edge. Porter plays well in space and is not a liability dropping into pass coverage, although he is a much bigger difference-maker rushing the quarterback.
   
   Porter needs to add weight for the NFL. It would be ideal if he could gain 10-20 pounds to hold up on the edge. At times, he can get washed out of plays in run defense when offensive linemen get their hands on him.



3. Chase Thomas, OLB, Stanford
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 239.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.61.
   Projected Round (2013): 1-2.
   5/16/12: Thomas started 2011 on fire, collecting 3.5 sacks, 4.5 tackles for a loss and two forced in the first two games. He has continued to play well throughout the year, which got harder for him after fellow linebacker Shane Skov was lost to a season-ending injury. That caused Thomas to get more blocking attention. He still had a real presence and consistently pressuring the quarterback. Thomas recorded 52 tackles with 17.5 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks and five forced fumbles. He should be a perfect fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker at the next level.
   
   Though Thomas has the flexibility to play inside linebacker as well, he thrives blitzing off the edge and combines good physical skills with intelligence. He has a knack for causing turnovers. He was intending to add weight and get into the 250 range for his senior season. Thomas could be the 2013 draft's version of Clay Matthews or Shea McClellin, and rise into the first round.



4. Jonathan Brown*, OLB, Illinois
   Height: 6-1. Weight: 235.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.49.
   Projected Round (2013): 1-2.
   5/16/12: Brown was a big-time playmaker for Illinois as a sophomore in 2011. He was impossible to ignore when watching the Illini. He had 108 tackles with 20.5 tackles for a loss, six sacks, four passes broken up, with a forced fumble and an interception. He was tied for eighth in college football in tackles for a loss. As a freshman, he had 31 tackles with an interception and forced fumble. Brown has a special combination of speed and instincts while being an elite athlete. He could be even better in 2012 after gaining experience and knowledge.



5. Gerald Hodges, OLB, Penn State
   Height: 6-2. Weight: 234.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.59.
   Projected Round (2013): 2-3.
   5/16/12: In his first full season of playing time, Hodges led Penn State in tackles last season with 106 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, one interception, four passes broken up and two forced fumbles. Hodges is a hard-nosed player who has good instincts and a nice physical skill set. He looks like a solid second-day selection.






6. Shayne Skov, ILB/OLB, Stanford
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 243.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.61.
   Projected Round (2012): 2-3.
   5/17/12: Skov played well in the first two games of the 2011 season with 18 tackles, four tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks and a pass broken up. He blew out his knee in the third game of the year, ending his season.
   
   Like teammate Chase Thomas, Skov is a perfect fit in a 3-4 defense. He can play multiple positions and is a good edge rusher. Skov and Thomas should form a strong pass-rushing presence from the inside and outside linebacker position, and both players could see their stock rise in 2012.



7. C.J. Mosley*, OLB, Alabama
   Height: 6-2. Weight: 234.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
   Projected Round (2013): 2-3.
   5/16/12: Mosley had an excellent debut as a freshman in 2010. He was third on Alabama's defense with 67 tackles. He also had 10 pass break-ups with two interceptions that were both returned for touchdowns. As a sophomore, he split a starting role with linebacker Nico Johnson. Mosley was used more in pass defense. He missed two games with a dislocated elbow. He totaled 37 tackles with 4.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks and an interception in 2011. Mosley was injured in the national championship after he intercepted a pass from Jordan Jefferson. Mosley dislocated his hip on a tackle from Jefferson, but should be fine for the start of the 2012 season.
   
   Mosley has a lot of talent and figures to be very productive for Nick Saban over the next season or two. With Alabama's defense losing a number of playmakers to the NFL, Mosley is being counted on to fill the void. He is extremely fast and has good instincts.



8. Jelani Jenkins*, OLB, Florida
   Height: 6-1. Weight: 223.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.47.
   Projected Round (2013): 2-3.
   5/16/12: Jenkins played well in 2011. His sideline-to-sideline speed is undeniable, and he just needs to become more consistent. Jenkins had 75 tackles with six tackles for a loss, two sacks, one forced fumble, one interception and six passes broken up this year. He should stay in school in 2012, if not for two more seasons, to get better and bigger before entering the NFL. Jenkins is just scratching the surface of his potential.
   
   Jenkins earned a starting spot as a redshirt freshman in 2010. He recorded 76 tackles on the season, which led the Gators front-seven defenders and was behind only safety Ahmad Black on the team. He also had 4.5 tackles for a loss with one interception and two sacks. Jenkins is extremely fast and looks like he has a high ceiling. He needs to continue to add bulk, but could be poised for a big season in 2012.



9. James Morris*, OLB/ILB, Iowa
   Height: 6-2. Weight: 230.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.63.
   Projected Round (2013): 2-3.
   5/17/12: Morris played middle linebacker for Iowa the past two seasons and has been a solid performer. He made 70 tackles with 2.5 tackles for a loss and four passes broken up. Morris had 110 tackles with 3.5 tackles for a loss and one interception in 2011. He has good instincts.
   
   If he doesn't add around 10 pounds, he will have to move to outside linebacker in the NFL. That could be a better fit for him anyway.





10. Alonzo Highsmith, OLB, Arkansas
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 220.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.63.
    Projected Round (2013): 3-4.
    5/16/12: The junior college product Highsmith had a respectable debut year in 2011 for Arkansas. He had 80 tackles with 12.5 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one interception. He had a big game against LSU with 13 tackles, .5 sacks and a fumble returned 47 yards for a touchdown. His father, Alonzo Highsmith Sr., was a star running back at the University of Miami and played seven years in the NFL.



11. Ron Powell*, OLB, Florida
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 248.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.59.
    Projected Round (2013): 3-4.
    5/16/12: Powell was the No. 1 recruit in the nation in 2010. Powell had a rough start as a freshman. He recorded 25 tackles with 2.5 tackles for a loss and a sack. In 2011 was moved to the hybrid defensive end and outside linebacker in Will Muschamp's defense. The 'Buck' linebacker has produced some quality prospects like Sergio Kindle and Brian Orakpo for Muschamp when he ran the defense at Texas. Powell finished the season with 32 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, six sacks and a forced fumble.
    
    Late in 2011 it seemed like the light bulb finally turned on as Powell showed some of the excellent speed and playmaking ability that made him such a sought after recruit. He recorded four sacks in the final six games and was consistently pressuring the quarterback. There was a lot of excitement for Powell heading into his junior year, but he tore a knee ligament in spring practice. The Gators believe he will play in 2012 but don't have a clear estimation for when he will return to the field. Powell should stay for his senior season in 2013 and continue to improve before going pro.



12. Khaseem Greene, OLB/S, Rutgers
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 220.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.63.
    Projected Round (2013): 3-4.
    5/16/12: Greene played safety his first two collegiate seasons before moving to outside linebacker as a junior. The move payed off for Rutgers as Greene used his speed to fly around the field and make tackles. In 2011 he led the team with 141 tackles, 14.5 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. In the Pinstripe Bowl, Greene broke his ankle against Iowa State. Greene had 77 tackles and two interceptions as a sophomore. For the NFL, Greene may have to move back to safety if he is unable to add more weight.





13. Nico Johnson, OLB, Alabama
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 245.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.66.
    Projected Round (2013): 3-5.
    5/16/12: Johnson was somewhat quiet in 2011. His numbers were hurt because he is part of a linebacker rotation, and he comes out on a lot of passing downs. Considering Alabama blew out most of their opponents, teams were throwing a lot in the second half, and Johnson was on the sidelines for a lot of snaps. He is a quality run defender. For the season, Johnson had 47 tackles with 6.5 tackles for a loss, one sack, one interception and forced fumble. He played well against LSU's rushing attack with 11 tackles in the first game.
    
    Johnson is a versatile player. Has played inside and outside linebacker. With Dont'a Hightower in the NFL, Johnson probably will be on the inside in 2012. As a sophomore in 2010, Johnson recorded 33 tackles with 3.5 tackles for a loss with an interception. The Alabama defense is loaded with NFL talent, and as a result Johnson is overshadowed but is still a solid pro prospect.



14. Mike Taylor, OLB, Wisconsin
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 222.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.69.
    Projected Round (2013): 4-5.
    5/16/12: Taylor was an All Big 10 selection for his junior season. He was one of the leaders on Wisconsin's defense and had big time tackle production. Taylor recorded 150 tackles with nine tackles for a loss, two interceptions, three forced fumbles and five passes broken up. Taylor is extremely intelligent and instinctive.
    
    Taylor broke into the starting lineup as a redshirt freshman in 2009. He started seven games before losing the rest of year to injury. He recorded 58 tackles in 2010 with eight tackles for a loss, one sack and two interceptions. Taylor is a quality run defender that has to pack on more size for the NFL. If he weren't so undersized he would be a second-day pick.



15. Zavier Gooden, OLB, Missouri
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 230.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
    Projected Round (2013): 4-5.
    5/16/12: Zavier Gooden was Missouri's replacement for Sean Weatherspoon in 2010, and Gooden had a solid debut as a sophomore. He led Missouri with 85 tackles with 7.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks, one forced fumble, two interceptions and two fumbles recovered. Gooden didn't elevate his level of play as a junior as he recorded 80 tackles with six tackles for loss and two interceptions. He needs a big senior season in order to be a second-day pick.



16. Jake Knott, OLB, Iowa State
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 239.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.72.
    Projected Round (2013): 4-5.
    5/16/12: Knott had a strong junior season with 115 tackles, four forced fumbles and two interceptions. The team captain was a first-team All Big 12 selection. He broke out with a fabulous sophomore season. Knott recorded 130 tackles with four interceptions, four forced fumbles and five passes broken up. He is a smart, instinctive defender that looks a little lacking in the physical skills department.

Leave a comment Name Comment Verification: click on image to refresh it   KingLouie 04-19-2012 10:15 am xxx.xxx.xxx.235 (total posts: 1) 20     4 Add Jon Major, Colorado. 6'2". 240, 4.53. 3 yr starter, played all 3 LB positions. 9th in PAC 12 in tackles in 2011 playing SAM. Team Captain. paulsboro pride 11-09-2011 06:44 pm xxx.xxx.xxx54.1 (total posts: 1) 9     8 Where's gerald hodges? Zabrina 09-27-2011 09:27 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.108 (total posts: 1) 10     11 Not bad at all fleals and gallas. Thanks. Walter 09-02-2011 03:33 pm xxx.xxx.xxx4.88 (total posts: 1) 13     13 First comment... we're going to have comment boards like this all over the site soon. We're still working out the kinks, so this is not the finished product. Pages: 1

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