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2013 NFL Draft: 3-4 Rush Linebacker Rankings

The top 2013 3-4 rush 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 21, 2012.

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

2012 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | OG | C | DE | DT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | NT | 4-3 OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

2013 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | OG | C | DE | DT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | NT | 4-3 OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

Sam Montgomery*, DE/OLB, LSU
Height: 6-4. Weight: 245.
Projected 40 Time: 4.61.
Projected Round (2013): Top-15 Pick.
5/21/12: Montgomery had a breakout sophomore season and led LSU's talented defense in sacks. The Tigers' defensive line was comprised of future NFL linemen with the potential for multiple first-round picks.

Montgomery totaled 49 tackles with 13.5 tackles for a loss, nine sacks and one forced fumble in 2011. He was a key cog in LSU having the second-ranked scoring defense in the nation and the second total defense. Montgomery considered entering the 2012 draft, but he decided to finish his degree.

Montgomery had 18 tackles with six tackles for a loss and two sacks as a freshman. He is a dangerous speed rusher who needs to add weight for the NFL. Montgomery has a big frame, so he shouldn't have any problem adding more bulk for the next level.

Jarvis Jones*, OLB, Georgia
Height: 6-2. Weight: 242.
Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
Projected Round (2013): Top 16.
5/21/12: Jones, a USC transfer, was a pass-rushing terror as a sophomore for the Bulldogs, tying 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, Jones won't take anybody by surprise next season, and he 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, he would make him an even better prospect.

Barkevious Mingo*, DE/OLB, LSU
Height: 6-5. Weight: 240.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2013): Top-20 Pick.
5/21/12: Mingo is a fabulous athlete and a pure speed rusher. He was constantly making plays in the backfield during his sophomore season. Mingo recorded 46 tackles with 15 tackles for a loss, eight sacks and a forced fumble.

The lower weight gave him some problems in run defense, so Mingo needs to add strength for the next level. As a freshman, he had 35 tackles with 2.5 sacks, 5.5 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and six passes batted.

Like Montgomery, Mingo should be able to add weight as he has a tall frame. Mingo and Montgomery are capable of producing huge seasons that could vault them to the top of the draft class.

Sean Porter, OLB, Texas A&M
Height: 6-2. Weight: 230.
Projected 40 Time: 4.55.
Projected Round (2013): 1.
5/21/12: After the Aggies lost Von Miller to the NFL, Porter was looked at to his a replacement in 2011. Porter did an admirable job of replacing Miller last season as a junior. Porter was a dangerous edge rusher and used his speed to fly around the field. However, he didn't do much blitzing as Miller, who was occupying the joker linebacker position.

Porter totaled 79 tackles with 17 tackles for a loss, 9.5 sacks and one forced fumble in 2011. He had 74 tackles with seven tackles for a loss and .5 sacks as a sophomore.

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. Porter was still around the ball in those games, and had quality tackle totals as well as 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. He plays well in space and is not a liability dropping into pass coverage, although he is a much bigger difference maker rushing the quarterback.

For the NFL, Porter needs to add weight. It would be ideal if he could gain 10-20 pounds to hold up on the edge. Porter gets washed out of plays in run defense sometimes when offensive linemen get their hands on him.

Brandon Jenkins, DE/OLB, Florida State
Height: 6-3. Weight: 250.
Projected 40 Time: 4.67.
Projected Round (2013): 1-2.
5/21/12: Jenkins had a breakout season in 2010. As a first-year starter at right end, he led Florida State in sacks while the Seminoles led the nation in sacks. Jenkins notched 13.5 sacks with 21.5 tackles for a loss. He had five multi-sack games and was voted the team's MVP.

Jenkins started out his junior season slowly. Jenkins drew extra blocking coming off his stellar 2010 season, but that helped defensive end Bjoern Werner have a breakout year. Jenkins didn't play well against Oklahoma, but he bounced back against Clemson with a sack and a number of pressures on quarterback Tajh Boyd.

Jenkins has 39 tackles with 11 tackles for a loss and seven sacks last season. He played better down the stretch as he adjusted to the double teams and also drew more one-on-one blocking. Jenkins's strength is his pass-rushing. He hasn't been a real standout as a run defender.

Jenkins is a speed edge-rusher coming around the corner. He has a nice repertoire of moves to throw at offensive tackles. Jenkins is an excellent athlete who could fit well in a NFL 3-4 defense as an edge-rusher. The biggest negative about him is that he could be more physical at times.

Jenkins' athletic ability is enough of a mismatch for him to record at least seven sacks this season, and he probably will approach double-digit sacks, if not record 10+. That would give him a total of 30 sacks over three seasons and that kind of production usually spells first-round pick.

Chase Thomas, OLB, Stanford
Height: 6-4. Weight: 239.
Projected 40 Time: 4.61.
Projected Round (2013): 1-2.
5/21/12: 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, but that got harder for him after fellow linebacker Shane Skov was lost to a season-ending injury.

The absence of Skov resulted in Thomas receiving more blocking attention. He still had a real presence and consistently pressured the quarterback. Thomas recorded 52 tackles with 17.5 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks and five forced fumbles. Thomas started his collegiate career as a defensive end, making eight starts at the position in 2009. He had 36 tackles with four sacks. Thomas was moved to outside linebacker in Stanford's 3-4 defense in 2010, and that position was a better fit for him. He recorded 70 tackles with 7.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for a loss.

Though Thomas has the flexibility to play inside linebacker as well, he thrives blitzing off the edge and combines good physical skills with intelligence. Thomas has a knack for causing turnovers. He should be a perfect fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker at the next level.

Thomas could add weight this offseason and be in the 250 range in time for 2012. He could be the 2013 draft's version of Clay Matthews or Shea McClellin, and rise into the first round.

Jackson Jeffcoat*, DE, Texas
Height: 6-5. Weight: 250.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Projected Round (2013): 1-2.
5/21/12: Jeffcoat was a second-team All-Big XII selection last year. He had 54 tackles with 16.5 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks and three passes broken up. Jeffcoat was a backup as a freshman, recording 13 tackles with three tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks and one pass broken up.

The 6-foot-5, 250-pounder is fast and athletic. Jeffcoat should only get better as he gains experience and strength. Jeffcoat has good bloodlines. His father Jim Jeffcoat had a long NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills.

Michael Buchanan, DE/OLB, Illinois
Height: 6-6. Weight: 240.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Projected Round (2013): 1-2.
5/21/12: Buchanan was a nice complement to Whitney Mercilus in 2011 and looks primed for a big 2012 season. Buchanan had a strong junior season and should get better as a senior. He recorded 64 tackles with 13.5 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks and one forced fumble in 2011. That's much better than his 40 tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks as a sophomore.

Like many of the recent prospects to come out of Illinois, Buchanan is a good athlete who has real speed. He needs to add some weight and power to his game, but he could be a nice option for 3-4 defenses as well.

Corey Lemonier*, DE/OLB, Auburn
Height: 6-4. Weight: 240.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2013): 1-3.
5/21/12: Lemonier broke out with 47 tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss, 9.5 sacks and five forced fumbles as a sophomore last season. He is a speed-rusher who is a superb athlete and rushes with nice leverage.

Lemonier should gain weight for the NFL because he gets pushed around at times in the ground game. Lemonier could return for the 2013 college season and that may be a good idea. He is still raw and could use more experience to develop his awareness, run defense, pass-rushing moves and strength.

Shayne Skov, ILB/OLB, Stanford
Height: 6-3. Weight: 243.
Projected 40 Time: 4.61.
Projected Round (2012): 2-3.
5/21/12: Skov played well in the first two games of the 2011 season, recording 18 tackles, four tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks and a pass broken up. In the third game of the year, he blew out his knee, 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 had 11.5 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks, 84 tackles and two forced fumbles in 2010.

Skov and teammate 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.

Devin Taylor, DE/OLB, South Carolina
Height: 6-7. Weight: 248.
Projected 40 Time: 4.69.
Projected Round (2013): 2-3.
5/21/12: Taylor recorded 7.5 sacks with 46 tackles during his sophomore season in 2010. He also broke up eight passes and had an interception returned for a touchdown.

Taylor started the 2011 season extremely slow. Around mid-October, something woke him up and he had a strong three game stretch. Against Arkansas, Taylor recorded a sack with three tackles with 1.5 tackles for a loss, a pass broken up, and an interception returned 48 yards for a touchdown. For the 2011 season, he had 42 tackles with 7.5 tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks.

Taylor was a backup at times in 2011 with Melvin Ingram and Jadeveon Clowney staring for South Carolina. With Ingram in the NFL, Taylor should have plent of opportunities to improve his production in 2012. Taylor is fast and athletic, and if he is drafted into a 4-3 defense, he probably will need to put on some weight.

Aaron Donald*, DE/OLB, Pittsburgh
Height: 6-0. Weight: 270.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Projected Round (2013): 2-3.
5/21/12: Donald is more in the mold of Jabaal Sheard rather than Brandon Lindsey. After recording two sacks as a true freshman, Donald had a breakout sophomore season with 47 tackles, 16 tackles for a loss and 11 sacks in 2011.

The 6-foot, 270-pounder is extremely physical with some quickness. If Donald continues to pack on weight, he could move inside to defensive tackle. Donald won't take anybody by surprise in 2012, and he will probably see extra blocking attention.

Damontre Moore*, DE/OLB, Texas A&M
Height: 6-4. Weight: 245.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Projected Round (2013): 2-3.
5/21/12: Moore was initially beaten out for a starting spot as a sophmore entering last season. However, he worked his way into the lineup and showed his natural pass-rushing skills. Moore still totaled 72 tackles with 17.5 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks and four forced fumbles in 2011.

The 6-foot-4, 245-pounder is a speed-rusher off the edge who combined with Sean Porter to produce a tough pass rush for the Aggies. The duo saw a lot of pass-rushing opportunities in the pass happy Big XII, and that should be reduced in the more balanced SEC in 2012.

Moore is very fast and is adding size. He had an excellent debut as a freshman behind Von Miller. Moore had 5.5 sacks with 6.5 tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles, and 40 tackles as a freshman. He could push his stock into the first round.

Moore might stay for his senior season. He was arrested for marijuana possession prior to his sophomore season. His best fit in the NFL would probably be as a 3-4 outside linebacker.

Stansly Maponga**, DE/OLB, TCU
Height: 6-2. Weight: 265.
Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
Projected Round (2013): 2-3.
5/21/12: Maponga was a playmaker for TCU in 2011 and was a disruptive force as a pass-rusher. The speedy defender totaled 55 tackles with 13.5 tackles for a loss, nine sacks and five forced fumbles.

Not only is Maponga quick off the edge, he has natural pad level and leverage to turn the corner. Maponga broke into the starting lineup as a freshman in 2010, and he recorded 32 tackles with 2.5 sacks.

TCU is planning on Maponga being a pass-rushing force. If he duplicates his 2011 season, Maponga could declare for the draft. He looks like a natural 3-4 outside linebacker.

Trevardo Williams, OLB, Connecticut
Height: 6-2. Weight: 233.
Projected 40 Time: 4.68.
Projected Round (2013): 2-4.
5/21/12: Williams came out of nowhere to be one of the most prolific pass rushers in college football in 2011. He racked up 12.5 sacks with 15 tackles for a loss, 43 tackles and two forced fumbles. However, almost a third of his sacks came in a four-sack game against Rutgers.

Williams had 6.5 sacks in his previous two seasons. He also needs to gain weight as he doesn't looks like a 3-4 edge defender. Williams needs to become more consistent against the run this year, but still produce a quality sack total. Otherwise, he will be labeled a flash-in-the-pan one-year wonder.

Ron Powell*, OLB, Florida
Height: 6-4. Weight: 248.
Projected 40 Time: 4.59.
Projected Round (2013): 3-4.
5/21/12: Powell was the No. 1 recruit in the nation in 2010. However, he had a rough start as a freshman, recording 25 tackles with 2.5 tackles for a loss and a sack.

Powell was moved to the hybrid defensive end and outside linebacker in Will Muschamp's defense last season. The 'Buck' linebacker produced some quality prospects like Sergio Kindle and Brian Orakpo for Muschamp when he ran the defense at Texas. Powell finished the year 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 2012, 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.

Dion Jordan, DE/OLB, Oregon
Height: 6-7. Weight: 241.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Projected Round (2013): 3-4.
5/21/12: Jordan is a raw prospect who has some upside. He was a tight end early in his college career before switching to defensive end in 2010.

Jordan had 33 tackles with 5.5 tackles for a loss as a sophomore in his first year as defender. He made real strides last year, and produced a lot more, notching 42 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks.

Jordan needs to fill out his frame to hold up on the edge in the NFL. If he continues to improve his production as a senior, he could move up higher on the second day of the draft.

James Gayle*, DE, Virginia Tech
Height: 6-4. Weight: 260.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Projected Round (2013): 4-5.
5/21/12: Gayle had 38 tackles with 12.5 tackles for a loss and seven sacks last year as a junior. He was a Second-Team All-ACC selection, too. Gayle was a backup in 2010, but he recorded four sacks.

Gayle has some athletic ability and natural pass-rush skills. He could easily improve his draft stock over the next couple of seasons.

Walter Stewart, DE/OLB, Cincinnati
Height: 6-4. Weight: 248.
Projected 40 Time: 4.67.
Projected Round (2013): 6-7.
5/21/12: Stewart had a quality 2009 season as a redshirt freshman. He recorded 59 tackles with 8.5 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, one interception and one forced fumble. Stewart produced 60 tackles with eight tackles for a loss, two sacks and one forced fumble in 2010. He had his best season last year, making 44 tackles, six sacks and 11 tackles for a loss.

Stewart looks like he could fit as a rush linebacker in a 3-4 defense. Stewart will need to increase his production as a senior to make sure he gets drafted in 2013.

Tevin Elliot**, DE/OLB, Baylor
Height: 6-2. Weight: 245.
Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
Projected Round (2013): 6-7.
5/21/12: Elliot wasn't as productive as expected in 2011. He had 27 tackles with eight tackles for a loss, three sacks and one forced fumble. Elliot returned a fumble 86 yards for a touchdown against Iowa State. Baylor was in a lot of shootouts last season with plenty of pass-rushing opportunities, so it was disappointing that he didn't have more production.

Elliot had a solid debut in 2010. He totaled 36 tackles with nine tackles for a loss and five sacks, and was named an All-Big XII honorable mention. The Bears play Elliot at defensive end, but he is a better fit as a 3-4 OLB if he doesn't add weight.

DraftKing 04-06-2012 12:27 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.165 (total posts: 1)

Sammy Brown Deserves to be on there than the last two bums and definietly Louis Nzegwu

Louis Nzegwu http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF0QLoOtLlg

mr, ray 03-10-2012 10:00 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.122 (total posts: 1)

a kid like sammy brown have to always show people that he belongs. the harder he work the more people don't see the heart he has. but remember i said it this is the best kid in this year draft.you wait and see no one has the passion for the game as sammy.

we love you man

austin 02-27-2012 04:02 am xxx.xxx.xxx.246 (total posts: 1)

ever heard of a guy named Tank Carder

matt 02-23-2012 02:20 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.136 (total posts: 1)

Sammy Brown not on the list?

Top 5 in the country in sacks and TFL.

FUNNYMAN4WI 02-19-2012 05:56 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.185 (total posts: 1)

What happened to Chase Thomas? You used to have him listed as a possible second round pick, now he is nowhere to be found.

? 01-11-2012 10:58 pm xxx.xxx.xxx8.33 (total posts: 1)

Where is Chandler Jones?

Dakota 01-11-2012 07:43 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.219 (total posts: 1)

By rating Brandon Lindsey at the 12th OLB I think you're completely underestimating him. The first half of the season Todd Graham took him out of his natural position and made him ineffective. Once he switched back to more of a 4-3DE with his hand in the dirt he drastically improved.

conway 12-31-2011 08:06 am xxx.xxx.xxx.215 (total posts: 1)

Scott Smith will make a great linebacker in a 3-4.

Mo 12-27-2011 01:52 am xxx.xxx.xxx.243 (total posts: 1)

Kendricks' sack totals are only down because he played inside backer this year

Pan 12-26-2011 08:14 pm xxx.xxx.xxx9.69 (total posts: 1)

Jarvis Jones is near the top of every draft board - and with good reason that man is a beast, and a big part of Georgia's great defense this year.

; 11-26-2011 02:16 pm xxx.xxx.xxx2.75 (total posts: 1)

Jonathan Massoquoi and Nick Perry are underrated here

tee 11-12-2011 06:28 pm xxx.xxx.xxx8.78 (total posts: 1)

How is Jarvis Jones not on this list?! He has been a disrupting force all year long! He has 9 sacks and 18 tackles for loss on the year!

Jeremiah 11-10-2011 08:37 pm xxx.xxx.xxx8.65 (total posts: 1)

Shayne Skov is an excellent MLB, but has never played OLB, at any level, and is not suited to that position. His sacks have come from blitzes up the middle, including delayed ones. He will almost certainly come back to the Farm next year and perhaps for another 2 years if he applies and is accepted for a medical redshirt for this year.

Gates Corman 11-03-2011 11:04 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.178 (total posts: 1)

This is ridiculous, Danny Trevathan out of Kentucky should be near the top of this list if not on the top and I dont see him anywhere. Last year he had an SEC leading 144 tackles which is a lot more than any of the numbers I'm seeing from these guys. This year already he has 43 solo tackles and 51 assisted, thats insane! And, keep in mind hes been playing SEC teams week after week and still putting up these numbers. So, this list needs to be changed.

T Laek 11-01-2011 10:27 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.202 (total posts: 1)

Am I missing John Simon somewhere on these lists? He is a force!

Pages: 12

2012 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 24

2013 NFL Mock Draft - May 22

Charlie's 2013 NFL Mock Draft - May 21

2012 NBA Mock Draft - May 19

2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 7

2013 NFL Draft: 3-4 Rush Linebacker Rankings

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