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2014 NFL Draft Prospects: Outside Linebackers

The top 2014 outside linebacker prospects available for the 2013 NFL Draft. * - denotes 2015 prospect. ** - denotes 2016 prospect.

This page was last updated Sept. 16, 2012. Follow me @walterfootball 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

2014 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | 3-4 DE | NT | 3-4 OLB | 4-3 OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia
Height: 6-2. Weight: 242.
Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
Projected Round (2014): Top-16 Pick.
9/16/12: 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 and also had 70 tackles, 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 Georgia's 3-4 defense. Jones' speed and agility make him extremely difficult for tackles to get a hold of. He has a non-stop motor and gives relentless effort.

Jones is best in pursuit in run defense. He isn't particularly stout at the point of attack when runs come directly at him. Even though Jones could use more bulk, He is a very good tackler who wraps up ball-carriers and quarterbacks well. Jones also skillfully goes for strips when hitting quarterbacks. His closing speed is phenomenal as both a run-defender and pass-rusher.

Having led the SEC in sacks in 2011, the junior won't take anybody by surprise in 2012 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 for the 2013 NFL Draft. If Jones could add 8-10 pounds of muscle for the NFL, that would make him an even better prospect.

Jonathan Brown, OLB, Illinois
Height: 6-1. Weight: 235.
Projected 40 Time: 4.49.
Projected Round (2014): 1-2.
9/16/12: Brown was a big-time playmaker for Illinois in 2011. The sophomore was impossible to ignore when watching the Illini, racking up 108 tackles, 20.5 tackles for a loss, six sacks, four passes broken up, a forced fumble and an interception. He was tied for eighth in college football in tackles for a loss.

Brown had 31 tackles, an interception and a forced fumble as a freshman. He has a special combination of speed and instincts while being an elite athlete. The junior could be even better in 2012 having gained experience and knowledge from last season.

C.J. Mosley, OLB, Alabama
Height: 6-2. Weight: 234.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2014): 1-3.
9/16/12: Mosley had an excellent debut in 2010. The freshman 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.

Mosley split a starting role last season with linebacker Nico Johnson; Mosley was used more in pass defense. He missed two games with a dislocated elbow.

Mosley totaled 37 tackles with 4.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks and an interception in 2011. He was injured again in the National Championship after he intercepted a pass from Jordan Jefferson. Mosley dislocated his hip on the tackle by 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 play-makers to the NFL, he is being counted on to fill the void. Mosley is extremely fast and has good instincts.

Jelani Jenkins, OLB, Florida
Height: 6-1. Weight: 230.
Projected 40 Time: 4.47.
Projected Round (2014): 1-3.
9/16/12: 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 last year. He should get better and bigger before entering the NFL, which may require returning for 2013. Jenkins is just scratching the surface of his potential.

Jenkins earned a starting spot in 2010. The redshirt freshman recorded 76 tackles, which led the Gators front-seven defenders and was behind only safety Ahmad Black on the team. Jenkins also had 4.5 tackles for a loss with one interception and two sacks.

The junior has added about 10 pounds of mass under Florida's new strength and conditioning coach. That added weight should help Jenkins' overall game as well as his draft stock. He is extremely fast and looks like he has a high ceiling. Jenkins needs to continue to add bulk, but could be poised for a big campaign in 2012.

Denicos Allen, OLB, Michigan State
Height: 5-11. Weight: 225.
Projected 40 Time: 4.49.
Projected Round (2014): 1-3.
9/16/12: Allen (5-11, 225) is a speedy linebacker who showed real prowess as a pass-rusher in 2011. The redshirt sophomore had 11 sacks and 18 tackles for a loss. The first-year starter also had 83 tackles. Allen needs to add some weight, but he looks like a good pursuit linebacker prospect for a 4-3 defense.

Trent Murphy, OLB, Stanford
Height: 6-6. Weight: 261.
Projected 40 Time: 4.79.
Projected Round (2014): 2-3.
9/16/12: Murphy was redshirted in 2009 and limited to only two games in 2010 because of an injury, but he grabbed a starting spot heading into his third season at Stanford. The junior produced a nice season On the other side from Chase Thomas, racking up 40 tackles, 6.5 sacks and 10 tackles for a loss.

Murphy has nice pass-rushing potential and is a natural fit as an outside linebacker in the Cardinal's 3-4 defense. He could rise higher and looks like a perfect fit for an NFL 3-4.

Tom Wort, ILB/OLB, Oklahoma
Height: 6-0. Weight: 237.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2013): 2-3.
9/16/12: Wort had 66 tackles with 7.5 tackles for a loss as freshman in 2010, and Bob Stoops was raving about his improvement entering 2011. Wort stepped up and played well last season. The sophomore led Oklahoma against Florida State with 13 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks and one interception. He finished the year with 71 tackles with 4.5 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks and two interceptions.

Wort would have better tackle totals if he played in a conference that ran the ball more consistently. The Big XII is a passing-driven league, so the upside is that he has developed his ability to be a three-down linebacker.

Wort played well down the stretch. He has tons of potential and should continue to improve. If Wort adds 10-15 pounds of muscle for the NFL, he can stay on the inside. Otherwise, Wort may need to move to outside linebacker.

James Morris, OLB/ILB, Iowa
Height: 6-2. Weight: 230.
Projected 40 Time: 4.63.
Projected Round (2014): 2-3.
9/16/12: 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 in 2010. The sophomore had 110 tackles with 3.5 tackles for a loss and one interception last season. He has good instincts.

If Morris 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.

Ron Powell, OLB, Florida
Height: 6-4. Weight: 248.
Projected 40 Time: 4.59.
Projected Round (2014): 3-4.
9/16/12: Powell was the No. 1 recruit in the nation in 2010. He had a rough start as a freshman, recording only 25 tackles, 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 year and that worked out just a little better.

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 year with 32 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, six sacks and a forced fumble.

It seemed like the light bulb finally turned on last in 2011 as Powell showed some of the excellent speed and play-making 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 Powell 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.

A.J. Johnson*, OLB, Tennessee
Height: 6-2. Weight: 240.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2014): 3-4.
9/16/12: Johnson had a strong debut as a starter last year. The freshman was second on the team in tackles with 80. He also had seven tackles for a loss, and a forced fumble. The Volunteers need Johnson to continue to improve. They have a shaky defense and need some play-makers to step up; he has that potential.

Dion Bailey*, OLB, USC
Height: 6-1. Weight: 210.
Projected 40 Time: 4.59.
Projected Round (2014): 3-4.
9/16/12: Bailey would be rated higher if he wasn't so undersized. However, Bailey has plenty of time to add weight over his sophomore, junior and possibly senior seasons. The converted safety tied for the team lead in tackles with 81 last year. The redshirt freshman also contributed a couple of sacks and interceptions.

Bailey has a lot of potential to improve now that he has a year of experience. If Bailey can improve his production, while gaining weight, he could easily move into early-round consideration.

Jeremiah Attaochu, OLB, Georgia Tech
Height: 6-3. Weight: 240.
Projected 40 Time: 4.69.
Projected Round (2014): 3-5.
9/16/12: Attaochu was a solid player for the Georgia Tech defense in 2011. The sophomore showed some nice blitzing ability, tallying six sacks and 11.5 tackles for a loss. He also ranked third on the team in tackles (59).

Attaochu has a nice mix of size and speed. He is a sleeper prospect who could move higher into the second day if he increases his production.

Steele Divitto, OLB, Boston College
Height: 6-3. Weight: 238.
Projected 40 Time: 4.73.
Projected Round (2014): 4-6.
9/16/12: Divitto is a physical football player. He may be short on speed and athletic ability, but he makes up for it to an extent with instincts and effort. A first-year starter next to Luke Kuechly in 2011, Divitto was a solid contributor. He totaled 72 tackles, two sacks, five passes broken up and one interception.

Divitto has some upside and it wouldn't be surprising if he plays much better as a junior and senior. Divitto looks like a good special teams player for the NFL as well.

Christian Jones, OLB, Florida State
Height: 6-4. Weight: 232.
Projected 40 Time: 4.62.
Projected Round (2014): 5-7.
9/16/12: Jones is a strongside linebacker and special teams contributor for Florida State. The first-year starter totaled 56 tackles, six tackles for a loss, three sacks and two forced fumbles in 2011. The junior has a lot of talent around him, so he should produce better this year, and maybe even into 2013.

Corey Nelson, OLB, Oklahoma
Height: 6-1. Weight: 219.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2014): 6-FA.
9/16/12: Nelson is a linebacker/safety tweener entering his junior season. He broke into the starting lineup as a sophomore and totaled 60 tackles with 8.5 tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks. Nelson had a lot of talent around him with Travis Lewis, Ronnell Lewis, Frank Alexander and Tom Wort. Only Wort remains, so the Sooners need Nelson to step up as a junior and senior.

Kevin Pierre-Louis, OLB, Boston College
Height: 6-1. Weight: 215.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2014): 6-FA.
9/16/12: It was hard for Pierre-Louis to compile big tackle totals playing next to one of the most prolific tacklers in college football history, Luke Kuechly. Pierre-Louis, a true-freshman starter in 2010, had an impressive debut, collecting 93 tackles. He had 74 tackles last season.

Pierre-Louis probably should to move to safety for the NFL if he is unable to gain a significant amount of weight. With Kuechly playing for the Carolina Panthers, Pierre-Louis should contend with Divitto to be Boston College's leading tackler.

Danno 05-11-2013 07:49 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.207 (total posts: 1)

Um, Jarvis Jones was drafted by the Steelers last month so I'm not sure why you have him listed as a 2014 prospect.

Walter's Agent 11-18-2012 01:07 am xxx.xxx.xxx.163 (total posts: 1)

Don't worry, kids. Cherepinsky's going to update this ranking soon enough, and place Anthony Barr at number two, just behind Jarvis Jones. Then, by mid next year, Barr will be clearly number one and a top-ten pick. . . he's just not used to adjusting his rankings to a UCLA player -- kind of like the quarterbacks Barr has knocked out of games from his massively dominant hits.

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2014 NFL Draft Prospects: Outside Linebackers

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