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2014 NFL Draft Prospects: 3-4 Outside Linebackers

The top 2014 3-4 outside linebacker prospects available for the 2013 NFL Draft. * - denotes 2015 prospect. ** - denotes 2016 prospect.

This page was last updated Sept. 15, 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

Jadeveon Clowney*, DE, South Carolina
Height: 6-6. Weight: 256.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2014): Top-5 Pick.
9/15/12: The prep Superstar Clowney was the top recruit in the nation and didn't disappoint as a freshman in 2011. He was the SEC Freshman of the Year and a Second-Team All-SEC selection.

Clowney showed off elite speed and athleticism as a pass-rusher last year. He totaled 36 tackles with eight sacks, 12 tackles for a loss and five forced fumbles. Clowney did well against top competition including a good game against Georgia's Cordy Glenn.

Clowney looks like he will become a dominant force, especially as he gains strength. He already has some natural strength for college football and was only a teenager last season. As Clowney ages and enters an NFL strength and conditioning program, he will continue to add more functional strength. Clowney has a rare skill set with what appears to be endless upside. He could turn into the "Andrew Luck" of defensive draft prospects in 2014.

Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU
Height: 6-5. Weight: 240.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2014): Top-10 Pick.
9/15/12: Mingo is a fabulous athlete and a pure speed-rusher. The sophomore was constantly making plays in the backfield last season. He recorded 46 tackles with 15 tackles for a loss, eight sacks and a forced fumble in 2011. The lower weight gave him some problems in run defense, so Mingo will need to add strength for the next level. He had 35 tackles with 2.5 sacks, 5.5 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and six passes batted as a freshman.

Mingo was more disruptive and had more pass pressure than his 2011 sack total indicates. He helped create sacks for fellow end Sam Montgomery by flushing quarterbacks towards Montgomery. With a great supporting cast around him, Mingo looks poised for a huge 2012 season.

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 vault them to the top of their draft classes.

Sam Montgomery, DE/OLB, LSU
Height: 6-5. Weight: 260.
Projected 40 Time: 4.61.
Projected Round (2014): Top-15 Pick.
9/15/12: 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. He totaled 49 tackles with 13.5 tackles for a loss, nine sacks and one forced fumble in 2011.

Montgomery was a key cog in LSU having the second-ranked scoring defense in the nation and the second total defense. He considered entering the 2012 NFL Draft, but 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 has added weight this offseason. Montgomery has a big frame, so he shouldn't have any problem adding more bulk for the next level. Montgomery is another year removed from knee surgery, so he could be even better in 2012.

Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia
Height: 6-2. Weight: 242.
Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
Projected Round (2014): Top-16 Pick.
9/15/12: 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.

Jackson Jeffcoat, DE, Texas
Height: 6-5. Weight: 245.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Projected Round (2014): 1.
9/15/12: Jeffcoat was a Second-Team All-Big XII selection in 2011. The sophomore had 54 tackles with 16.5 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks and three passes broken up. Almost all of his production came in the second half of the season. He was a backup as a freshman, collecting only 13 tackles with three tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks and one pass breakup.

Jeffcoat has a real burst off the edge that puts tackles on their heels. He has the speed to turn the corner and the agility to drop his hips or shoulder to get pointed to the quarterback. Jeffcoat needs to continue to develop his pass-rushing moves for the NFL.

The junior should be primed for a big season. He will get plenty of opportunities to rush the passer given the passing-driven nature of the Big XII. With teammate Alex Okafor on the other side of the line, Jeffcoat should still see plenty of one-on-one pass-rushing opportunities. There aren't many special tackles on Texas' schedule.

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.

Corey Lemonier, DE/OLB, Auburn
Height: 6-4. Weight: 246.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2014): 1.
9/15/12: Lemonier broke out as a sophomore with 47 tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss, 9.5 sacks and five forced fumbles in 2011. 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. He could return for the 2013 college season, and that may be a good idea. Lemonier is raw; he could use more experience to develop his awareness, run defense, pass-rushing moves and strength.

Stansly Maponga, DE/OLB, TCU
Height: 6-2. Weight: 265.
Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
Projected Round (2014): 1-3.
9/15/12: Maponga was a play-maker for TCU in 2011, and he was a disruptive force as a pass-rusher. The speedy Maponga totaled 55 tackles with 13.5 tackles for a loss, nine sacks and five forced fumbles. Not only is he quick off the edge, he has natural pad level and leverage to turn the corner.

Maponga broke into the starting lineup as a freshman and recorded 32 tackles with 2.5 sacks. TCU is planning on him being a pass-rushing force in 2012. If the junior duplicates his 2011 season, he could declare for the 2013 NFL Draft. Maponga looks like a natural 3-4 outside linebacker.

Damontre Moore, DE/OLB, Texas A&M
Height: 6-4. Weight: 250.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Projected Round (2014): 1-3.
9/15/12: Moore was initially beaten out for a starting spot entering the 2011 season. Still, the sophomore worked his way into the lineup and showed his natural pass-rushing skills. He totaled 72 tackles with 17.5 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks and four forced fumbles in 2011. That exceeded his excellent production as a freshman - 5.5 sacks, 6.5 tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles, and 40 tackles.

Moore is a speed-rusher off the edge who combined with Sean Porter to produce a tough Aggies pass rush last season. They saw a lot of pass-rushing opportunities in the pass-happy Big XII, but those should be reduced with Texas A&M now in the more balanced SEC.

Moore is very fast and is adding size. He could push his stock into the first round, but he may be best off to stay for his senior season. Moore was arrested for marijuana possession prior to his sophomore year. His best fit in the NFL would probably be as a 3-4 outside linebacker.

Aaron Donald, DE/OLB, Pittsburgh
Height: 6-0. Weight: 270.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Projected Round (2014): 2-3.
9/15/12: Donald is more in the mold of Jabaal Sheard rather than Brandon Lindsey. After recording two sacks as a 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. If the junior stays at his current weight, he may be best as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense in the NFL. Donald won't take anybody by surprise in 2012, so he will probably see extra blocking attention.

Josh Shirley*, DE/OLB, Washington
Height: 6-3. Weight: 230.
Projected 40 Time: 4.55.
Projected Round (2014): 2-3.
9/15/12: Shirley plays end for the Huskies, but he will have to move to outside linebacker for the NFL unless he can add a massive amount of a weight. Shirley was a pass-rushing force last season and ended 2011 on fire. The redshirt freshman racked up 6.5 sacks in the final four games including three sacks against Baylor in the Alamo Bowl. He totaled 28 tackles with 12 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and 8.5 sacksfor the year.

Shirley looks like he probably will turn into a 3-4 outside linebacker.

Trent Murphy, OLB, Stanford
Height: 6-6. Weight: 261.
Projected 40 Time: 4.79.
Projected Round (2014): 2-3.
9/15/12: 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. Murphy produced a nice season on the other side from Chase Thomas, making 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.

Ron Powell, OLB, Florida
Height: 6-4. Weight: 248.
Projected 40 Time: 4.59.
Projected Round (2014): 3-4.
9/15/12: 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.

Ryne Giddins, DE, South Florida
Height: 6-3. Weight: 266.
Projected 40 Time: 4.74.
Projected Round (2014): 5-6.
9/15/12: Giddins became a starter last year and had a solid debut. The redshirt sophomore made 66 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks and three forced fumbles for the Bulls.

Giddins definitely has the potential to rise higher in the rankings and warrant second-day consideration. He could have a big senior season in 2013 with Aaron Lynch playing on the other side from him.

LSU fan 05-18-2013 12:16 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.205 (total posts: 1)

Add Barr here.oh and Clowney isn't at 250 anymore!!!!he's your classic 7T(seven technique,4-3DE)at 270 pounds.sorry but he's just as bad a fit in a 3-4 as Dwight freeny.he may no be too big but Clowney is too good with a hand in the ground.i also think he'd do we'll alongside Jason Babin as a bookend.i think Clowney would motivate Babin(who wants to get outplayed by a rookie?)

snap snap 05-13-2013 10:57 am xxx.xxx.xxx.102 (total posts: 1)

come on walt dis listen wack wake me up when u get the list updated with only 2014 and 2015 prospects

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2014 NFL Draft Prospects: 3-4 Outside Linebackers

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