Every draft typically has at least one linebacker go in the first round, but this year might be an exception. Not that there aren’t really good prospects, but the top shelf talent isn’t there in this class. For linebacker hungry teams like Philadelphia, there could be good value on day two.
1. Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M
What he does well: Edgerrin Cooper’s highs at the linebacker position are very, very high. He is a phenomenal athlete with long, strong arms which allow him to attack the line of scrimmage with ease. He can fight through blocks using his ferocious physicality and strength and he can chase down plays with his burst and speed. Cooper’s athleticism also allows him to flow well in coverage and hang with receivers, tight ends, and running backs.
Where he can Improve: Cooper is not a consistent player, especially in coverage. He can get over aggressive at times and can get lost at other times. A lot of this could be him being a one man show on the Texas A&M defense, but he definitely needs to polish his game up.
Pro Comparison: Darius Leonard
2. Junior Colson, Michigan
What he does well: Junior Colson is new to the game of football. He grew up playing soccer in Haiti and only picked up football a few years before getting to University of Michigan. In kind, he got better every year he started on the Wolverines defense. At his best, he is a fearless run defender with the ability to handle his own in coverage. He is a very good athlete on the field and has an ideal build at the position.
Where he can Improve: Colson struggles with trusting his eyes. Sometimes it comes off as stiffness, but it is really second guessing more than anything. His play should improve as he gets more experience.
Pro Comparison: Devin Lloyd
3. Payton Wilson, North Carolina State
What he does well: Payton Wilson has great athleticism and understanding of the game. His sideline to sideline speed allows him to flow to the ball with ease, his first step makes him a dangerous blitzer, and he looks very natural in coverage.
Where he can Improve: Wilson is an older prospect with some dicey injury history, making him a risky pick. On the field, he is lighter despite his height and has small arms. This allows him to get washed out against the run when dealing with a more physical run game.
Pro Comparison: Quincy Williams
4. Jeremiah Trotter Junior, Clemson
What he does well: It should surprise no one that the son of The Axeman is tough as nails and smart as hell. He is a savvy player who does a great job diagnosing plays and attacking the football. He is quick footed and does a great job flowing in coverage.
Where he can Improve: Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is a small player and lacks length, which could be a limiting factor in the NFL. His smarts and playing style would suggest he can outplay his physical limitations but that would make him an exception to the rule.
Pro Comparison: Deion Jones
5. Marist Liufau, Notre Dame
What he does well: Marist Liufau is a phenomenal mover on the football field. He has great speed and agility which make him a great coverage backer to have in the middle of the field. His first step also allows him to quickly attack downhill as a run defender and blitzer.
Where he can Improve: His run defense is not nearly as consistently reliable as his coverage. His instincts as a run defender need refining, but he has the athleticism to be a three down defender on the right team.
Pro Comparison: Kamu Grugier-Hill
The Rest
6. Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State
7. Cedric Gray, North Carolina
8. JD Bertrand, Notre Dame
9. Michael Barrett, Michigan
10. Jaylan Ford, Texas
11. Ty’Ron Hooper, Missouri
12. Steele Chambers, Ohio State
13. Dallas Gant, Toledo
14. Curtis Jacobs, Penn State
15. Tevin Wallace, Kentucky
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