Inside Linebacker

ILB

Position Analysis: DAN DAHLKE

01 MICAH PARSONS, Penn State

02 ZAVEN COLLINS, Tulsa

03 JEREMIAH OWUSU-KORAMOAH, Notre Dame

04 NICK BOLTON, Missouri

05 CHAZZ SURRATT, North Carolina

06 JABRIL COX JR., LSU

07 CAMERON MCGRONE, Michigan

08 BARON BROWNING, Ohio State

09 PETE WERNER, Ohio State

10 DYLAN MOSES, Alabama

11 JAMIN DAVIS, Kentucky

12 CHARLES SNOWDEN, Virginia

13 MONTY RICE, Georgia

14 TONY FIELDS II, West Virginia

15 GARRET WALLOW, TCU

16 ERNEST JONES, South Carolina

17 KJ BRITT, Auburn

18 DERRICK BARNES, Purdue

19 ANTHONY HINES III, Texas A&M

20 JUSTIN HILLIARD, Ohio State

1

Height: 6’3” Weight: 246 lbs.

PRO DAY:

Vertical: 34” Broad: 126” Bench: 19 reps 40-yard: 4.39 20 yd: 4.40 3-cone: 6.96

2019 STATS:

109 tackles 14 TFL 5 sacks 4 hurries 5 PBUs 4 F

IN A NUTSHELL:

Parsons’ athleticism and burst pop on film. At times, it seems like he is playing at a different gear than everyone else. Starting two years at Penn State, Parson’s sophomore season in 2019 was nothing short of impressive. While he finished his collegiate career with perhaps his best game as a Nittany Lion, beating Memphis in the Cotton Bowl, Parsons sat out the 2020 season to prepare early for the draft. Losing out on a year of experience may hurt Parsons’ draft stock, as may some off-field concerns. Reports surfaced that Parsons played a role in hazing that went too far, which even led to bullying and assault accusations. Parsons remains the most gifted linebacker in this class, but maturity concerns could cause him to drop on some draft boards.

vs. Run: Parsons gets downhill in a flash and arrives in violent fashion. He is explosive and closes ground better than any other linebacker coming out of college this year. His excellent lateral movement and straight-line speed make him a highly effective sideline-to-sideline defender. His range and power make him difficult to block and scheme against. However, Parsons could improve his mental processing. At times, he’s too aggressive and overpursues runs, or he will bite too early and fall victim to play fakes or misdirection.

vs. Pass: Parsons plays very well in space and shows good instincts in anticipating where the quarterback is going with the ball. Parsons also covers ground quickly, which allows him to be a very effective zone defender. Parsons could improve his ball skills. At times, he drops balls his way, which limits his playmaking ability against the pass. He could also improve his technique in man coverage. Too often, he grabs or gets his hands on receivers too early.

2019 COTTON BOWL:

Parsons’ stellar performance in the 2019 Cotton Bowl earned him Defensive MVP and helped lead the way in Penn State’s 53–39 win over Memphis. The sophomore linebacker tallied 14 tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and two pass breakups. Parsons seemed to do it all and nearly single-handedly slowed down the Tigers offense. It also demonstrated how the young linebacker has the potential to take over games and make an impact in a variety of ways.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Unless off-field concerns really drop Parsons on draft day, the Packers probably won’t get a shot at selecting him this April. However, if he did manage to slip to Green Bay, the former Big Ten standout would give the Packers an instant playmaker in the middle of their defense. His ability to stop the run, rush the passer, and drop in coverage make him a three-down linebacker who can do it all at the position.

2

Height: 6’5” Weight: 259 lbs.

PRO DAY:

Vertical: 35 Broad: 122 40-yard: 4.67

2020 STATS: (8 GAMES)

53 tackles 11.5 TFL 4 sacks 2 hurries 4 INTs (2 TDs) 2 PBUs 1 FF

IN A NUTSHELL:

In a shortened eight-game season, Collins made enough splash plays to garner national attention and earn the Bronko Nagurski Award as the nation’s best defensive player in 2020. The junior linebacker put together three impressive seasons at Tulsa, where he recorded 235 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, and five interceptions. Collins is a highly intelligent player with tremendous size and athleticism for the position. He is equally as good against the pass as he is against the run. He should be in play at the end of the first round of the draft.

vs. Run: Collins has excellent range and acceleration, and he moves very well for a player his size, demonstrating smooth change of direction and lateral movement. This allows him to not waste steps in pursuit to the ball, which he quickly closes on because he possesses an explosive first step. Collins does a good job using his length and size to keep blockers at bay while he works his way to the ball carrier. He also holds the point of attack well and is a very secure tackler. Collins rarely misses, even when matched out in space alone with a ball carrier. While being a very good run defender, Collins could still show a little more tenacity at the contact point. For a linebacker his size, he needs to be more physical.

vs. Pass: Collins is an excellent zone defender against the pass. He does a tremendous job reading the quarterback’s eyes and making plays on the ball. His length also helps him squeeze passing lanes, making it more difficult for quarterbacks to throw over the middle of the field.

TULSA VS. TULANE (2020):

With Tulane’s offense in the red zone and looking to score the go-ahead touchdown in double overtime, Collins jumped a drag route over the middle of the field and intercepted the quarterback’s pass, taking it back 96 yards for a touchdown and sealing the win for Tulsa. It was an impressive play that capped off a strong 15-tackle performance for the Oklahoma native. It was the second week in a row Collins intercepted a pass late in the game to seal the win for his team.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Collins would meet a major need in the middle of the Packers defense. They could use a true three-down linebacker to anchor the second level. Someone with the size and strength to hold up against the run, but also someone with the speed and athleticism to make plays out in space and in coverage. Green Bay has not had a linebacker like Collins for some time, and he would give them a big time playmaker to feature in the middle of the field.

3

Height: 6’1” Weight: 221 lbs.

PRO DAY:

Vertical: 37” Broad: 124” 20 yd: 4.15 3-cone: 6.80

2020 STATS: (12 GAMES)

62 tackles 11 TFL 1.5 sacks 2 hurries 1 INT 3 PBUs 3 FF 1 FR TD

IN A NUTSHELL:

Owusu-Koramoah is built for the modern NFL. He’s a hybrid safety-linebacker who should excel in subpackages where he can play in space and win with speed and athleticism. The former Notre Dame standout won the Butkus Award for being the nation’s top linebacker in 2020. As two-year starter, Owusu-Koramoah was Notre Dame’s best defensive player, recording 142 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, and five forced fumbles. Owusu-Koramoah moves like a defensive back on the field, and his speed and smooth change of direction puts him in place to make plays.

vs. Run: Owusu-Koramoah is a very active run defender who can track down ball carriers on the perimeter or slice through the line and run them down as a backside defender. However, the small, athletic linebacker can struggle against powerrunning schemes like Alabama’s, which steamroll him in the box. When teams run directly at him, he struggles to hold the point of attack and get off blocks. He will need to add more weight and strength if he is going to play more in the box in the NFL. He will also need to shore up his tackling technique— while he flies to the ball, too often he whiffs in space because he is going for the knockout blow instead of securing the tackle.

vs. Pass: Owusu-Koramoah is one of the best cover linebackers in this draft class. He can hold up in man or zone, and he is effective taking on slot receivers or athletic tight ends. When dropping in zone, he gets downhill fast when the action is in front of him. He also shows good instincts in reacting to route progressions and anticipating where the quarterback is going to go with the ball.

DOUBLE OT WIN OVER CLEMSON:

Owusu-Koramoah was crucial in Notre Dame’s 47–40 upset win over Clemson, which was the nation’s top-ranked team at the time. Not only did he record nine tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss, but the athletic linebacker also led the way in bottling up dynamic running back Travis Etienne and keeping him to only 28 rushing yards on 18 carries. Owusu-Koramoah also had a crucial fumble return for a touchdown with five minutes left in the first half to put Notre Dame up by two scores. In the next series, Owusu-Koramoah also forced a fumble on an Amari Rogers reception, putting the Fighting Irish in scoring range again before halftime.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

While his best fit may be as a weakside 4-3 linebacker, Owusu-Koramoah could still make an impact with Green Bay as a nickel linebacker. He could take over the role occupied by Raven Greene, and he would bring more playmaking ability to the field. Owusu-Koramoah could really excel at the next level, but he would need to play behind a defensive line that can keep him clean, so he can roam in space and fly to the ball.

4 5

MEASURABLES: Height: 5’11” | Weight: 237 lbs. PRO DAY: Vertical: 32”, Broad: 115“, Bench: 24 reps, 40-yard: 4.60, 20 yd: 4.50, 3-cone: 7.40 2020 STATS: (10 Games) 95 tackles, 8 TFL, 2 sacks, 2 hurries, 5 PBUs, 1 FR MEASURABLES: Height: 6’2” | Weight: 229 lbs. PRO DAY: Vertical: 31”, Bench: 25 reps, 40-yard: 4.58, 20 yd: 4.16, 3-cone: 7.02 2020 STATS: (11 Games) 91 tackles, 7.5 TFL, 6 sacks, 6 hurries, 1 INT, 3 PBUs, 1 FF

IN A NUTSHELL:

Bolton is a compact downhill linebacker and plays with a relentless motor. The All-SEC linebacker led the Tigers in tackles each of the past two seasons. He also tallied 15.5 tackles for loss and 13 pass breakups as a two-year starter. The Missouri product can make plays in a variety of ways, and he has the tools to be a very good starter in the NFL.

vs. Run: Bolton has a quick first step, which he uses to get downhill in a hurry and be disruptive at the line of scrimmage. He does an excellent job anticipating plays, and he trusts his instincts. His explosiveness is really on display when he slices through the line to take down the ball carrier or when he runs down a halfback outside the hashes. Bolton also plays with very good functional strength, which enables him to take on blocks and hold his ground in the box.

vs. Pass: Bolton is a decent pass defender. He makes plays on the ball in zone coverage and anticipates routes well. However, he can be a step slow when matched up against athletic tight ends or running backs. He can get exposed out in space.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Bolton would fit well in the Packers MIKE inside linebacker position, where he can call plays, lead the defense, and play run first. He would also give Green Bay a tenacious run defender that is active all over the field—something it has sorely missed for years in the middle of the defense. Bolton would bring some much-needed fire and playmaking ability to their linebacker position.

IN A NUTSHELL:

After struggling to make it as a quarterback at North Carolina, Surratt switched sides of the ball and transitioned to linebacker his junior season. The dramatic change paid off; he led the Tar Heels in tackles with 115 stops and 15 tackles for loss in his first year at the position, showing quick burst and athleticism as well as quick processing skills.

vs. Run: Surratt is a natural athlete with a high football IQ, which helps him in anticipating run progressions and making plays on defense. He shows good patience to pick his moments to slice through the line and bring down ball carriers, but he also has the fluid hips and quick change of direction to turn and get outside the tackle box to make stops out in space. He also has some feistiness to his game and plays with an edge. His next step is to learn to use his hands better to stack and shed blocks.

vs. Pass: Surratt is a very smart player, and his experience at quarterback certainly helps him in anticipating route progressions and making plays on the ball. He’s smooth in space, which helps him cover ground and close on receivers. He can also line up over the slot or track receivers down the seam.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Surratt would be an excellent fit for the Packers. He can play in their subpackages and be a reliable cover linebacker on passing downs. He also has the sideline-to-sideline speed and athleticism to make plays as their WILL inside linebacker. He would certainly bring a new dynamic to the middle of their defense and give them a rangy defender to make more plays on the perimeter.

6 7

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’3” | Weight: 233 lbs. | 40 Time: PRO DAY: DNP (Injury Rehab) 2020 STATS: (10 Games) 58 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 1 sack, 4 hurries, 3 INTs (1 TD), 5 PBUs

IN A NUTSHELL:

After starting three seasons at North Dakota State and winning three FCS Championships in that time, Cox transferred to LSU as a grad student and played one year as the Tigers’ starting linebacker. The former All-American standout was one of the only bright spots on a LSU defense that really struggled throughout the season.

vs. Run: Cox flies to the ball and plays with reckless abandon. His speed and athleticism are on display out in space, but the FCS transfer plays small in the box and can get washed out of plays when taking on linemen. Cox is at his best when he can play uncovered and chase down ball carriers. The 23-year-old linebacker also needs to show better technique when breaking down in space—too often he lowers his shoulder for the big hit and whiffs on the tackle.

vs. Pass: Cox is an excellent cover linebacker, and his ability to play man or zone is the best aspect of his game. He holds up well lined up over the slot, and he can cover a lot of ground as an underneath zone defender. He should find an immediate role at the next level as a nickel linebacker who can stay on the field on third downs.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Cox would fit well as a nickel linebacker in Green Bay’s subpackages. He can play sideline-to-sideline but also cover tight ends or slot receivers over the middle of the field. He would also give the Packers someone at the second level who can cover dynamic halfbacks out in space. However, he is not a true MIKE inside linebacker, so he would need to be paired with a stout run defender, like Krys Barnes or Kamal Martin.

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’1” | Weight: 234 lbs. PRO DAY: Bench: 20 reps, 40 yard: DNP (injury Rehab) 2020 STATS: (5 Games) 26 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 sack

IN A NUTSHELL:

With only a year and a half of starting experience, McGrone is a green prospect with a lot of potential. The 20-year-old prospect enters the draft as one of the youngest players in this class, but his athletic upside could earn him a Day 2 selection.

vs. Run: McGrone wins with speed and athleticism, and, combined with his high motor, the Michigan standout has the tools to be a very good pursuit defender in the NFL. He closes ground quickly and shows smooth change of direction in space. McGrone also battles at the point of attack and shows tenacity in taking on blocks. The former Wolverine still needs to make a lot of progress with his mental processing on the field. At times he gets caught guessing at the line of scrimmage. Better gap discipline and patience off the snap should help shore up this deficiency in his game.

vs. Pass: McGrone routinely demonstrates good ball skills and instincts in coverage. He closes quickly on route progressions, and he is aggressive when the ball is in the air. He also does a good job flipping his hips and running vertical with tight ends down the seam. McGrone could find an early role in the NFL as a nickel linebacker.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

McGrone would be a great addition to the Packers defense. They could use an athletic linebacker who can play in subpackages on passing downs. This would be the perfect role for the former Wolverine, especially until he learns to be more consistent against the run. Being so young, McGrone also has a lot of room and time to grow, which should help his value with a team like Green Bay.

8 9

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’3” | Weight: 245 lbs. PRO DAY: Vertical: 40”, Broad: 130”, Bench: 23 reps, 40-yard: 4.51, 20 yd: 4.23, 3-cone: 6.78 2020 STATS: (7 Games) 30 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack, 2 PBUs, 2 FF MEASURABLES: Height: 6’3” | Weight: 238 lbs. PRO DAY: Vertical: 40”, Broad: 122”, 40-yard: 4.52, 20 yd: 4.38, 3-cone: 6.95 2020 STATS: (8 Games) 54 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 1 sack, 2 hurries, 1 PBU, 2 FF

IN A NUTSHELL:

Browning is an exciting player with quick-twitch athleticism and straight-line speed. He played inside backer and rushed off the edge at Ohio State. However, while Browning flashes playmaking ability, his game is still raw, and he needs to show more consistency on the field. His athleticism and size should translate to more production on the field, but the former Buckeye struggled to find the ball at times and disappeared in big moments.

vs. Run: Browning sets a good edge against the run and his pads pop when he hits. He can also cover a lot of ground with his speed and burst. However, the Texas native demonstrates below-average run instincts. At times, he is slow to flow to the action, and he will second-guess his reads, which puts him out of place to make a stop.

vs. Pass: Browning is a versatile pass defender, and this may be where his true value lies in the NFL. His athleticism allows him to hold up well in man coverage—whether it’s lining up over the slot or taking on a tight end or halfback out in space. His speed also allows him to cover a lot of ground in zone. He can also rush the passer off the edge, which keeps opposing offenses guessing.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Browning would bring speed and athleticism to the second level of the Packers defense. While he would need a year or two to develop before seeing significant minutes, his high upside could give them a future playmaker at the inside linebacker position. Green Bay could also use Browning creatively as an extra blitzer or edge rusher in certain subpackages.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Arguably the Buckeyes’ best defensive player in 2020, Werner capped off an impressive three-year span, where he started 36 straight games, tallying 176 tackles and 15.5 tackles for loss. Werner is a versatile off-ball linebacker who can play the MIKE, SAM, or WILL. With good size for the next level, Werner also demonstrates the quick first step and speed required to play linebacker in the modern NFL.

vs. Run: Werner takes tremendous angles to the ball carrier, making him a very good pursuit player. The Indiana native is a smart player, and he is also very strong and can hold the point of attack while also using his length to disengage from blocks. He has loose hips and smooth change of direction, which allows him to move laterally without strain and scrape over the top of the box, putting him in position to make stops on the perimeter.

vs. Pass: Werner won’t make a lot of splash plays in coverage, but he also certainly won’t surrender any easy receptions. He uses his high football IQ and athleticism to put himself in position to make a play on the ball. While he doesn’t possess great ball skills, he is not enough of a liability in coverage to take off the field on third downs.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

While Werner may not be the instant impact player of an early-round prospect, he is a true three-tool linebacker at the next level. He is an active and aggressive downhill run defender, and he can also hold his own in coverage and bring some physicality as a blitzer. Combine his athletic profile with tremendous football instincts and he seems to fit the profile of a linebacker the Packers could use in the middle of their defense.

10 11

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’2” | Weight: 235 lbs. PRO DAY: DNP (Injury Rehab) 2020 STATS: (13 Games) 80 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 1 INT, 3 PBUs, 1 FF

IN A NUTSHELL:

Moses has the athletic profile of an early-round linebacker prospect; he’s a fast, fluid athlete with size and smooth change of direction in space. However, Moses never emerged as a true impact player at Alabama. After missing the 2019 season with a torn ACL and playing with an inconsistent motor, Moses is a difficult prospect to project at the next level.

vs. Run: Moses is a patient run defender with the speed to get sideline-to-sideline. His lateral movement is also exceptional, which allows him to scrape over the line and flow to the ball carrier. However, Moses’s primary issue against the run game is he struggles to get off of blocks. Too frequently, he fails to hold his ground and will get pushed several yards off his spot. His motor also runs hot and cold, which is a huge concern.

vs. Pass: Moses is decent as a pass defender. His athleticism and speed help him stick with his man in space, but he will let routes slip behind him in zone coverage. He also shows a lack of discipline at times and will get flagged for pass interference because he holds the receiver instead of showing good technique and framing out his man.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Moses could fill either inside linebacker spot in the Packers defensive scheme. However, his struggle to consistently get off blocks could give them pause, especially after drafting Oren Burks in the third round a few years ago, whose similar flaws kept him out of the lineup. Overall, Moses is a smart player with intriguing athletic traits. He just may need time to develop.

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’3” | Weight: 234 lbs. PRO DAY: Vertical: 42”, Broad: 132”, 30 yd: 4.37 2020 STATS: (10 Games) 104 tackles, 4 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 1 hurry, 3 INTs (1 TD), 2 PBUs, 1 FF

IN A NUTSHELL:

After starting one year at Kentucky, Davis forwent his senior season and entered the draft a year early. It is a risky move for the 21-year-old linebacker because his game remains unrefined. However, the former Wildcat possesses unique athleticism, speed, and length for the position, which should land him in the middle rounds.

vs. Run: Davis possesses impressive recovery speed. He can track ball carriers down from the backside of a play, or he can get downhill in a hurry and blow up a play on the perimeter. Davis’s explosive athleticism makes up for a lot of other deficiencies in his game. Too often, Davis is a step slow to process plays. He is also caught guessing too much on play action or misdirection plays. Davis also needs to add more functional strength to not get washed out of the action.

vs. Pass: While he has all of the physical tools to be a very good player in coverage, the young linebacker too often bites on play fakes or is late to anticipate route progressions. He can also be caught peeking in the backfield and lose his man in coverage. More discipline and experience should shore up these coverage deficiencies.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Davis is a good fit for the Packers’ WILL inside linebacker position, and, while he still needs time to develop his game, his speed and athleticism would bring a new dynamic to the middle of their defense. His skill set complements Krys Barnes and Kamal Martin, who are more natural MIKE inside linebackers. The Packers need more speed in the middle of their defense, and that is exactly what Davis brings to the table.

12

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’0” | Weight: 238 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Rice’s game may lack flash, but he’s as solid of a linebacker prospect as they come. He’s constantly around the ball, and he’s a very stout inside run defender. However, while Rice shows good instincts against the run, he lacks a top gear, and this really limits his range as a defender. He’s not quite the sideline-to-sideline linebacker typically seen from Georgia. He can also be a step slow in coverage and can struggle when matched in space with an athletic running back. Rice is a low-ceiling, high-floor prospect who would be a safe pick early on Day 3 of the draft. He’s smart, physical, and reliable, but he doesn’t quite possess any elite traits to get excited about.

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’6” | Weight: 243 lbs. PRO DAY: Bench: 31 reps, DNP (Injury Rehab) 2020 STATS: (8 Games) 44 tackles, 10 TFL, 6 sacks, 1 hurry, 3 PBUs, 1 FF

IN A NUTSHELL:

Snowden possesses unique size and athleticism for the position. His 82-inch wingspan certainly stands out, but he’s light and needs to improve his functional strength at the next level. An ankle fracture cut his senior season short and limited his participation in the Senior Bowl.

vs. Run: Snowden played both linebacker and edge rusher, but he never found a real home. While he flashed playmaking ability at both positions, he also struggled to be a dominant force on defense, and, given his unique frame and athleticism, there still a lot left to be desired about his game, especially against the run. Snowden struggles to anchor down and hold the point of attack. He is at his best when playing in pursuit or as a backside defender, where can use his speed and explosiveness to cover ground and run down ball carriers.

vs. Pass: Snowden primarily rushed the passer on third downs in 2020, but in previous seasons, Virginia often used him as a middle zone defender in coverage. In 2018, he led all FBS linebackers in pass breakups, with nine. His versatility is certainly a strength, but his game remains raw in both aspects because he never got the chance to fully develop either skillset.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Green Bay could take a chance on Snowden, especially if he is still on the board in the fourth or fifth round. While he may not be an immediate impact player, he does possess a lot of athletic upside and could develop into a very good NFL linebacker once teams find a specific role for him to master. Initially, he could get reps at the Packers’ WILL linebacker spot, where he can use his speed to be a run-and-chase defender. However, the Packers could also ask him to add weight and develop him as an edge rusher.

14 Tony Fields II (SR)

West Virginia

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’1” | Weight: 222 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

After starting three years at Arizona, Fields transferred to West Virginia in 2020 to finish out his collegiate career. The undersized linebacker is physical at the contact point and plays with his hair on fire. What he lacks in size he makes up with speed and tenacity. Like former WVU product David Long Jr., Fields may fall in the draft because of his light frame, but the Pac-12 transfer is a smart player with tremendous instincts and can hold up well against both the run and pass. As a four-year starter, Fields tallied 375 tackles and 21 tackles for loss. He may not fit the traditional body type of a Packers linebacker, but he could find a role in their nickel linebacker position.

15 Garret Wallow (SR)

TCU

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’2” | Weight: 220 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Wallow is a highly active run-and-chase linebacker who found a lot of production in the middle of the Horned Frogs defense as a three-year starter, totalling 297 tackles and 32.5 tackles for loss. The TCU product is a smart, versatile defender who plays downhill and wastes very few steps getting to the ball carrier. As a converted safety, Wallow shows good athleticism and change of direction in space, which helps him in coverage. However, the 230-pound linebacker could improve his ability to take on and shed blocks. This is a part of his game that remains raw. Given Wallow’s skill set and athletic makeup, he would be a great fit for the Packers’ WILL inside linebacker spot.

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’2” | Weight: 230 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

As a two-year starter, Jones led the Gamecocks in tackles in each season, amassing 86 stops in nine games in 2020 and 97 stops in his sophomore season. The 22-year-old linebacker is an active defender in the box, and he takes on blocks and stacks and sheds very well at the line of scrimmage. Jones’ game is solid all-around, and his football intelligence and instincts allow him to play fast and consistently be around the ball. This also allows him to be a decent coverage player. However, a lack of explosive plays behind the line of scrimmage will certainly hurt Jones’s draft stock. Still, the South Carolina standout is a solid early Day 3 prospect.

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’1” | Weight: 235 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

After playing a minimal role his sophomore season, Britt quickly emerged as a leader in the Tigers defense as a junior, recording 69 tackles and 10 tackles for loss while also earning first-team All-SEC honors. The Alabama native unfortunately ended his senior year early after only playing in two games because of a hand injury, giving scouts a small sample size to go off of for their evaluations. However, despite this setback, Britt returned to the field in Mobile and put together a strong Senior Bowl week, showing his ability to quickly process plays and work through the trash to get after the ball carrier. Despite being a stout box player, Britt’s lapses in coverage could limit his role at the next level.

18 Derrick Barnes (SR)

Purdue

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’0” | Weight: 238 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Barnes is a physical downhill run stopper who frequently moved to defensive end in passing situations at Purdue. He led the team in sacks with 7.5 as a junior, and in the Boilermakers’ six games in 2020, Barnes recorded an impressive 54 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss. The 245-pound linebacker is a bit stiff in space and may be a liability in coverage at the next level, but he displays good instincts against the run and can be a versatile player off the edge, making him an intriguing Day 3 prospect in the draft. At the very least, teams will get a tough early-down run stopper that can hold up in the trash and get home on blitzes on passing downs.

19 Anthony Hines III (JR)

Texas A&M

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’3” | Weight: 226 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Hines is a boom-or-bust prospect who should be available on Day 3 of the draft. After redshirting in 2018 because of a torn ACL, Hines put together a strong 2019 season, where he finished second on the team in tackles with 73 stops and recorded 10.5 tackles for loss. The sophomore linebacker showed quick burst downhill and sideline-to-sideline speed while also displaying smooth change of direction and athleticism in space. He possesses the tools to be a playmaking linebacker at the next level. However, Hines’ draft stock took a hit as he decided to sit out the 2020 season to prepare early for the draft. The lack of experience and development is a real concern when projecting Hines’s game to the NFL.

20 Justin Hilliard (rSR)

Ohio State

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’1” | Weight: 227 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Hilliard is one player who really made the most of Senior Bowl week. The fifth-year senior at Ohio State never developed into a full-time starter for the Buckeyes. However, he flashed run-stopping ability in 2020 as he split time at outside linebacker with Baron Browning. Hilliard is an undersized, yet tough and physical linebacker who plays downhill and makes plays around the line of scrimmage. He was one of the top run stoppers on the National team down in Mobile, and, at times, even outshined former Buckeye teammates Browning and Tuf Borland. He demonstrates excellent instincts against the run, but his size and inconsistency in coverage will give him a limited role in the NFL. 21 JOSHUA ROSS (SR)

22 NATE LANDMAN (SR)

23 AMEN OGBONGBEMIGA (SR)

24 GRANT STUARD (SR)

25 ISAIAH MCDUFFIE (rJR)

26 PADDY FISHER (SR)

27 TUF BORLAND (rSR)

28 JAKE HANSEN (SR)

29 RILEY COLE (rSR) Michigan

Colorado

Oklahoma St.

Houston

Boston College

Northwestern

Ohio State

Illinois

South Alabama