2012 NFL Draft: Outside Linebacker Rankings

The top 2012 outside linebacker prospects available for the 2012 NFL Draft in the order in which I believe they will be drafted. * – denotes 2013 prospect.

This page was last updated April 25, 2012.

By Charlie Campbell.
Send Charlie an e-mail here: [email protected]
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2023 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

2024 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

2025 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

Shea McClellin, OLB, Boise State
Height: 6-3. Weight: 260.
40 Time: 4.62. 10-Yd Split: 1.57.
Bench: 19.
Vertical: 31.5. Broad: 9-10.
Arm: 32 3/4. Hand: 10 1/8.
Projected Round (2012): 1.
4/25/12: McClellin draft stock has soared over the final few weeks leading up to the 2012 NFL Draft. He has received a ton of interest from teams, especially from 3-4 defenses. They love McClellin’s versatility and the ability to play him at many spots in the front seven. Some 4-3 defenses are interested as well. For a 4-3 defense he would probably be an outside linebacker that rushes as a stand up end in passing situations.

At the Senior Bowl, he weighed in at 248 pounds. In the month leading up to the Combine, McClellin added 12 pounds. He had a excellent performance in Indianapolis with a fast 40 and a great showing in the field drills.

As a senior McClellin recorded 50 tackles, seven sacks, 12.5 tackles for a loss, two interceptions, one forced fumble and a blocked kick. Aside from playing as a traditional defensive end, he lined up for the Broncos as both a stand-up rush linebacker and an inside linebacker.

Playing all over the front seven took McClellin out of some pass-rushing situations, which hurt his sack production this season. That versatility makes him a good fit for the 3-4 in the NFL. Against a future NFL offensive lineman, Georgia’s Cordy Glenn, McClellin was phenomenal. He is quick, and features a relentless motor. McClellin has fabulous instincts and he uses them to create splash plays. In the NFL he could be ideal 3-4 outside linebacker in the mold of Clay Matthews or Mike Vrabel.

8/21/11: Shea McClellin broke into the starting lineup early in his sophomore season and had 36 tackles with six tackles for a loss and thee sacks. Last year, he made a big improvement. McClellin led Boise State with 9.5 sacks. He also contributed 13.5 tackles for a loss.

McClellin had one of his best games against one of Boise’s best opponents, Virginia Tech. In that contest, he recorded 2.5 sacks, four tackles for a loss, and six tackles. McClellin has a good motor and is a hard worker.

Lavonte David, OLB, Nebraska
Height: 6-1. Weight: 233.
40 Time: 4.56.
Bench: 19.
Vertical: 36.5. Broad: 9-11.
Arm: 31 3/4. Hand: 8 1/2.
Projected Round (2012): 1-2.
4/25/12: Quietly, David had a strong Combine to validate his stock. The most impressive aspect was that he added enough mass to weigh in in the 230s after being 225 at the Senior Bowl and throughout his collegiate career. David maintained his speed and movement skills in the field drills. It wouldn’t be surprising if he goes higher than expected on draft day.

David played extremely well this season. He totaled 133 tackles with two interceptions, 12 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in 2011. David sparked the Cornhuskers’ comeback win over the Buckeyes and made a series clutch plays to seal their win over the Nittany Lions. He was one of the few Nebraska players who played well against Wisconsin.

David finished the season with big games against Michigan and Iowa. If the senior were bigger, he would be a first-round pick. David had a quality week at the Senior Bowl.

8/23/11: Lavonte David was a monster last year for the Cornhuskers. He averaged almost 11 tackles per game and set a single season school record with 152 tackles on the season. To go along with his fabulous tackle production, David recorded six sacks, 12.5 tackles for a loss, and eight passes broken up. With Nebraska moving to the Big Ten, David’s role will change as they will play a more traditional 4-3 defense, with David as their Will linebacker. The undersized and speedy David is a good fit in a Tampa 2 defense.

Ronnell Lewis*, OLB, Oklahoma
Height: 6-2. Weight: 253.
40 Time: 4.69. 10-Yd Split: 1.65.
Bench: 36.
Vertical: 31. Broad: 9-4.
Arm: 32 1/2.
Projected Round (2012): 1-2.
4/25/12: Lewis did very well at the Combine, showing serious strength, speed and explosion. Teams were also impressed with how well he interviewed and explained his time in Norman. He followed that up with a strong pro day.

Lewis played really very well this year, and he excelled at defensive end. His ability to rush the passer off the edge while playing the run well illustrates that Lewis could be a good 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL. He could fit as an inside linebacker in the 3-4 as well.

Lewis only played in 10 games in 2011, yet the junior had good production. He totaled 59 tackles with 13 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks, five passes batted, one forced fumble and one interception. Against Texas A&M, the team with the best pair of offensive tackles Lewis faced all season, he had a good game with eight tackles, two tackles for a loss, one interception, one pass batted away and some good pass pressure. Lewis also outplayed the Seminoles and their offensive tackles, Andrew Datko and Zebrie Sanders.

Academic issues made Lewis ineligible for Oklahoma’s bowl battle against Iowa. He is a phenomenal athlete who has speed to burn and is built like a truck. On the field, Lewis is an intimidating force who plays with a mean streak. He is an underrated prospect who could be a pick who many teams eventually regret passing on.

8/23/11: The junior Ronnell Lewis looked poised for a breakout season after flashing as a sophomore. He recorded 3.5 sacks with an interception, a fumble recovery, and 37 total tackles last season in only four starts. The muscular senior is extremely fast and is a violent hitter.

Lewis was a definite candidate to have a big season and put himself in position to declare early for the 2011 NFL Draft, but he is missing practice with a personal matter. Plus there have been rumors that Lewis could be academically ineligible to play in 2011. Off-the-field issues are always a huge red flag to NFL teams, so he needs to come back and utilize his fabulous skill set to rehab his draft stock.

Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina
Height: 6-1. Weight: 244.
40 Time: 4.44. 10-Yd Split: 1.52.
Bench: DNP.
Vertical: 33.5. Broad: 9-8.
Arm: 33 1/4. Hand: 9 3/8.
Projected Round (2012): 2.
4/25/12: As expected, Brown had a fabulous Combine performance with an ultra-fast 40-yard dash. Perhaps the most impressive feature of his Combine was that he had added bulk without losing speed. Brown was eight pounds heavier than he was at the Senior Bowl. There is no doubt that Brown has rare athletic ability, but the team interviews were critical to his draft stock.

Brown made the case to be considered the top 4-3 outside linebacker in the nation in 2011. He consistently produced splash plays while also being a solid tackler. Brown had massive games against Rutgers, North Carolina State, Wake Forest and Louisville. He had 105 tackles with 13.5 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks, four passes broken up, three interceptions and three forced fumbles this year.

Brown has rare speed and demonstrates the instincts to take advantage of his fabulous skill set and be more than just a good athlete. He has some off-the-field maturity concerns that could knock him down in the draft. Brown was suspended from playing defense against Georgia Tech and the Tar Heels really missed him. At the Senior Bowl, he flashed at times but wasn’t consistently dominant.

8/23/11: Like many North Carolina players of recent years, Zach Brown is a special athlete. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker was said to clock a time of 4.28 in the 40-yard dash in 2009. While Bruce Carter and Quan Sturdivant were the name linebackers for the Tar Heels last season, Brown out-produced them. Brown was second on the team in tackles with 72 and 1.5 tackles for a loss. He also had three interceptions. As a sophomore, he had 47 tackles and four tackles for a loss. Brown has a great supporting cast, so 2011 should be a big season for him.

Mychal Kendricks, OLB/ILB, California
Height: 5-11. Weight: 239.
40 Time: 4.41.
Bench: 24.
Vertical: 39.5. Broad: 10-7.
Arm: 31 5/8.
Projected Round (2012): 2-3.
4/25/12: Kenricks was the premier workout warrior among the linebackers at the Combine, and his performance sent a charge into his draft stock. He led the linebackers in the 40-yard dash with the fastest time for a linebacker in the past 12 years. Kenricks also led all linebackers in the broad jump and the vertical jump. In the field drills, he looked good moving around in space. Kendricks definitely helped himself. He continued that with a good pro day and has been rising up draft boards.

Kendricks had 107 tackles with 14.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks, two passes broken up and two interceptions this year. He increased his tackle total dramatically from 2010, but his sack production was nowhere near the same level as he moved to inside linebacker as a senior after being an outside linebacker in 2010. In the NFL, Kendricks may be best on the outside as he is undersized to be a middle linebacker. He could play some hybrid inside/outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense.

8/23/11: Mychal Kendricks broke out last season as a rush linebacker for California. He recorded 8.5 sacks with 15 tackles for a loss and 66 tackles. Kendricks could use some more size to play outside linebacker in a NFL 3-4 defense, but has quality blitzing kills and if he has another quality season, should solidify his mid-round status.

Bobby Wagner, OLB/ILB, Utah State
Height: 6-0. Weight: 241.
40 Time: 4.46.
Arm: 30 5/8. Hand: 9 7/8.
Projected Round (2012): 2-3.
4/25/12: Wagner was unable to work out at the Combine because of pneumonia. At his pro day, he had a superb performance. Wagner reportedly blazed a 40 time at 4.46 while looking good in the other drills. It helped validate his stock after missing the Combine.

Wagner was extremely productive in his senior season, making 147 tackles with 11.5 tackles for a loss, four sacks and two interceptions. He is a smart player with a nose for the ball. Wagner is well-built, but his frame looks maxed out. That could push him to being an outside linebacker in a 4-3 defense at the next level. He had a quality week at the Senior Bowl.

8/23/11: Bobby Wagner was tied for seventh in the nation with 133 tackles in 2010. He also had eight tackles for a loss. Wagner has added weight to his frame and displays good instincts and tackling technique. He had 114 tackles as a sophomore. Wagner looks like a solid middle of the draft prospect.

Nigel Bradham, OLB, Florida State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 241.
40 Time: 4.53. 10-Yd Split: 1.65.
Bench: 24.
Vertical: 37. Broad: 10-1.
Arm: 33 3/4. Hand: 10 3/8.
Projected Round (2012): 3-4.
4/25/12: Bradham played well in 2011, becoming the first Seminole since Marvin Jones to lead the team in tackles for three straight seasons. Bradham had 86 tackles with 9.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks, three passes broken up, two interceptions and a forced fumble this year. He played well against Miami and Oklahoma.

Bradham is fast and physical, but his awareness and instincts can be off at times. He played well at the Senior Bowl and had an excellent Combine. Bradham blazed a fast 40 time did reasonably well in the field drills.

8/23/11: Nigel Bradham made strides as a junior after being somewhat inconsistent as a sophomore. Last year, he had 97 tackles with 6.5 tackles for loss, five sacks and five passes broken up in 2010. Bradham had decent production in his first year as a starter in 2009, when he notched 93 tackles with 5.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks. Bradham has the size and speed to be a starter in the NFL.

Sean Spence, OLB, Miami
Height: 5-11. Weight: 231.
40 Time: 4.56. 10-Yd Split: 1.59.
Bench: 12.
Vertical: 33.5. Broad: 9-11.
Arm: 31 1/2. Hand: 9 3/8.
Projected Round (2012): 3-4.
4/25/12: Spence ran well at the Combine, but he showed a lack of strength with the lowest total on the bench press of any linebacker. It was by a wide margin as well. There is a wide variety in the opinions on Spence, but he should be a solid mid-round pick.

In 2011, Spence was all over the field, yet constantly around the football, for Miami. He is a good tackler who rarely gets caught out of position. Spence had 106 tackles with 14 tackles for a loss, three sacks and a forced fumble this year. He played very well against Georgia Tech, Miami and many other opponents. The only thing that holds Spence back from being ranked higher is a lack of size. Getting off blocks could be an issue for him at the next level.

Spence’s draft stock has been bouncing between the second and third day. He is undersized and only a fit for 4-3 defenses, so that hurts the number of teams that can consider him.

8/23/11: When watching film of Miami, linebacker Sean Spence is impossible to ignore. He had a massive season and flies around the field to constantly be around the football. Last year, he had 110 tackles with 16 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, six passes broken up, and one forced fumble.

Spence has good instincts with a nose for the football. Due to his undersized stature, he is definitely an outside linebacker exclusively, but Spence has added weight from earlier in college when he was weighing in around 212 pounds. The question will be if Spence can add another 10 pounds of bulk to hold up at the NFL level. That would be ideal for him as a run defender.

Keenan Robinson, OLB, Texas
Height: 6-3. Weight: 242.
40 Time: 4.69.
Bench: 27.
Vertical: 35.5. Broad: 10-0.
Arm: 33. Hand: 9 7/8.
Projected Round (2012): 3-4.
4/25/12: Robinson had a solid overall performance at the Combine. He did not stand out as much as a senior he did as a junior. Robinson had 84 tackles with eight tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, one sack and zero interceptions in 2011. He has speed, athleticism and quality size.

Robinson looks capable of doing more, but he was never a dominant player. Robinson played well in Mobile at the Senior Bowl.

8/23/11: Keenan Robinson is a fast, physical and underrated player. Last year, Robinson led Texas in tackles with 105. He also had 7.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks and one forced fumble. Robinson (6-3, 235) also is a quality player on special teams. He was an All-Big XII honorable mention for the second straight season. Robinson notched 63 tackles and four tackles for a loss as a sophomore. Robinson has good size, and if he has a big senior season, could push for consideration in the first round.

Bruce Irvin, DE/OLB, West Virginia
Height: 6-3. Weight: 245.
40 Time: 4.43.
Bench: 23.
Vertical: 33.5. Broad: 10-3.
Arm: 33.5.
Projected Round (2012): 3-4.
4/25/12: At the Combine, Irvin ran a fast 40 time, as expected, even after he added some weight to his frame. Not surprisingly, Irvin looked good in 3-4 outside linebacker drills as he worked out with the defensive line group. That is his natural and, really his only, position in the NFL.

Irvin was not the pass-rushing force in 2011 that he was the year before. Irvin had 40 tackles with 15 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks and three forced fumbles this season. Others are higher on him, but he looks like a one-trick pony. Teams were able to run right at him, and there were times when offensive linemen tossed Irvin around like he was a rag doll.

Irvin was terribly misfit as a 4-3 defensive end. He has to stand up and play on the outside. Even in that role, Irvin has to get bigger and stronger to be able to hold his own at the next level. He looks like, at best, a situational player. Irvin has some off the field character concerns as well. He took a lot of pre-draft visits as teams tried to do more homework on him.

8/24/11: Bruce Irvin was a phenomenal pass rushing force in 2010. He was a situational pass rusher last season that recorded 14 sacks and 14 tackles for a loss. He had two forced fumbles and 21 tackles on the season. This year, he is slated to start at defensive end for West Virginia.

Irvin has added 10 pounds, but needs to keep going to play outside linebacker effectively in the NFL. He won’t take any team by surprise in 2011, so it will be a challenge for him to approach his numbers from last season.

Demario Davis, OLB, Arkansas State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 235.
40 Time: 4.53.
Bench: 32.
Vertical: 38.5. Broad: 10-4.
Arm: 32.
Projected Round (2012): 3-5.
4/25/12: Davis recorded 69 tackles with 10 tackles for a loss, three sacks and one interception in 2011. He was a late addition to the Senior Bowl, but Davis held his own against the better competition. He is fast and has some physicality.

At the Combine, Davis showed off his rare combination of skills. He sprinted a very fast 40 time and was one of the leaders on the bench press. His vertical and broad jump measurements were excellent and showed his explosion. At his pro day, Davis had another quality performance. He is a sleeper prospect who could be a big reward in the NFL.

8/23/11: Demario Davis has been one of the best defensive players in the Sun Belt Conference during the past two seasons. In 2009, he made 82 tackles, eight tackles for a loss, three sacks and an interception returned for a touchdown. Last year, his tackle production dipped to 63 stops, 3.5 tackles for a loss, one sack, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. Davis needs to improve his tackle production in 2011 to help his draft stock.

Josh Kaddu, OLB, Oregon
Height: 6-2. Weight: 235.
40 Time: DNP. Bench: 24.
Vertical: 39.5. Broad: 10-3.
Arm: 33 3/8. Hand: 9 1/8.
Projected Round (2012): 3-5.
4/25/12: Kaddu did not have big production as a senior against the run, making a total of only 50 tackles. However, he made big plays behind the line of scrimmage with 9.5 tackles for a loss and 6.5 sacks. Kaddu is a quality blitzer. As a junior, he totaled 32 tackles with 6.5 tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks.

Kaddu was one of the better linebackers at the East-West Shrine along with Shawn Louiseau, Tank Carder and Jerry Franklin. He was active and showed good quickness. Kaddu didn’t run at the Combine, but he was decent in the other tests.

Terrell Manning*, OLB, N.C. State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 237.
40 Time: 4.63. Bench: 22.
Vertical: 32.5. Broad: 9-6.
Arm: 32 1/4
Projected Round (2012): 4-5.
4/25/12: Manning had 76 tackles with 14.5 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks, five passes broken up, three interceptions and four forced fumbles in 2011. He has some speed and playmaking ability, but should have stayed for his senior season. Manning has added more bulk for the NFL. He performed well at the Combine.

8/23/11: Terrell Manning had a solid sophomore season with 75 tackles and 10.5 tackles for a loss. Entering his third year as a starter, he is going to have to step up and be the man for the Wolfpack defense with Nate Irving moving on to the NFL. Manning had a solid debut as a freshman with 42 tackles and 2.5 tackles for a loss. He should add some more bulk for the NFL.

Emmanuel Acho, OLB, Texas
Height: 6-1. Weight: 238.
40 Time: 4.68.
Bench: 24.
Vertical: 35.5. Broad: 9-10.
Arm: 33. Hand: 9 7/8.
Projected Round (2012): 4-5.
4/25/12: Acho had a quality Combine, and solidified his stock as a mid-round pick. He was very solid in 2011, leading Texas in tackles, with 110. Acho also had 14.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks, six passes broken up and a forced fumble. He displayed some instincts and significant physicality. Like his brother in 2011, Emmanuel Acho is a sleeper prospect who could surprise at the next level.

At the Senior Bowl, Acho had a strong week. He is a consistent and solid player, but is not spectacular.

8/23/11: Emmanuel Acho was second to Keenan Robinson in tackles for the Longhorns defense last year. He had 79 tackles with 8.5 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks and an interception, but played through a nagging knee injury throughout the season. As a sophomore, Acho recorded 45 tackles with 9.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks. He posesses a quality skill set with the ability to produce more and help his draft stock in 2011.

Kyle Wilber, OLB, Wake Forest
Height: 6-5. Weight: 249.
40 Time: 4.78. Bench: 25.
Vertical: 33.5. Broad: 9-9.
Arm: 33 1/4. Hand: 9 1/8.
Projected Round (2010): 4-6.
4/25/12: Wilbur had a decent senior season, recording 70 tackles with 11.5 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks and three forced fumble. He had a solid performance at the East-West Shrine. Wilbur had an okay performance at the Combine.

8/24/11: Kyle Wilber started out as a defensive end and moved to outside linebacker when Wake Forest switched to a 3-4 defense. He recorded 65 tackles with 14.5 tackles for a loss and six sacks last season. Wilbur will need to add some bulk to be a 3-4 linebacker in the NFL.

Travis Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma – Scouting Report
Height: 6-1. Weight: 246.
40 Time: 4.81. Bench: 22.
Vertical: 36. Broad: 10-2.
Arm: 32 3/4
Projected Round (2012): 5-6.
4/25/12: Lewis’ downward slide in his draft stock continued with a terrible Combine. He had the second slowest 40-yard dash time of any linebacker at Indianapolis. Lewis did not make up for it in the field drills. At his pro day, he ran better with a 4.75 time in the 40, but that still isn’t an impressive time compared to other linebackers at the Combine.

Lewis returned early from a broken foot this season, but some believe the injury slowed him down all year. His production declined again and the senior was not the instinctive, around-the-ball linebacker he had been in past seasons. Lewis had 84 tackles with four tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, one interception, one sack and two passes broken up this year. He looked slow and tentative throughout 2011.

Lewis had a media strike for most of the season, but broke it briefly mid-season to criticize some teammates for not playing hurt. He did not participate in the Senior Bowl or East-West Shrine.

8/23/11: Travis Lewis looked like he was on his way to an epic college-football career after he notched 144 tackles as a freshman with 12 tackles for a loss, four interceptions, 3.5 sacks and one forced fumble. However, Lewis’ production declined as a sophomore and junior. He had 109 tackles each of the past two seasons. Last year, he also recorded three interceptions, 5.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks and zero forced fumbles.

Lewis is going to have another decline in production as a senior because he broke a bone in his foot this preseason. That injury will keep him out of the lineup until early to mid October. Lewis needs to play lights-out football when he comes back to make sure he is a first-rounder.

Sources around the Oklahoma program have told WalterFootball.com that Lewis is a prima donna. He thinks that he should get big money and endorsements immediately when entering the NFL. That attitude could turn off a lot of teams, and Lewis needs to humble himself to not get himself taken off of multiple draft boards.

Danny Trevathan, OLB, Kentucky
Height: 6-0. Weight: 237.
40 Time: DNP. Bench: 18.
Vertical: 31.5. Broad: 9-3.
Arm: 32 1/2
Projected Round (2012): 5-7.
4/25/12: Trevathan didn’t run at the Combine, and he needed a good performance to help him stand out. In his senior season, Trevathan recorded 143 tackles with 11.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks, four interceptions, five forced fumbles and five passes broken up. He finished sixth in the nation in total tackles. Kentucky did not qualify for a bowl games so Trevathan had one less than game than many players who barely passed his tackle total.

Trevathan added some bulk for 2011 without losing his speed. He is a physical and explosive linebacker who routinely makes splash plays. Trevathan flies around the football field and dishes out some devastating hits. He is a sleeper prospect who made game-changing plays all year. Trevathan did not participate in the Senior Bowl or East-West Shrine. He is underrated.

8/23/11: Danny Trevathan is an undersized linebacker, but has excellent speed to get in position to make tackles. He led the SEC with 144 tackles last season. He also had 16 tackles for a loss with three sacks and four forced fumbles. As a sophomore, Trevathan had 82 tackles with five tackles for a loss and two forced fumbles. If he doesn�t add weight for the NFL, the only teams that may have interest in him will be the few teams that run the Tampa 2 defense.

Miles Burris, OLB, San Diego State
Height: 6-3. Weight: 235.
40 Time: DNP. Bench: 31.
Vertical: 37.5. Broad: 10-1.
Arm: 31 7/8.
Projected Round (2012): 5-7.
4/25/12: Burris did not participate in all of the Combine workouts. He was an excellent college player. Burris recorded 78 tackles with 19.5 tackles for a loss, eight sacks and one pass broken up as a senior. He had a similar stat line in 2011 to his junior year production of 80 tackles with 20 tackles for a loss, 9.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. Against Michigan, Burris had some struggles with the Wolverines’ stronger linemen as they rode him out of a number of plays.

In San Diego State’s 3-3-5 defense, Burris was a rush linebacker. He would better off adding weight and playing in a 3-4 defense that can use him as a blitzer.

Tahir Whitehead, OLB, Temple
Height: 6-1. Weight: 233.
40 Time: 4.68. 10-Yard Split: 1.52 Bench: 21
Vertical: 37. Broad: 10-4.
Arm: 33 3/4. Hand: 10 1/8.
Projected Round (2012): 6-7.
4/25/12: Whitehead had a nice Combine performance including some real explosion in the vertical and broad jumps. He totaled 70 tackles with 13.5 tackles for a loss, five sacks, four forced fumble and one pass breakup in 2011.

Whitehead recorded 56 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks and two forced fumbles as a junior. He is a quick, attacking defender who is capable of producing splash plays. Whitehead is somewhat undersized, and is a sleeper prospect.

Steven Johnson, OLB, Kansas
Height: 6-1. Weight: 235.
40 Time: 4.65. Bench: 16.
Vertical: 36. Broad: 9-5.
Arm: 32 3/8. Hand: 8 3/4.
Projected Round (2012): 6-FA.
4/25/12: Johnson had 120 tackles with six tackles for a loss and an interception in 2011. He had quality production as a junior with 94 tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks.

Johnson did not impress at the East-West Shrine, but he did not have a bad week either. Johnson ran well at the Combine, but he had a one of the lower totals on the bench press.

Ryan Baker, OLB, LSU
Height: 5-11. Weight: 232.
40 Time: 4.69. Bench: 30.
Vertical: 34. Broad: 9-5.
Arm: 31.
Projected Round (2012): 6-FA.
4/25/12: Baker had 64 tackles with 3.5 tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks this season. He was suspended for the second game of the year for violating team rules.

Baker is a good athlete who never provided big production. It wasn’t surprising that he had a nice Combine.

8/23/11: Ryan Baker returned to play and start 12 games, despite breaking his jaw in August of last year. Baker finished second on the team in tackles with 87. He led the Tigers in sacks with seven. With LSU’s leading 2010 tackler Kelvin Sheppard in the NFL, Baker is expected to step up and fill the void for the Tigers� defense.

Darius Fleming, OLB, Notre Dame
Height: 6-2. Weight: 255.
40 Time: 4.72. Bench: 27.
Vertical: 33.5. Broad: 9-6.
Arm: 33.
Projected 40 Time: 4.59.
Projected Round (2012): 6-FA.
4/25/12: Fleming recorded 55 tackles with seven tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble this year. He was not overly impressive this season and didn’t seem to take advantage of playing next to Manti Te’o.

Fleming did not play at the Senior Bowl or East-West Shrine. He did not stand out at the Combine. Fleming could be worth a late-round pick and perhaps he could land with a coaching staff that gets the most out of a college underachiever.

8/23/11: Darius Fleming has played defensive end and outside linebacker for the Irish. In 2010, he recorded 49 tackles and led Notre Dame with 11 tackles for a loss and six sacks. Fleming has some tools as a rush linebacker, and could be in store for a big 2011 season.

Max Gruder, OLB, Pittsburgh
Height: 6-1. Weight: 235.
Projected 40 Time: 4.61.
Arm: 30 3/8. Hand: 8 3/4.
Projected Round (2012): 6-FA.
4/25/12: Gruder had a productive senior season with 116 tackles, 8.5 tackles for a loss and three passes broken up. He totaled 84 tackles with three passes broken up, one interception and one forced fumble as a junior. Gruder had a solid, but unimpressive week of practice at the East-West Shrine. He did not work out at the Combine.

MISSING

Brandon Marshall, ILB/OLB, Nevada
Height: 6-1. Weight: 242.
40 Time: 4.69. Bench: 28
Vertical: 30.5. Broad: 9-0.
Arm: 33 3/4. Hand: 10 1/8.
Projected Round (2012): 7-FA.
4/25/12: Marshall was eclipsed by teammate James-Michael Johnson, but Marshall had a solid senior season. He collected 102 tackles with 7.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks, one forced fumble and four passes broken up.

As a junior, Marshall had 63 tackles with eight tackles for a loss, two interceptions, five passes broken up and one forced fumble. He could function as an inside linebacker in a 3-4 defense or a Sam (strongside) linebacker in a 4-3.

Nathan Stupar, OLB, Penn State
Height: 6-1. Weight: 231.
40 Time: 4.75. Bench: 21
Vertical: 31. Broad: 9-8.
Arm: 31 3/8.
Projected Round (2012): 7-FA.
4/25/12: Stupar collected 80 tackles with 5.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks, two interceptions and three passes defended this year. He was a reliable player for Penn State.

Stupar wasn’t expected to perform well at the Combine. His results only validated the knocks on his lack of speed and explosion.

8/23/11: Nathan Stupar is an intelligent blue-collar type of football player. Last year, he recorded 73 tackles with 6.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks, one interception and one forced fumble. Stupar started seven games at outside linebacker and is a favorite to be a starter this year as the lone senior linebacker. Stupar needs a strong senior season to solidify his draft stock.

Andrew Sweat, OLB, Ohio State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 238.
Projected 40 Time: 4.79.
Projected Round (2012): FA.
4/25/12: Having missed the last two games of the regular season, Sweat finished with 72 tackles, five tackles for a loss, three passes broken up, one forced fumble and one interception. The senior was solid for Ohio State, but not spectacular. He did not work out at the Combine.

8/23/11: Andrew Sweat broke into the starting lineup last season as a junior and had 41 tackles with three tackles for a loss, one forced fumble and one interception. With Ross Homan and Brian Rolle graduating, Sweat should be the leader of the linebacking corps. He needs to improve his production this season to get drafted.

Aaron Tevis, OLB, Boise State
Height: 6-3. Weight: 228.
Projected 40 Time: 4.77.
Projected Round (2012): FA.
4/25/12: Tevis was very quiet this season. He had 46 tackles with six passes broken up and an interception. Tevis didn’t workout at the Combine or a major All-Star game.

8/23/11: Aaron Tevis has been a steady player for Boise State the past couple of seasons. In 2009, he recorded 54 tackles with six tackles for a loss and three interceptions. Last year, he had 46 tackles with 2.5 tackles for a loss and one sack. Tevis needs to have a better season in 2011 to make sure he gets drafted.

Kentrell Lockett, OLB, Ole Miss
Height: 6-5. Weight: 243.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Arm: 34. Hand: 10 1/8.
Projected Round (2012): FA.
4/25/12: Injuries impacted Lockett throughout his collegiate career, and he totaled 26 tackles for a loss and nine sacks in six years. Lockett had 33 tackles as a senior. He had a decent week at the East-West Shrine, but did not work out at the Combine.

Greg Williams, OLB, Pittsburgh
Height: 6-3. Weight: 240.
Projected 40 Time: 4.80.
Projected Round (2012): FA.
4/25/12: Williams had 48 tackles with seven tackles for a loss, two sacks and three passes broken up in 2011. He was not much of a presence for the Panthers. Williams did not work out at the Combine.

8/23/11: Greg Williams is entering his fourth season as a starter. He had 64 tackles with 5.5 tackles for a loss, one sack and one interception. Williams improved his production from his sophomore season, but he needs to do better in 2011 to get drafted.

Darius Nall, DE/OLB, Central Florida
Height: 6-3. Weight: 246.
Projected 40 Time: 4.66.
Projected Round (2010): FA.
4/25/12: Nall had 24 tackles with five tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks in 2011. He did not play at an All-Star game or the Combine.

8/24/11: Darius Nall plays defensive end for Central Florida, but is too undersized to play that in the NFL. He has some pass-rush ability with 8.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for a loss in 2010. A year earlier as a sophomore, Nall had four sacks. Nall should add weight for the NFL to be a 3-4 outside linebacker, but he will be a developmental project as he has played end in college. In 2008 he missed the season while battling and defeating cancer.

Jordan Pendelton, OLB, BYU
Height: 6-2. Weight: 228.
Projected 40 Time: 4.63.
Projected Round (2012): FA.
4/25/12: Pendelton had 32 tackles with 8.5 tackles for a loss, four sacks and a pass broken up in 2011. He missed six games with injury in as a senior. Three of the past four seasons, Pendelton missed significant time because of injuries. He did not work out at the Combine.

8/23/11: Jordan Pendelton has had a hard time avoiding injury in his career. He played in six games in 2010 due to a leg injury. Pendleton had 38 tackles with 3.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks and a forced fumble in those six games. In 2009, Pendleton played through a shoulder injury all season and had 51 tackles with six tackles for a loss and three sacks. Pendleton should be productive if he can stay healthy, and that will be necessary for him to get drafted.