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2014 NFL Draft Prospects: Outside Linebackers

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

This page was last updated May 25, 2013. 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

Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA
Height: 6-4. Weight: 235.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2014): Top-20 Pick.
5/25/13: Barr may have done the most to help himself during the 2012 season of any player in college football. He went from being an obscure fullback who had a total of 12 receptions across two seasons into a potential high first-round pick as a pass-rushing outside linebacker. Barr owes Jim Mora, Jr. and his coaching staff a lot for making the position change.

Barr had a breakout 2012 season and was one of the nation's leader in sacks. The junior collected 13 sacks, 83 tackles, 21.5 tackles for a loss, five passes batted and four forced fumbles. His sack total was the second largest in the nation behind only Georgia's Jarvis Jones. Barr is a tremendous blitzer who would fit well in a NFL 3-4 defense.

Barr is explosive off the edge with fantastic closing speed. He also is a physical player who dishes out some punishing hits on the quarterback.

Barr was consistently good throughout last year, but he was utterly dominant to close out the regular season. Barr then made the smart decision to return to UCLA for the 2013 season. He can still use some developmental time and that further growth could easily push him into the top 10.

Personal: Son of Lori Barr and Tony Brooks. Tony Brooks played fullback at Notre Dame and was a fourth-round pick of the Eagles in the 1992 NFL Draft. Three of Anthony Barr's uncles played in the NFL.

Kyle Van Noy, OLB, BYU
Height: 6-3. Weight: 235.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2014): Top-25 Pick.
5/25/13: Van Noy is extremely explosive coming off the edge. He is a solid run-defender, but really excels in pass defense. Van Noy is a good athlete who drops into coverage well, yet he is still a phenomenal blitzer.

Van Noy has an excellent physical skill set with a lot of upside to develop in the NFL. He was one of the nation's leading sackers in 2012 with 13 quarterback takedowns. The junior also recorded 53 tackles, 22 tackles for a loss, six forced fumbles, two interceptions and five passes batted. Van Noy was the most impressive player on the BYU defense and that includes the 2013 fifth overall-pick, defensive end Ezekiel Ansah.

Van Noy closesed out last season with a game for the ages. He scored two touchdowns against San Diego State. On the first, Van Noy dropped into coverage and picked off a pass to set up a 17-yard touchdown return. The other touchdown came on recovering a fumble in the end zone.

Van Noy had 68 tackles, 15 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, three forced fumbles, three passes batted and three interceptions in 2011.

Personal: Son of Kelly and Layne.

C.J. Mosley, OLB, Alabama
Height: 6-2. Weight: 234.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2014): 1-2.
5/25/13: Mosley played excellent football for Alabama last year. He led the team with 107 tackles. The junior also notched two interceptions, four sacks, eight tackles for a loss, one forced fumble and two passes broken up. One of his interceptions was returned 16 yards for a touchdown against Michigan.

Mosley has a real presence playing fast and physical football. Alabama's other defenders struggled against Texas A&M in 2012, but he was excellent, making 14 tackles and a sack.

NFL scouts will love Mosley's pass defense. He is a phenomenal defender in the passing game in man coverage, zone coverage and blitzing. Mosley could use more strength for the ground game, but he is a special player.

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 with linebacker Nico Johnson in 2011; Mosley was used more in pass defense. He also missed two games with a dislocated elbow, but ended upwith 37 tackles with 4.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks and an interception. Mosley 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 was fine for the start of the 2012 season.

Mosley has a lot of talent and figures to be very productive for Nick Saban in his senior season. Mosley is extremely fast and has good instincts.

Adrian Hubbard*, OLB, Alabama
Height: 6-6. Weight: 252.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2014): 1-2.
5/25/13: Hubbard won the starting spot to replace Upshaw at Sam linebacker last year following the latter's departure for the NFL. Hubbard ended up being Alabama's best pass-rusher last year and it looked like he was just scratching the surface of his potential. The sophomore totaled 41 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, three forced fumbles and a pass batted.

Hubbard is very quick and is a physical player. He will be a great fit in a 3-4 defense. Last year was Hubbard's first season of significant playing time, and he should be even better as a junior after gaining a year of experience. Adding some more weight to fill out his frame could help Hubbard's overall game.

Ryan Shazier*, OLB, Ohio State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 226.
Projected 40 Time: 4.68.
Projected Round (2014): 1-2.
5/25/13: Shazier had an excellent sophomore season in 2012 with 115 tackles, 17 tackles for a loss, one interception, 11 passes broken up, five sacks and three forced fumbles. He recorded 58 tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles in 2011.

There is no doubt that Shazier is extremely fast and instinctive. He jumps off the screen when watching Ohio State and is constantly around the ball making plays. In a defense filled with good NFL talent like Bradley Roby, Johnathan Hankins, John Simon and C.J. Barnett, Shazier was may be the Buckeyes' most consistent defender.

It would be ideal if the junior could add 10-15 pounds before going pro. Shazier would be best off in the NFL as a Will (weakside) linebacker in a 4-3 defense. He could play on the inside of some 3-4 defenses.

Personal: Majoring in communications. Son of Shawn and Vernon Shazier.

Jeremiah Attaochu, DE/OLB, Georgia Tech
Height: 6-3. Weight: 240.
Projected 40 Time: 4.71.
Projected Round (2014): 1-3.
5/18/13: Attaochu is fast and is very athletic. He has some natural pass-rush ability as he enters his senior year with 19 career sacks. Attaochu is moving from outside linebacker to defensive end for 2013. He should gain weight for the NFL and looks like he would fit well as a 3-4 outside linebacker.

Attaochu totaled 69 tackles, 10 sacks, 12 tackles for a loss, one pass broken up and one forced fumble last year. He had solid sophomore season with 59 tackles, 11.5 tackles for a loss, six sacks, one interception, two passes broken up and two forced fumbles.

Personal: Majoring in science, technology and culture. Son of Paul and Comfort, originally from Nigeria.

Demarcus Lawrence*, OLB, Boise State
Height: 6-3. Weight: 244.
Projected 40 Time: 4.69.
Projected Round (2014): 1-3.
5/25/13: Lawrence replaced Shea McClellin in the Boise State defense in 2012 and had a breakout sophomore season. Lawrence spent his freshman year in community college, but was a breakout player for the Broncos in 2012. He showed nice pass-rush ability with 9.5 sacks. Lawrence also led the defensive line in tackles (48) and tackles for a loss (13.5). He chipped in four forced fumbles and an interception, too. Lawrence's year of experience could make him even better in 2013 - if he adds some more strength.

Josh Shirley*, DE/OLB, Washington
Height: 6-3. Weight: 230.
Projected 40 Time: 4.55.
Projected Round (2014): 2-4.
5/25/13: Shirley is a platoon player and plays defensive 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 looks like he probably will turn into a 3-4 outside linebacker.

Shirley totaled 33 tackles with 6.5 sacks, nine tackles for a loss, six forced fumbles and a pass batted. He seems to have mastered the strip sack despite not being an every-down player or starter. Shirley has totaled eight forced fumbles and 15 sacks through his first two seasons of college football.

Shirley was a pass-rushing force in 2011 and ended the season 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 sacks in 2011.

Eric Kendricks*, ILB/OLB, UCLA
Height: 6-0. Weight: 228.
Projected 40 Time: 4.69.
Projected Round (2014): 2-4.
5/25/13: Kendricks was mostly a backup until a breakout 2012 season in which he led the Pac-12 in tackles. Kendricks had 149 tackles with six tackles for a loss, two sacks, four passes broken up, two forced fumbles and one blocked kick. His instincts were excellent as he did a great job of reading-and reacting.

Kendricks was able to play off a disruptive defensive line and star outside linebacker, Anthony Barr. Kendricks is getting good preparation from a UCLA coaching staff under Jim Mora, Jr. which has a lot of pro experience.

Kendricks would be higher in the rankings if he weren't so undersized. While Kendricks plays middle linebacker for the Bruins, he would have to move to outside linebacker in the NFL if he can't add weight. The junior still has time to add some weight if he wants to remain in the middle.

Personal: Economics major. Son of Marv Kendricks and Yvonne Thagon. Eric Kendricks is the younger brother of Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Mychal Kendricks, a second-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft out of California.

Jake Ryan*, OLB, Michigan
Height: 6-3. Weight: 241.
Projected 40 Time: 4.72.
Projected Round (2014): 2-4.
5/25/13: Ryan tore his ACL in spring practice, but the Wolverines are hopeful that he can return to the field in mid-October. Ryan was their best defensive player last year, so it is understandable that they want him back. That is only a recovery time of seven months, so Michigan may be overly optimistic. Ryan led the Wolverines in tackles with 88 in 2012. The sophomore also had 16 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, three passes batted and four forced fumbles in a sensational season.

Ryan recorded 37 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, three sacks and one forced fumble in 2011. He is a pure football player with toughness, intelligence and good instincts.

Shayne Skov, ILB/OLB, Stanford
Height: 6-3. Weight: 244.
Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
Projected Round (2014): 2-4.
5/25/13: Skov was rusty for a lot of last year coming off his 2011 ACL injury. He also was suspended for the first game of 2012 follwowing a DUI arrest over the offseason. Skov had 80 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks and a pass broken up for the year. He looked more like his old self late in the season and had a great game against Oregon to help shut down the Ducks' high-powered offense.

Skov played well in the first two games of the 2011 season with 18 tackles, four tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks and a pass broken up. He blew out his knee in the third game of the year, ending his season. Skov had a strong 2010 season with 84 tackles, 10.5 tackles for a loss, 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and five passes broken up.

The versatile linebacker is a tough run-defender and an attacking pass-rusher. Like many Stanford defenders, Skov is a perfect fit in a 3-4 defense. He can play multiple positions and has some blitzing ability.

Personal: Son of Peter and Terri Skov. Majoring in management science and engineering.

Jonathan Brown, OLB, Illinois
Height: 6-1. Weight: 235.
Projected 40 Time: 4.63.
Projected Round (2014): 3-4.
5/25/13: Brown recorded 59 tackles, 9.5 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, one pass batted and one forced fumble last year. The junior was a dependable presence for Illinois' defense, but wasn't as big of a force as he was during his sophomore season. Brown missed the last three games with an injury.

Brown was a big-time play-maker for Illinois in 2011. The sophomore was impossible to ignore when watching the Illini. He had 108 tackles with 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 athletic ability.

Personal: Son of Candace Kinley and Rod Brown.

Christian Jones, OLB, Florida State
Height: 6-4. Weight: 232.
Projected 40 Time: 4.62.
Projected Round (2014): 3-5.
5/25/13: Jones totaled 56 tackles, six tackles for a loss, three sacks and two forced fumbles in 2011. He made a lot of improvements as a junior. The second-year starter led FSU in tackles with 95 with seven tackles for a loss and two forced fumbles.

Jones is fast and athletic, so he could produce a big senior season. If Jones improves as much as he did after his first year as a starter, he could rise much higher in these rankings.

Lamin Barrow, ILB/OLB, LSU
Height: 6-2. Weight: 232.
Projected 40 Time: 4.71.
Projected Round (2014): 3-5.
5/25/13: While players like Barkevious Mingo, Eric Reid and Kevin Minter received the most attention last year, Barrow had an impressive season in his own right. The junior totaled 104 tackles with 7.5 tackles for a loss, five passes broken up and one forced fumble. He was a backup to Ryan Baker in 2011 and only made 17 tackles for the season.

Barrow is a tough run-defender and could be better in 2013 with his year of experience. He needs to show the ability to be good linebacker in pass coverage. Barrow also needs to add weight to be a middle linebacker in the NFL, otherwise he should move to the outside.

Personal: Majoring in general studies. Son of Ali and Saidah Barrow.

Ron Powell*, OLB, Florida
Height: 6-4. Weight: 248.
Projected 40 Time: 4.69.
Projected Round (2014): 3-5.
5/25/13: Powell was out for the 2012 season after a setback during rehab for his knee injury. The Gators are optimistic that he is in store for a big season in 2013. They are projecting Powell to be a starter. He has the physical talent to be a first-round pick.

Powell was the No. 1 recruit in the nation in 2010. He had a rough start as a freshman, recording just 25 tackles with 2.5 tackles for a loss and a sack.

Powell was moved was moved to hybrid defensive end and outside linebacker for 2011 in Will Muschamp's defense. The 'Buck' linebacker produced some quality prospects like Sergio Kindle and Brian Orakpo for Muschamp when he ran the defense at Texas. Powell finished his second season with 32 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, six sacks and a forced fumble.

Late in 2011, it seemed like the light bulb finally turned on 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. Powell may be better off staying for his senior season in 2014 and continue to improve before going pro.

Denicos Allen, OLB, Michigan State
Height: 5-11. Weight: 225.
Projected 40 Time: 4.49.
Projected Round (2014): 4-6.
5/25/13: Allen's numbers were down significantly last year. He totaled 79 tackles, three sacks, one forced fumble, one interception and five passes broken up. Allen had huge year in 2011. The redshirt sophomore recorded 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.

Personal: Majoring in sociology. Son of Eric Fleetwood and Sharelle Allen.

Anthony Hitchens, OLB, Iowa
Height: 6-1. Weight: 224.
Projected 40 Time: 4.67.
Projected Round (2014): 4-6.
5/25/13: Hitchens took the Big Ten by storm in 2012. After totaling only 34 tackles across his first two years, he racked up 124 tackles, one sack and 5.5 tackles for a loss as a junior. Hitchens was first in the Big Ten in tackles and sixth nationally. While he is quick and has good instincts, he needs to gain more bulk for the NFL.

Personal: Son of Norma and Anthony Hitchens.

James Morris*, OLB/ILB, Iowa
Height: 6-2. Weight: 230.
Projected 40 Time: 4.63.
Projected Round (2014): 4-6.
5/25/13: Morris had 113 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, four pass breakups and an interception in 2012. He was a solid player, but wasn't a play-maker.

Morris made 70 tackles with 2.5 tackles for a loss and four passes broken up in 2010. He had 110 tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss and one interception in 2011. Morris has good instincts, but looks short on size and speed. If the senior 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.

Personal: Son of Lynn and Greg Morris.

A.J. Tarpley, ILB/OLB, Stanford
Height: 6-2. Weight: 238.
Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
Projected Round (2014): 5-7.
5/25/13: Tarpley saw his first playing time in 2011 while Shayne Skov was out with a knee injury. Tarpley started seven games and totaled 57 tackles with four tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, four passes broken up and two forced fumbles.

Tarpley rotated into the game last year behind established linebackers like Skov and Chase Thomas. Tarpley recorded 66 tackles with seven tackles for a loss, two sacks, five passes broken up, a forced fumble and an interception (against Oregon) in that backup role. Tarpley needs to produce well and lock down a starting spot as a senior.

Personal: Majoring in science, technology & society. Son of Karen and Audie Tarpley.

Vic Beasley*, DE/OLB, Clemson
Height: 6-3. Weight: 235.
Projected 40 Time: 4.69.
Projected Round (2014): 5-7.
5/18/13: Beasley had a breakout sophomore season with eight sacks, but he was only a situational pass-rusher with 14 total tackles on the year. Beasley must add weight to play defensive end. He should receive more playing time in 2013 with Malliciah Goodman in the NFL.

Personal: Majoring in sociology.

Dee Ford, OLB, Auburn
Height: 6-2. Weight: 238.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Projected Round (2014): 5-7.
5/25/13: Ford played defensive end for Auburn, but he'll have to move to outside linebacker in the NFL. Ford had six sacks with 34 tackles and a forced fumble in 2012. He missed the majority of the 2011 season with a back injury. Ford had 11 tackles and two sacks as a freshman.

Personal: Majoring in public administration. Son of James and Debbie Ford.

Karlos Williams*, S/OLB, Florida State
Height: 6-1. Weight: 230.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2014): 5-7.
5/25/13: Williams is an intriguing prospect to watch in 2013. He enters the starting lineup with Lamarcus Joyner moving over to cornerback. Williams is extremely big and fast. He was a backup safety last year, but started the ACC Championship Game at linebacker. The sophomore made the most of that opportunity with 11 tackles and an interception against Georgia Tech.

Williams will get the chance to live up being rated one of the top recruits in the nation coming out of high school this year.

Corey Nelson, OLB, Oklahoma
Height: 6-1. Weight: 215.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2014): 6-FA.
5/25/13: Nelson is a linebacker/safety tweener. He broke into the starting lineup as a sophomore in 2011 and totaled 60 tackles with 8.5 tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks. Nelson had 47 tackles with 3.5 tackles for a loss, one sack and two passes broken up last year. The Sooners have lost a lot of defensive talent over the past two years, so they need the senior to step up in 2013.

Personal: Son of Camisha and Cedric Nelson.

Steele Divitto, OLB, Boston College
Height: 6-3. Weight: 238.
Projected 40 Time: 4.73.
Projected Round (2014): 6-FA.
5/25/13: 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 had 92 tackles with two forced fumbles and six passes defensed last year. He looks like a backup and special teams player for the NFL.

Personal: Marketing major. Son of Rosemary Alfredo and Daniel Divitto.

Kevin Pierre-Louis, OLB, Boston College
Height: 6-1. Weight: 215.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2014): 6-FA.
5/25/13: Pierre-Louis had 85 tackles, two sacks and three passes broken up last year. He was a true-freshman starter in 2010 and recorded an impressive debut, collecting 93 tackles. The sophomore had 74 tackles in 2011. Pierre-Louis probably should to move to safety for the NFL if he is unable to gain a significant amount of weight.

Personal: Marketing major. Son of Windzer Pierre-Louis.

Andrew Wilson, ILB/OLB, Missouri
Height: 6-3. Weight: 235.
Projected 40 Time: 4.74.
Projected Round (2014): 7-FA.
5/25/13: Missouri had a rough season in its SEC debut and Wilson's production was down slightly. He totaled 79 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss, four forced fumbles and .5 sacks. Wilson was a Second-Team All-Big XII selection in 2011. The first-year starter led the Tigers with 98 tackles after taking over at middle linebacker.

Personal: Majoring in business management. Son of Jay & Stacy Wilson.

Jordan Zumwalt, ILB/OLB, UCLA
Height: 6-4. Weight: 230.
Projected 40 Time: 4.74.
Projected Round (2014): 7-FA.
5/25/13: Zumwalt started nine games last year, yet finished fourth on the team with 71 tackles. He had eight tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and two sacks. Zumwalt had 60 tackles and six tackles for a loss in 2011. Zumwalt may have to move to outside linebacker in the NFL if he can't add weight.

Personal: Son of Nanette and Rick Zumwalt.

Ishaq Williams*, OLB, Notre Dame
Height: 6-5. Weight: 255.
Projected 40 Time: 4.73.
Projected Round (2014): 7-FA.
5/25/13: Williams rotated into the game in 2012 and totaled 22 tackles for the season. He has good size and strength. Williams could take on a bigger role in 2013 now that Manti Te'o is in the NFL.

Aditya 06-19-2013 01:45 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.222 (total posts: 1)

The one thing I liked about Packer was his disregard for mid mroajs.JC, you have to admit, we are going to miss him next year. We enjoy getting angry at the man. I think there is going to be a void. No one can get mad at Kellogg. He has not even come close to offending anyone in his life. You take his stupid comments in stride because no one respects his insights. How long can we make fun of him for picking all #1 seeds for the 15th straight year.I have a great job opportunity for Packer. Head to Staten Island and get the mega NCAA pool going in full mode.BB

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.

Pages: 1

2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - June 19

2014 NFL Mock Draft - June 18

Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - June 17

2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 22

NFL Picks - Feb. 3

2014 NFL Draft Prospects: Outside Linebackers

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