2016 NFL Draft Prospects: Inside Linebackers

By Charlie Campbell.
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The top 2016 inside linebacker prospects available for the 2016 NFL Draft. * – denotes 2017 prospect. ** – denotes 2018 prospect.

This page was last updated April 27, 2016. Follow Walter @walterfootball for updates.

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

Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama
Height: 6-1. Weight: 247. Arm: 32.
40 Time: 4.72.
Projected Round (2016): 1.
4/27/16: Sources say that Ragland is not a special athlete, but he’s just a really good football player. That could be seen at the combine. While Ragland didn’t have a fast 40, he did work out well in the field drills and further solidified his stock. Ragland looks safe to go in the first round.

Ragland has instincts, toughness and brings a real physical presence to the middle of the defense. At the Senior Bowl, Ragland was heavier, but he still moved well with a better than expected performance in pass coverage. His impressive week of practice likely secured him as a top-25 pick.

In 2015, he totaled 102 tackles with 6.5 for a loss, seven pass breakups, 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. Ragland was a physical force for Alabama and a steady defender from start to finish.

Ragland has demonstrated versatility as he rushed off the edge as a defensive end in obvious passing downs while also showing improved coverage skills in pass defense. Ragland performed well against good receiving tight ends from Ole Miss (Evan Engram) and Arkansas (Hunter Henry). He made good open-field tackles and picked up receivers well in zone coverage.

Multiple teams said they felt that when the final draft boards are assembled, Ragland would be deemed worthy of a pick as a first-rounder in the back half. There are a number of teams that have taken a liking to Ragland, and he could end up being a late first-round pick on the back of his consistency.

8/24/15: Many expected teammates Trey DePriest and Denzel Devall to be the players who stepped up and replaced C.J. Mosley in 2014, but it was Ragland who was the Crimson Tide’s best interior linebacker. Ragland recorded 95 tackles, 10.5 for a loss, three passes broken up, one interception, one forced fumble and 1.5 sacks on the year. He is a big, physical in-the-box defender.

In 2013, Ragland was a backup and recorded 17 tackles. He led Alabama with 11 tackles on special teams.

Beniquez Brown, ILB, Mississippi State
Height: 6-1. Weight: 229. Arm: 31.38.
40 Time: 4.77.
Projected Round (2016): 2-4.
4/27/16: Brown had an impressive season for the Bulldogs and was a tough defender in the middle of their defense. In 2015, he totaled 99 tackles with 11 for a loss, four sacks, two passes broken up and an interception. Brown had 62 and 39 tackles as a sophomore and freshman, respectively.

Scooby Wright III*, ILB/OLB, Arizona
Height: 6-0. Weight: 239. Arm: 30.5.
40 Time: 4.90.
Projected Round (2016): 3-4.
4/27/16: Wright is going to be a challenging evaluation given how injuries robbed him of the 2015 season. He is a good run defender who can make plays as a pass-rusher. Teams viewing his medical check at the NFL Scouting Combine positively would be huge for him.

Wright had a slow 40 time in Indianapolis and didn’t impress at his pro day, but he is a pure football player who is short on the physical skill set. Wright has good instincts with a combination of pass rush and run defense, though teams feel that he could be short on size and speed for the next level.

Against New Mexico in bowl season, Wright flashed a game that would’ve been typical from him in 2014. He had 15 tackles, 3.5 for a loss, two sacks and a forced fumble. Wright didn’t look as explosive off the edge or fast flying around the field, but his instincts to make big plays were clear despite being less than 100 percent. Wright had one tackle in the 2015 season opener before suffering a knee injury. He underwent surgery for a lateral meniscus tear and missed two weeks before coming back against UCLA. Wright had seven tackles versus the Bruins, but missed a number of tackles. He looked like he rushed back too quickly, and then missed the remainder of the regular season because of a foot sprain he suffered in that game.

8/24/15: Wright took college football by storm in 2014. He was a pass-rushing force for the Wildcats and one of the top defenders in the Pac-12. Wright notched 14 sacks with 163 tackles, 29 tackles for a loss and six forced fumbles for the year. He had a huge game against Oregon to help lead the Wildcats to a regular-season upset of the Ducks. Wright is an instinctive linebacker and was all over the field for Arizona. He played a huge part in the Wildcats reaching the Pac-12 Championship. In 2013, Wright had 83 tackles with 9.5 for a loss and an interception.

Jaylon Smith*, ILB/OLB, Notre Dame
Height: 6-2. Weight: 235. Arm: 33.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2016): 3-5.
4/27/16: The medical re-check did not yield good new for Smith as he is expected to miss the 2016 season and could have further complications from his injury. In surveying teams, some have flunked Smith medically. Others have him as a sixth- or seventh-rounder and a few teams are thinking of him in the mid-rounds. Teams really love Smith’s tape and his off-the-field character, so on the second day of the 2016 NFL Draft, he could get consideration.

Smith suffered torn knee ligaments – ACL and MCL – in the Fiesta Bowl and that took him out of being a top-10 pick in the draft. In 2015, he totaled 113 tackles, nine for a loss, one sack, four passes broken up and one forced fumble – he was robbed of one by the official scorer.

Assuming Smith eventually returns to full health, he looks like a future three-down starter who is capable of stuffing the run and covering ground in pass coverage. He is quick, instinctive and consistent. Smith has a burst to the ball quickly and is a good tackler. For pass coverage, he can cover a lot of ground in zone and can play man coverage on tight ends and backs. The way that Notre Dame lined up Smith showed that he could play as an inside or outside linebacker in the NFL. If Smith gets back to 100 percent, he will be one of the steals of the draft as teams had him graded as a top-five pick prior to the injury.

8/24/15: Smith was an impressive defender for Notre Dame in 2014. He was all over the field for the Fighting Irish with 112 tackles with nine tackles for a loss, one forced fumble, 3.5 sacks and two passes defended. Smith has speed and athleticism in the middle of the field.

Smith saw the field as a freshman and had 67 tackles with 6.5 tackles for a loss, one forced fumble, one interception and three passes broken up.

Kentrell Brothers, ILB/OLB, Missouri
Height: 6-0. Weight: 245. Arm: 30.75. Hand: 9.75.
40 Time: 4.89.
Projected Round (2016): 3-5.
4/27/16: Brothers made a big impact in 2015, recording 152 tackles, 12 for a loss, two interceptions, 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble, three passes batted and a blocked punt. He has real speed to defend the perimeter and could have three-down ability for the NFL. Brothers was solid, but unspectacular, at the Senior Bowl. He ran extremely slow at the combine, and that is a potential drag on his draft stock.

8/24/15: Brothers was a quality run-defender for the Tigers in 2014 and was constantly around the ball. He totaled 122 tackles with three forced fumbles, five tackles for a loss, four passes broken up and one sack. With Missouri losing Shane Ray and Markus Golden to the NFL, the program will need Brothers to have a big senior year. As a sophomore, he recorded 70 tackles with three interceptions.

Nick Kwiatkoski, ILB, West Virginia
Height: 6-1. Weight: 241. Arm: 31.38. Hand: 9.25.
40 Time: 4.73.
Projected Round (2016): 3-5.
4/27/16: In 2015, Kwiatkoski recorded 86 tackles with 10 for a loss, three sacks, seven passes batted, three interceptions and a forced fumble. It was an intriguing year from the Mountaineer standout that earned him an invitation to the Senior Bowl. He had a decent week in Mobile. As a junior, Kwiatkoski had 103 tackles with 11.5 for a loss and four passes broken up.

Josh Forrest, ILB, Kentucky
Height: 6-3. Weight: 249. Arm: 32.88. Hand 9.5.
40 Time: 4.91.
Projected Round (2016): 3-5.
4/27/16: Forrest is a thickly built thumper who is a good run defender in the tackle box. At the Senior Bowl though, he showed some pass-coverage skills and moved well for a thick middle linebacker. Forrest was faster and more athletic than would expect. He has nice height and bulk, but he put up a slow 40 time at the combine.

Forrest totaled 93 tackles with six for a loss, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions and five passes batted in 2015. As a junior, he recorded 110 tackles with two sacks and two interceptions.

Blake Martinez, ILB, Stanford
Height: 6-0. Weight: 233. Arm: 30.88. Hand: 9.
40 Time: 4.71.
Projected Round (2016): 3-5.
4/27/16: Martinez had an excellent senior year, making a lot of critical tackles for Stanford. He was the Cardinal’s most steady defender. In 2015, Martinez totaled 141 tackles with 6.5 for a loss, 1.5 sacks, six passes broken up and one interception. He had 101 tackles as a junior.

Martinez is a good tackler with quality instincts. He had an average week at the Senior Bowl though. At the combine, Martinez had a solid performance.

Nick Vigil, ILB, Utah State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 235. Arm: 32.38.
40 Time: 4.72.
Projected Round (2016): 3-5.
4/27/16: Vigil was a tough run defender for Utah State over the past two seasons. In 2015, he totaled 144 tackles with 13.5 for a loss, three sacks, two forced fumbles and two passes batted. As a redshirt sophomore, he had 123 tackles with 16.5 for a loss, seven sacks, two passes broken up and an interception. Following two impressive seasons, Vigil entered the 2016 NFL Draft.

Antonio Morrison, ILB/OLB, Florida
Height: 6-1. Weight: 232. Arm: 30.38. Hand: 9.
Projected 40 Time: 4.64.
Projected Round (2016): 4-6.
4/27/16: In 2015, Morrison totaled 103 tackles with 12 for a loss, 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble and a pass breakup. He was a quality run defender and tackler for the Gators. Morrison is very tough and packs a punch as a tackler, but he needs to improve his pass coverage for the NFL. Morrison had a decent week in Mobile for the Senior Bowl, but he couldn’t work out at the combine. Teams have serious injury concerns with Morrison, and that could cause him to slide in the 2016 NFL Draft.

8/24/15: Morrison had 101 tackles with six tackles for a loss, one forced fumble, one sack, one pass broken up and one interception in 2014. He improved as the season progressed and producing solid tackle totals as a tough run-defender. Morrison still has room for improvement in pass coverage and needs to get bigger for NFL blockers. He was wise to return for his senior year. Morrison missed the final three games of the 2013 season after totaling 77 tackles with three tackles for a loss in his first season as a starter.

Tyler Matakevich, ILB/OLB, Temple
Height: 6-1. Weight: 230. Arm: 30.88. Hand: 9.63.
40 Time: 4.81.
Projected Round (2016): 4-6.
4/27/16: For the NFL, Matakevich looks a little short on speed and athleticism to be a three-down starter in the NFL. He might be a two-down inside linebacker in a 4-3 or 3-4 defense. That was clear at the Senior Bowl and the combine as well. Some teams have given Matakevich a late-round grade.

In 2015, Matakevich totaled 138 tackles with 4.5 sacks, 15 for a loss, five passes batted and five interceptions on the year. He was on fire to open the season and put together excellent games against quarterback prospects Christian Hackenberg and Gunner Kiel.

8/24/15: Matakevich has been a consistent and steady contributor for Temple. He has eclipsed 100 tackles in each of his seasons. He racked up 117 tackles with 10.5 for a loss, 1.5 sacks, one interception and three passes broken up in 2014. Matakevich had 136 tackles as a sophomore after putting up 101 stops the year before.

Dominique Alexander*, ILB/OLB, Oklahoma
Height: 6-0. Weight: 232. Arm: 32.25.
Projected 40 Time: 4.67.
Projected Round (2016): 6-FA.
4/27/16: Alexander recorded 103 tackles with seven for a loss, 1.5 sacks, one interception and one pass batted in 2015. He is a fast linebacker who is a good run defender. Alexander didn’t run at the combine.

8/24/15: In 2014, Alexander was a solid defender for the Sooners. He totaled 107 tackles with a forced fumble, six tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks, but didn’t have any interceptions or passes broken up. For the next level, Alexander needs to improve his pass coverage. He had 80 tackles with two forced fumbles in 2013.

Cassanova McKinzy, ILB, Auburn
Height: 6-1. Weight: 248. Arm: 31.75.
Projected 40 Time: 4.80.
Projected Round (2015): 6-FA.
4/27/16: McKinzy was solid for Auburn in 2015. He was the team’s top linebacker, recording 74 tackles with 10 for a loss, five sacks and a forced fumble. McKinzy is a tough run defender with some speed to go with size.

8/24/15: Kris Frost got more attention in 2014, but McKinzy also played well. The latter totaled 91 tackles with 11 for a loss, one interceptions and 1.5 sacks. McKinzy is a big thumper linebacker who needs to show pass-coverage skills for the next level. As a sophomore, he had 75 tackles.

Jared Norris, ILB, Utah
Height: 6-2. Weight: 240. Arm: 31.5.
40 Time: 4.80.
Projected Round (2016): 6-FA.
4/27/16: Norris was part of a tough Utah defense while turning in a solid senior season that landed him an invitation to the Senior Bowl. In 2015, he totaled 87 tackles with 6.5 for a loss, one sack, five passes broken up and two forced fumbles. His production was better as a junior with 116 tackles, 13 for a loss, four sacks and one pass broken up. Norris didn’t impress at the combine.

Kris Frost, ILB, Auburn
Height: 6-2. Weight: 240. Arm: 32.5.
40 Time: 4.97.
Projected Round (2016): 6-FA.
4/27/16: In 2015, Frost totaled 96 tackles with two interceptions and two passes broken up. Cassanova McKinzy was more impressive than Frost. Frost had a very slow 40 time at the combine.

8/24/15: In 2014, Frost recorded 87 tackles, three passes broken up, three forced fumbles, 3.5 sacks and 10 tackles for a loss. He has been a quality run-defender for the Tigers.

Frost rotated in at linebacker and had 59 tackles in 2013. It was his first season of significant playing time. He was a backup in 2012 and redshirted in 2011.

Devante Bond, ILB/OLB, Oklahoma
Height: 6-1. Weight: 235. Arm: 32.38.
40 Time: 4.70.
Projected Round (2016): 6-FA.
4/27/16: Bond was a solid defender for Oklahoma in 2015. He earned playing time despite the Sooners being loaded at linebacker and totaled 43 tackles with seven for a loss, three sacks, two passes batted, and a forced fumble in nine games. The junior college product could be a late-round sleeper to develop. He had a good workout at the combine.

Frank Shannon, ILB, Oklahoma
Height: 6-2. Weight: 234.
Projected 40 Time: 4.66.
Projected Round (2015): 7-FA.
4/27/16: Shannon returned to the field for Oklahoma in 2015 and recorded 47 tackles. He started out as a backup, but began to receive more playing time starting midway through the season. Shannon didn’t work out at the combine.

8/24/15: Shannon was suspended by Oklahoma for 2014 over sexual-assault accusations, but he wasn’t charged ultimately. In 2013, he had a solid sophomore season with a total of 92 tackles with seven tackles for a loss, two sacks, one interception and one forced fumble. As a freshman in 2012, he totaled 40 tackles with two sacks in backup duty.

Shannon has quickness and to go along with decent size. He has potential as a player, but he has to clear up his off-the-field issues.

Zeek Bigger, ILB, East Carolina
Height: 6-2. Weight: 228.
Projected 40 Time: 4.72.
Projected Round (2016): 7-FA.
4/27/16: Bigger recorded 98 tackles with 6.5 for a loss, 1.5 sacks and one pass breakup in 2015. He did not work out at the combine.

8/24/15: Bigger was one of the top tacklers in the nation in 2014 as he totaled 140 stops. The junior also picked up 3.5 tackles for a loss, four passes broken up and two interceptions. He had 77 tackles as a sophomore. The senior needs to get bigger for the NFL.

Jake Ganus, ILB, Georgia
Height: 6-1. Weight: 231. Arm: 29. Hand: 9.
Projected 40 Time: 4.80.
Projected Round (2015): 7-FA.
4/27/16: Ganus was a solid defender for Georgia in 2015. He totaled 102 tackles with five for a loss, one sack, two interceptions and three passes broken up. Ganus went to the Senior Bowl, but he didn’t impress. He didn’t participate in the combine.

Terrance Smith, ILB/OLB, Florida State
Height: 6-4. Weight: 222. Arm: 32.75.
40 Time: 4.77.
Projected Round (2016): 7-FA.
4/27/16: Smith totaled 66 tackles, 4.5 for a loss and one sack for the year.

8/24/15: Smith totaled 85 tackles with 4.5 tackles for a loss, one pass broken up, two interceptions, one sack and two forced fumbles in 2014. He had a decent year, but there too many missed tackles, and he was wise to return to Florida State for 2015. A month into 2013, Smith took over as the starting middle linebacker to make the final 10 starts. He totaled 59 tackles with 2.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks, plus had an interception and three passes broken up. Smith has upside with the potential to have an excellent combination of size and speed.

James Burgess, ILB, Louisville
Height: 6-0. Weight: 229.
Projected 40 Time: 4.71.
Projected Round (2016): 7-FA.
4/27/16: In 2015, Burgess had 92 tackles with nine for a loss and four passes broken up. He didn’t work out at the combine.

8/24/15: Burgess turned in a decent 2014 season for Louisville. He had 71 tackles with 10 tackles for a loss, three sacks, and three interceptions. It was Burgess’ first year as a full-time starter. He should use more weight for the NFL, but has some ability to develop.

Rodney Hardrick, ILB, Oregon
Height: 6-1. Weight: 245.
Projected 40 Time: 4.63.
Projected Round (2016): 7-FA.
4/27/16: In 2015, Hardrick recorded 81 tackles with six for a loss, one interception, one pass breakup and two sacks. He didn’t work out at the combine.

8/24/15: Hardrick totaled 75 tackles with six for a loss, one sack and one pass broken up in 2014. The previous year, he notched 65 tackles with three for a loss and three passes broken up. Hardrick has some speed and athleticism, but it would be nice to see him increase his production. That is a challenge for any front-seven player with the scheme that Oregon employs.

Mason Monheim, ILB, Illinois
Height: 6-1. Weight: 235.
Projected 40 Time: 4.71.
Projected Round (2016): FA.
4/27/16: In 2015, Monheim recorded 98 tackles with six passes batted and two interceptions. He’s a sleeper linebacker who could be a late-round or undrafted reward.

8/24/15: Monheim recorded 111 tackles with 6.5 tackles for a loss, one sack, four forced fumbles, two interceptions and two passes broken up in 2014. In 2013, he was an impact player for Illinois with 97 tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss, one sack and one forced fumble.

Monheim is a good run-defender who needs to show improvement in defending the pass. The freshman had an impressive debut for Illinois in 2012 with 86 tackles, six tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, one pass broken up and two forced fumbles. He showcased a nice combination of quickness and instincts.

Reggie Northrup, ILB, Florida State
Height: 6-1. Weight: 226.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2016): FA.
4/27/16: Northrup totaled 94 tackles with three pass breakups in 2015.

8/24/15: Northrup flashed in 2014 and put together a nice tackle total of 122 stops. He also notched one interception and one pass broken up. Northrup has a nice skill set and needs to show improved pass coverage as a junior. Northrup, and the Seminoles linebackers in general, need to be more consistent in 2015.

Darryl Monroe, ILB, Akron
Height: 6-1. Weight: 235.
Projected 40 Time: 4.62.
Projected Round (2015): FA.
4/27/16: Monroe had 83 tackles with five for a loss on the season.

8/24/15: Monroe played for Washington State the past three years but has done a graduate transfer to Akron for his senior season. In 2014, Monroe totaled 70 tackles with four tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks and one pass broken up as a redshirt junior. He had a solid sophomore season in 2013 as he recorded 94 tackles with 6.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks, two forced fumbles and three passes broken up. Monroe broke into the starting lineup the year before with 80 tackles, 8.5 tackles for a loss and three sacks.

Denzel Devall, ILB/OLB, Alabama
Height: 6-2. Weight: 250.
Projected 40 Time: 4.74.
Projected Round (2016): FA.
4/27/16: In 2015, Devall had 24 tackles with five for a loss, one sack and two passes batted. He didn’t work out at the combine.

8/24/15: Devall had 11 tackles with one tackles for a loss in 2014. He lost playing time to Reggie Ragland and Trey DePriest. Devall had 30 tackles with five tackles for a loss, three sacks, one pass broken up and two forced fumbles in 2013.

Joe Walker, ILB, Oregon
Height: 6-2. Weight: 240.
Projected 40 Time: 4.61.
Projected Round (2016): FA.
4/27/16: In 2015, Walker totaled 87 tackles with six for a loss, two sacks, one interception and a pass broken up. He didn’t work out at the combine.

8/24/15: In 2014, Walker totaled 81 tackles, with eight tackles for a loss and a sack. He was a backup in 2013, yet recorded 37 tackles with three tackles for a loss and two sacks. Walker has made some clutch tackles for the Ducks. He flashes quickness and instincts.

Jarrett Grace, ILB, Notre Dame
Height: 6-2. Weight: 253.
Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
Projected Round (2015): FA.
4/27/16: Grace recorded 26 tackles on the year. He didn’t work out at the Combine.

8/24/15: Grace missed 2014 after suffering a broken leg. He was expected to replace Manti Te’o for Notre Dame in 2013. As Te’o’s backup the year before, Grace had 12 tackles; granted, he was primarily playing on special teams. Grace recorded 40 tackles through six games in 2013 before breaking his leg against Arizona State and missing the rest the season.

Jabari Hunt-Days, ILB, Georgia Tech
Height: 6-3. Weight: 247.
Projected 40 Time: 4.73.
Projected Round (2015): FA.
4/27/16: Hunt-Days returned to the field for the Yellow Jackets in 2015 and totaled 13 tackles. He didn’t work out at the combine.

8/24/15: Georgia Tech had planned on moving Hunt-Days to rush end to replace Jeremiah Attaochu in 2014, but Hunt-Days had his scholarship rescinded after failing in the spring semester and was ineligible. In 2013, Hunt-Days recorded 45 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, one interception and one pass broken up. He played better for Georgia Tech in 2012. The first-year starter recorded 84 tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss, four passes broken up, one forced fumble and one interception that season. Hunt-Days has good size and is put together well.