2010 NFL Draft: 3-4 Rush Linebacker Rankings

The top 2010 3-4 rush linebacker prospects available for the 2010 NFL Draft in the order in which I believe they will be drafted. * – denotes 2011 prospect.

This page was last updated April 12, 2010.

1. Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida – Scouting Report
   Height: 6-5. Weight: 270.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.76.
   Combine 40 Time: 4.64.
   Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
   Benchx225: 19. Vertical: 31.5.
   Projected Round (2010): Top 16 Pick.
   4/1/10: Didn’t run at his Pro Day, but managed a 31.5-inch vertical and a 9-9 broad jump.
   
   3/2/10: There’s not that much tape on Jason Pierre-Paul, so the Combine was his time to shine. Pierre-Paul ran a breath-taking 4.64 at 6-5 270. If Al Davis needed a defensive end, Pierre-Paul would be the No. 8 pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. Instead, he’s likely to land in Jacksonville.
   
   1/7/10: Jason Pierre-Paul has declared for the 2010 NFL Draft. I don’t get the hype with Pierre-Paul; he’s a one-year wonder who accumulated only 6.5 sacks despite the fact that George Selvie was drawing tons of attention on the other side. Is Pierre-Paul really gifted athletically? Absolutely. Would I take a shot on him in Round 2? Definitely. But I wouldn’t want to spend a first-round selection on a one-year wonder.
   
   11/15/09: Has 31 tackles, 11 TFL but only three sacks for South Florida in nine games.
   
   
   
   
2. Sergio Kindle, Texas – Scouting Report
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 250.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.54.
   Combine 40 Time: 4.65.
   Benchx225: 25. Vertical: 36.5.
   Projected Round (2010): 1-2.
   1/22/10: Sergio Kindle is physically gifted and some team may fall in love with him at the Combine. However, he had only six sacks as a senior.
   
   2/16/09: Though he was just a first-year starter in 2008, the hard-working Sergio Kindle made a name for himself, notching 46 tackles, 12.5 TFL and 10 sacks. He also blocked a kick. With another stellar season, he’ll be the top rush linebacker in the 2010 NFL Draft.
   
   8/2/08: Sergio Kindle has yet to start a game at the college level, but he registered 32 tackles in reserve last season. He also owns a spectacular 40 at his size.
   
   
3. Jerry Hughes, TCU – Scouting Report
   Height: 6-2. Weight: 254.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.64.
   Combine 40 Time: 4.59.
   Benchx225: 26. Vertical: .
   Projected Round (2010): 1-2.
   3/12/10: Didn’t run at his Pro Day; only worked out, and looked great doing so.
   
   3/2/10: Jerry Hughes ran a solid 4.59 at the Combine and looked like a natural 3-4 rush linebacker in all of the drills. He’ll probably be drafted in Round 2, but he looks like a winner.
   
   1/22/10: Jerry Hughes finished the season with 16.5 TFL and 11.5 sacks. Click the link above for a glowing scouting report on Hughes.
   
   11/14/09: Jerry Hughes is once again having a huge year (10.5 TFL, 9 sacks). He has a great shot of being the first rush linebacker taken in the 2010 NFL Draft.
   
   5/18/09: Jerry Hughes had a monstrous 2008 campaign for TCU, notching 19.5 TFL and 15 sacks.
   
   
4. Koa Misi, DE/OLB, Utah
   Height: 6-2. Weight: 246.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.74.
   Combine 40 Time: 4.69.
   Benchx225: . Vertical: 38.
   Projected Round (2010): 2-3.
   1/31/10: Along with Brandon Graham, Koa Misi made life a living hell for the Senior Bowl South quarterbacks with outside pressure.
   
   1/22/10: Koa Misi finished his final year at Utah with 9.5 TFL and five sacks. He was invited to the Senior Bowl and Combine.
   
   11/14/09: Has 50 tackles, seven TFL and 3.5 sacks through eight games in 2009.
   
   2/12/09: Had 8.5 TFL and three sacks as a junior. Also broke up six passes.
   
   
5. Jason Worilds, Virginia Tech
   Height: 6-1. Weight: 254.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
   Combine 40 Time: 4.61.
   Pro Day 40 Time: 4.47.
   Benchx225: 24. Vertical: 38.
   Projected Round (2010): 2-3.
   3/18/10: Unless Jason Worilds was running a 35-yard dash, his 4.47 at his Pro Day was very impressive. There’s a very good chance he’ll be a Day 2 pick.
   
   3/2/10: Jason Worilds didn’t have a good 2009 campaign, but managed to strengthen his NFL Draft stock at the Combine. Worilds ran a 4.70, benched 24 reps and notched a 38-inch vertical.
   
   1/8/10: Jason Worilds has declared for the 2010 NFL Draft. Worilds is coming off a poor season, but told the media that he expects to be drafted in the first round. This has a chance of happening until Worilds wakes up.
   
   11/15/09: Disappointed in 2009; has just seven TFL and 3.5 sacks as a junior.
   
   2/12/09: Despite playing with shoulder injuries, Jason Worilds garnered 18.5 TFL and eight sacks, earning himself a spot on the All-ACC Second Team.
   
   
   
   
6. Ricky Sapp, Clemson
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 252.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.62.
   Combine 40 Time: 4.61.
   Benchx225: 23. Vertical: .
   Projected Round (2010): 3-4.
   1/22/10: Ricky Sapp notched 13 TFL and five sacks as a senior.
   
   11/20/09: Did a good job rebounding off his torn ACL with 8.5 TFL and four sacks in 10 games this year. Plays standing up at Clemson, so he’ll be targeted by 3-4 teams.
   
   2/12/09: Collected 9.5 TFL and 2.5 sacks in 2008, but tore his ACL in November.
   
   7/30/08: Ricky Sapp’s 40 will intrigue some GMs and coaches. Sapp was a nightmare for opposing signal callers, as he racked up 22 quarterback pressures and six sacks in 2007.
   
   
7. Thaddeus Gibson, Ohio State
   Height: 6-2. Weight: 243.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.68.
   Combine 40 Time: 4.71.
   Pro Day 40 Time: 4.58.
   Benchx225: 32. Vertical: .
   Projected Round (2010): 3-4.
   3/15/10: Thaddeus Gibson ran a blazing 4.58 at his Pro Day. He’s a late Day 2/early Day 3 rush linebacker prospect.
   
   1/6/10: Thaddeus Gibson has declared for the 2010 NFL Draft. Gibson had 45 tackles and 13 TFL, but only four sacks. Not sure if I understand this one.
   
   
8. Eric Norwood, South Carolina
   Height: 6-1. Weight: 241.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.71.
   Combine 40 Time: 4.67.
   Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
   Benchx225: 21. Vertical: 36.5.
   Projected Round (2010): 4-5.
   1/22/10: Eric Norwood had 11.5 TFL and seven sacks in 2009. He also has two blocked kicks and 62 total tackles.
   
   9/12/09: There is no clear-cut favorite as the top rush linebacker in the 2010 NFL Draft, but that could quickly change if Eric Norwood continues to dominate his opponents like he did against N.C. State last week. Norwood finished with eight tackles, two TFL and two sacks. The Wolfpack didn’t have much of an answer for him.
   
   2/12/09: A monstrous pass-rusher, Eric Norwood collected 14.5 TFL and nine sacks as a junior.
   
   1/6/09: Eric Norwood has announced that he’ll be returning to school once he learned that he would be a late-round pick from the NFL Draft Advisory Committee. Norwood cited that he plans to improve his draft stock as a senior just like Aaron Curry.
   
   7/30/08: Eric Norwood made the most out of his first year as a full-time starter. Norwood recorded 69 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss and six sacks.
   
   
9. George Selvie, South Florida
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 252.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.68.
   Combine 40 Time: 4.89.
   Pro Day 40 Time: 4.88.
   Benchx225: 24. Vertical: .
   Projected Round (2010): 4-5.
   3/2/10: Following two years of poor production, George Selvie needed to have a good Combine. Running a 4.89 is not what he had in mind. Selvie is a mid- or a late-round pick.
   
   1/22/10: Didn’t get a single sack in his last five games; finished with three on the year along with nine TFL.
   
   11/14/09: George Selvie continues to struggle, registering just three sacks in eight games in his senior year.
   
   5/18/09: A 3-4 rush linebacker, George Selvie has slipped into the second round of my 2010 NFL Mock Draft because he had just 5.5 sacks in 2008.
   
   1/8/09: George Selvie announced that he’ll be returning for his senior season.
   
   11/16/08: Facing countless double teams this year, it’s amazing George Selvie has been able to put up 11 TFL and five sacks through eight contests.
   
   
10. Cameron Sheffield, Troy
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 257.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.63.
    Combine 40 Time: 4.90.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.85.
    Benchx225: . Vertical: 35.
    Projected Round (2010): 4-5.
    1/22/10: The “other” pass-rusher on Troy had 10 TFL and 6.5 sacks as a senior. Will play in the Senior Bowl.
    
    2/16/09: Qualifying for the All-Sun Belt First Team, Cameron Sheffield had 58 tackles, 12.5 TFL and 5.5 sacks in 2008.
    
    
    
    
11. Antonio Coleman, Auburn
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 248.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.79.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.77.
    Benchx225: 18. Vertical: 33.5.
    Projected Round (2010): 5-6.
    1/22/10: An All-SEC First Team member, Antonio Coleman collected 16.5 TFL and 10 sacks as a senior. Will play in the Senior Bowl.
    
    11/15/09: Through 10 games has 12.5 TFL and 6.5 sacks. Probably better suited for the 3-4, but can play in both schemes.
    
    2/12/09: A 3-4 linebacker at the next level, Antonio Coleman had 46 tackles, 10.5 TFL and six sacks in 2008.
    
    8/2/08: Antonio Coleman started seven games in 2007, and notched 18.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks.
    
    
12. Brandon Sharpe, Texas Tech
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 254.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.71.
    Benchx225: 23. Vertical: 35.
    Projected Round (2010): 5-6.
    1/22/10: A dynamic pass-rushing specialist, Brandon Sharpe notched 18 TFL and 15 sacks as a senior.
    
    11/14/09: Having a monstrous year for a surprising Texas Tech defense. Owns 11.5 TFL and 10.5 sacks in just eight games.
    
    
13. O’Brien Schofield, Wisconsin
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 237.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
    Combine 40 Time: .
    Benchx225: . Vertical: .
    Projected Round (2010): 5-6.
    1/26/10: Horrible news – O’Brien Schofield tore his ACL on the first day of Senior Bowl practice.
    
    1/22/10: O’Brien Schofield finished his senior campaign with an amazing 24.5 TFL and 12 sacks.
    
    11/20/09: A man with two last names, O’Brien Schofield has terrorized Big Ten quarterbacks with 51 tackles, 19.5 TFL and eight sacks in 10 games.
    
    MISSING
    
14. Arthur Moats, James Madison
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 246.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.61.
    Combine 40 Time: 4.57.
    Benchx225: 24. Vertical: 36.5.
    Projected Round (2010): 6-7.
    1/22/10: A Division 1-AA First Team All-American, Arthur Moats recorded 23.5 TFL and 11 sacks as a senior.
    
    2/12/09: Had a great junior year with 15.5 TFL and 11.5 sacks for 1-AA James Madison.
    
    
15. Dane Fletcher, Montana State
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 245.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.68.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.61.
    Benchx225: 29. Vertical: 36.
    Projected Round (2010): 6-7.
    3/21/10: One of the all-time sack leaders in Big Sky Conference history, Dane Fletcher had a solid Pro Day, running a 4.61 and leaping a 36-inch vertical.
    
    
16. Adrian Tracy, William & Mary
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 248.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
    Combine 40 Time: 4.79.
    Benchx225: 20. Vertical: .
    Projected Round (2010): 6-7.
    1/22/10: Had 12 sacks as a senior and named a Division 1-AA All-American. Will work out at the Combine.
    
    1/8/10: In 47 career starts, Adrian Tracy had 62.5 TFL and 31 sacks at William & Mary.
    
    
17. Jan Jorgensen, BYU
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 256.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.61.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.93.
    Benchx225: 29. Vertical: 34.
    Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
    1/22/10: An All-Mountain West first-teamer, Jan Jorgensen notched 10.5 TFL and 6.5 sacks as a senior.
    
    2/12/09: Jan Jorgensen had 8.5 TFL and five sacks in 2008, earning himself a spot on the All-Mountain West First Team.
    
    7/30/08: After collecting five sacks as a redshirt freshman, Jan Jorgensen notched 14 in 2007, obviously qualifying for the All-Mountain West first team. Jorgensen would be listed higher if he weren’t a few years older than everyone on this chart. He spent three years on a mission.
    
    
18. Carl Ihenacho, San Jose State
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 245.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.68.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 5.12.
    Benchx225: 20. Vertical: .
    Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
    3/22/10: Had a sore knee at his Pro Day that affected his time. He’ll work out again later.
    
    1/22/10: Missed some time with a hand injury. In eight games, has six TFL and four sacks.
    
    2/12/09: A member of the All-WAC Second Team, Carl Ihenacho notched a whopping 18.5 TFL and seven sacks.
    
    
19. Jarvis Geathers, Central Florida
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 238.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.59.
    Combine 40 Time: .
    Benchx225: . Vertical: .
    Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
    1/22/10: Undersized, but a pass-rushing nightmare at Central Florida; Jumpy Geathers had 14 TFL and 11 sacks.
    
    
20. Jason Beauchamp, UNLV
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 239.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.77.
    Combine 40 Time: 4.82.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.84.
    Benchx225: 28. Vertical: 39.5.
    Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
    1/8/10: Jason Beauchamp was involved much more in the pass rush in his senior season at UNLV. He had 95 tackles, 12 TFL and 6.5 sacks. His small frame will hurt him.
    
    2/16/09: Jason Beauchamp recorded 127 tackles, six TFL, two sacks and three passes broken up. He was an All-Mountain West second-teamer.
    
    
21. Dexter Davis, Arizona State
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 244.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.74.
    Combine 40 Time: 4.56.
    Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
    Benchx225: 25. Vertical: 35.
    Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
    1/22/10: Finished his disappointing senior campaign with six TFL and 3.5 sacks.
    
    11/14/09: Suffering through a pedestrian senior season, Dexter Davis has 4.5 TFL and 2.5 sacks.
    
    2/12/09: A rush linebacker in the 3-4, Dexter Davis was an All-Pac 10 honorable mention, thanks to 40 tackles, 15 TFL and 11 sacks.
    
    8/2/08: Dexter Davis was extremely productive in his sophomore campaign, notching 10.5 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss. As a freshman, Davis started every game and recorded six sacks.
    
    
22. Justin Cole, San Jose State
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 245.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
    Combine 40 Time: 4.73.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.85.
    Benchx225: 24. Vertical: .
    Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
    1/22/10: Finished his senior campaign with only three sacks.
    
    11/20/09: In nine games, Justin Cole has six TFL but only one sack.
    
    
23. Albert McClellan, Marshall
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 250.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.72.
    Combine 40 Time: 4.70.
    Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
    Benchx225: 27. Vertical: 36.5.
    Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
    1/22/10: Albert McClellan was healthy for a change this year. He had nine TFL and three sacks in 2009.
    
    2/12/09: Struggled coming off his torn ACL. Went from 11 sacks to just 3.5 (and 5.5 TFL).
    
    2007: Albert McClellan is out for the 2007 season with a torn ACL. McClellan led Conference USA in sacks with 11 as a sophomore.
    
    
24. John Fonoti, Hawaii
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 255.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.85.
    Combine 40 Time: .
    Benchx225: . Vertical: .
    Projected Round (2010): FA.
    11/20/09: Through seven games, has 24 tackles, 2.5 TFL and one sack.
    
    
25. Andy Mattingly, Washington State
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 253.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.72.
    Benchx225: 25. Vertical: 32.
    Projected Round (2010): FA.
    11/20/09: No sacks as a senior but has 3.5 TFL.
    
    2/12/09: Missed some time with a bum ankle. Had just one sack in 2008.
    
    7/30/08: Accumulated 11 tackles for loss and eight sacks in 2007, earning an All-Pac-10 honorable mention.
    
    
26. Eric Moncur, Miami
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 250.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
    Combine 40 Time: .
    Benchx225: . Vertical: .
    Projected Round (2010): FA.
    11/20/09: Has missed a bunch of time with a groin injury. Only one sack this year in five games.
    
    

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