2010 NFL Draft: Inside Linebacker Rankings

The top 2010 inside 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. Rolando McClain, Alabama – Scouting Report
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 249.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
   Pro Day 40 Time: 4.69.
   Benchx225: 24. Vertical: 35.
   Projected Round (2010): Top 18 Pick.
   3/10/10: Rolando McClain ran a 4.69 40 and leaped a 35-inch vertical at his Pro Day. However, the big news is that McClain was diagnosed with Chrohn’s disease, which sounds a lot worse than it is. Chrohn’s will not affect McClain’s play on the field. Lots of people, including David Garrard, have Chrohn’s and it really doesn’t impact their lives all that much as long as it’s monitored. McClain is still a top-18 pick.
   
   1/12/10: Rolando McClain has declared for the 2010 NFL Draft. Inside linebackers tend to fall on Draft Day, but McClain is so talented that he could be an exception.
   
   1/8/10: Inside linebackers seldom are drafted in the top 10, but Rolando McClain could buck that trend. McClain had 100 tackles, 12 TFL and four sacks as a junior. His experience in the 3-4 will make his transition to the NFL very smooth.
   
   2/19/09: An AP All-America third-teamer, Rolando McClain had 95 tackles, 12 TFL, three sacks and six passes broken up for one of the top defenses in the nation.
   
   8/3/08: Despite being a mere true freshman, Rolando McClain started eight games, and recorded 75 tackles (five for loss), four pass break-ups and two interceptions. GMs will love the 4.6 at 255 pounds.
   
   
   
   
2. Jamar Chaney, Mississippi State
   Height: 6-1. Weight: 240.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.64.
   Combine 40 Time: 4.51.
   Pro Day 40 Time: 4.56.
   Benchx225: 26. Vertical: 39.
   Projected Round (2010): 2-3.
   3/2/10: Jamar Chaney quietly pieced together a great Combine, notching a 4.51 40 (fastest for any linebacker), a 39-inch vertical and 26 reps of 225.
   
   1/8/10: Capable of playing most linebacker spots, Jamar Chaney recorded 90 tackles, 4.5 TFL and two sacks as a senior.
   
   2/19/09: Missed almost all of the 2008 season with a leg injury. Started 27 of the previous 29 games before he got hurt.
   
   
3. Pat Angerer, Iowa
   Height: 6-0. Weight: 234.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.68.
   Combine 40 Time: 4.69.
   Pro Day 40 Time: 4.64.
   Benchx225: 26. Vertical: 39.
   Projected Round (2010): 3-4.
   1/8/10: You don’t want to mess with a guy who is “more than anger.” Projecting as a 4-3 middle linebacker, Pat Angerer garnered a whopping 135 tackles and four TFL in 2009.
   
   2/19/09: Pat Angerer, a member of the All-Big Ten Second Team, collected 107 tackles, 6.5 TFL, three passes broken up and five intercepions.
   
   
4. Sean Lee, Penn State
   Height: 6-2. Weight: 236.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.78.
   Combine 40 Time: 4.72.
   Pro Day 40 Time: 4.60.
   Benchx225: 24. Vertical: .
   Projected Round (2010): 3-4.
   3/18/10: Sean Lee ran a great 40 at his Pro Day (4.60), but it’s hard to take that seriously because nearly every Penn State player ran a blazing-fast 40 time.
   
   1/8/10: Sean Lee did a terrific job bouncing back off his ugly knee injury, mustering 86 tackles and 11 TFL in 10 games this year. Lee is a first-round talent, but teams may be scared off by his recent ACL tear.
   
   2/19/09: Sean Lee needs to prove that he’s not a risk, given that he’s coming off a torn ACL. Lee was a former first-round prospect.
   
   
   
   
5. Donald Butler, Washington
   Height: 6-1. Weight: 235.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.84.
   Pro Day 40 Time: 4.61.
   Benchx225: 35. Vertical: 35.5.
   Projected Round (2010): 4-5.
   3/10/10: Donald Butler lost about 10 pounds, but managed to run the 40 in 4.61 seconds.
   
   1/8/10: Qualifying as part of the All-Pac 10 Second Team, Donald Butler managed 94 tackles and 15.5 TFL.
   
   
6. Brandon Spikes, Florida – Scouting Report
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 253.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.74.
   Pro Day 40 Time: 5.03.
   Benchx225: 27. Vertical: 36.5.
   Projected Round (2009): 4-5.
   3/17/10: Wow. I had Brandon Spikes going at the end of Round 2, thinking he’d slip because of a 4.8X 40. But he ran a 5.03 at his Pro Day – a slower time than some of the offensive linemen at the Combine. Spikes is now a 3-4 only linebacker, and there’s a very good chance he’ll fall into Round 4.
   
   3/2/10: Brandon Spikes did all of the drills at the Combine, but decided to skip the 40. There’s probably a good reason why. His range remains a concern.
   
   1/8/10: Brandon Spikes made a huge mistake by returning to school for his senior year. Some of his flaws were exposed, and it’s looking like he’ll need a help to be drafted in the first round. Spikes had 68 tackles and six TFL in 2009.
   
   1/10/09: In addition to a win over Oklahoma in college football’s runner-up championship, Spikes tallied 87 tackles, eight TFL, two sacks, four picks (two for TDs) and two passes broken up as a junior.
   
   12/7/08: Brandon Spikes has been a beast this year, and is almost a first-round lock. Going into the SEC Championship, Spikes recorded 80 tackles, eight TFL, two sacks and four picks (two returned for touchdowns.)
   
   5/11/08: In addition to being a sound tackler (a whopping 131 stops in 2007), Brandon Spikes is also great in pass coverage.
   
   2007: The centerpiece of Florida’s defense despite being only a sophomore. Either leading the Gators in tackles or sacking opposing quarterbacks on multiple occasions every single week.
   
   
7. Phillip Dillard, Nebraska
   Height: 6-0. Weight: 242.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
   Combine 40 Time: 4.64.
   Benchx225: 18. Vertical: .
   Projected Round (2010): 4-5.
   1/8/10: Was healthy for his senior season; compiled 83 tackles and an impressive 10.5 TFL.
   
   2/19/09: Hampered by an ankle injury all year, Phillip Dillard managed 38 tackles, 1.5 TFL and half a sack in nine games.
   
   8/3/08: Backed up Corey McKeon last season, and actually started in two contests. Phillip Dillard recorded 37 tackles.
   
   
8. Darryl Sharpton, Miami
   Height: 6-0. Weight: 230.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.67.
   Combine 40 Time: 4.73.
   Pro Day 40 Time: 4.74.
   Benchx225: 24. Vertical: 31.
   Projected Round (2010): 5-6.
   1/8/10: An All-ACC Second Team member, Darryl Sharpton collected 106 tackles and 8.5 TFL.
   
   2/19/09: Unlike last year, Darryl Sharpton stayed healthy all year. He had 58 tackles, six TFL and 1.5 sacks.
   
   5/11/08: Struggled with injuries in 2007 and looked out of place when he returned to the lineup.
   
   2007: Darryl Sharpton, who was moved into the starting lineup as a freshman, maintains incredible speed at his size. If he can run in the 4.4s at the Combine, he’ll skyrocket even further up this chart.
   
   
9. Travis Goethel, Arizona State
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 238.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.74.
   Combine 40 Time: 4.70.
   Pro Day 40 Time: 4.58.
   Benchx225: 21. Vertical: .
   Projected Round (2010): 5-6.
   1/8/10: A Pac 10 honorable mention, Travis Goethel had 57 tackles and seven TFL as a senior.
   
   2/16/09: It’s a shame his 40 is going to hurt him; Travis Goethel had a great season for Arizona State, collecting 71 tackles, 7.5 TFL and four passes broken up.
   
   8/2/08: One of Arizona State’s starting linebackers for all 13 games, Travis Goethel had 71 tackles (3.5 for loss) and three forced fumbles. His 40 really hurts his draft stock.
   
   
   
   
10. Joe Pawelek, Baylor
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 237.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.78.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.75.
    Benchx225: 13. Vertical: 30.5.
    Projected Round (2010): 6-7.
    1/8/10: Dropped down to the All-Big XII Second Team, but still managed 109 tackles and four TFL in 2009.
    
    2/19/09: Baylor was competitive in 2008 for a number of reasons, one of which was Joe Pawelek. The All-Big XII first-teamer totaled 128 tackles, six TFL, seven passes broken up and an amazing six interceptions.
    
    5/11/08: Joe Pawelek managed 99 tackles, eight tackles for loss and two sacks. He needs to improve his 40 to sneak into the first few rounds.
    
    2007: I guess when you’re playing for Baylor, it’s easy to get on the field. Or maybe Joe Pawelek is just that good; as a freshman, Pawelek recorded 86 tackles. As a sophomore, he was named a team captain.
    
    
11. Reggie Carter, UCLA
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 242.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.76.
    Combine 40 Time: .
    Benchx225: 31. Vertical: .
    Projected Round (2010): 6-7.
    1/8/10: Another healthy year for Reggie Carter, who had 78 tackles and 8.5 TFL as a senior.
    
    2/16/09: Stayed healthy in 2008 and recorded 84 tackles, 4.5 TFL and three forced fumbles.
    
    5/16/08: Reggie Carter missed some time with a knee injury in 2007, but still managed to record 62 tackes and 12 tackles for loss.
    
    2007: A freshman All-American in 2006, Reggie Carter made 48 tackles and is currently starting for the Bruins. He had 10 tackles against Stanford.
    
    
12. Kion Wilson, South Florida
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 239.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.71.
    Combine 40 Time: 4.85.
    Benchx225: 27. Vertical: 36.5.
    Projected Round (2010): 6-7.
    1/8/10: A JUCO transfer, Kion Wilson totaled 105 tackles and 8.5 TFL, earning him a spot on the All-Big East First Team.
    
    
13. Micah Johnson, Kentucky – Scouting Report
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 256.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.71.
    Combine 40 Time: 4.99.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.84.
    Benchx225: 31. Vertical: .
    Projected Round (2010): 6-7.
    3/10/10: After a disgraceful 4.99 at the Combine, Micah Johnson ran an improved 4.84 at his Pro Day, which is still too slow.
    
    1/8/10: Micah Johnson will miss the postseason bowls and may even be absent for the combine because of a knee injury. Johnson had 105 tackles and 6.5 TFL in 2009.
    
    2/19/09: As one of the leaders of the Wildcats, Micah Johnson recorded 93 tackles, 13 TFL, 2.5 sacks and two passes broken up as a junior. He was on the All-SEC First Team.
    
    8/3/08: Micah Johnson has just one career start under his belt, but he was productive last season in relief. Johnson had 58 tackles, five pass break-ups and two interceptions.
    
    
14. Boris Lee, Troy
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 237.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.76.
    Combine 40 Time: 4.82.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.83.
    Benchx225: 27. Vertical: 37.5.
    Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
    1/8/10: Once again a member of the All-Sun Belt First Team, Boris Lee had 83 tackles, eight TFL and three sacks.
    
    2/19/09: Qualifying for the All-Sun Belt First Team, Boris Lee tallied a whopping 112 tackles, 9.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks and four passes broken up.
    
    
15. Alex Joseph, Temple
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 235.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.67.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.62.
    Vertical: 33.
    Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
    
    
    
16. Josh Hull, Penn State
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 237.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.77.
    Combine 40 Time: 4.91.
    Benchx225: 25. Vertical: .
    Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
    1/8/10: An All-Big Ten Second Team member, Josh Hull had a great season, collecting 116 tackles and 8.5 TFL.
    
    2/19/09: Josh Hull saw a lot more action in 2008; the junior linebacker managed 75 tackles, 5.5 TFL and three passes broken up.
    
    8/3/08: Like Austin Spitler, Josh Hull has seen tons of action as a reserve, but has no career starts.
    
    
17. Ryan D’Imperio, Rutgers
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 241.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.80.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.68.
    Benchx225: 21. Vertical: 33.5.
    Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
    1/8/10: Had 76 tackles and eight TFL as a senior.
    
    2/19/09: Ryan D’Imperio, an All-Big East second-teamer, totaled 93 tackles, 13 TFL, 5.5 sacks and three passes broken up.
    
    MISSING
    
18. Reed Williams, West Virginia
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 232.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.74.
    Combine 40 Time: .
    Benchx225: . Vertical: .
    Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
    1/8/10: A tough player who stayed in the lineup despite two shoulder injuries. Reed Williams had 68 tackles, six TFL and two sacks.
    
    
19. Vincent Rey, Duke
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 245.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.80.
    Combine 40 Time: .
    Benchx225: . Vertical: .
    Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
    1/8/10: Had a solid season for Duke, recording 98 tackles, 8.5 TFL and a sack.
    
    2/16/09: Vincent Rey was one of the bright spots for Duke’s defense; the junior linebacker garnered 109 tackles, 10.5 TFL, two sacks and four passes broken up.
    
    8/2/08: An abysmal 40 is going to keep Vincent Rey off many draft boards. It’s a shame too because as a sophomore, he started every game and collected 111 tackles (8.5 for loss).
    
    
20. Mike McLaughlin, Boston College
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 241.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.88.
    Combine 40 Time: 4.82.
    Benchx225: 29. Vertical: 38.5.
    Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
    
    
    
21. Lee Campbell, Minnesota
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 248.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.88.
    Combine 40 Time: 4.97.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.84.
    Benchx225: 17. Vertical: .
    Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
    
    
    
22. Ryan Reynolds, Oklahoma
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 236.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.69.
    Combine 40 Time: .
    Benchx225: . Vertical: .
    Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
    1/8/10: Denied a sixth year as a medical redshirt; in 2009, Ryan Reynolds had 79 tackles and eight TFL, but he’s just an injury waiting to happen.
    
    2/19/09: Another year, another knee injury. Ryan Reynolds once again missed significant time, tearing his ACL in October. He’s too unreliable to be drafted.
    
    8/3/08: Ryan Reynolds started seven games as a sophomore after missing the entire 2006 campaign with a knee injury. He performed well after the year off, recording 60 tackles (eight for loss) and two sacks.
    
    
23. Luke Laolagi, San Diego State
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 225.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.64.
    Combine 40 Time: .
    Benchx225: . Vertical: .
    Projected Round (2010): FA.
    1/8/10: Undersized Luke Laolagi collected 47 tackles and 1.5 TFL as a senior.
    
    2/19/09: Luke Laolagi, recepient of the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week three times, tallied 99 tackles, four TFL and two passes broken up as a junior.
    
    8/2/08: Luke Laolagi started every game as a sophomore. He had 94 tackles and six tackles for loss.
    
    
24. Clinton Snyder, Stanford
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 233.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
    Combine 40 Time: .
    Benchx225: . Vertical: .
    Projected Round (2010): FA.
    1/8/10: Missed the second half of the season with a knee injury, but was still an All-Pac 10 honorable mention.
    
    2/16/09: Clinton Snyder’s numbers regressed a bit; he had 59 tackles, 6.5 TFL, three sacks and three forced fumbles in 2008.
    
    8/2/08: It’s a shame Clinton Snyder’s 40 time is pretty weak; Snyder has been really productive at Stanford. He’s started all but two games in his collegiate career. Last season, he had 96 tackles (14.5 for loss), eight sacks and four forced fumbles.
    
    
25. Prince Hall, Central Washington
    Height: 5-11. Weight: 256.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.81.
    Combine 40 Time: .
    Benchx225: . Vertical: .
    Projected Round (2010): FA.
    1/8/10: Prince Hall played well at Central Washington, but it’ll be hard for anyone except the Bengals and Brad Childress to foget all of his off-the-field issues.
    
    2/19/09: It’s not good when you have more suspensions than tackles.
    
    5/11/08: Prince Hall has been suspended indefinitely for violating team rules in February.
    
    2007: Started as a freshman, but was suspended early in 2007 for violating team rules.
    
    
26. Austin Spitler, Ohio State
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 234.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
    Combine 40 Time: .
    Benchx225: . Vertical: .
    Projected Round (2010): FA.
    1/8/10: Had 38 tackles and five TFL as a senior.
    
    2/19/09: Will see more action with James Laurinaitis gone. Austin Spitler had 11 tackles in 2008.
    
    8/3/08: Austin Spitler has seen a good amount of action in his first two seasons at Ohio State, but has yet to start. He had 26 tackles in 2007.
    
    
27. Gerald Munns, Arizona State
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 242.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.71.
    Combine 40 Time: .
    Benchx225: . Vertical: .
    Projected Round (2010): FA.
    1/8/10: Managed 31 tackles and five TFL in five games as a senior.
    
    2/19/09: Missed most of the year because of personal issues.
    
    8/2/08: Maintaining just three collegiate start under his belt (one as a sophomore), Gerald Munns registered 3.5 tackles for loss in 2007.
    
    

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