2016 NFL Draft Prospects: Outside Linebackers

By Charlie Campbell.
Send Charlie an e-mail here: [email protected]
Follow Charlie on Twitter @draftcampbell for updates.

The top 2016 outside 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

Myles Jack*, OLB, UCLA
Height: 6-1. Weight: 245. Arm: 33.63.
Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
Projected Round (2016): Top-10 Pick.
4/27/16: Jack was given medical clearance to work out for teams, and he had a solid pro day despite looking a little rusty. Team sources say that they do have injury concerns about Jack’s knee and the possibility that he will need more surgery that could cause him to miss time. Still, he looks likely to go in the top 10.

At the combine, Jack was about 15 pounds heavier than expected, and that opens him up for consideration to play inside or outside linebacker in the NFL. Early in the 2015 season, Jack injured his knee in practice and was done for the year. In his three-game year, he recorded 15 tackles, one pass broken up and one interception, plus two carries for seven yards with a touchdown. Even with the injury, Jack announced that he would enter the 2016 NFL Draft rather than risk further injury by returning to UCLA.

Jack is a rare athlete who is exceptional in pass coverage, and many expect him to have his name called early on Thursday night during the 2016 NFL Draft. He has rare traits with speed and athleticism to make him a tremendous weapon as a pass defender in the passing-driven NFL. Jack has a ton of upside to develop.

8/24/15: Jack racked up 87 tackles with eight tackles for a loss, seven passes broken up, one interception and one forced fumble in 2014. His natural pass-coverage skills are extremely impressive. NFL evaluators are going to love what Jack can do in the passing game.

Not only was Jack a freshman starter in 2013; he became a superstar who was named the Pac-12’s Offensive AND Defensive Freshman of the Year. On the defensive side of the ball, Jack notched 75 tackles with 11 passes broken up and two interceptions. His pass-coverage skills for a freshman were outstanding.

Jack was playing both ways in 2013 because of injuries at running back. He ran for 267 yards on 38 carries (7.0 average) with seven touchdowns. Jack ripped off 120 yards on six carries against Arizona, including a 66-yard run. He rumbled for four touchdowns against Washington, his home-state school.

Jack’s long-term NFL future is at linebacker, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he’s used as a goal-line running back if he lands with a creative coaching staff. Jack is naturally strong, fast and instinctive. He has tons of potential and upside.

Leonard Floyd*, OLB, Georgia
Height: 6-6. Weight: 244. Arm: 33.13.
40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2015): Top-25 Pick.
4/27/16: Floyd put on a display at the combine. I had projected his 40 time to be 4.60 seconds, but I didn’t realize he would have added about 15 pounds to his frame and maintained that speed. Floyd really helped himself by showing he didn’t lose speed while getting heavier and stronger. Off of the field, team sources say that Floyd is a small-town kid who loves football. He’s getting good reviews there.

In 2015, Floyd totaled 74 tackles with 10.5 for a loss, 4.5 sacks and three passes batted. He put a lot more pressure on the quarterback than the numbers indicate. Floyd is very fast off the edge with a rare ability to bend. He has a ton of potential to develop. His best fit would come as an edge rusher in a 3-4 defense.

Floyd was splitting reps between inside and outside linebacker at times during the 2015 season. While Floyd handled the new duties at inside linebacker okay, he looked awkward at dropping into coverage. Sources say that he won’t be playing inside linebacker in the NFL. Floyd’s much better served doing what he does best: rushing the quarterback.

8/24/15: Floyd is a speedy rusher who has a lot of potential. He is a natural pass-rusher with agility and is very fast off the edge. Floyd must get stronger in the ground game though. After getting run over by Florida in ugly fashion, Georgia benched him against Kentucky for freshman Lorenzo Carter. Floyd received more playing time after that and looked better.

The sophomore notched 55 tackles with six sacks, two forced fumbles and 8.5 tackles for a loss in 2014. He had an impressive games against Missouri and Clemson. Floyd wisely returned for his junior year and and should get stronger before entering the NFL draft.

In 2013, Floyd totaled 55 tackles with 9.5 tackles for a loss and 6.5 sacks. He played at Hargrave Military Academy for a season after high school and was already draft eligible this past May.

Darron Lee*, OLB, Ohio State
Height: 6-1. Weight: 232. Arm: 33.25.
40 Time: 4.47.
Projected Round (2016): Top-25 Pick.
4/27/16: Sources with teams picking in the middle of the first round say that Lee is in consideration for their pick. He looks like a safe bet to be selected on Thursday night.

At the combine, Lee showed his speed with an electric 40-yard time. He also did well in the field drills, dropping smoothly into coverage. Clearly, Lee has a lot of athletic upside to develop for the NFL. With his speed and athleticism, he looks like a future three-down starter. His best fit would come as a Will (weakside) linebacker in a 4-3 defense. In speaking with sources, some teams feel that Lee is more of a second-round talent, but they expect him to go late in Round 1.

In 2015, Lee recorded 66 tackles with 11 for a loss, 4.5 sacks, two passes broken up, two forced fumbles and one interception – returned 41 yards for a touchdown. He had a fast start to the season before slowing down late in the year. Perhaps he was protecting his draft stock from injury.

8/24/15: Lee was Ohio State’s replacement for Ryan Shazier in 2014, and while Lee wasn’t as good as Shazier, Lee had a superb debut for the Buckeyes with plenty of upside to make strides in the future. The first-year starter recorded 81 tackles with 16.5 tackles for a loss, three passes broken up, two interceptions and 7.5 sacks. He finished the year strongly, including a big game against Alabama with seven tackles, three tackles for a loss and two sacks. The athletic Lee could be even better as he gains more experience.

Su’a Cravens*, OLB/S, USC
Height: 6-1. Weight: 226.
Projected 40 Time: 4.69.
Projected Round (2016): 2-3.
4/27/16: In 2015, Cravens totaled 86 tackles, 15 for a loss, 5.5 sacks, six passes broken up, two forced fumbles and two interceptions. He recorded 68 tackles with 17 tackles for a loss, five sacks, three interceptions and nine passes broken up in 2014. Cravens was moved from safety to linebacker that season, but his best role in the NFL could come as a safety on run downs and a linebacker in passing situations. A good defensive coordinator could get a lot of out of Cravens by moving him around and using him in a variety of ways.

The 6-foot-1, 226-pounder is physical, strong and quick. As a freshman, he totaled 52 tackles with four interceptions, one pass batted and a forced fumble. Cravens was named a Freshman All-American and a All-Pac-12 honorable mention.

Kamalei Correa*, OLB, Boise State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 243. Arm: 31.63.
40 Time: 4.69.
Projected Round (2016): 2-3.
4/27/16: Sources from multiple teams say that Correa graded out as a second-rounder. They like his edge-rushing skills and his presence, but he isn’t physical or strong against the run. Correa will have to improve in those areas for the NFL.

Correa totaled 39 tackles with 11 for a loss, seven sacks and three forced fumbles in 2015. His best season came as a sophomore when he notched 59 tackles, 19 for a loss, two forced fumbles and 12 sacks. The junior’s best fit could come as an inside/outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. He had an impressive workout at the combine.

Yannick Ngakoue, OLB/DE, Maryland
Height: 6-2. Weight: 252. Arm: 32.5.
40 Time: 4.75.
Projected Round (2016): 2-3.
4/27/16: Ngakoue played well in 2015 with 38 tackles, 15 for a loss, 13.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one pass breakup. While he hasn’t received a lot of publicity, he could have a lot of potential as a pro edge rusher. Ngakoue has length to him with speed off the edge. He flashed some moves during his Maryland career and played well when taking on future NFL linemen. Ngakoue had a strong combine, and some sources say they would have Ngakoue in the top 50 on their draft boards.

8/22/15: Ngakoue caught my eye in 2014 when he was owning Iowa left tackle Brandon Scherff (the fifth-overall pick to the Redskins in the 2015 NFL Draft). Ngakoue was able to beat Scherff with speed and showed the ability to convert speed to power, putting Scherff on roller skates. In other games Ngakoue played well against Michigan State left tackle Jack Conklin and Ohio State left tackle Taylor Decker. Ngakoue totaled 37 tackles with 13.5 for a loss, six sacks, and two passes broken up for the year. His best fit could come as a 3-4 outside linebacker.

Deion Jones, OLB, LSU
Height: 6-1. Weight: 219. Arm: 32.5. Hand: 8.63.
40 Time: 4.59.
Projected Round (2016): 2-3.
4/27/16: In 2015, Jones notched 100 tackles with 13.5 for a loss, five sacks, three passes batted and two interceptions. He demonstrated the speed to fly around the field and make tackles for the Tigers. As a backup in his junior year, Jones had 27 tackles. He earned a spot in the Senior Bowl and had a quality performance at the combine. Sources say they project Jones as being too undersized to be an every-down linebacker and he is a linebacker to play in the nickel unless he is able to add weight and strength.

Kyler Fackrell, OLB, Utah State
Height: 6-4. Weight: 244. Arm: 32.25. Hand: 10.25.
40 Time: 4.72.
Projected Round (2016): 2-3.
4/27/16: In 2015, Fackrell had 82 tackles with 15 for a loss and four sacks. He is a well-balanced defender who can contribute in both phases. Fackrell has the ability to drop into pass coverage and blitz off the edge. At the Senior Bowl, he had a quietly impressive week. Fackrell did not stand out at the combine.

8/24/15: At the beginning of the 2014 season, Fackrell went out with a torn ACL. He had a quality sophomore season and provided another good impact for Utah State. He totaled 13 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, five sacks, 82 tackles, one interception and a pass broken up in 2013. Fackrell became a starter in 2012 and was a First-Team All-WAC selection. The redshirt freshman totaled 87 tackles with eight tackles for a loss, three sacks, three interceptions, three passes broken up and two forced fumbles. Fackrell has a nice combination of size and quickness.

Jatavis Brown, OLB, Akron
Height: 5-11. Weight: 222.
Projected 40 Time: 4.69.
Projected Round (2016): 3-4.
4/27/16: Brown has been a late-riser in the draft process. He was all over the field and a star at Akron. In 2015, Brown recorded 116 tackles with 20 for a loss, 12 sacks, four forced fumbles and one interception. The previous season, he totaled 99 tackles with 14.5 for a loss and four sacks. Brown could get drafted in the mid-rounds of the 2016 NFL Draft. He would be a nice fit as a Will (weakside) linebacker in a 4-3 defense.

Scooby Wright III*, OLB/ILB, 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.

Josh Perry, OLB, Ohio State
Height: 6-3. Weight: 253. Arm: 33.25. Arm: 10.25.
40 Time: 4.68.
Projected Round (2016): 3-5.
4/27/16: Perry recorded 105 tackles with 7.5 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks and three passes broken up in 2015. He is a tough run defender who could be a two-down contributor in the NFL.

8/24/15: Perry was a tough run-defender for the Buckeyes in 2014. He totaled 124 tackles with 8.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks, two passes batted and an interception. Perry had 64 tackles in 2013. The senior needs to improve his pass coverage for the NFL.

Jaylon Smith*, OLB/ILB, 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, OLB/ILB, 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.

Dadi Nicolas, OLB/DE, Virginia Tech
Height: 6-3. Weight: 235. Arm: 35. Hand: 10.
40 Time: 4.74.
Projected Round (2015): 3-5.
4/27/16: Nicolas had 24 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks and one pass broken up in 2015. While the sacks didn’t come in big numbers in his final season, he was still pressuring the quarterback. Some teams have graded out Nicolas for late in the second day of the 2016 NFL Draft as a situational pass-rusher. Teams view his draft range as the third or fourth round.

At the Senior Bowl, Nicolas showed his talent to rush off the edge, but he struggled in the run-game one-on-ones. Nicolas had a strong performance at the combine.

8/22/15: If Nicolas were larger, he would be a high first-round pick due to his natural pass-rushing skills. He will have to move to outside linebacker for the next level and could fit in a 3-4 defense.

In 2014, Nicolas totaled 72 tackles with 18.5 tackles for a loss and nine sacks. He recorded 32 tackles with seven tackles for a loss and four sacks in 2013. Nicolas had 17 tackles with 3.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks the year before.

Antonio Morrison, OLB/ILB, 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, OLB/ILB, 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.

Jordan Jenkins, OLB, Georgia
Height: 6-3. Weight: 259. Arm: 34.25.
40 Time: 4.80.
Projected Round (2016): 4-6.
4/27/16: Jenkins had 59 tackles with 10.5 for a loss, four sacks and two forced fumbles in 2015. He’s a gritty defender at the point of attack. Jenkins is a solid player who is a jack of all trades and master of none. He played in the Senior Bowl, but didn’t impress. That was the same outcome at the combine.

8/24/15: Jenkins recorded 70 tackles with 9.5 tackles for a loss, five sacks, a pass batted and a forced fumble in 2014. He flashed at times, but he was inconsistent. Jenkins hasn’t been the force he was expected to be as the replacement for Jarvis Jones. There was a lot of hype about Jenkins entering the 2013 season, but the sophomore didn’t completely justify it with his performance. Jenkins had a solid, but unspectacular, year with 45 tackles, five sacks, 12 tackles for a loss and a forced fumble.

Eric Striker, OLB, Oklahoma
Height: 5-11. Weight: 228. Arm: 31. Hand: 10.
40 Time: 4.80.
Projected Round (2015): 4-6.
4/27/16: At the combine, Striker had a very slow 40 time for an undersized speed rusher. He played well for Oklahoma in 2015, recording 67 tackles with 19 for a loss, 7.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. Striker would be ranked higher, but he is a tweener between 3-4 outside linebacker, safety and 4-3 outside linebacker. The lattermost is probably his best spot for the NFL given his body type, but the thing he does best, above all else, is rush the passer off the edge. Striker may not translate to the next level.

8/24/15: Striker had 68 tackles with 17 tackles for a loss, nine sacks and five passes broken up in 2014. He finished the 2013 season with a coming-out party against Alabama in the Sugar Bowl, dominating Crimson Tide left tackle Cyrus Kouandjio for three sacks and seven tackles. Striker collected a total of 50 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 10.5 tackles for a loss and a forced fumble that year.

Perez Ford, OLB, Northern Illinois
Height: 6-0. Weight: 227.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2015): 4-6.
4/27/16: Ford is a sleeper prospect who has generated interest from teams and been taking a number of pre-draft visits. He is a fast, versatile linebacker. In 2015, Ford totaled 42 tackles with 6.5 for a loss, five sacks and a forced fumble. He had similar production the year before with 57 stops, five sacks, nine tackles for a loss and three forced fumbles. Ford had 4.5 sacks as a sophomore. Sources say Ford could go in the fifth or sixth round.

Joe Schobert, OLB, Wisconsin
Height: 6-1. Weight: 247. Arm: 31. Hand: 10.
40 Time: 4.76.
Projected Round (2015): 4-6.
4/27/16: Schobert broke out in 2015, racking up 79 tackles, 19.5 for a loss, 9.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and two passes broken up. The former walk-on had 69 tackles, three sacks, seven passes batted and two forced fumbles as a junior. He had a decent combine performance.

Schobert beat offensive tackles with speed around the edge in 2015. He added a lot of weight during his Badgers career and should continue to do so – if able – in order to be a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL. Schobert looked limited athletically at the Senior Bowl.

Stephen Weatherly, OLB/DE, Vanderbilt
Height: 6-4. Weight: 267. Arm: 34.5.
40 Time: 4.61.
Projected Round (2016): 4-6.
4/27/16: Weatherly was a surprise early entry into the 2016 NFL Draft and probably should have returned for his senior year. In 2015, the junior recorded 46 tackles with 9.5 for loss, three passes batted, two forced fumbles and 3.5 sacks. He totaled 55 tackles, 12.5 for a loss and 4.5 sacks as a sophomore.

Weatherly worked out really well at the combine. He was fast in the 40 and performed solidly in the field drills.

James Cowser, OLB/DE, Southern Utah
Height: 6-3. Weight: 248. Arm: 32.88.
40 Time: 4.82.
Projected Round (2016): 4-6.
4/27/16: Over the past three seasons, Cowser was a force for the Thunderbirds. The senior totaled 68 tackles with 19 for a loss, 13 sacks, and four forced fumbles in 2015. It was very impressive that he finished his career with his highest single-season sack total considering he was a known commodity. In 2014, Cowser had an excellent season with 28.5 tackles for a loss, 85 tackles and 11.5 sacks. As a sophomore, he totaled 77 tackles 10.5 sacks coming off 7.5 sacks as a freshman.

On top of the record of production, Cowser had a nice combine workout. He’s a sleeper prospect for Day 3 who could fit well as a 3-4 outside linebacker.

Dominique Alexander*, OLB/ILB, 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.

Steve Longa*, OLB, Rutgers
Height: 6-1. Weight: 225. Arm: 32.
40 Time: 4.78.
Projected Round (2016): 6-FA.
4/27/16: Sources say they graded Longa as a late-rounder and have size concerns with him holding up in the NFL. He was a solid defender for Rutgers over the past three seasons, breaking on to the field as a redshirt freshman. Longa totaled 123 tackles with 7.5 for a loss, three sacks, four passes broken up and two forced fumbles that season. As a follow up to that tremendous debut, he registered 102 tackles as a sophomore. In 2015, Longa recorded 117 tackles with five for a loss, two sacks and two breakups.

The redshirt junior has quickness, but size could be an issue for the NFL. Longa’s best fit would come as a Will (weakside) linebacker in a 4-3 defense.

Curt Maggitt, OLB, Tennessee
Height: 6-3. Weight: 244.
Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
Projected Round (2016): 6-FA.
4/27/16: Maggitt recorded seven tackles with three for a loss across two games before a hip injury cost him the season. He decided not to pursue a sixth year of eligibility and return to Tennessee. Maggitt didn’t work out at the combine.

8/24/15: In 2014, Maggitt had 48 tackles with 15 tackles for a loss, one forced fumble and 11 sacks. He has played well for Tennessee and been a good blitzer. Maggitt didn’t play in 2013 while taking a medical redshirt. He also had an ACL tear in 2012. Prior to the injury, the sophomore had notched 30 tackles with two sacks, five tackles for a loss and two forced fumbles through nine games. Maggitt had 56 tackles as a freshman in 2011.

Devante Bond, OLB/ILB, 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.

Raphael Kirby, OLB, Miami
Height: 6-0. Weight: 236. Arm: 31.
Projected 40 Time: 4.73.
Projected Round (2016): 6-FA.
4/27/16: Kirby only played in six games in 2015, totaling 44 tackles. As a junior, he had 54 tackles with two forced fumbles and two interceptions. Kirby looks like a competitor to be a backup and special teams contributor.

Eddie Yarbrough, OLB/DE, Wyoming
Height: 6-3. Weight: 251.
Projected 40 Time: 4.80.
Projected Round (2016): 6-FA.
4/27/16: Yarbrough recorded 62 tackles with 10.5 for a loss, seven sacks and one pass batted in 2015. He didn’t work out at the combine.

8/22/15: In 2014, Yarbrough picked up four sacks with 10.5 tackles for a loss and 63 tackles. He also had one pass broken up and a forced fumble. 2013 was even bigger for him with 89 tackles, 12 for a loss, and 6.5 sacks. Yarbrough needs to add weight for the NFL.

Terrance Smith, OLB/ILB, 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.

Ejiro Ederaine, OLB, Fresno State
Height: 6-3. Weight: 221.
Projected 40 Time: 4.71.
Projected Round (2016):7-FA.
4/27/16: In 2015, Ederaine was very productive for the Bulldogs. He totaled 99 tackles with 16.5 for a loss, two passes batted, two interceptions, one forced fumble and nine sacks on the year. Ederaine didn’t work out at the combine.

8/24/15: Ederaine totaled 64 tackles with 12.5 for a loss, two sacks and two passes broken up. He had a bigger season as a sophomore with 10 sacks, 63 tackles and 16.5 tackles for a loss.

Torrodney Prevot, OLB, Oregon
Height: 6-3. Weight: 222.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2016): FA.
4/27/16: Prevot had 48 tackles with 2.5 sacks, 7.5 tackles for a loss, two passes batted and a forced fumble in 2015. He did not work out at the combine.

8/24/15: Prevot some made plays for Oregon as a blitzer in 2014, recording five sacks. He also chipped in 30 tackles with two passes broken up. Prevot has also been a good special teams contributor for the Ducks.

Denzel Nkemdiche, OLB/S, Ole Miss
Height: 5-11. Weight: 212.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2015): FA.
4/27/16: Nkemdiche had 53 tackles with 6.5 for a loss, .5 sacks and one pass broken up in 2015. He missed time late in the regular season and was in the hospital. Nkemdiche doesn’t have the skill set of his younger brother Robert, but was considered a team leader and the heart of the defense. Denzel Nkemdiche didn’t participate in the combine.

Notably, NFL evaluators have major off-the-field issues with Denzel Nkemdiche. Sources say that Nkemdiche will go with his brother Robert to whatever city he lands in the NFL, and they see that as a significant concern toward drafting Robert Nkemdiche high in the first round. They feel that Denzel has a lot of off-the-field problems and is a horrible influence. Adding to the issues, Robert was arrested for pot possession and jumped off a hotel balcony, which resulted in a trip to the hospital. Teams really dislike Denzel Nkemdiche off the field.

8/24/15: Partway through the 2014 season, Nkemdiche went out for the year due to an ankle injury that required surgery. He had previously missed the season opener over a suspension. Nkemdiche totaled 28 tackles with 3.5 tackles for a loss in his shortened season. In 2013, he had 35 tackles with a forced fumble and was a part-time starter. Nkemdiche redshirted in 2011, but had his best season in 2012, when racked up 82 tackles with three sacks, 13 tackles for a loss, four forced fumbles, three interceptions and five passes broken up.

James Ross III, OLB, Michigan
Height: 6-1. Weight: 225.
Projected 40 Time: 4.69.
Projected Round (2016): FA.
4/27/16: Ross recorded 37 tackles with 5.5 for a loss and one sack on the season.

8/24/15: Ross had 32 tackles with three tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles on the season in 2014. He earned a starting spot as a sophomore and had a quality season for Michigan that saw him record 81 tackles with 1.5 sacks, five tackles for a loss, one forced fumble and two passes defended. Ross needs a big senior season to improve his draft stock.

Denzel Devall, OLB/ILB, 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.