2019 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 2019 outside linebacker prospects available for the 2019 NFL Draft. * – denotes 2020 prospect. ** – denotes 2021 prospect.

This page was last updated April 20, 2019. 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

Josh Allen, OLB, Kentucky
Height: 6-4. Weight: 262. Arm: 33.50. Hand: 8.75.
40 Time: 4.63. 10-Yd: 1.61. Three Cone: 7.15.
Bench: 28. Broad: 9-10.
Projected Round (2019): Top-10.
4/20/19: Allen is a lock to go in the top 10 and will likely get picked in the top five. In 2018, Allen totaled 88 tackles with 21.5 tackles for a loss, 17 sacks, five forced fumbles and four passes batted. Prior to dominating Vanderbilt and South Carolina, the senior was phenomenal in leading Kentucky to upsets over Florida and Mississippi State. He came up with some massive plays to lead a comeback over Missouri as well.

In the passing-driven NFL, edge defenders who can get after the quarterback are always in demand. Due to his speed, athleticism, size, strength and length, Allen has the potential to be an impactful edge defender with double-digit sack potential as a pro. In the ground game, Allen is a solid defender. He has good instincts, reads his keys well, and consistently is around the ball.

Allen is an ideal 3-4 outside linebacker with his ability to rush the passer and drop into coverage. If he is drafted to play in a 4-3, he still will be a good player. Allen could revolve from Sam – strong side – linebacker and defensive end. On top of being a complete player, Allen is known to be a high-character individual who is a team leader and hard worker.

8/29/18: According to NFL teams’ preseason data provided by team sources, Allen checks in at 6-foot-4, 250 pounds with 33.25-inch arms, 8.5-inch hands and an 80-inch wingspan. They have Allen running the 40-yard dash in 4.60 seconds.

In early October of 2017, WalterFootball.com was first to report that Allen was receiving early-round grades from NFL teams. One national scout compared Allen to Leonard Floyd coming out of Georgia with Allen’s ability to rush off the edge. That scout said Allen isn’t as freaky of an athlete as Floyd was, and Allen while is not a top-10 pick, they did grade Allen as a first-rounder.

Another director of college scouting said they had given Allen a high second-round grade, but thought Allen would definitely end up going in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, if he had declared. That director said Allen was an interesting player because he also can play inside linebacker, whereas Floyd was just an outside edge defender. That college director said that as an inside linebacker, Allen has similarities to current Texans linebacker Zach Cunningham in terms of his height, speed, length, and athleticism in the middle. Allen considered entering the 2018 NFL Draft, but chose to return to Kentucky instead.

Allen was one of the top edge defenders in college football during the 2017 season. The junior had seven sacks along with 65 tackles, 9.5 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and three passes batted on the year. He started the season fast and wasn’t as good late 2017. Allen produced well as a sophomore in 2016 with 62 tackles, 8.5 tackles for a loss, seven sacks and four forced fumbles.

Montez Sweat, OLB/DE, Mississippi State
Height: 6-6. Weight: 260. Arm: 35.63. Hand: 9.88.
40 Time: 4.41. 10-Yd: 1.55. Three Cone: 7.00.
Bench: 21. Vertical: 36. Broad: 10-5.
Projected Round (2019): Top-20.
4/20/19: Sweat made combine history by running a 4.41-second 40-yard dash, which set a record for a defensive lineman. With his long and athletic body type, Sweat showed that he can fit as a 4-3 defensive end or 3-4 outside linebacker. Team sources have said that Sweat has some minor off-the-field issues, but having a minor heart condition could cause him to have slight slide in the top 20. In late April, team sources picking in the top 20 did not seem prohibitively concerned about the heart condition.

Sweat was one of the stars of the Senior Bowl, performing excellently in the pass-rushing one-on-ones. He used his speed, length, and strength to consistently get the better of offensive linemen.

Sweat totaled 53 tackles, 14 for a loss, 11.5 sacks and one forced fumble in 2018. He was a dynamic pass-rusher over the course of the season. He dominated Auburn with a three-sack performance in the second half of the year. He was also dominant against Florida left tackle Martez Ivey and was excellent against Kansas State. Sweat had a solid game against Alabama.

8/29/18: According to NFL teams’ preseason data provided by team sources, Sweat checks in at 6-foot-6, 241 pounds with 35.5-inch arms, 10.13-inch hands, and a wingspan of 85.75 inches. They have him running the 40-yard dash in 4.60 seconds.

Sweat debuted for the Bulldogs with an excellent 2017 season as a dynamic edge defender. He totaled an SEC-leading 10.5 sacks, with 15.5 tackles for a loss and 48 tackles for the year. To start out his collegiate career, Sweat played at Michigan State before some disciplinary issues led to him leaving for the junior college ranks at Co-Lin Community College. Sweat could add weight to become a defensive end, stay as an outside linebacker, or be a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL.

Sweat is a dangerous pass-rusher who shows good instincts and natural feel as an edge rusher. He has good play recognition and uses his instincts to get in the right position to affect the quarterback or disrupt plays. For a tall defender, Sweat has a nice ability to redirect, and he uses that to get after the quarterback or defend the perimeter. As a pure pass-rusher, Sweat is quick off the edge with the speed to turn the corner and run around offensive tackles. One of his most impressive traits is his active hands to fight off blocks while using his feet at the same time. Sweat has some functional strength that he uses to get off blocks and shows impressive hand placement to get under the pads of blockers or rip them away from him. Sweat’s excellent length helps him to do that and also makes it harder for offensive tackles to get into his chest. Once he gets free, Sweat has burst to close on the quarterback.

Brian Burns*, OLB/DE, Florida State
Height: 6-4. Weight: 249. Arm: 33.88. Hand: 10.00.
40 Time: 4.53. 10-Yd: 1.61. Three Cone: 7.01.
Vertical: 36. Broad: 10-9.
Projected Round (2019): 1.
4/20/19: Burns has a good shot at going in the top 20, where there are a lot of teams that are looking for edge-rushing talent. Burns is a fast edge rusher who is adept at putting heat on the quarterback. However, he played much lighter at Florida State and showed a serious lack of strength and weight as a run defender. Numerous team sources say that at least early in his NFL career, he may be a rotational player only. His strength and run defense is not developed enough for him to be an instant three-down starter.

Burns helped himself at the combine with a fast 40 time and showing up with more weight on his frame. On top of a good workout, team sources say that Burns interviewed well with teams as they like his character. He recorded 52 tackles with 15.5 tackles with a loss, 10 sacks, three forced fumbles and three passes batted in 2018.

8/29/18: In 2017, Burns had 48 tackles with 13.5 for a loss, 4.5 sacks and four passes batted. He put more pressure on the quarterback than the numbers indicate. Burns notched 9.5 sacks in his debut season for Florida State and finished 2016 in impressive fashion. Scouts have said that Burns has a ton of athletic ability and upside. He should gain weight as he ages and fill out to being a starting edge defender.

D’Andre Walker, OLB, Georgia
Height: 6-2. Weight: 251. Arm: 34.38. Hand: 9.88.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2019): 2-3.
4/20/19: Walker did not work out at the combine. He recorded 45 tackles with 11 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and three passes batted in 2018. Walker was a nice replacement for Lorenzo Carter, showing a nice ability to blitz off the edge. Walker finished the regular season playing well for Georgia.

8/29/18: According to NFL teams’ preseason data provided by team sources, Walker checks in 6-foot-2, 251 pounds with 33.13-inch arms, 9.63-inch hands, and a wingspan of 80.25 inches. They have him running the 40-yard dash in 4.60 seconds.

Georgia fielded a superb defense in 2017, and Walker was one of the impressive defenders in the middle of the field who helped make the Bulldogs so tough. He had 5.5 sacks, 13.5 tackles for a loss, 40 tackles and a forced fumble on the year. Walker has a thick build to go with speed.

Jachai Polite*, OLB/DE, Florida
Height: 6-2. Weight: 258. Arm: 32.63. Hand: 9.75.
40 Time: 4.84. 10-Yd: 1.71.
Vertical: 32.
Projected Round (2019): 2-4.
4/20/19: The combine was a disaster for Polite, who did poorly in the team interviews before pulling out of the workout with an injury after a poor 40 time. After that, his pro day was equally bad on the field and off. Sources say that Polite’s football I.Q. and character were problematic in the interviews. He is expected to slip out of the first round and would be fortunate to get selected in Round 2. Polite is more likely to be a third- or fourth-rounder.

Gators sources told me different things and they said that Polite was a good guy off the field and was well liked by his teammates, but a number of NFL sources say that they have significant maturity and accountability concerns with Polite. They don’t like how he conducted himself with the outgoing coaching staff that was fired during his sophomore year. Team sources also say that Polite was weighing in the 235-240-pound range during 2018, and they wonder if he can maintain the necessary weight at the NFL.

WalterFootball.com was first to report that Polite planned on entering the 2019 NFL Draft. The junior was a force on the edge for Florida in 2018. Polite was a fast edge rusher who terrorized quarterbacks with a repertoire of moves and natural pass-rush ability. On the year, he totaled 11 sacks with six forced fumbles, 45 tackles, 17.5 tackles for a loss and four passes batted. Polite has natural feel as a pass-rusher with speed, athleticism, moves, and a nose for the quarterback.

Polite flashed as a run defender despite the body type of lacking length and weight on the edge. He made some impressive plays, but he didn’t always seem to want to play the run. At times, Polite looked like a fearless defender to set the edge, and his plays come in pursuit, especially from the back side.

8/29/18: Polite is a bit of tweener in that he has the height of a tackle but the weight of a defensive end. Polite has good speed and athleticism at the point of attack. In 2017, he totaled 22 tackles with 5.5 tackles for a loss, and two sacks. Polite had two sacks as a freshman.

Chase Winovich, OLB/DE, Michigan
Height: 6-2. Weight: 256. Arm: 32.75. Hand: 10.00.
40 Time: 4.59. 10-Yd: 1.57. Three Cone: 6.94.
Bench: 18. Vertical: 30.5. Broad: 9-8.
Projected Round (2019): 2-4.
4/20/19: At the combine, Winovich had a fast 40 time to help his draft grade, but his interviews left a mixed impression. Teams are worried that Winovich’s personality would be over the top in a NFL locker room and are concerned with his focus on celebrity. He has been dropped lower on many draft boards because of concerns about him being good in the locker room. Some sources thought he could go late in the second round and others had him going in the mid-rounds.

In 2018, Winovich totaled 68 tackles with 17 for a loss, five sacks and a pass batted. He dominated Notre Dame to open the season. All night, Winovich showed serious speed off the edge with the athleticism to dip underneath blockers and the strength to fight off the hands of blockers. Winovich is able to use his hands and feet at the same time while seeing the field well. With his non-stop motor, Winovich pursues plays all over the field. His physical look and style of play resembles Packers linebacker Clay Matthews. Sources are projecting Winovich to the second day of the 2019 NFL Draft.

8/29/18: According to NFL teams’ preseason data provided by team sources, Winovich checks in at 6-foot-2, 258 pounds with 31.88-inch arms, 10-inch hands, and a wingspan of 78.63 inches. They him running the 40-yard dash in 4.70 seconds.

Winovich was a gritty defender who was always around the ball for the Wolverines in 2017. He had an excellent season, totaling 79 tackles with 18 tackles for a loss, eight sacks and two forced fumbles. He had five sacks in the previous season. Given his length and weight issues, Winovich might be better off moving to 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL.

Terrill Hanks, OLB, New Mexico State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 242. Arm: 35.38. Hand: 9.38.
40 Time: 4.98.
Bench: 21. Vertical: 35.5. Broad: 9-10.
Projected Round (2019): 2-4.
4/20/19: In 2018, Hanks totaled 101 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, two passes broken up, and one interception returned for a touchdown.

Hanks would fit as a Sam linebacker in a 4-3 defense or an inside linebacker in a 3-4. He is very stiff, but fast when he opens it up. Hanks can’t cover for NFL passing attacks, thus he is more of a Sam. His instincts are average.

Sources have told me they envision grading Hanks as a third- or fourth-round pick, and they think he stands a good chance of sneaking into Day 2 during the 2019 NFL Draft. Hanks had a solid week of practice at the Senior Bowl, but had a 40 disappointing time at the combine.

8/29/18: According to NFL teams’ preseason data provided by team sources, Hanks checks in 6-foot-2, 230 pounds with 33.63-inch arms, 9.5-inch hands, and an 82-inch wingspan. They have him running the 40-yard dash in 4.60 seconds.

Hanks was a tackling machine at New Mexico State over the past three seasons. As a junior in 2017, he totaled 111 tackles with 15 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, six passes broken up, two forced fumbles and two interceptions. The previous season saw him collect 103 tackles with 12.5 tackles for a loss with two interceptions and five passes broken up. Team sources say Hanks has received a preseason projection of having potential to be a first- through fourth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Christian Miller, OLB, Alabama
Height: 6-3. Weight: 247. Arm: 35.13. Hand: 9.75.
Projected 40 Time: 4.77.
Vertical: 38.5. Broad: 9-10.
Projected Round (2019): 3-4.
4/20/19: With Terrell Lewis out, Miller took advantage of the playing time to have a strong performance in 2018. He had 8.5 sacks, 36 tackles, 11.5 tackles for a loss and one pass batted on the year. Miller was a nice situational pass-rusher coming off the edge for Alabama. Some team sources say they like Miller as a potential mid-rounder.

8/29/18: Miller went out for the year with a biceps injury against Florida State in the 2017 season opener. He will have to earn his way back onto the field for Alabama. Miller had 16 tackles with two sacks for Alabama in 2016.

Vosean Joseph*, OLB, Florida
Height: 6-1. Weight: 230. Arm: 31.38. Hand: 9.63.
Projected 40 Time: 4.80.
Projected Round (2019): 3-4.
4/20/19: Joseph was phenomenal in 2018 as one of the better linebackers in the nation. While Joseph is an instinctive and fast linebacker, he displays some physicality as a violent defender. The junior totaled 93 tackles with nine for a loss, four sacks and five passes broken up in 2018. As a sophomore, he totaled 55 tackles with four for a loss, one interception and one forced fumble.

Joseph could be a seek-and-destroy Will linebacker in the NFL, but he would have would been wise to return for his senior year to add weight and get stronger before going to the next level. Sources say that Joseph is a tough football player, but one who needs to get bigger and therefore could be ready to play in the second year of his pro career. They see him as a first-year backup and special teams contributor rather than a plug-and-play starter.

Te’Von Coney, OLB/ILB, Notre Dame
Height: 6-0. Weight: 234. Arm: 32.75. Hand: 9.13.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2019): 3-4.
4/20/19: In 2018, Coney had 123 tackles with 9.5 for a loss, four sacks, one interception and four passes broken up. He played well for Notre Dame and was a good college player. Coney did okay at the Senior Bowl, although he did not impress.

8/29/18: According to NFL teams’ preseason data provided by team sources, Coney checks in 6-foot, 231-pounds with 33 inch arms, 9.25 inch hands, and a wing span of 77.5. inches. They have him running the 40-yard dash in 4.60 seconds.

Coney had 116 tackles with three sacks, 12.5 tackles for a loss and one forced fumble in 2017. He played well for Notre Dame. Coney is a good run defender who has instincts and intelligence. He totaled 61 tackles as a sophomore in his first season as a starter. Coney has talent and could rise as a senior.

Ben Banogu, OLB/DE, TCU
Height: 6-3. Weight: 250. Arm: 33.38. Hand: 8.50.
40 Time: 4.62. 10-Yd: 1.56. Three Cone: 7.02.
Bench: 23. Vertical: 40. Broad: 11-2.
Projected Round (2019): 3-5.
4/20/19: Banogu ran fast times at the combine, and that should help his draft stock. In 2018, he totaled 57 tackles with 18 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. Sources say Banogu is a good athlete with a long linear body that passes the eye ball test. He has big arms, but could add more weight for the NFL in his chest and lower body. Banogu has some speed to go with athleticism and some natural ability to get after the quarterback. As a run defender, Banogu is extremely soft. He is okay in pursuit, but he really struggles with downhill runs coming straight at him.

As a result, Banogu is a prospect with developmental starter potential, and those guys end up going in the third or fourth round. In speaking to some team sources, Banogu received a fourth-round grade, but they would not be shocked if he went in the back half of Round 3. One source said they could see Banogu being an edge rusher like Mario Addison, if he pans out.

8/29/18: Banogu can get away with playing defensive end in the Big XII, but for the NFL, he will probably have to move to outside linebacker. Banogu is a fast edge rusher with some plus athletic ability. In 2017, he totaled 49 tackles with 16.5 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. He had 45 tackles and five sacks in 2016.

Jalen Jelks, OLB/DE, Oregon
Height: 6-5. Weight: 256. Arm: 33.88. Hand: 9.50.
40 Time: 4.92. 10-Yd: 1.70. Three Cone: 7.22.
Bench: 19. Vertical: 32.5. Broad: 9-5.
Projected Round (2019): 3-5.
4/20/19: Jelks totaled 57 tackles with 7.5 for a loss, 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one pass batted in 2018. He was solid for Oregon, although not overly impressive. Jelks was decent at the Senior Bowl, but he did not do enough to send his stock higher.

8/29/18: According to NFL team preseason data, Jelks checks in at 6-foot-5, 244 pounds and runs the 40-yard dash in 4.80 seconds. They have him with 33.75-inch arms, 9-inch hands, and an 81.63-inch wingspan. Jelks had a breakout redshirt junior season in which he recorded 59 tackles with 15 tackles for a loss, 6.5 sacks and seven passes batted. Jelks had totaled 40 tackles and five sacks over his previous two seasons as a backup for Oregon.

In the pass rush, Jelks is quick off the edge and shows nice vision with instincts to adjust to the offense. He has the speed to close and can run around blockers. Jelks flashes some ability to bend his long frame, and that make him harder to block. Oregon rushed Jelks from the inside over guards far too often, and his natural home is rushing off the edge. He’s a terrible misfit at defensive tackle. Lining him up on the inside suppressed Jelks sack potential, and he could produce more if he’s given the opportunity to go against offensive tackles.

As a run defender, Jelks is a good pursuit player and flows well to the ball. He reads his keys well and is able to get in good position to get in on tackles. For the NFL, Jelks is going to need to add more weight to his frame. He is lean and could have issues with downhills runs coming straight at him. He also gets into trouble in the ground game and pass rush when he stands up too high. For a pro defense, Jelks probably would fit best as a 3-4 outside linebacker.

Porter Gustin, OLB/DE, USC
Height: 6-4. Weight: 255. Arm: 33.00. Hand: 10.00.
40 Time: 4.69.
Bench: 31. Vertical: 35.5. Broad: 9-11.
Projected Round (2019): 4-6.
4/20/19: Gustin played well for USC in 2018, showing his ability to get after the quarterback off the edge. He totaled 28 tackles, seven sacks and one pass broken up before going out for the year with a fractured ankle. The injury really hurts Gustin draft’s positioning because he has major medical red flags and durability concerns.

8/29/18: According to NFL teams’ preseason data provided by team sources, Gustin checks in at 6-foot-4, 267 pounds with 33.5-inch arms, 10-inch hands, and a wingspan of 78.75 inches. They have him running the 40-yard dash in 4.80 seconds.

Gustin had 16 tackles with three tackles for a loss and three sacks in 2017. Toe and biceps injuries sidelined him after three games. He missed five games, came back to play against Arizona State, and then missed the remaining contests. Gustin was wise return to USC for 2018 to put together a healthy season before going pro.

Gustin may end up growing into a defensive end, but he showed some edge skills as a freshman and sophomore. In 2015, he totaled 5.5 sacks while also chipping in 25 tackles with 6.5 for a loss. It was an impressive season from a freshman, and he was only a rotational player with two starts. As a sophomore, Gustin notched 68 tackles with 5.5 sacks and four passes batted. He has started at outside linebacker and could be a good fit for 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL.

Otaro Alaka, OLB, Texas A&M
Height: 6-3. Weight: 239. Arm: 33.38. Hand: 9.25.
40 Time: 4.82.
Bench: 20. Vertical: 36. Broad: 10-11.
Projected Round (2019): 4-6.
4/20/19: In 2018, Alaka totaled 79 tackles with 14.5 for a loss, four sacks, one forced fumble and one pass batted. Alaka did not work out well leading up the 2019 NFL Draft but should go on Day 3. Some teams have him in their free agent group though, so he could slide.

8/29/18: In 2017, Alaka had 78 tackles with 12 tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks. He notched 74 tackles with two sacks as a sophomore. If Alaka can build off his junior year, he could rise. Team sources project him as having first- through fourth-round potential for the 2019 NFL Draft.

Drue Tranquill, OLB/ILB, Notre Dame
Height: 6-2. Weight: 234. Arm: 31.00. Hand: 9.75.
40 Time: 4.57. Three Cone: 6.94.
Bench: 31. Vertical: 37.5. Broad: 10-2.
Projected Round (2019): 4-6.
4/20/19: Tranquill had 86 tackles with nine for a loss, 3.5 sacks and three passes broken up in 2018. He is a smart defender, but could end up more of a backup as a pro due to skill-set limitations.

8/29/18: Tranquill is a good college player who may not have the skill set to transition to the NFL. However in 2017, he was a big presence for Notre Dame who made a lot of clutch tackles. He totaled 85 stops with 10.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, three passes broken up and an interception on the year. In 2016, he had 80 tackles with two breakups and a pick.

Chase Hansen, OLB/S, Utah
Height: 6-2. Weight: 222. Arm: 30.50. Hand: 9.38.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2019): 4-6.
4/3/19: In 2018, Hansen recorded 114 tackles, two interceptions, four passes broken up, 22 tackles for a loss and five sacks. He was all over the field for the Utes as a seek-and-destroy defender. Hansen moved to linebacker as a senior, and that is the position he should play in the NFL.

8/29/18: Hansen’s best season came as a sophomore, when he totaled 90 tackles with nine passes broken up and three interceptions. He had 51 tackles with two breakups and an interception as a junior. Hansen is a big safety who could grow into a linebacker.

Andrew Van Ginkel, OLB, Wisconsin
Height: 6-3. Weight: 241. Arm: 32.50. Hand: 9.38.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70. Three Cone: 6.89.
Bench: 17. Vertical: 38. Broad: 10-3.
Projected Round (2019): 5-7.
4/20/19: Van Ginkel had 60 tackles with 5.5 sacks, 9.5 tackles for a loss, three passes batted, and two forced fumbles over the course of 2018. His game against BYU was underwhelming.

8/29/18: According to NFL teams’ preseason data provided by team sources, Van Ginkel checks in 6-foot-3, 229 pounds with 32.25-inch arms, 9.25-inch hands, and a wingspan 77.25 inches. They have him running the 40-yard dash in 4.70 seconds.

Wisconsin has produced a lot of good linebackers in recent years, and Van Ginkel should keep that tradition going along with T.J. Edwards and Ryan Connelly in the 2019 NFL Draft. In 2017, Van Ginkel totaled 6.5 sacks, 39 tackles with 10 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and two passes batted. Adding weight and playing 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL could be a nice fit for him.

Ryan Connelly, OLB, Wisconsin
Height: 6-2. Weight: 242. Arm: 30.88. Hand: 9.38.
40 Time: 4.66. Three Cone: 7.09.
Vertical: 34.5. Broad: 9-10.
Projected Round (2019): 5-7.
4/20/19: In 2018, Connelly recorded 89 tackles with 10 for a loss, three sacks, one pass batted and one forced fumble.

8/29/18: According to NFL teams’ preseason data provided by team sources, Connelly checks in 6-foot-2, 237 pounds with 30.75-inch arms, 9.13-inch hands, and a 75.13-inch wingspan. They have him running the 40-yard dash in 4.65 seconds.

Wisconsin has produced a lot of good linebackers in recent years, and Connelly should keep that tradition going with T.J. Edwards and Andrew Van Ginkel in the 2019 NFL Draft. In 2017, Connelly totaled 88 tackles with 11 tackles for a loss, three sacks, one pass broken up, one forced fumble and one interception. Connelly has a good build with some speed.

Jamal Davis II, OLB, Akron
Height: 6-3. Weight: 233.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Projected Round (2019): 5-7.
4/20/19: Davis notched 82 tackles with 16 for a loss, 5.5 sacks and six passes broken up in 2018.

8/29/18: According to NFL teams’ preseason data provided by team sources, Davis checks in at 6-foot-3, 233 pounds with 33.25-inch arms, 10.13-inch hands, and 82-inch wingspan. They have Davis running the 40-yard dash.

Davis has impressed NFL advance scouts enough to warrant a first- through fourth-round potential grade for the 2019 NFL Draft entering the 2018 season. Davis started out his collegiate career redshirting at Pittsburgh before transferring to Akron. In 2017, Davis totaled 69 tackles with 15.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks and one forced fumble. He has a good skill set with size and speed.

Anree Saint-Amour, OLB/DE, Georgia Tech
Height: 6-3. Weight: 245. Projected 40 Time: 4.80.
Projected Round (2019): 5-7.
4/20/19: On the pro day circuit this year, St. Amour stood out. He has met with the Cincinnati Bengals, and more teams are showing interest in him. Saint-Amour had 10.5 sacks over the past three seasons at Georgia Tech. He could be a late-round pick or priority free agent who surprises.

Nate Hall, OLB, Northwestern
Height: 6-2. Weight: 225. Arm: 32.25. Hand: 9.38.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2019): 5-7.
4/20/19: In 2018, Hall recorded 51 tackles with 5.5 for a loss and one interception.

8/29/18: According to NFL teams’ preseason data provided by team sources, Hall checks in 6-foot-2, 230 pounds with 32.5-inch arms, 9.63-inch hands, and a wingspan of 77.75 inches. They have him running the 40-yard dash in 4.65 seconds.

Hall has been a tough edge defender for Northwestern over the past few seasons. He is a quality run defender with intelligence and instincts. In 2017, Hall collected 79 tackles with 16.5 tackles for a loss, five sacks, six passes broken up and two interceptions. He had 73 tackles as a sophomore.

Jordan Jones, OLB, Kentucky
Height: 6-1. Weight: 234. Arm: 31.75. Hand: 9.00.
40 Time: 4.62.
Bench: 23. Vertical: 32.5. Broad: 10-3.
Projected Round (2019): 5-7.
4/20/19: In 2018, Jones notched 68 tackles with four passes broken up, 1.5 sacks, 5.5 tackles for a loss and and one forced fumble. He needs to gain weight for the NFL.

8/29/18: According to NFL teams’ preseason data provided by team sources, Jones checks in 6-foot-1, 212 pounds with 31.25-inch arms, 9-inch hands and a 75.25-inch wingspan. They have him running the 40-yard dash in 4.55 seconds.

Jones has been a solid linebacker for the Wildcats over the past two seasons. He broke out as a sophomore with 109 tackles, 15.5 tackles for a loss, four sacks, four passes batted and one forced fumble. In 2017, Jones had a drop in production due to missing four games. He totaled 64 tackles with 7.4 tackles for a loss, two sacks, one breakup and one forced fumble on the year. Jones could benefit as a senior with teams focusing on Josh Allen.

David Long*, OLB, Michigan
Height: 5-11. Weight: 196. Arm: 30.75. Hand: 10.00.
40 Time: 4.45. Three Cone: 6.45.
Bench: 15. Vertical: 39.5. Broad: 10-0.
Projected Round (2019): 5-7.
4/20/19: Long is a Will – weak side – linebacker prospect for the NFL. He amassed 111 tackles with 19 for a loss, eight sacks, one forced fumble and four passes broken up in 2018. The junior was a seek-and-destroy linebacker who used his speed to chase down ball-carriers. As a sophomore, he had 76 tackles and 65 as a freshman.

Ben Burr-Kirven, OLB, Washington
Height: 6-0. Weight: 230. Arm: 31.88. Hand: 8.88.
40 Time: 4.56. Three Cone: 6.85.
Bench: 21. Vertical: 34.5. Broad: 10-1.
Projected Round (2019): 5-7.
4/20/19: Burr-Kirven was a very productive player for the Huskies in 2018, notching 176 tackles with 5.5 for a loss, two sacks, six passes broken up and two interceptions. He had 84 tackles as a junior after some modest contributions as a sophomore – 44 tackles – and freshman – 34 tackles. Burr-Kirven is the size of a strong safety, but he does not have the speed or athleticism to move to defensive back. He could be a backup linebacker and special teams contributor in the NFL.

Sutton Smith*, OLB, Northern Illinois
Height: 6-0. Weight: 233. Arm: 30.63. Hand: 9.00.
40 Time: 4.69. 10-Yd: 1.72. Three Cone: 6.75.
Bench: 25. Vertical: 31.5. Broad: 9-10.
Projected Round (2019): 5-7.
4/20/19: Smith was a productive edge rusher for Northern Illinois in 2018. Due to being undersized however, the junior will have to move to off linebacker in the NFL. Over the course of 2018, he totaled 61 tackles with 26.5 tackles for a loss, 15 sacks and one pass broken up. Smith could be used as a designated pass-rusher to blitz in obvious passing situations.

Kendall Joseph, OLB/ILB, Clemson
Height: 5-11. Weight: 233. Arm: 31.63. Hand: 9.75.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Bench: 25.
Projected Round (2019): 5-7.
4/20/19: Joseph recorded 81 tackles with five for a loss, four sacks and one pass broken up in 2018. He looks like a backup linebacker and special teams contributor for the NFL.

8/29/18: Joseph recorded 96 tackles with five tackles for a loss, .5 sacks and a pass broken up in 2017. He was solid, but unimpressive. Joseph runs around too many blocks and needs to improve at taking blocks on. Ben Boulware got a lot of attention in 2016, but Joseph was the best linebacker on Clemson’s National Championship team. That season, Joseph totaled 108 tackles with 12.5 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, 3.5 sacks and one interception.

Joe Giles-Harris*, OLB/ILB, Duke
Height: 6-1. Weight: 234. Arm: 31.25. Hand: 8.50.
40 Time: 4.75.
Bench: 17. Vertical: 29.5. Broad: 9-3.
Projected Round (2019): 5-7.
4/20/19: In 2018, Giles-Harris had 81 tackles with two passes broken up and .5 sacks.

8/29/18: Giles-Harris is a smart defender who has been a steady linebacker in the ACC over the past two seasons. He amassed 125 tackles with 16 for a loss, 4.5 sacks, four breakups, one forced fumble and one interception in 2017. For 2016, Giles-Harris totaled 107 tackles with 9.5 tackles for a loss, four sacks, one interception and two breakups.

Dre Greenlaw, OLB, Arkansas
Height: 5-11. Weight: 237. Arm: 32.38. Hand: 9.50.
Projected 40 Time: 4.63.
Bench: 24. Vertical: 32. Broad: 9-9.
Projected Round (2019): 5-7.
4/20/19: Greenlaw totaled 80 tackles with 6.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble in 2018.

8/29/18: In 2017, Greenlaw totaled 103 tackles with one sack and two passes broken up. He had 42 tackles over seven games as a sophomore while being limited by a foot injury. In 2015 as a freshman, he recorded 95 tackles with one sack, two forced fumbles and a pass broken up.

Khalil Hodge, OLB/ILB, Buffalo
Height: 6-1. Weight: 240.
Projected 40 Time: 4.72.
Projected Round (2019): 5-7.
4/20/19: In 2018, Hodge totaled 144 tackles with 7.5 for a loss, 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one interception and three passes broken up.

8/29/18: Hodge is a tackling machine for Buffalo. In 2017, he notched 154 stops with three sacks, two pass breakups, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. The previous season saw him collect 123 tackles with seven tackles for a loss, one sack and one breakup. Hodge is a steady player, and it will be interesting to see if he shows the skill set to translate to the NFL.

Emeke Egbule, OLB/ILB, Houston
Height: 6-2. Weight: 245. Arm: 33.00. Hand: 9.25.
40 Time: 4.65. Three Cone: 7.38.
Bench: 20. Vertical: 33. Broad: 9-11.
Projected Round (2019): 5-7.
4/20/19: Initially, Egbule could compete to be a backup linebacker and special teams contributor in the NFL. In 2018, he totaled 69 tackles with 5.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks, five passes batted, two forced fumbles and two interceptions. Egbule provides versatile size to play inside or outside.

Bryan London II*, OLB, Texas State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 215.
Projected 40 Time: 4.63.
Projected Round (2019): 6-FA.
4/20/19: London recorded 109 tackles with 5.5 for a loss, two forced fumbles and six passes broken up in 2018.

8/29/18: London has produced a lot of tackles the past few seasons with 91 as a redshirt sophomore and 141 as a freshman. He needs to add weight for the NFL.

Jesse Aniebonam, OLB/DE, Maryland
Height: 6-3. Weight: 259.
Projected 40 Time: 4.77.
Projected Round (2019): 7-FA.
4/20/19: Aniebonam totaled 39 tackles with two sacks for 2018.

8/29/18: Aniebonam was playing well against Texas in the 2017 season opener, getting the better of Longhorns left tackle Connor Williams, before suffering what looked like a leg injury. Maryland said Aniebonam would be out several months, and he didn’t return to the field in 2017.

Aniebonam had a quality junior year with nine sacks, 46 tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, one forced fumble and one pass batted. He totaled four sacks over his freshman and sophomore seasons as primarily a backup. Size issues could force the redshirt senior to outside linebacker in the NFL.

Quart’E Sapp*, OLB, Tennessee
Height: 6-2. Weight: 223.
Projected 40 Time: 4.63.
Projected Round (2019): 7-FA.
4/20/19: Sapp notched 29 tackles in nine games over 2018. He had 78 tackles with two passes broken up as a sophomore. Sapp should have returned to school or done a graduate transfer.

Charles Wright, OLB/ILB, Vanderbilt
Height: 6-3. Weight: 240.
Projected 40 Time: 4.72.
Projected Round (2019): 7-FA.
4/20/19: Wright had 16 tackles over six games in 2018.

8/29/18: Wright showed some edge potential in 2017 on his way to nine sacks on the year. He also collected 43 tackles with 10.5 tackles for a loss. Wright needs to build on his 2017 season to move his stock higher.

Ulysees Gilbert III, OLB/ILB, Akron
Height: 6-1. Weight: 225.
Projected 40 Time: 4.72.
Projected Round (2019): 7-FA.
4/20/19: Gilbert totaled 85 tackles with 7.5 for a loss, one pass batted and .5 sacks in 2018.

8/29/18: Gilbert is a tackling machine for Akron. He flies all over the field, taking down ball-carriers and making his presence felt. In 2017, Gilbert totaled 140 tackles with 9.5 tackles for a loss, five sacks, four passes broken up and three interceptions. He had 122 tackles with four sacks, three breakups and 11.5 tackles for a loss as a sophomore.

Azeez Al-Shaair, OLB/ILB, Florida Atlantic
Height: 6-0. Weight: 234. Arm: 32.38. Hand: 9.50.
Projected 40 Time: 4.73.
Projected Round (2019): 7-FA.
4/20/19: Al-Shaair recorded 43 tackles with 1.5 sacks over his six-game season before going down with a torn ACL and a torn MCL.

8/29/18: Al-Shaair was very productive in 2017, totaling 147 tackles with 11 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, four passes broken up and one forced fumble. He had 112 tackles as a sophomore and 94 in his freshman season.