2018 NFL Draft: Outside Linebacker Rankings

Chris Ransom follow @DraftUtopia Last Updated: January 8, 2017.

1. Hercules Mata'afa, OLB, Washington State Projected Round 1st Round
   
   
   2017 Season Recap At 6-2 252 lbs Hercules Mata'afa dominated at 4-3 defensive tackle with 31 solo tackles, 14 assisted tackles, 45 total tackles, 22.5 tackles for a loss, 10.5 sacks, 5 quarterback hurries. Mata'afa was one of two players on my outside linebacker rankings to exceed 10 sacks.
   
   
   Hercules Mata'afa SWOT Report
   
   
   Strengths: Uses rip and swim moves. Can play standing up or can place his hand in the dirt. Can play 0-technique, 1-technique, 2-technique, 3-technique, 4-technique, 5-technique, 6-technique, 7-technique, 8-technique, or 9-technique. Has an incredible football IQ. Will be used off the edge at the next level as a 3-4 outside linebacker. Does an outstanding job stuffing the run. Wins battles against left tackles, left guards, centers, right guards, and right tackles. Got to Sam Darnold in 1.93 seconds. He's very fast and explosive.
   
   
   
   Weaknesses: Was not consistent on a week-to-week basis at Washington State. Had 3 games where he had 2 sacks or more, but also had 7 games without a sack. Struggles in coverage. Not consistent in terms of motor or block shedding.
   
   
   
   Opportunities: 14. Green Bay Packers. Hercules Mata'afa has the versatility to play outside linebacker on either side.
   
   
   
   Threats: Hercules Mata'afa played 4-3 defensive tackle at Washington State. The only threat with him is that he may not translate to 3-4 outside linebacker.
   
   
   
   Potential Grade: 96/99
   
   
   
   
   Before 2017
   
   
   Hercules Mata'afa had 5 sacks in 2016. He could be a 2017 riser with a breakout season.
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Ogbonnina Okoronkwo, OLB, Oklahoma Projected Round 1st Round
   
   
   2017 Season Recap At 6-1 241 lbs Ogbonnina Okoronkwo finally put together a quality season showing the versatility to play 4-3 right end, 4-3 left end, 3-4 right outside linebacker, 3-4 left outside linebacker, 4-3 right outside linebacker, 4-3 middle linebacker, and 4-3 left outside linebacker. Ogbonnina Okornkwo had 17.5 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks, and 10 quarterback hurries in 2017 after having 4 quarterback hurries in the 2018 College Football Playoff in the Rose Bowl.
   
   
   Ogbonnina Okoronkwo SWOT Report
   
   
   Strengths: Ogbonnina Okoronkwo can rush the quarterback and stop the run. Has a relentless work ethic and refuses to give offensive tackles a fresh air of breathe. Also does an awesome job with his burst off the edge. Does a phenomenal job dropping back into coverage. Easily the best EDGE rusher among the outside linebackers outside of Hercules Mata'afa. Can play the 7-technique, 8-technique, and 9-technique. Won one-on-one battles with Jamarco Jones the Ohio State left tackle and Isaiah Wynn the Georgia left tackle expected to kick inside to guard in the NFL.
   
   
   
   Weaknesses: Did not get 10 sacks. As far as tape goes he's a pretty complete linebacker prospect. His stats say he had 6 quarterback hurries, and none in the 2018 College Football Playofff. That's false though he got pressure on the opposing quarterback constantly.
   
   
   
   Opportunities: Tennessee Titans would be a great fit for Ogbonnina Okornkwo. Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan enter contract years in 2018 and both underperformed in 2017. Ogbonnina Okornkwo will play in the 2018 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.
   
   
   
   Threats: There are no threats with Ogbonnina Okoronkwo. He's a safer prospect than Hercules Mata'afa, but I think Hercules has a higher ceiling.
   
   
   
   Potential Grade: 93/99
   
   
   
   
   Before 2017
   
   
   Ogbonnina Okornkwo had 50 solo tackles, 21 assisted tackles, 71 total tackles, 12 tackles for a loss and 9 sacks in 2016. If he builds on his success in his second year as a starter, he's someone who can emerge into a first round outside linebacker.
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Marcus Davenport, OLB, UTSA Projected Round 1st Round
   
   
   2017 Season Recap At 6-7 255 lbs Marcus Davenport finally put everything together in 2017. Davenport had 33 solo tackles, 22 assisted tackles, 55 total tackles, 17 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks, 8 quarterback hurries, 4 deflections from pass breakups, and 3 forced fumbles in 2017. He also had 1 defensive touchdown in 2017. Marcus Davenport can play 4-3 right end, 4-3 left end, 4-3 right outside linebacker, 4-3 left outside linebacker, 3-4 right outside linebacker, and 3-4 left outside linebacker.
   
   
   Marcus Davenport SWOT Report
   
   
   Strengths: Marcus Davenport can rush the quarterback and stop the run. Has a relentless work ethic and refuses to give offensive tackles a fresh air of breathe. Also does an awesome job with his burst off the edge. Does a phenomenal job dropping back into coverage. His rip and swim moves are so good on tape. Excels in coverage.
   
   
   
   Weaknesses: Marcus Davenport needs to get more sacks on tape. He shows the rest of the tools of someone who could surge into the first round.
   
   
   
   Opportunities: The Indianapolis Colts at the top of the second round would be an awesome fit for Marcus Davenport. If Davenport dominates the 2018 Senior Bowl, he could also work his way into the first round.
   
   
   
   Threats: There are no threats with Marcus Davenport at the moment. He has a pretty high ceiling too and could be a great starter in a 4-3 defense and an elite player in a 3-4 scheme. If he adds more muscle he can play 4-3 defensive end. I see an outside linebacker in either scheme at 255 lbs at the moment.
   
   
   
   Potential Grade: 92/99
   
   
   
   
   Before 2017
   
   
   Marcus Davenport had 10 tackles for a loss and 6.5 sacks in 2016. If he can improve on that in 2017 he has a chance to be drafted very high in the 2018 NFL Draft.
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Jeff Holland, OLB, Auburn Projected Round 2nd Round
   
   
   2017 Season Recap The 6-2 249 lb Jeff Holland has lined up at 4-3 left outside linebacker. He also showed the versatility to play 4-3 right outside linebacker. Holland had 22 quarterback hurries, 13 tackles for a loss, and 10 sacks. He took over for Carl Lawson in 2017.
   
   
   Jeff Holland SWOT Report
   
   
   Strengths: Possesses remarkable rip and swim moves. Frustrated Drew Lock on tape. Excellent pass rusher and run stuffer. Has deadly speed and can frustrate your offense when he gets past the line of scrimmage.
   
   
   
   Weaknesses: Struggles in coverage. Jeff Holland needs to get better in coverage.
   
   
   
   Opportunities: Jeff Holland is a second round prospect. A team like the Chicago Bears may be a good fit for Jeff Holland.
   
   
   
   Threats: Jeff Holland is a one year starter. That's my only concern with Holland.
   
   
   
   Potential Grade: 91/99
   
   
   
   
   Before 2017
   
   
   Jeff Holland was a backup to Carl Lawson in 2016. Holland takes over for Lawson in 2017 and can be a huge riser with a big junior season in 2017.
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Uchenna Nwosu, OLB, USC Projected Round 2nd Round
   
   
   2017 Season Recap The 6-2 240 lb Uchenna Nwosu lined up at 4-3 right end, 4-3 defensive tackle, 4-3 left end, 3-4 right end, 3-4 nose tackle, 3-4 left end, 3-4 right outside linebacker, 3-4 middle linebacker, and 3-4 left outside linebacker when watching his tape. He dominated at every single spot on the front 7 in 2017. Uchenna Nwosu had 11.5 tackles for a loss, 9.5 sacks, 13 deflections from pass breakups, and 9 quarterback hurries for USC in 2017. He stepped up and had a huge impact on this defense once Porter Gustin got injured.
   
   
   
   Uchenna Nwosu had some mixed outings with Stanford right tackle Casey Tucker and Washington State right tackle Cole Madison. Nwosu also did well versus Ohio State left tackle Jamarco Jones and humiliated Billy Price when lining up at middle linebacker on one play. Even though USC lost their Bowl Game, Nwosu still had an impact on this USC defense.
   
   
   Uchenna Nwosu SWOT Report
   
   
   Strengths: Uchenna Nwosu is a premier pass rusher. Has the rip and swim moves to cause disruption off the edge. Can stop the run. Does a superb job dropping back into coverage. A natural at swatting passes.
   
   
   
   Weaknesses: Struggles with elusive running backs that possess deadly speed. Both Stanford running back Bryce Love and Washington State running back Jamal Morrow made him miss tackles on tape.
   
   
   
   Opportunities: I have a second round grade on Uchenna Nwosu. I'm not sure where he ends up, but he did get an invite to the 2018 Senior Bowl.
   
   
   
   Threats: Uchenna Nwosu sat out of the Holliday Bowl as a freshman. He also got ejected for targeting in the 2017 Rose Bowl against Penn State. There are some off the field concerns, but I doubt it's that serious since he grew up and showcased enough leadership to be one of USC's defensive captains in 2017.
   
   
   
   Potential Grade: 88/99
   
   
   
   
   Before 2017
   
   
   Uchenna Nwosu showed a ton of promise next to Porter Gustin in 2016. Nwosu had 28 solo tackles, 23 assisted tackles, 51 solo tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, 3 sacks, and 5 deflections from pass breakups in 2016.
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. Arden Key, OLB, LSU Projected Round 2nd Round
   
   
   2017 Season Recap The 6-6 265 lb Arden Key added a lot of muscle. He played 4-3 right end and 3-4 right outside linebacker at LSU, but showcased versatility to play 4-3 left end and 3-4 left outside linebacker in 2017. Key dominated and entered the season as the top outside linebacker, but a disappointing season has caused Key to drop from first to seventh on our rankings.
   
   
   Arden key SWOT Report
   
   
   Strengths: Arden Key may be the fastest outside linebacker in the 2018 NFL Draft despite a sloppy 2017 campaign. Key is projected to run a 4.43 40-time at the 2018 NFL Combine. Finally showcased versatility to play on the other side in 2017. Did a much better job developing his ability to drop back into coverage and this can be seen by his tape against Florida. Played like a maniac before, during, and after the play in 2016.
   
   
   
   Weaknesses: Arden Key has a tendency to miss tackles. Also displays a really inconsistent motor. Relies on his speed and has really inconsistent technique. Arden Key had a remarkable rip move in 2016. He didn't show that in 2017 though and he still hasn't developed a swim move to compliment his rip move. Only had 5.5 tackles for a loss and 4 sacks in 2017.
   
   
   
   Opportunities: Arden Key entered the season as a top 5 pick is a second round prospect. I think Key has a chance to redeem his draft stock with a strong NFL Combine though. With a good 2018 NFL Combine, he can get back into the first round.
   
   
   
   Threats: Durability concerns kept Arden Key from playing in five games this year. Key was injured multiple times. There are also questions about Key's dedication and passion for playing football. He had a huge sophomore year in 2016, but failed to showcase that same hunger and intensity in 2017.
   
   
   
   Potential Grade: 88/99
   
   
   
   
   Before 2017
   
   
   Arden Key was the top ranked defensive end in high school outside of Josh Sweat. Key ended up going to LSU and took the starting job from Lewis Neal right away. This earned Key the nickname "The Tiger".
   
   
   
   Key showed immense promise as a freshman with 9 quarterback hurries, 6.5 tackles for a loss, and 5 sacks in 2015. Key built on that in 2016 with 14.5 tackles for a loss, 12 sacks, and 11 quarterback hurries. If Key can match what he does as a junior there is no reason for him not to be the top pass rusher drafted in the 2018 NFL Draft. I see more of a 3-4 outside linebacker, but teams think if he adds on muscle he can play 4-3 defensive end labeling Key a natural edge rusher.
   
   
   
   
   
   
7. Lorenzo Carter, OLB, Georgia Projected Round 3rd Round
   
   
   2017 Season Recap The 6-6 243 lb Lorenzo Carter lined up at 3-4 right outside linebacker and 3-4 left outisde linebacker for Georgia. He's versatile enough to play outside linebacker on either side. Carter had 7.5 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, and 9 quarterback hurries in 2017.
   
   
   Lorenzo Carter SWOT Report
   
   
   Strengths: Lorenzo Carter has elite rip and swim moves. He's fast and explosive off the edge as well. He can pressure the quarterback or stop the run.
   
   
   
   Weaknesses: His coverage is inconsistent. Carter dominated in coverage versus Notre Dame, but struggled in coverage versus Oklahoma despite a victory in the 2018 College Football Playoff.
   
   
   
   Opportunities: Lorenzo Carter is a third round prospect. He'd be a first or second round prospect if he showed more consistent production on tape.
   
   
   
   Threats: Lorenzo Carter has no threats. He's a pretty safe prospect and will be a reliable starter. I don't think he's a Pro Bowler, but he can be a great starter with his ability.
   
   
   
   Potential Grade: 88/99
   
   
   
   
   Before 2017
   
   
   Lorenzo Carter finally became a starter in 2016 after being a four star recruit in High School. Carter only had 6 tackles for a loss and 5 sacks in 2016. He has first round talent, but needs a huge senior year in terms of production if he wants to make a big splash.
   
   
   
   
   
   
8. Mike McCray, OLB, Michigan Projected Round 3rd Round
   
   
   2017 Season Recap The 6-4 242 lb Mike McCray is a plug in play linebacker. Mike McCray can play 4-3 right outside linebacker, 4-3 middle linebacker, 4-3 left outside linebacker, 3-4 right outside linebacker, 3-4 middle linebacker, and 3-4 left outside linebacker. McCray projects as a 4-3 linebacker or a 3-4 middle linebacker in the NFL.
   
   
   
   Mike McCray had 46 solo tackles, 37 assisted tackles, 83 total tackles, 17 tackles for a loss, 5 sacks, and 5 quarterback hurries in 2017. Mike McCray's dominant play got him an invite to the 2018 Senior Bowl.
   
   
   Mike McCray SWOT Report
   
   
   Strengths: Mike McCray can fly around the field. He's excellent at pressuring the quarterback and dropping back into coverage.
   
   
   
   Weaknesses: Struggles to win blocks. Does not possess rip or swim moves and is more of a linebacker than a defensive end. Had 17 tackles for a loss, but struggled on running plays at times versus both Ohio State and Penn State.
   
   
   
   Opportunities: Mike McCray is a third round prospect. I think a team that drafts McCray as a linebacker in the third roudn can get a solid player. He will get a chance to boost his stock even more during the 2018 Senior Bowl.
   
   
   
   Threats: Mike McCray missed his sophomore redshirt season in 2015. He's been healthy for back-to-back seasons though. I just see a good starter rather than an elite starter.
   
   
   
   Potential Grade: 88/99
   
   
   
   
   Before 2017
   
   
   Mike McCray redshirted in 2013, played in 2014, and missed the 2015 season. His breakout season came in 2016 when he had 43 solo tackles, 32 assisted tackles, 75 total tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, 6 deflections from pass breakups, 4 quarterback hurries, and 2 interceptions.
   
   
   
   
   
   
9. Marquis Haynes, OLB, Ole Miss Projected Round 3rd Round
   
   
   2017 Season Recap The 6-3 230 lb Marquis Haynes lined up at 4-3 right end, 4-3 left end, 4-3 right outside linebacker, and -3 left outside linebacker at Ole Miss. Haynes projects as a 4-3 outside linebacker in the NFL. Haynes had 11 tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks in 2017.
   
   
   Marquis Haynes SWOT Report
   
   
   Strengths: Great pass rusher and elite run stuffer. These are the two strongest qualities with Haynes.
   
   
   
   Weaknesses: Needs to get stronger and put on some muscle. Also needs to work on dropping into coverage instead of always relying on ability to blitz the opposing quarterback.
   
   
   
   Opportunities: Marquis Haynes is a third round prospect. I think a team that runs a 4-3 defense will look at Haynes. Haynes will get a chance to boost his stock in the 2018 Senior Bowl.
   
   
   
   Threats: Marquis Haynes does not have a major threat. I just see a quality starter rather than an Pro Bowl prospect. Haynes may need a year or two to develop.
   
   
   
   Potential Grade: 88/99
   
   
   
   
   Before 2017
   
   
   Marquis Haynes had 16.5 tackles for a loss and 10 sacks as a sophomore in 2015. Haynes still dominated with 11 tackles for a loss and 7 sacks in 2016. Haynes can surge up boards with a season similar to his 2015 one where he was under the radar due to being teammates with Robert Nkemdiche.
   
   
   
   
   
   
10. Anthony Winbush, OLB, Ball State Projected Round 4th Round
    
    
    2017 Season Recap The 6-1 240 lb Anthony Winbush had 28 solo tackles, 23 assisted tackles, 51 total tackles, 16.5 tackles for a loss, 11.5 sacks, and 6 quarterback hurries.
    
    
    Anthony Winbush SWOT Report
    
    
    Strengths: Anthony Winbush is a fantastic run stuffer. He can also get pressure on the quarterback. He's a passionate player that loves to kick some ass.
    
    
    
    Weaknesses: Struggled immensely on tape versus Western Michigan left tackle Chukwuma Okorafor. Also struggled versus Toledo. Struggles with coverage.
    
    
    
    Opportunities: Anthony Winbush is a fourth round prospect. A team that wants a 3-4 outside linebacker will take a look at Winbush.
    
    
    
    Threats: Anthony Winbush is raw. He projects best as a starter at 3-4 right outside linebacker.
    
    
    
    Potential Grade: 87/99
    
    
    
    
    Before 2017
    
    
    Anthony Winbush had 10.5 tackles for a loss and 8.5 sacks in 2016. He can be a riser for 2017 if he improves on that in 2017.
    
    
    
    
    
    
11. Jerome Baker, OLB, Ohio State Projected Round 4th Round
    
    
    2017 Season Recap The 6-1 225 lb Jerome Baker was a 4-3 right outside linebacker for Ohio State. Baker can play 4-3 right ouside linebacker, 4-3 middle linebacker, 4-3 left outside linebacker, and 3-4 middle linebacker with his versatility.
    
    
    Jerome Baker SWOT Report
    
    
    Strengths: Jerome Baker is very versatile. Baker is projected to run a 4.37 40-time at the 2018 NFL Combine. He is great in coverage.
    
    
    
    Weaknesses: Struggled with production in 2017. Needs to add muscle and get stronger. Needs to do a better job with play recognition. This is something Baker struggled with when you watch his tape versus Penn State.
    
    
    
    Opportunities: Jerome Baker is a fourth round prospect. A team that wants a 4-3 outside linebacker will take a look at Baker.
    
    
    
    Threats: Jerome Baker is a raw player. He has the upside to develop into a borderline starter though.
    
    
    
    Potential Grade: 85/99
    
    
    
    
    Before 2017
    
    
    Jerome Baker started at 4-3 right outside linebacker in 2016. He's expected to be a breakout player in 2017.
    
    
    
    
    
    
12. Davin Bellamy, OLB, Georgia Projected Round 4th Round
    
    
    2017 Season Recap The 6-5 245 lb Davin Bellamy is versatile enough to play 3-4 right outside linebacker or 3-4 left outside linebacker.
    
    
    Davin Bellamy SWOT Report
    
    
    Strengths: Davin Bellamy has great swim moves. He's capable of getting pressure on the quarterback as he had 11 quarterback hurries in 2017. Most stat sheets say he had 8, but I saw at least 3 pressures against Oklahoma that didn't get counted in the stat sheet. He told Baker Mayfield to stay humble after Georgia defeated Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff.
    
    
    
    Weaknesses: Misses tackles. Gets beat in coverage easily.
    
    
    
    Opportunities: Davin Bellamy is a fourth round prospect. A team that wants a 3-4 outside linebacker will take a look at Bellamy. Bellamy accepted an invite to the 2018 Senior Bowl.
    
    
    
    Threats: There are no threats with Davin Bellamy. He has the upside to develop into a borderline starter though.
    
    
    
    Potential Grade: 85/99
    
    
    
    
    Before 2017
    
    
    Davin Bellamy had 9 tackles for a loss and 5 sacks in 2016. If he can improve on that in 2017 he could be a riser worth taking a look at.
    
    
    
    
    
    
13. Garrett Dooley, OLB, Wisconsin Projected Round 5th Round
    
    
    2017 Season Recap The 6-3 246 lb Garrett Dooley had 12 tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks in 2017. Dooley showed the versatility to play 3-4 right outside linebacker and 3-4 left outside linebacker.
    
    
    Garrett Dooley SWOT Report
    
    
    Strengths: Garrett Dooley dominates as both a pass rusher and a run stuffer. Dooley could be a stud prospect in a 3-4 defense. Dooley is someone that can surge up boards throughout the draft process.
    
    
    
    Weaknesses: Garrett Dooley needs to do better in coverage. That's about his only weakness. I'd like to see him get more sacks as well though.
    
    
    
    Opportunities: Garrett Dooley is a fifth round prospect. A team that wants a 3-4 outside linebacker will take a look at Dooley. Dooley accepted an invite to the 2018 Senior Bowl.
    
    
    
    Threats: I don't see any threats with Garrett Dooley. Dooley has a limited ceiling, but will be a very good backup and situational linebacker.
    
    
    
    Potential Grade: 84/99
    
    
    
    
    Before 2017
    
    
    Garrett Dooley played across from T.J. Watt in 2016. Dooley only had 6.5 tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks in 2016. He needs to do a lot more in 2017 if he wants to rise up boards.
    
    
    
    
    
    
14. Leighton Vander Esch, OLB, Boise State Projected Round 6th Round
    
    
    2017 Season Recap The 6-4 240 lb Leighton Vander Esch is versatile enough to play 4-3 right outside linebacker, 4-3 middle linebacker, 4-3 left outside linebacker, and 3-4 middle linebacker.
    
    
    Leighton Vander Esch SWOT Report
    
    
    Strengths: Leighton Vander Esch is a tackling machine. Vander Esch hyad 91 solo tackles, 50 assisted tackles, and 141 total tackles in 2017. This is probably his strongest quality on tape.
    
    
    
    Weaknesses: Struggles in coverage. Misses too many easy tackles on tape. Tanner Magnum
    
    
    
    Opportunities: Leighton Vander Esch is a sixth round prospect. A team that wants an outside linebacker for the 4-3 will take a look at Leighton Vander Esch.
    
    
    
    Threats: Leighton Vander Esch has no threats. You can argue his ceiling is limited though.
    
    
    
    Potential Grade: 83/99
    
    
    
    
    Before 2017
    
    
    Leighton Vander Esch is someone who has hardly any experience. He could surge up boards with a huge year in 2017.
    
    
    
    
    
    
15. Jaylon Ferguson, OLB, Louisiana Tech Projected Round 7th Round
    
    
    2017 Season Recap The 6-5 269 lb Jaylon Ferguson weighed 255 lbs in 2016 when he had his breakout season as a sophomore. Ferguson is now a sophomore redshirt and may end up declaring for the 2018 NFL Draft.
    
    
    Jaylon Ferguson SWOT Report
    
    
    Strengths: Jaylon Ferguson is quick and explosive off the edge. Versatile enough to play 4-3 right end, 4-3 left end, 3-4 right outside linebacker, or 3-4 left outside linebacker. Good rip and swim moves.
    
    
    
    Weaknesses: Jaylon Ferguson is raw. Not only is he raw, his 2017 tape is extremely inconsistent with his 2016 tape. That's probably the biggest reason I'm lower on him than most at the moment.
    
    
    
    Opportunities: Jaylon Ferguson is a seventh round prospect. A team that wants an outside linebacker for the 3-4 will take a look at Ferguson.
    
    
    
    Threats: Jaylon Ferguson should go back to school. He will probably declare for the 2018 NFL Draft though. If he returns I'll give Skai Moore the South Carolina senior his spot.
    
    
    
    Potential Grade: 81/99
    
    
    
    
    Before 2017
    
    
    Jaylon Ferguson had 15 tackles for a loss and 6 sacks as a freshman in 2015. Ferguson had 16 tackles for a loss and 14.5 sacks in 2016.
    
    
    
    
    
    
16. Peter Kalambayi, OLB, Stanford Projected Round 7th Round
    
    
    2017 Season Recap The 6-3 247 lb Peter Kalambayi played 3-4 right outside linebacker at Stanford. That's where I project him to play in the NFL.
    
    
    Peter Kalambayi SWOT Report
    
    
    Strengths: Peter Kalambayi is a natural at pass rushing and dropping into coverage. The rest of his game needs work.
    
    
    
    Weaknesses: He's not a sack artist. Struggles against the run as well.
    
    
    
    Opportunities: Peter Kalambayi is a seventh round prospect. A team that wants an outside linebacker for the 3-4 will take a look at Kalambayi.
    
    
    
    Threats: There are no threats with Peter Kalambayi. Kalambayi projects as a backup though.
    
    
    
    Potential Grade: 80/99
    
    
    
    
    Before 2017
    
    
    Peter Kalambayi is a 3-4 right outside linebacker at Stanford. That's the only position he can play. Never having 10 tackles or a loss or sacks really limits Kalambayi to a late-round grade unless he turns things around in 2017.
    
    
    
    
    
    
17. Tre' Williams, OLB, Auburn Projected Round 7th Round
    
    
    2017 Season Recap The 6-2 225 lb Tre' Williams can play 4-3 right outside linebacker, 4-3 middle linebacker, 4-3 left outside linebacker, and 3-4 middle linebacker with his versatility. I had Tre' Williams ahead of his teammate Jeff Holland at one point. With Holland dominating this year, I moved Williams back to this point.
    
    
    Tre' Williams SWOT Report
    
    
    Strengths: Tre' Williams is a three down linebacker who takes up a lot of ground. Tre' Williams is very versatile.
    
    
    
    Weaknesses: Tre' Williams didn't make a lot of big plays in 2017. That's one thing that Williams needs to do more of when he gets to the NFL.
    
    
    
    Opportunities: Tre' Williams is a seventh round prospect. He is versatile enough to play any linebacker spot in a 4-3 defense. Tre' Williams will play in the 2018 Senior Bowl.
    
    
    
    Threats: Tre' Williams has no threats. He has a limited ceiling, but will provide a great linebacker for depth in a 4-3 defense.
    
    
    
    Potential Grade: 80/99
    
    
    
    
    Before 2017
    
    
    Tre' Williams was 6-2 240 lbs in 2016. He lost 15 lbs of weight so can he improve on his season in 2017?
    
    
    
    
    
    
18. Skai Moore, OLB, South Carolina Projected Round 7th Round
    
    
    2017 Season Recap The 6-2 218 lb Skai Moore is an outside linebacker. He's versatile enough to play 4-3 right outside linebacker, 4-3 middle linebacker, 4-3 left outside linebacker, 3-4 right outside linebacker, 3-4 middle linebacker, and 3-4 left outside linebacker. He's lined up everywhere at linebacker, but he is going to have to put on a lot of muscle.
    
    
    Skai Moore SWOT Report
    
    
    Strengths: Skai Moore is very versatile. He also excels in coverage. Capable of being a tackling machine.
    
    
    
    Weaknesses: Not as big as you'd want your linebacker to be. Needs to improve as a pass rusher and run stuffer. Has a safety body.
    
    
    
    Opportunities: Skai Moore is a seventh round prospect. He needs to go to a 4-3 team where he can develop and put on some muscle. Moore will play in the 2018 Senior Bowl.
    
    
    
    Threats: Skai Moore's body and size hurts his chances to succeed in the NFL. Also has some durability concerns which make him a late round pick.
    
    
    
    Potential Grade: 75/99
    
    
    
    
    Before 2017
    
    
    Skai Moore was supposed to be a senior in 2016. He got a medical redshirt in 2016 after having 111 total tackles in 2015. That medical redshirt granted Moore one more season with South Carolina.
    
    
    
    
    
    
19. Dorance Armstrong Jr., OLB, Kansas Projected Round 7th Round
    
    
    2017 Season Recap The 6-4 246 lb Dorance Armstrong Jr. can play 4-3 left end, 3-4 left end. He projects as a 4-3 left outside linebacker or a 3-4 left outside linebacker with his current frame though. Dorance Armstrong Jr. only had 9 tackles for a loss, 7 quarterback hurries, and 1.5 sacks in 2017.
    
    
    Dorance Armstrong Jr. SWOT Report
    
    
    Strengths: Dorance Armstrong Jr. is mainly a pass rusher. He was a sack artist in 2016.
    
    
    
    Weaknesses: Dorance Armstrong Jr. got beat on running plays way too often versus Texas Tech despite dominating that game statistically. Also struggled in coverage. Dorance Armstrong Jr. should have gone back to school. His motor needs to improve.
    
    
    
    Opportunities: Dorance Armstrong Jr. is a seventh round prospect. A team that wants a left outside linebacker for the 3-4 will take a look at Taylor.
    
    
    
    Threats: Dorance Armstrong Jr. is a late round pick. Unless he dominates the 2018 NFL Combine he will remain a late round pick.
    
    
    
    Potential Grade: 74/99
    
    
    
    
    Before 2017
    
    
    Dorance Armstrong Jr. had 20 tackles for a loss and 10 sacks as a freshman redshirt in 2016. If he duplicates that as a sophomore redshirt he's a first round pick. His motor needs to improve though.
    
    
    
    
    
    
20. Fred Warner, OLB, BYU Projected Round 7th Round
    
    
    2017 Season Recap The 6-4 230 lb Fred Warner can play 4-3 left outside linebacker and 3-4 left outside linebacker. That's what I see with him.
    
    
    Fred Warner SWOT Report
    
    
    Strengths: I don't see any strengths with Fred Warner. He may be a warm body.
    
    
    
    Weaknesses: Misses tackles way too often. Gets beaten in coverage way too often. Gets bullied by tight ends. Lousy blocker.
    
    
    
    Opportunities: Fred Warner is a seventh round prospect. A team that wants an outside linebacker for the 4-3 will take a look at Warner. Fred Warner accepted an invite to the 2018 Senior Bowl. He needs to capitalize on that if he wants to get drafted.
    
    
    
    Threats: Fred Warner is a late round pick. Warner didn't anything to impress me on tape.
    
    
    
    Potential Grade: 69/99
    
    
    
    
    Before 2017
    
    
    Fred Warner had 10.5 tackles for a loss in 2016. If he can improve on his 2016 season he could get drafted.