NFL Draft – Inside Linebacker Rankings

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11.) Jeremiah George, Iowa St (5’11, 234): Lacks ideal height, but has good strength (28 reps) and led the Big-12 in tackles last season (133). George played up to his competition with his best two games coming against Baylor (18 tackles) and Oklahoma St (12 tackles). George showed great range during the NFLPA game making plays on screen passes and outside runs. He also showed good hand play shedding two blocks to make tackles near the line of scrimmage. Draft Projection: 5th-6th round

12.) DeDe Lattimore, South Carolina (6’0-, 237): Explosive tackler inside who is very aggressive against the run. Good blitzer. Lattimore is a little slow and doesn’t have ideal height, so he could struggle in coverage. Worst case, Lattimore will make a solid 2-down LB. Draft Projection: 6th-7th round

13.) Marquis Spruill, Syracuse (6’1, 229): Intense player who is a violent blitzer and big-hitter all over the field. He’s small for an NFL linebacker, but he has played safety at times for the Orange so that could be an option at the next level. If Spruill stays at LB he will need to get a little stronger, but he is a max-effort player who plays mean, and his solid instincts keep him around the ball consistently. Worst case, he’ll be a special teams standout. Draft Projection: UFA

14.) Avery Williamson, Kentucky (6’1, 246): Smart leader on defense who was very productive in college but might not have the athleticism to make it at MLB in the NFL. Worst case, Williamson could provide depth while contributing on special teams. Draft Projection: 6th-7th round

15.) Caleb Lavey, Oklahoma St (6’2, 235): Not the most athletic linebacker but very productive last season (93 tackles, 12.5 TFLs, 4 INTs, 3 FFs) and was consistently in the right place on defense. Good football instincts make up for a lack of NFL measurables. Lavey’s floor is an excellent special teams player but I think he has good enough instincts to be a solid ILB in a 3-4 or WILL in a 4-3. Draft Projection: UFA

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