2016 Senior Bowl Practice Recap – Defense

4.) OLB Noah Spence, Eastern Kentucky – Former top recruit for Ohio St who ended up at Eastern Kentucky after some drug issues. Spence is coming off a dominant 2015 season with 11.5 sacks and 22.5 TFLs. He proved this week that he could dominate against big school competition as well. Spence was in the backfield all week and some tackles couldn’t even get a hand on him coming off the edge. Pass rushers are always in demand and after his strong week in Mobile, Spence could be one of the first pass-rushing OLBs off the board.

5.) ILB Reggie Ragland, Alabama – Was already close to a first round lock, but Ragland proved this week that he’s not just a product of Alabama’s dominant defense. He was a force against the run all week, but also proved he could cover tight ends and running backs and showed good instincts as a blitzer. Ragland is the total package at LB and should be selected in the top half of the first round.

6.) OLB Jordan Jenkins, Georgia – Passed the eye test with an NFL ready 6’3, 253 pound frame. Jenkins was all over the field during scrimmages and showed the ability to both shed blockers and chase down running backs on the outside. He was one of the best athletes on the field this week and has the potenital to do it all at the OLB position

7.) ILB Josh Forrest, Kentucky – Three down LBs are becoming a rarity in the college game, but Forrest showed the ability to cover in the flat, make big hits in the run game, and blitz effectively. Forrest made plays against the run all week, but it’s his ability to cover running backs and tight ends that really boosted his draft stock.

Other LBs who helped their draft stock: OLB Deion Jones, LSU; ILB Kentrell Brothers, Missouri; ILB Tyler Matakevich, Temple; OLB Joe Schobert, Wisconsin; OLB Kyle Fackrell, Utah St