DRAFT TRACKER 2014

Smart, instinctive, fast-flowing, every-down linebacker capable of manning any position in a "40" front or steering a defense from the weak side in a "30" front, where he starred for a national-championship defense as a junior and carried the Tide as a senior. Has the football temperament, desire and work habits to emerge as a tackling machine in the pros. Has Pro Bowl potential.

Short, active, athletic, instinctive tackling machine who will have to overcome physical limitations to establish himself as a dependable, long-term starter, though he has immediate special-teams ability and the makeup to push for a more prominent role.

Aggressive, high-collision 'Mike' linebacker best paired with a demanding position coach who will extract the most from him.

Sawed-off, stout, physical, downhill thumper with eventual-starter potential inside a 3-4 front where he's protected and able to attack the ball. However, suspect character and work ethic make him a risky investment, and he'd be best served in a locker room with a strong veteran presence.

Chiseled, height-weight-speed see-and-go reactor with intriguing athleticism, versatility and upside who shows in flashes, but leaves evaluators wanting more. Is likely to boost his stock during the pre-draft process, and could warrant consideration from 4-3 teams as a Sam or Will, or from 3-4 teams as a rush linebacker. Play will reach another level if/when his processor speed catches up to his physical talent.

High-energy overachiever with a special-teams temperament. Stands out most for his competitiveness, effort, versatility and swagger. Brings the feisty type of attitude desired on a Jeff Fisher or Jim Schwartz defense. Will factor immediately on special teams and could work his way into a starting lineup.

A better athlete than football player at this stage of his development, Fortt transferred from Penn State and played only one season at Cal before making a premature jump to the NFL. Speedy, finesse, see-and-go reactor who looks the part and has intriguing, starter-caliber athleticism to fit on the weak side in a fast-flowing 4-3 where he’s freed up to chase the ball. Should be a combine all-star and is draftable on measurables alone, but must sharpen his eyes and instincts to reach his potential.

Big, tough, experienced, durable, competitive Mike linebacker who was a heart-and-soul type for the stingiest defense in college football. Like a coach on the field, Bullough is a throwback talent whose instincts and technique will have to compensate for athletic limitations for him to win a starting role.

A fast-flowing, instinctive, run-and-hit weakside linebacker capable of producing at a high level if he can bulk up and withstand the rigors of the NFL.

An overaged, competitive, physical linebacker of Tongan descent, Unga went from walk-on to captain at BYU, where he was a tackling machine in his lone season as a starter. Skill set and college responsibilities translate well to the pro game, and he’s capable of serving as a core special-teams player and solid backup for a 3-4 team.

Followed up a solid NFLPA Collegiate All-Star game performance with an outstanding pro-day workout. Has the physical traits to excel in special teams coverage and could emerge as a solid role player in time. Possesses the personal and football character to carry him to a steady NFL career. Could warrant consideration as a fullback conversion, possessing the urgency, toughness and enough thump desired at the position.

Undersized, run-and-hit linebacker most ideally suited for a special-teams role. Lack of size will relegate him to a fast-flowing 4-3 under front, where he could be best on the weak side where action is funneled to him and he has a clean path to the ball.

A college inside 'backer who projects best to the weak side in the pros. Has the leadership qualities and mental toughness to make a mark on special teams and earn his way into a lineup.

Tightly wound, inconsistent, two-down Mike linebacker who projects as a backup inside in a 3-4, though he will have to prove his worth on special teams to last.

Productive college linebacker lacking special traits for the pro game. Showed gradual improvement and will have to make his mark on special teams to survive.

A disciplined, football-smart, 4-3 Mike linebacker with the toughness, discipline and determination desired in a core special-teams player. Athletic limitations could force him to earn his way as a backup.

Highly productive, stocky, Division II standout whose best chance will come proving he could make it on special teams.

A functional, between-the-tackles run stopper with a chance to make it on the inside of a 3-4 defense where he can patrol the middle. Can be targeted in coverage and will need to make a mark on special teams to stick.

Fox played through a knee injury as a senior when he temporarily ceded his started spot to an underclassman, though he was granted a reprieve and wound up being ND's leading tackler. More productive than impactful, Fox has a ceiling as a backup "Mike" linebacker, though he will have to be a core special-teams player to hold down a roster spot.