DRAFT TRACKER 2021

Performance-grade inside/outside linebacker prospect possessing an NFL-ready frame and explosive speed that could make him a highly productive talent at the next level. He’s most impactful when he’s kept clean and allowed to run and chase the action, but carries no physical limitations into the pros. His instincts and play recognition need to catch up with his physical gifts in order to play downhill and find the most efficient routes to the football. His rush talent is a potential wild card in how teams decide to use him, but he’s likely to show rapid improvement and should be a Day 1 starter.

It's hard to see Owusu-Koramoah's explosive traits, versatility and playmaking ability on display and not get excited about what is to come. Concerns will be raised about his lack of size and occasional lapses in fundamentals, but neither should detract from his rare potential as a game-changing talent. Not only is he fast to range and help control the outside running game, but he has an instant downhill trigger paired with a willingness to take chances, which should lead to big plays near and behind the line of scrimmage. He has the athletic ability to handle man-cover duties on a variety of positions and his rush potential as a wild-card blitzer bolsters his value. There is still a need to harness and control his energetic playing style and his field discipline is still a work in progress. However, his athletic traits, versatility and playmaking demeanor give him a chance to become the most impactful defender in this draft.

Combines rare size and athleticism as a big outside linebacker. Collins is a team-oriented defender willing to plug gaps and spill the action wide for teammates to run down. He's rangy with the burst and length to track and capture his prey from the back side or out on the perimeter. His athletic gifts help him overcome his tardiness in diagnosing the action. There is still room for improvement when it comes to taking on blocks and pursuing with proper leverage so cutbacks don't cross his face. The second effort is evident with how frequently he's able to recover from an early block and still make plays. He's aware and dangerous in spot drops with the read and reaction to jump the passing lane. Collins could use more aggression in his play demeanor, but his combination of talent and traits should make him a productive pro starter.

Lightly experienced, but ascending inside linebacker prospect with excellent blend of size, length and pursuit talent. Davis plays with his pads squared to the line of scrimmage, operating with quick, lateral scrapes and a nose for finding the ball-carrier. He needs to improve his technique in taking on blocks and constricting run lanes. His vision, focus and field awareness are innate strengths that all play a part in his ability to play past blockers with his eyes and pursue with consistent fluidity to the direction of the running play. He can cover big tight ends. He also plays with anticipation and an above-average catch radius to make quarterbacks pay for taking him lightly in zone. Davis could use more seasoning before he's ready for full-time snaps but he should become a starter.

When you think about strong, forceful inside linebackers, Bolton is the type of player you might be envisioning. He's going to fall below typical NFL starter standards from a size standpoint, but his rugged frame and forceful demeanor help make up for it. Play recognition and pursuit instincts help carry him to the football and he's a message-sending striker when he gets the runner squared up. He has functional short-area burst between the tackles but will struggle to run down the outside run if he's not close enough to the action. He will need to lean heavier on his instincts to help speed him up because of size and speed limitations. Bolton plays with good field recognition when dropping into zone and has a history of making plays on the football in coverage. He's a three-down linebacker who can make an immediate contribution on special teams and has the potential to become a future starter.

Watching Browning can be a frustrating exercise, as you keep waiting for all the physical tools to match up with better instincts and feel for the game. He's experienced at both Mike and Sam spots for the Buckeyes with the ability to cover, rush and step downhill against the run. He has very good speed and keeps the motor running, but he's late out of the driveway due to a lack of play recognition and anticipation. More often than not, he plays what is in front of him rather than staying ahead of the play, so he becomes more of a background player than solo star. Based upon size and traits, Browning might be in consideration as a backup 3-4 outside linebacker and core special teams player with rush and coverage potential.

The only real difference in studying his tape from North Dakota State and LSU is that Cox looks substantially more explosive than everyone else on the field for the Bison. He looks like he fits right in with the athletes at LSU, though. He'll need to be placed in a scheme where he can play proactive, attacking football rather than getting bogged down as a thinker. He's extremely fast with verified playmaking traits and credentials. His cover talent could help him quickly get on the field. He's below average in diagnosing and using his hands, which can put him in recovery mode at times. However, traits and talent should be enough to overcome those issues and help make him a solid, three-down starter within the first couple of seasons.

Like many former Alabama linebackers, Moses combines speed, agility and an above-average understanding of technique and fundamentals. However, his play is also marked by the same mechanical, robotic feel that we've seen from many Alabama linebackers in the past. He has sideline-to-sideline range but also does his job when asked to stick his nose into a block and spill the action wide. His willingness to take chances with a playmaking angle to the football is a little inconsistent, though. While he's an excellent open-field tackler, he tends to play the position like a safety rather than a field alpha looking to hunt. Moses isn't a thumper and has average field recognition and might be better suited as a run-and-chase 4-3 outside linebacker. If he can consistently play confident, attacking football, he has a chance to become a quality starter.

Werner has a versatile linebacker background but is best-suited as a 4-3 Sam with walk-out coverage abilities against certain slot tight ends. He doesn't have playmaking athleticism that stands out as a pro prospect. While his listed size certainly looks NFL-ready, his long, thin lower half is not conducive to leveraging run lanes and overcoming the big bodies that will be coming his way as a pro. He's a physical striker with adequate trigger twitch. Werner has the talent and demeanor to compete for a roster spot as a backup strong-side linebacker and full-time special teamer.

The tape shows a player who is still very inconsistent and uncertain at diagnosing the action, attacking angles and feeling play development. However, you look up and he's chalked up the stat sheet once again. Surratt's move from quarterback to productive linebacker speaks to his toughness and athletic ability. Even with linebacker instincts that are underdeveloped, he still finds his way to the football thanks to an unwavering level of determination combined with physical talent. Surratt may be too "feast or famine" to find early playing time, but he's still new at the position and known for his work ethic, so improvement is likely. He might need to play Will linebacker, where he has the freedom to react and chase rather than being forced to process as much. While he continues to learn and polish his skills at linebacker, he should step right into a role as a special teams ace.

Blue-collar inside linebacker with good size and a forceful demeanor to stake his claim inside the box. Johnson developed into a highly respected team leader during his time with the Aggies. In just his second year at inside linebacker, Johnson showed great improvement in pursuit leverage and recognition of blocking schemes, but is still learning to recognize the best pathways to the football. He meets power with power when taking on blockers and does a nice job of playing off and finding his way toward the runner. There is still room for improvement as a move tackler in the open field and he's currently a coverage liability in the passing game. Johnson has the makeup of a two-down inside linebacker with special teams value.

Inside linebacker with adequate size and athletic ability who might require a heavier lean toward the 2019 tape due to limited action in 2020. McGrone plays with a naturally physical demeanor and carries heavy pads as a body-on-body tackler. He has the skill and strength to make the plays that are in front of him, but he tends to play the game through a straw, limiting his field recognition and ability to play with efficiency against play-action and misdirection. There isn't enough good tape to suggest he can be a factor on passing downs, but he has the talent to be an early down backup who could move up the ranks.

McDuffie plays with a palpable energy and rarely gears down until the whistle blows. He's undersized, but is at his best playing inside. That's where his recognition talent and instincts take over and allow him to race to run lanes ahead of the block. He pursues with leverage but has the burst to accelerate and attack when it's time to finish. His full-tilt playing style will lead to occasional issues with pursuit angles and being out of balance as a tackler, though. He's feisty but takes time to free himself from blockers and was ineffective when asked to drop into coverage. He has the ability to become a quality backup with core special teams value.

Two-down linebackers with limited speed and below-average athleticism aren't exactly in vogue these days, but Jones has the field IQ and interior toughness to warrant consideration. He's a blue-collar linebacker capable of handling the physical duties required of his position, but he will always have limitations in pursuit speed and coverage talent. He has a good feel for diagnosing blocking schemes and finding runners between the tackles, so a role as a backup inside linebacker in a 3-4 defense might be his best fit early on in his career.

Ultra-aggressive inside linebacker with densely muscled frame and a throwback demeanor. His alpha personality is on display whether on defense or on special teams. He plays a downhill, attacking style that can clog run lanes, but also causes him to lose sight of the ball and get trapped behind blocks, limiting his ability to flow with the runner. He has tight hips and lacks the desired sideline-to-sideline range, but when he hits, opponents definitely feel it. He doesn't have functional coverage ability and could be pegged as an early-down backup with core special-teams value.

Productive inside linebacker with average speed and athletic ability who makes up for it with clear eyes and nose for finding the football inside the tackles. The 2019 tape was more kind than the 2020 tape even before he suffered a foot injury against Alabama that he was able to fight through with limited results. While he can spot drop and handle man coverage duties, he might be considered more of an early down linebacker. His feel for handling blockers and his GPS to the football give him a chance to become a starter in the future.

Long, rangy linebacker with excellent speed and quickness but might need to pack on more muscle for the NFL game. Niemann plays stronger than he looks and with good core power. He understands how to use his hands and angle to improve his chances against climbing offensive linemen. He has the range and agility to flow from sideline to sideline but needs more reps to fine-tune his feel for blocking schemes and misdirection. He was a little disappointing in coverage and might not have much passing down value. Niemann has the talent to play in the league and should be a core special teams performer.

Ogbongbemiga has both the instincts and the athletic talent to run, chase and tackle if he's kept clean and allowed to flow. He struggled at times when the running game was headed downhill at him as an inside linebacker. Taking on blocks and slipping blocks are still things he needs to master, as he lacks the play strength to quickly unglue from contact once the blocker gets into him. He plays with adequate range and has a nose for where running plays are headed, taking angles that allow him to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. While he has some blitz talent, his coverage instincts and awareness are in need of improvement. He should come in as a backup at Will linebacker.

Throwback body type with broad shoulders as well as thickly muscled arms and legs at inside linebacker. Barnes has seen plenty of action as a three-year starter and has the added experience of learning two different positions. He can improve his technique as a take-on linebacker, but he has the strength to handle the physical aspects of the inside linebacker role. There is a toughness in his mindset that works well for him in hand-to-hand combat, but he needs to play faster to flow cleanly to the ball. If he makes it, his role will likely be as an early-down backup with core special teams duties.

Inside linebacker known for his work ethic, leadership and production for the Horned Frogs. He clearly has the mindset and athletic talent to go hunt for the football. That said, he's not as strong as teams would like when taking on blocks and he's not very instinctive as an open-field tackler. If Wallow can improve his fundamentals as a finisher, it could go a long way in determining his NFL future. He can run and has special teams potential, but his tape was a little disappointing as a third-down linebacker, which could hurt his stock. Wallow should find a home on Day 3 of the draft.

Hard-hat inside linebacker with a burly body whose default demeanor is set on hunt and hit. Thompson plays with above-average instincts and an understanding of blocking schemes when diagnosing the run. He loves to strike and punish inside the box, but lacks the range necessary to make plays all over the field. He would really benefit from better stack-and-shed with his hands to eliminate blocks. He has some value as a bull-rushing blitzer but won't offer much in the way of coverage talent. He has backup potential as an inside linebacker but might need to trim down to bolster his play quickness if he wants to hang around.

Rhattigan waited a long time for his chance and made the most of it in 2020. Possessing a muscular frame with big hands, he plays with good strength and an attacking brand of football. He is quick to diagnose play flow, which helps him play faster than his timed speed. He's a team-oriented defender willing to plug run fits and play inside the defensive concept. He's always ready to get to work as a tackler operating from a durable, balanced platform as a wrap-up finisher. He has occasional coverage missteps, but is typically aware and looking to make a play when dropping into zone coverage. He's tough and reliable with special teams value, but backup duty is his ceiling.

McCarthy has been a very productive defender, using initial quickness and twitch to beat bigger blockers for sacks. However, he walks around on spindly legs and doesn't have the overall mass to set an NFL edge. The twitch, hand strength and big closing burst should all play in his favor if he proves he has enough instincts to play off-ball linebacker at the next level. He might be worth stashing on a practice squad, as his traits and playmaking potential have merit.

Productive linebacker with good feel for blocking schemes and where running backs are eventually headed. While Fields' patience prevents him from making ill-advised advances that would pull him out of position, he will need to balance his patience with a more controlled aggressiveness when it comes to playing ahead of play designs. He has the instincts to take more chances and will most assuredly need to due to his lack of desired size and play strength. Fields' inconsistent tackling and below-average third-down potential could further hurt his chances if he doesn't improve his aggression level against the run.

Squatty, short-stepping linebacker who plays with tremendous energy and is always on the attack. Stuard has a twitchy, explosive take-off when he's playing forward, but tight hips restrict his sideline-to-sideline range and his ability to make reactive plays as a tackler in space. He has good straight-line speed and should test well in that department, but his lack of size and inability to play all three downs could force him into a situation where special teams would be his route to a roster.

Early-down linebacker with clear eyes and good toughness, but a lack of short-area quickness and functional coverage talent could hurt his chances. Cole plays with a high football IQ and operates with the technique needed to play a consistent brand of football. His key reading and blocking-scheme recognition are going to work in his favor, as will his ability to drop his pads and make pre-emptive attacks on climbing blockers. His pursuit range is in question, though, as is his ability to consistently race to spots when he needs to finish as a tackler. He has the mindset of a capable special teams contributor, which could be critical considering his lack of traits and coverage ability.

Squatty but plays with above-average power and a gassed-up engine that keeps him charging at the action all game long. Evaluators might see his short arms and below-average testing and write him off, but he's a willing combatant whose toughness, play strength and natural instincts make him a challenge to keep away from the play. His demeanor is exactly what teams want from the position but issues with pursuit range are hard to ignore. Gallagher should be considered a bit of a longshot, but I give him a fighting chance thanks to the way he plays the game.

Linebacker living in a safety's frame who needs to be put in a position to see fewer big bodies while also learning to slip them when possible. Sullivan has adequate pursuit range and enough toughness for the linebacker position, but he's not big enough or strong enough as a tackler in those areas if he's to make a living as a 4-3 Will linebacker. His athleticism and special teams potential work in his favor and there might be a defensive coordinator who sees potential in him as a sub-package defender. He's a likely undrafted free agent, but does have an outside shot to make a roster.

Borland was just the second player in Ohio State history (J.T. Barrett) to be named team captain for three straight years, which is a nod to his work ethic and leadership qualities. He plays with good football IQ and has a feel for his game-to-game duties as an inside linebacker. However, the lack of speed and physical traits will push him down the draft board. He's strong at the point of attack with efficient movement between the tackles, but he doesn't have the desired tools to get to, and then make, the plays needed as a pro. If he can really shine as a core special teams player, he might have a shot at becoming a backup two-down linebacker.

Four-year starter who has been able to ride his instincts, play recognition and motor into a mound of tackles. Finishing with over 400 tackles in the Big Ten is very impressive and his production in creating fumbles and defending passes is well worth mentioning. However, the question always becomes whether or not production is translatable and Fisher's lack of NFL traits, athleticism and functional speed should cast doubt about his potential. He's clearly an instinctive, hard-nosed player, but he might not have the minimum level of physical tools that NFL teams will be willing to bet on.

Undersized outside linebacker lacking both starting experience and instincts for the position. He has a natural feel for navigating traffic, but that won't be very valuable to him until he improves his play recognition. He is his own worst enemy, often running himself out of proper positioning, but that might be alleviated some with a move to 4-3 Will linebacker. He has adequate athleticism and closing burst to make tackles as a run-and-chase linebacker, but it will take more time and experience.

Beckett's size will take him completely out of consideration for many teams and his pro day testing numbers will do him no favors. Still, he plays with tremendous intensity and desire. He has instant-diagnostic skills, with an ability to weave around bodies and find the runner's point of entry. His lack of coverage consistency is clearly a mark against him, especially for teams pondering a transition into a safety role. He has some natural talent in a variety of areas, but the poor size, speed and testing numbers make him a longshot.

One look at the high-cut body type and you know you're scouting one of the Kaufusi family members. Isaiah is a respected team captain who showed improvement in at least one area each year he played. He doesn't have the size or play strength to take on blocks and he's a little too hesitant to get downhill playing off the second level. He's rarely out of position in coverage duties and his instincts, recognition and hands are fairly impressive. His size and issues with open-field tackling are a major concern for him in his attempt to make a roster.

Former five-star recruit who saw portions of his career derailed by injury. Hilliard is beloved by his teammates and is a great example of resilience and perseverance through adversity. He possesses quality football character and did a very nice job of stepping up at the end of the 2020 season when injuries struck. Unfortunately, he lacks the athletic and skill components needed as a position player on the NFL level.

Linebacker turned designated rusher in the Oklahoma State defensive scheme. Bundage is small as a linebacker and tiny as an edge rusher with a frame that looks more like a box safety. He has dealt with back issues that have slowed him and did a nice job of making himself productive as a pass rusher this past season with eight sacks. Watching him as a linebacker requires a trip back to the 2018 tape and there were issues with diagnosis and key reading too often as a run defender. Size is a major concern moving forward as a pro.

Productive three-year starter who has good play strength and toughness but is very light on functional traits. He plays with good patience in the box and has the tackle strength to stop runners in their tracks. His lack of pursuit range and inability to cover will hurt him with NFL evaluators.

Elliss definitely has the bloodlines, but the tape doesn't really stand out enough. He plays the game with a downhill mentality, using his play strength to his advantage in helping to stack up the running game between the tackles. He ran fairly well at his pro day, but doesn't have that same speed in pursuit and his feet look heavy in change of direction. His run-game instincts are average and he lacks the reactive twitch to become a dynamic tackler in space.

Two-year starter with long, athletic frame. Robinson is heralded for his leadership and overall character on and off the field. He displays good initial scrape speed to flow with the ball-carrier but lacks the physicality and instincts needed to put himself in position to make plays. His testing numbers will get him a look, but he often doesn't play to those numbers.

Outside linebacker prospect with long, athletic frame and plus toughness in his overall field demeanor. While he has the explosiveness needed to make plays in the run game, he doesn't have a linebacker's feel for play design or play development. Eifler also struggles with coverage duties, too often losing track of his assignments or allowing easy catches. He's a good athlete but is lacking in some crucial areas.

Strong but stiff inside linebacker whose feet and hips simply can't respond to what his eyes are telling them. Zandier has good toughness to bang between the tackles using impressive instincts in diagnosing and moving with the play. When runners get outside the tackle box, he is in serious trouble as he lacks the pursuit speed or open-field agility to be a consistent tackler. He sees the game like a pro prospect but the athletic traits are too far below the standard.