2011 NFL Draft Preview: 4-3 Outside Linebackers

4-3 Outside Linebackers are probably the most athletic type of linebacker on the field at any time.  They are required to drop into deeper zones than their 3-4 counterparts, cover faster slot receivers man-to-man, control the edge of the defense to prevent running backs from turning the corner, and occasionally blitzing through any of the gaps to create additional pressure on the quarterback.  Outside linebackers must be strong enough to tackle bruising running backs but fleet-footed enough to cover scat backs coming out of the backfield.  Let's now delve into the position that made many football players stars here at Linebacker U.

 The Outside Linebackers are the players designated by S (strong side) and W (weak side).  They are positioned on either side of the M (middle) linebacker.

1. Akeem Ayers (UCLA)

Ayers has all the physical talent in the world.  His 6'3" and 254lbs frame, moves quite smoothly for a person of his size.  He has a muscular build and uses his unparalleled athleticism to roam sideline to sideline making plays.  Ayers has the range to make great plays on the ball resulting in incompletions and interceptions and he isn't afraid to lay the lumber on someone.  However, he has inconsistent tackling technique and sometimes doesn't seem very motivated on the field.  But his physical talents will immediately attract scouts hoping to draft an athletic linebacker.

2. Bruce Carter (UNC)
UNC really got hammered last year with NCAA infractions but here is one player who emerged unscathed.  Carter is a fast, aggressive prospect who quickly moves despite being 6'2" and 241lbs.  He has great discipline and quickly locates the ball carrier often making plays in the backfield.  Carter is versatile too and effortlessly drops into coverage and possesses the agility to cover smaller, quicker receivers and backs.  His biggest drawback is his lack of pass rushing moves but Carter will easily be chosen early on because of his great record.

3. Mason Foster (Washington)
You have to admire how Foster managed to still make great plays despite playing on an abyssal Washington defense.  He has great size at 6'1" and 245 lbs and moves very fast toward ball carriers.  His instincts aren't comparable to any other linebackers in this class as he quickly identifies his target but still possesses the discipline to not be caught out of position.  Foster has great tackling technique and effectively brings down ball carriers yet he can be asked to cover man-to-man even smaller receivers.  While he has difficulty shedding blocks and is not a pass rusher, Foster's skill has a hard hitting, rangy linebacker will attract many 4-3 defenses.

2011 NFL Draft Preview: 3-4 Outside Linebackers

The 3-4 defense revolves around the talent of its outside linebackers.  They must have the speed and strength to effectively rush the quarterback while maintaining the awareness and athleticism to drop into coverage.  An outside linebacker must possess these qualities to help his team set up exotic blitz packages that the 3-4 is built around.

3-4 Outside Linebackers:

1. Von Miller
And this one isn't even close.  Miller is so much better than any of the other 3-4 outside linebacker prospects.  The 2011 Butkus winner has the size at 6'3" and 246 lbs and he can flat out run.  He is a sackmaster demonstrated by his relentless pursuit of the quarterback through his arsenal of rushing moves, violent uses of hands to disengage offensive lineman, and his explosive burst to quickly turn the corner.  Miller is also physical in the running game using sound tackling and patient reads to diagnose where the ball carrier will go.  His skills in man coverage slightly lacking but Miller has athleticism to quickly make up for these deficiencies.

2. Justin Houston
This guy reminds me of a freight train coming at you.  He is huge for a linebacker at 6'3" and 270lbs and plays like it too.  Houston played both rush linebacker and defensive end during his tenure at Georgia so he can effectively disrupt the passing game from both positions.  His explosiveness in combination with the power of his bull rush is a nightmare for any offensive tackle but he possesses the athleticism for more finessed moves.  Houston also uses sound tackling technique to overwhelm the ball carrier but he does tend to over pursue.  In addition, he lacks experience in dropping back into a consistent basis but Houston will undoubtedly be one of the top prospects come draft day.

3. Sam Acho
You have to love this guy.  He played for an underachieving Texas squad last season yet still managed to make the highlight reels on a consistent basis.  He is stout at 6'2" and 262lbs and uses his bulk to smother the run.  Acho uses the strength of his upper body to bull rush offensive lineman and uses leverage to his advantage.  He has great tackling technique for a prospect who mostly played defensive end during his time at Texas and shows the drive to succeed that you want from a developing player.  Acho's inexperience in dropping into coverage could hurt his draft stock and he lacks the explosive punch that makes scouts drool.  Nevertheless, his work ethic and honorable character will guarantee that Acho will have someone calling his name come April. 

2011 NFL Draft Preview: 3-4 Nose Tackles

They're big. They're strong.  And they're often ugly.  They have one job.  Take up as much space as possible.  When watching the highlight reels, rarely to the make the top plays but they are some of the most important players of any defense.  The nose tackle is the least glamorous job in all of football.  On every snap, you are tasked with occupying multiple blockers and rarely to you get an opportunity to make a play on the ball carrier.  Let's take a look at this draft's top big uglies.

3-4 Nose Tackles

1. Phil Taylor
At 6'3" and 334 lbs, Taylor is an imposing physical specimen.  His size alone allows him to anchor the defensive line and take on double teams freeing up his teammates to chase the quarterback or close on the ball carrier.  In addition, his strength and explosion make him a force to be reckoned with against the run as he consistently out muscles opposing linemen to disrupt running lanes.  While Taylor's stamina is a concerning because of his tendency to become worn out as games drag on, he will be an effective anchor for any team who drafts him.

 (He doesn't make many plays but man does he take up space.)

2. Jerrell Powe
Keeping with the current theme of size matters is our next prospect, Mr. Powe.  A true heavyweight at 6'2" and 335 lbs, he manages to dominate the line of scrimmage with his power.  Powe clogs running lanes by forcing opposing lineman to double team him every play so Powe's teammates can come up and make plays on the ball carrier.  In addition to his running stopping abilities, Powe uses the bull rush to force his way toward the quarterback and shows surprisingly good tackling technique.  Like most nose tackles, endurance is a big question mark but most NFL teams will like what they see from Powe on the field.

(Looks he has talents beyond playing football.)

(Isn't this attractive or what?)

3. Kenrick Ellis
A giant among men.  Standing 6'5" and weighing an incredible 346 lbs, Ellis is a true behemoth.  He is first and foremost a run stopper, as he dominates the middle of the line by eating up space and using brute force to man handle offensive lines.  Ellis knows a few pass rushing moves that he uses to collapse the pocket and create havoc in the backfield.  Where he fails to score excellent marks are maneuverability and play recognition as he has trouble changing direction and can be fooled by crisp play fakes.  Aside from these faults, Ellis is an interesting prospect that has the size to dominate at the NFL level.

(Couldn't find a vid but this is a good pic showing his size.)