4-3 Outside Linebackers:

Some of these descriptions/analysis are going to be similar, if not identical, to the 3-4 OLB ones just so you’re aware now.

1) Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia – Teams will shy away from Jones because of his back problems and it’s hard to really fault them for it. It is a risk that needs to be taken into consideration when selecting Jones but it isn’t one that is big enough to overlook his absolute pure talent. Jones is a Von Miller in waiting. Fans of whichever team ends up selecting him in the middle of the first round (if he makes it that far) are going to be loving this pick for years and years to come.

2) Arthur Brown, OLB, Kansas State – Brown was a tackling machine last year. He’s a bit small but that’s OK because he has some nice speed. This allows him to excel in pass coverage. Brown’s largest asset is that he’s completely devoted to football. He has the passion and drive to become great and that can be more important than actual talent (not is, just can be, don’t go twisting those words lol).

3) Khaseem Greene, OLB, Rutgers – Many think Greene will move to safety in the NFL but it seems to me that he will excel greatly in a 4-3 as an OLB. He has great coverage skills and if he gets ahold of you, you better believe you’re being tackled haha.

4) Trevardo Williams, OLB, Connecticut – Williams is one of my bigger sleepers this year. He’s a natural 3-4 OLB but he’s fairly small for that spot at 6’1’’, 235. He may be best set moving inside for a 3-4 or increasing his coverage abilities even more and becoming an OLB in a 4-3. He does have the ability to play as a 3-4 OLB in the NFL but because of his size, teams may shy away from him for that spot. It will all depend on who ends up drafting him.

5) Chase Thomas, OLB, Stanford – Thomas is the ideal 3-4 OLB. He has the size and speed to go around or push through blockers and wreak havoc on the quarterback. He also has the versatility to play ILB if it’s asked of him but whoever takes Thomas needs to take him to play OLB in a 3-4, otherwise it’s a waste of his talent. If a team does in fact take him to play in a 4-3, Thomas will need to work on his coverage skills to be successful. Teams may look to use him like Von Miller is used in Denver.

6) Jamie Collins, OLB, Southern Miss – Collins is fast and physical. During his time at Southern Miss he was very consistent for the team, getting to the QB on a frequent occasion. Don’t be surprised to see him rise up draft boards after the combine. He’s better fit for a 3-4 but he has the talent and the pass coverage skills to develop in a 4-3.

7) Gerald Hodges, OLB, Penn State – Hodges has all the ability to play every down in the NFL. He needs to work on his coverage skills and shed a little bit of time off of his 40 at the combine. If he does that, he can shoot up draft boards this April.

8) Sean Porter, OLB, Texas A&M – Porter can play in a 3-4 as a rusher but I think he’ll be better suited in a 4-3 now. A&M shifted schemes and Porter had to learn to play as a 4-3 OLB and it seemed to me as if he took to the position quite well.

9) Travis Long, OLB, Washington State – Long fits the mold of a 3-4 OLB and much like Chase Thomas, any team who drafts Long needs to draft him with that position for him in mind. Otherwise it’ll be a waste of his talents. At 6’3’’, 256lbs he’s a force to be reckoned with and has all the natural ability to get to the QB. Long isn’t quite the NFL level talent yet, but given some time to develop, he can turn into a starter. Again, like Thomas, if a team were to select Long to play in a 4-3, he will need to develop some pass coverage skills to be succeed.

10) Sio Moore, OLB, Connecticut – Moore plays very physically and has good instincts. He has a good combination of size and speed and could be a quality late round selection.

11) Zaviar Gooden, OLB, Missouri – Gooden had a disappointing season and didn’t play all that well against the better talent he faced. He has some room to develop but it doesn’t seem to me that he’ll ever be more than a situational guy.



Other Positions

QB: http://forums.d2jsp.org/topic.php?t=66429688&f=204
RB: http://forums.d2jsp.org/topic.php?t=66443964&f=204
TE: http://forums.d2jsp.org/topic.php?t=66483178&f=204

DT/NT: http://forums.d2jsp.org/topic.php?t=66457812&f=204
3-4 DE: http://forums.d2jsp.org/topic.php?t=66495698&f=204
4-3 DE: http://forums.d2jsp.org/topic.php?t=66495692&f=204
3-4 OLB: http://forums.d2jsp.org/topic.php?t=66495708&f=204
4-3 OLB: http://forums.d2jsp.org/topic.php?t=66495722&f=204
CB: http://forums.d2jsp.org/topic.php?t=66470785&f=204

EDIT: Putting in the links to all of today's lists.

This post was edited by Randolph on Feb 16 2013 06:13pm

someone will get a steal with jarvis jones

but when a doctor has already told you you need to retire from football its a big risk

I read hes been cleared by doctors. Only 4 days till the Combine

I don't feel Jones is the athlete Von Miller is. I'm not sure if he's as quick and fast, or have Miller's length. Will be curious to see how he measures out.

Good read, can't wait to see what giants pick.

Any thoughts on where Greene lands?

Idk, I need to see his combine and see if teams determine he can play LB or if he pretty much has to make the move to S.

Depending on the early rounds, I like him for the Giants in round 3, maybe 2.

If he fell to Atlanta in the second which I think he doesn't tbh. He would fit nicely as a cover lb which atl needs so badly. Nicholas got burnt in the playoffs.... I and his speed would help with the new option game.

This post was edited by hammerdanjbg on Feb 18 2013 12:20pm