(part 2)
Linebackers
Okay, before I delve into the details of linebackers in this draft, let’s rewind to last off-season for a moment…
Ohio State’s James Laurinaitis and USC’s Rey Maualuga just declared that they will return to their respective Universities for one final year of seasoning. Can you believe this? Both these guys just came off great seasons. Their stocks can’t rise any higher. As it turns out, that statement was quite true.
Now, fast forward back to the present situation. As talented as these guys are, their performances didn’t do much to solidify themselves as the top two linebackers in this 2009 draft. Although Maualuga had a very good season, he just couldn’t quite match last year’s performance at the Rose Bowl against Illinois. Despite three incredible years, Laurinaitis is being scrutinized for not possessing that killer instinct that scouts look for.
But in my book, these guys are smart, gifted athletes who will both have successful careers in the NFL, and should fall into the first or early second rounds.
Even so, there is a new linebacker who entered the picture this season. He isn’t the household name that Maualuga is, but this year’s Butkus award winner, Wake Forest’s Aaron Curry is the real deal. You will be hard pressed to find a more complete football player in this draft than Curry. He is a truly intense leader on defense, always seems to make impact plays, and he is extremely versatile because he has the speed, size, and athleticism to play outside or inside in either 3-4 and 4-3 defensive scheme.
Now, I think Curry (Wake Forest) is the top linebacker in this draft, with James Laurinaitis (OSU) and Rey Maualuga (USC) closely following him. After those three, I like Clint Sintim (Virginia) and Brian Cushing (USC). Although not flashy, they are both solid football players who can pressure the quarterback well. Behind those 5 players, I consider Scott Mckillop (Pitt), Clay Matthews (USC), and Marcus Freeman (OSU) quality mid-round picks.
If you add in the defensive ends like Brian Orakpo, Aaron Maybin, Larry English, and Everette Brown, who may become 3-4 rush linebackers, this very well could be the best crop of linebackers in years!
Next up: Defensive backs
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