Top Outside Linebacker Prospects for the 2012 NFL Draft
14. Chase Thomas, Stanford, 6’4″ 240 (Junior)
**No scouting report yet available**
15. Emmanuel Acho, Texas, 6’2″ 240 (Senior)
Pre-season first team All Big 12 selection by Athlon Sports after a junior season where he had 87 tackles, three sacks, 12 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, six passes broken up, and an interception. A completely different player than his brother Sam, who was drafted as a defensive end. Plays both the strong-side (SAM) and middle (MIKE) linebacker positions for Texas, and is a very good form tackler. Instinctive player who can fight off blocks and make plays in the backfield. Has great size and could be an ideal fit for an inside linebacker in a 3-4 defensive scheme. Big enough to hold his edge, and very patient against the run. Almost always sticks to his gap and does his job, allowing him to make a lot of plays at or behind the line of scrimmage. Shows good effort in the passing game, but that could be an area of weakness at the next level. Looks like a two-down linebacker, though he could rush the quarterback if he was asked. He may have trouble with backs out of the backfield and tight ends down the seam at the next level, though he rarely puts himself out of place. Not afraid to put his shoulder down and hit a guy, though sometimes his lack of aggression leaves him out to dry against blockers. Sees the play and attacks it, but waits for everything to develop first. Acho should be among the top of his class of senior linebackers.
16. Jelani Jenkins, Florida, 6’1″ 225 (RS Sophomore)
**No scouting report yet available**
17. Zaviar Gooden, Missouri, 6’2″ 225 (Junior)
Watch for Gooden to really break out in 2011, if it’s even possible to top what he did as a redshirt sophomore. In 2010, he broke out with 84 tackles, three sacks, and two interceptions to go along with 7.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. Wears the #25 in honor of former Tiger Aaron O’Neal who passed away. He has the honor of passing the jersey down to the next linebacker who will wear it for the Tigers. Academic All Big 12 and an honorable mention All Big 12 performer. Not the best linebacker in the conference (Travis Lewis, Oklahoma) but also not too far behind. One of the most athletic players in the conference who can make plays anywhere on the field. Great speed for a linebacker, and while he is slightly undersized, he is a playmaker in every sense of the word
18. Tyler Nielsen, Iowa, 6’3″ 235 (Senior)
Big linebacker prospect who was having a very solid run last season before he went down with an injury. Obviously, injuries will be a concern for him going forward, but if he has a big season he has the size and athletic upside to be a fifth round pick or better in the NFL, not unlike former Iowa linebacker AJ Edds who was drafted by the Miami Dolphins. Nielsen really needs to emerge this season as one of the leaders of a suddenly young Iowa defensive unit.
19. Gerald Hodges, Penn State, 6’2″ 234 (Junior)
**No scouting report yet available**
20. Bobby Wagner, Utah State, 6’1″ 230 (Senior)
**No scouting report yet available**
21. Justin Staples, Illinois, 6’4″ 235 (Junior)
**No scouting report yet available**
22. Audi Cole, North Carolina State, 6’5″ 240 (Senior)
**No scouting report yet available**
23. Kyle Wilber, Wake Forest, 6’5″ 240 (Senior)
**No scouting report yet available**
24. Darius Fleming, Notre Dame, 6’2″ 250 (Senior)
**No scouting report yet available**
25. Demetrius Hartsfield, Maryland, 6’2″ 235 (Junior)
**No scouting report yet available**