Top Inside Linebackers for the 2012 NFL Draft
13. Garrick Williams, Texas A&M, 6’2″ 235 (Senior)
Big linebacker prospect who is a tackling machine. Had 112 total tackles in 2010 along with 71 in 2009. Might not be an elite NFL linebacker prospect, but is definitely a guy who will attract teams in the later rounds, and is a guy who can come in and contribute right away on special teams. Will be a solid fit on the inside for either a 3-4 or 4-3 defensive alignment. We will monitor him as the season moves along, but typically, big time tacklers make an impact at the next level. If he is as good as advertised on the field, he will get a lot of NFL looks.
14. Nico Johnson, Alabama, 6’3″ 245 (Junior)
The high school Parade All American and top ranked recruit has certainly not disappointed for the Tide, though he really is expected to break out in 2011 as a junior (seems to be a theme with this talented squad). As a freshman, Johnson had 28 tackles and a sack, and as a sophomore had 33 tackles and an interception. Made the All-SEC Freshman team, and the Tide will be looking for big contributions from him in 2011. The question becomes whether or not Johnson will play inside in the NFL in a 4-3, outside in a 3-4, inside in a 3-4, or outside in a 4-3. He seems like the ideal WILL linebacker in either scheme, and has the frame to add a little more weight to come off the edge. There may not be enough tackles to go around in this supremely talented group of players, but Johnson is one of the better ones.
15. D.J. Holt, California, 6’1″ 252 (Senior)
**No scouting report yet available**
16. Tanner Brock, TCU, 6’3″ 246 (Junior)
**No scouting report yet available**
17. Devon Kennard, USC, 6’3″ 252 (Junior)
**No scouting report yet available**
18. Will Ebner, Missouri, 6’1″ 230 (Senior)
Definitely not a flashy linebacker prospect, but a guy who has played for a long time and has a good head on his shoulders. Twice second team all-academic Big 12 performer. Not a tackling machine by any means, but makes smart plays and always improving as a player. Likely will be a special teams guy in the NFL, and missed quite a bit of time last year due to injury. If he can show some serious improvement and durability this year, he could sneak into the 4th-5th round range.
19. Carmen Messina, New Mexico, 6’2″ 236 (Senior)
**No scouting report yet available**
20. J.K. Schaffer, Cincinnati, 6’1″ 225 (Senior)
**No scouting report yet available**
21. Steve Greer, Virginia, 6’2″ 230 (Junior)
**No scouting report yet available**
22. Adrien Cole, Louisiana Tech, 5’11” 250 (Senior)
**No scouting report yet available**
23. Patrick Larimore, UCLA, 6’3″ 249 (Junior)
**No scouting report yet available**
24. Bruce Taylor, Virginia Tech, 6’2″ 252 (Junior)
**No scouting report yet available**
25. Gary Tinsley, Minnesota, 6’1″ 237 (Senior)
Leader of an experienced front seven that returns five of seven starters from a year ago, Tinsley was the Gophers’ leading tackler in 2010 with 90 stops, 9.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. Tinsley was cited for reckless driving, an underage drinking violation, and fleeing from the police in April of 2010. Had his first career interception in 2010, which he returned for 52 yards. I don’t see him right now as a starting linebacker in the NFL, but the door is open for that type of development. He has the tackling ability to make it in the NFL as a core special teams player.