2015 Mock NFL Free Agency: Complete Defensive Edition
By Erik Lambert
INSIDE LINEBACKERS
Oct 19, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills middle linebacker Brandon Spikes (51) before a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Brandon Spikes. 27. player. 46. Getting tougher up the middle on defense has become a priority for the Indianapolis Colts. That includes inside linebacker. Brandon Spikes is as tough as they come, is a good leader and also has some inside secrets on the New England Patriots, who have bullied Indy for years.. ILB. Buffalo
player. 123. His resurgence as a pro was one of the feel-good stories of the season. Rolando McClain has a chance to explore his options but it doesn’t seem like he’d want to leave the defense team that finally got him on track.. ILB. Dallas. Rolando McClain. 28
56. He’s not an every down player but there is still a lot Rey Maualuga brings to the table. He remains a locker room presence and also a good run defender which the Cincinnati Bengals will want to keep. Their problems lay in coverage.. ILB. Cincinnati. Rey Maualuga. 29. player
ILB. Denver. Nate Irving. 30. player. 57. An injury derailed him last season but before that Nate Irving emerged as a solid interior linebacker for the Denver Broncos. The Chicago Bears are in search of help at that position and Irving has a connection to their new head coach John Fox.
31. player. 45. His restricted status will make it easier for the Denver Broncos to retain Brandon M. Marshall, but he’s earned a return trip, emerging as their most dependable linebacker, particularly in pass coverage (+10.1 PFF rating).. ILB. Denver. Brandon M. Marshall
16. Rex Ryan was and remains a huge fan of what David Harris brings to the table both as a player and a leader. It stands to reason he’ll want to bring that to his new home with the Buffalo Bills.. ILB. New York. David Harris. 32. player
Brian Cushing has about worn out his welcome with the Houston Texans. The 2014 seasons was one of his worst as a pro and he remains a big liability in coverage. Jerrell Freeman excels in that department and holds familiarity with the AFC South coming from Indianapolis.. ILB. Indianapolis. Jerrell Freeman. 33. player. 10