NFL Draft 2009: Top 5 Inside Linebackers in the Draft

Though the 2009 NFL Draft does not offer a great variety of Inside Linebackers, there are still a few gems in the lot who will g make for valuable starters in the NFL. Here then are the Top 5 Inside Linebackers to keep your eyes on during the 2009 NFL Draft.

1) Rey Maualuga (USC):
USC's Rey Maualuga appears to be a safe bet to go in the first round of the Draft. A big hitter, who can cover as well in passing situations, Maualuga is a 3 down player who has a knack for making the big play. At 6-2, 255 lbs, he is the ideal size for the position, though his time of 4.7 in the 40 is a bit slower than most elite Linebackers. Maualuga plays aggressively, and has the agility and strong hands to stop the run, or rush the passer if asked to. Had a brush with the law in 2005, but showed a strong character in playing the 2006 Rose Bowl shortly after his father's death. An All-American and the winner of the Chuck Bednarik award in 2008, Maualuga was the defensive player of the game in the 2008 Rose Bowl.

2) James Laurinaitis (Ohio State):
Going into the Draft, most scouts will rate Laurinaitis a shade under Maualaga, and project him as a first round pick. Some though, find the Ohio State stand out a tad overrated. Still, there is little doubt that he and Maualuga are in select company. A three-time All-American, and the son of a professional wrestler, the 6-2, 240 lbs Laurinaitis has the natural athletic ability needed for the position. Blessed with 4.59 speed, aggressiveness and excellent instincts, Laurinaitis is both an effective run stopper as well as a good cover LB. Though not as explosive as Maualuga, he is an excellent tackler as well. The winner of the Bronko Nagurski Award in 2006, and the Dick Butkus in 2007, Laurinaitis will most likely go in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft.

3) Darry Beckwith (LSU):
At 6-1, 235 lbs, Beckwith is a little short of ideal for the position, but he is an aggressive, agile and fast (4.59 for the 40). Beckwith though has suffered both shoulders and knee injuries while LSU, and wound up missing 4 games early in the 2008 season. A high school running back, and a wide receiver prior to coming to LSU, Beckwith ended his Tiger career with 198 total tackles, 3 sacks and 2 interceptions. His greatest strength is in stopping the run, and he does it well enough to be a first day draft pick.

4) Dannell Ellerbe (Georgia):
Like Beckwith, a bit less than ideal at 6-1, 235 lbs, but has the room for growth on his frame. Fast (4.63 in the 40), with good lateral movement, Ellerbe can both cover the pass as well as get himself in position to stop the run. Most teams would have him rated higher after a fabulous 2007 season in which he lead Georgia with 93 tackles, but injuries hampered him in 2008; because of that, he may slip into the second day of the 2009 Draft.

5) Scott McKillop (Pittsburgh):
McKillop is a productive Linebacker who made the most of his last two seasons at Pitt, being named the 2008 Big East defensive player of the year in 2008, while collecting 288 tackles and seven sacks over the past two seasons. At 6-2, 245 lbs, he is an ideal size for the position. Only a lack of speed (4.74 for the 40) and explosiveness keeps McKillop from being a first or second round draft pick; look for him to go in the 3^rd round of the 2009 Draft.

Sources:

"ILB Prospect," Pro Football Weekly: 2008-09 Pro Prospect Previews, pp 72-73

"Lindy's Pro Football Draft Report," Lindy's Pro Football Draft, pp 62-64.

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