NFL Draft 2009: Top 5 Outside Linebackers in the Draft

The 2009 NFL Draft will not have a shortage of good prospects at Outside Linebackers for teams to choose from. This crop of prospects include a dozen or so players who are capable of going on the first day of the draft, and half a dozen or so who may be taken by the first round. Here then are the top 5 Outside Linebackers available for the 2009 NFL Draft.

Aaron Curry (Wake Forest)

Aaron Curry is on par with the more notable Inside Linebackers Laurinaitis and Maualuga, but he is not as well known. Still, Curry should be considered the class of the 2009 Outside Linebacker crop. At 6-2, 255 lbs and able to run a 4.56 for the 40, Curry is an elite Linebacker prospect who will go in the first round of the Draft. Strong and explosive, Curry can stop the run both inside and out. Against the pass, Curry shows the speed and ability to drop back into coverage, and the hands to pick off passes. A big playmaker, Curry picked off 4 passes and returned them for 226 and 3 touchdowns in 2007; he also racked up 208 tackles and 5-1/2 sacks his last two seasons at Wake Forest.

Brian Cushing (USC)

Brian Cushing, is a highly versatile player who had his fair share of injuries during his career at USC. Still, at 6-3, 245, Cushing has the right size for the Outside Linebacker position, though he has also been used as an Inside Linebacker, as well as a Defense of End. Brian shows great balance, and instincts, and is capable of reaching the quarterback on blitzes off the edge. He has the right mentality for the position saying that if not for football he would be a UCF fighter. Cushing enjoyed an excellent NFL Combine, clocking a 4.68 for the 40, and doing 30 reps on the bench; was named an AP Second Team All-American in 2008, after registering 73 tackles and 3 sacks at USC last season.

Clint Sintim (Virginia)

Overshadowed by Chris Long at Virginia in the past, Sintim was able to claim his share of the spotlight in 2008. At 6-3, 255 lbs, Sintim possesses both the height and strength for the position. Explosive with plenty of speed to be used on the blitz, Sintim collected 20 sacks in his last two seasons at Virginia. Not well suited for coverage, Sintim's future may lay as a pass rush Linebacker. Still, an excellent prospect with a good work ethic who should go in the lower portions of the first round.

Clay Mathews Jr. (USC)

Son of a former NFL Linebacker, with a family linage that includes two more NFL players, Mathews is a prospect with an incredible work ethics. Came to USC as a walk-on, and now leaves as a first round prospect. At 6-3, 245 lbs, he is ideal for the position, though he is a tad slower than the more elite Outside Linebackers. Has great instincts and intelligence, and is quick to react to a play. His stock went up after the Senior Bowl. May slip into the second round, but is still a solid pick.

Aaron Maybin (Penn State)

Maybin is an underclassman from Penn State who only has one year as a starter under his belt. Still, he put in a heck of a year in 2008, collecting 12 sacks in the process. At 6-4, he is tall for the position, but has excellent speed (4.6 for the 40), and is able to drop into coverage as well as rush the passer. Maybin has the closing speed to catch up with faster backs, and he comes with possibly more upside than Clay Mathews. Maybin should go in the first or early second round of the 2009 NFL Draft.

Sources:

"Lindy's Pro Football Draft Report: Outside Linebackers," Lindy's Pro Football Draft 2009, pp 86-87

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/teams

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players