In a draft class that is so deeply laden with talent, it’s very easy to feel spoiled. For this reason, a relatively thin crop of linebackers feels even more sparse this year. While there is a linebacker that is in the running to be the first name called on May 8, the pool quickly dries up after that. Teams looking for help at the position better target the guy they want early and make sure they get him. With that said, here is a comparison of the top linebackers in the 2014 NFL Draft.
*Note: Hybrid players that were mentioned in previous articles (such as Marcus Smith and Kyle Van Noy) will not be talked about here.
Khalil Mack, Buffalo
Ideal position: 4-3 outside linebacker
Khalil Mack can step into any linebacker position, regardless of scheme, and have and instant impact for the lucky team that drafts him. However his ability as an outside linebacker in a 4-3 is so rare that it would be a waste to see him play anywhere else. Mack has the ability to track down and tackle the ball from any position. His ability to jam and/or lock up against tight ends in coverage is excellent. Where he shines brightest is when he can play on the line of scrimmage, setting the edge against the run or rushing the passer. He displays great power on film, easily jolting offensive linemen backwards on his first punch. He has the speed and strength to make a tough match up for any tackle in the NFL. It’s easy to say that there is nothing lacking from his game. In reality, it’s more accurate to say that Khalil Mack excels at everything a linebacker can do. He will be selected within the top 10 picks of the first round, possibly even first overall.
Chris Borland, Wisconsin
Ideal position: inside or middle linebacker
As a high school football coach, I want to show film of Chris Borland to my linebackers. His technique as a linebacker is absolutely flawless. He shows perfect tackling form, bending low at the knees and squaring up his shoulder to deliver a textbook wrap-up tackle on nearly every play. He keeps his shoulders square to the line of scrimmage as he reads his keys and finds the running lane. Despite being a bit undersized (5’11” though he ways a solid 248 pounds), he plays much bigger than that. Borland scrapes and fills against the run with a heroic effort and even shows the ability to slip off blocks. His motor never stops running and he has the coverage instincts to disrupt throwing lanes. He also adds the ability to generate a pass rush when blitzing. The only thing holding him back is his size. To make up for it he will need to add a bit more strength this summer. Otherwise, Chris Borland is a guy the can start as a rookie and have an instant impact.
C.J. Mosley, Alabama
Ideal position: inside or middle linebacker
It would be hard to find a more decorated college linebacker than C.J. Mosley. The two-time Nation Champion and 2013 Dick Butkus Award winner has clearly earned his reputation. By all accounts, his work ethic and film room dedication are outstanding and it shows in the field. The guy knows where the ball is headed at all times. He really excels in coverage, where he can man up on tight ends or take away throwing lanes in zone. Unfortunately, where he really struggles is in traffic. Once a blocker, lineman or otherwise, gets his hands on him the play is over. He struggles mightily to break free and thus struggles in run support. To succeed in the NFL, Mosley will need the help of a dominant line who can soak up blocks and protect him. Also he is not a great athlete. He struggles to chase down speedy ball carriers but can often make up for his lack of speed with how quickly his mind works on the field. The bottom line is that C.J. Mosley will need the right supporting cast around him in the NFL. With that he has the potential to be a three down linebacker playing at a Pro Bowl level.
Ryan Shazier, Ohio State
Ideal position: 4-3 weakside linebacker
Ryan Shazier is a highly athletic linebacker with a motor that never stops. He has a versatile skill set but is at his best when pursuing running backs. Like Mosley, he struggles at the point of attack, though he puts up a better fight to get free with his scrappy play style. This is why he will be most at home as a weakside linebacker in the NFL. On the weakside he can chase down the run from the backside while his teammates take on blocks and funnel the ball carrier to him. Shazier also brings some blitzing ability to the table, using his speed to take advantages of openings in the pocket or run the arc off the edge. In coverage he is assisted by his athleticism and experience, being able to shadow running backs or post up in a zone. Ryan Shazier has so many tools that it’s likely at least one team will fall in love with him and make him a first round pick.
Shayne Skov, Stanford
Ideal position: 3-4 inside linebacker
Any team in the market for a tough leader at inside linebacker will be foaming at the mouth to land Shayne Skov. He shows a mastery of filling the hole and delivering a punishing wrap-up tackle against the run. His experience helps in many ways but really shows against zone running plays where he is patient enough to wait for the running back to come to him (this is very hard to teach linebackers, especially aggressive ones like Skov). He is simply a tackling machine. In coverage, his experience shows as he is always in the right place when playing a zone. The only knock on him is his speed. He struggles in space against shifty athletes and may not have the ability to cover faster tight ends in the NFL. It could be a result of his 2011 injury where he simultaneously tore both his ACL and MCL while also breaking his tibia. His medical history may scare teams and he may be only a two-down linebacker or frequently blitz in passing situations (which is another thing he does well). In the end, the team that drafts Shayne Skov will get a tough-as-nails inside linebacker who will be a force against even the most dominant of running teams.
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