Player Profiling: NFL Outside Linebacker Rankings

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His pure athletic talent should go without saying. Wimbley's athleticism makes me think so highly off him, but he has yet to perform to the fullest of his potential. He often misses many tackles in the backfield and needs to do a better job with his mechanics.

He is out of position more times than none, but does deliver a burst of elusiveness when rushing from the outside. Wimbley over-pursuits a lot, but it's not like that isn't fixable.

I would also rather see a player over-pursuit than straight up get beat or ran over. Overall, Wimbley's play up to this point has been a disappointment, but his athletic talent and rare highlights give me hope that he can develop nicely.

32. Scott Fujita (NO)

Other than his leadership ability, I don't see Fujita as a serious threat to defenses. Vilma has pretty much taken over the leadership role on both the line backing core and defense.

Fujita is one of the hardest working players with an unselfish mindset. For the most part, Fujita is in position to make plays needed, but only comes up with the play about half of the time.

He doesn't miss many tackles, but he is an easy player to block out of a running play. Unless Fujita is in position to make a ball on play (he doesn't have to run across the line or field to make a play), his overall presence on the field shouldn't be overlooked or taken seriously either.

33. Donnie Edwards (KC)

Edwards has no excuse to produce this year. If he wants to prove he was more than a two or three year player, he needs to play well with players like Thomas, Johnson, Dorsey, and Page.

Edwards has enough talent around him to help lead a defense into the right path. His awareness seems to get worse each season, but his tackling skills are still some of the best.

I also have not seen the same desire or aggression from Edwards that I saw in San Diego. Overall, his big play capabilities have passed along with his consistency to be a reliable and productive player.

He still has the skill in him and around him to become successful, but I just don't see any motivation for Edwards to play hard this year.

34. Kawika Mitchell (BUF)

Mitchell's best asset is also his most overlooked. He is an aggressive playmaker who will take risks on plays, but usually pay off. His blitzing skills are some of the best along with his overall attitude when on the field.

Nothing seems to throw this man out of rhythm when he is playing and shows a great amount of determination when running to make a play. I like Mitchell's overall skill combined with his winning and aggressive attitude.

35. Brian Orkapo (WAS)

He is in the best position to win Defensive Rookie of the Year, but I don't think he will. Orkapo is arguably coming into the best situation than any other defensive rookie. He will be coming in as the starting backer.

His athletic talent and size make him dangerous, but the talent that surrounds him will only help educate and elevate his game to a higher standard. The only thing holding Orkapo from becoming a household name is Orkapo.

He is setup to have as successful a season as any other rookie on the defensive side of the ball, but it will be up to him to make the most of it.

36. Omar Gaither (PHI)

Gaither is a surprisingly tough and reliable backer with the quickness to get to holes before ball carriers. Consistently, he still has work to do. Gaither's overall big play ability is hard to find, but his reliability to make the little plays that make defenses successful is very visible.

He is not afraid to run in like a bat out of hell, but also knows when he needs to square up and become fundamentally sound. He brings two different styles to his game, but needs to become just a little bit more consistent if he wants to become and sustain a serious playmaking role for the Eagle defense.

37. Angelo Crowell (TB)

I guess this is a high ranking for Crowell, but only because of the situation he is in. Crowell has the opportunity to develop his game in Tampa. This is a fresh start for a once reliable player to raise his game to an elite status.

Crowell has the talent and work ethic to become one of the best, but as much as I love his game, he still needs to prove it with a new team. His intensity and quickness were always overlooked along with his overall knowledge.

I love Crowell as a big time playmaker, but his dominance has been more absent than present.

38. Vernon Gholston (NYJ)

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