B/R CFB 250: Top 20 Outside Linebackers
Bleacher Report's CFB 250 is an annual ranking of the best players in college football, regardless of NFL potential. Through interviews with B/R Experts Matt Miller, Michael Felder, Barrett Sallee and Adam Kramer, authors Brian Leigh and Brian Pedersen have studied, ranked and graded the top athletes in the country, narrowed that list to 250 and sorted by position. Today, Brian Leigh presents the Top 20 Outside Linebackers.
Other CFB 250 Positions
Outside linebacker is a diverse position that means different things in different schemes.
In 3-4 schemes, they might be long and wiry. In 4-3 schemes, they might be squat and boxy. Either way, the range of an outside linebacker leads many players to convert there from other positions.
For example: The top player on this list played safety in high school and as a freshman in college. The No. 3 player here will probably play safety in the NFL. But the No. 8 player spends half his time at linebacker and half his time at defensive end.
Don't put an outside linebacker in a box.
But before we dig into that, a disclaimer. The players who follow were graded as college prospects, not as NFL prospects. If they get the job done at this level, who cares how they project to the pros?
This is all about college performance.
Note: If two players finished with the same grade, the authors made a subjective call on which player they prefer.
20-15. Robertson, McKinzy, Chubb, Longino, Davis, Fields
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20. Pete Robertson, Texas Tech
Run Defense: 23/30; Pass Rush: 35/40; Coverage: 24/30
Pete Robertson is the best player on a bad Texas Tech defense. He works his tail off to keep the Red Raiders competitive, even when his teammates let him down. This year, unlike last year, his performance was rewarded with seven wins and a bowl game. One hopes he finds a competent NFL team.
19. Cassanova McKinzy, Auburn
Run Defense: 25/30; Pass Rush: 34/40; Coverage: 24/30
Cassanova McKinzy is a solid all-around linebacker whose career deserves more credit than it's received. He started for the national runner-up two years ago, recorded 91 tackles last season and had another productive year as a senior. His five sacks in 2015 were impressive, but not as much as his 20 quarterback hurries. He has the size (6'3", 249 lbs) and disruptive tendencies to make an NFL rotation.
18. Brandon Chubb, Wake Forest
Run Defense: 26/30; Pass Rush: 31/40; Coverage: 26/30
Unless you're a fan of Wake Forest, you probably don't know much about Brandon Chubb. The Demon Deacons' leading tackler, Georgia running back Nick Chubb's cousin, has quietly owned ACC offenses for three seasons. He's short but well-built (6'1", 245 lbs) and is a monster flowing downhill against the run. Don't let the team he plays for fool you.
17. Antonio Longino, Arizona State
Run Defense: 24/30; Pass Rush: 36/40; Coverage: 24/30
One of the most productive players in college football, Antonio Longino led the Pac-12 with 10 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss this regular season. Those numbers didn't translate to the rest of his unit, as Arizona State ranked No. 79 in Football Outsiders' defensive S&P+, but they are too good to be ignored. The Sun Devils might want to rein in their aggressiveness, but for what they do, Longino is perfect.
16. Jarrad Davis, Florida
Run Defense: 25/30; Pass Rush: 34/40; Coverage: 25/30
Jarrad Davis made the leap from role player to star this season. He posted 94 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and six QB hurries, using speed and a wiry frame (6'2", 230 lbs) to bother offenses. He worked well with Florida's defensive line, which excels at the point of attack, to make the most of every gap and finish plays. He'll return for his senior year and will likely earn preseason All-SEC hype.
15. Devonte Fields, Louisville
Run Defense: 25/30; Pass Rush: 36/40; Coverage: 23/30
It took a while to click, but former TCU defensive end Devonte Fields, the 2012 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, lived up to his potential at Louisville. In the final three games of the season, he posted 5.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss. If he performed at that level from the get-go, he would have ranked significantly higher on this list. As it stands, being in the top 15 is nothing to whine about.
14-10. Moore, Feeney, Floyd, Fackrell, Lee
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14. Skai Moore, South Carolina
Run Defense: 26/30; Pass Rush: 32/40; Coverage: 26/30
Skai Moore made his name known in the regular-season opener, when he led South Carolina past North Carolina in a game that would, in hindsight, become a major upset. His two interceptions of Marquise Williams were impressive and a sign of things to come. Moore finished the year with four interceptions and led South Carolina with 111 tackles. Even when the ship was sinking, he did all he could to keep it afloat.
13. Travis Feeney, Washington
Run Defense: 24/30; Pass Rush: 35/40; Coverage: 26/30
After losing four top-45 draft picks—Danny Shelton, Marcus Peters, Shaq Thompson and Hau'oli Kikaha—Washington needed a new defensive star. Enter Travis Feeney, who used his bouncy frame (6'4", 226 lbs) to terrorize quarterbacks. He posted seven sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss in the regular season, wreaking havoc for a defense that finished No. 10 in Football Outsiders' S&P+ ratings. Despite losing so many pieces, this defense actually improved.
12. Leonard Floyd, Georgia
Run Defense: 24/30; Pass Rush: 35/40; Coverage: 26/30
Never as productive as he should be, Leonard Floyd still looks like a man among boys in college. His frame is impressive for a 3-4 outside linebacker (6'4", 231 lbs), and he's fluid enough to cover as well as rush the passer. His motor is inconsistent, but it has improved during his tenure in Athens. All things told, he's had a really nice college career.
11. Kyler Fackrell, Utah State
Run Defense: 25/30; Pass Rush: 35/40; Coverage: 25/30
Kyler Fackrell has had an interesting career arc. He broke out his sophomore season, logging 13 tackles for loss and emerging as a first-round NFL prospect, before tearing his ACL as a junior. Firmly off the national radar, he returned this year and resumed his dominant form, logging 13.5 tackles for loss in the regular season. He has the ideal frame (6'5", 250 lbs) and range for a 3-4 outside linebacker.
10. Darron Lee, Ohio State
Run Defense: 24/30; Pass Rush: 34/40; Coverage: 27/30
The defensive star of last year's College Football Playoff, Darron Lee backed up his production with a strong sophomore season. He looks undersized but isn't (6'2", 235 lbs); it only seems that way because he's lightning-quick off the edge and in coverage. The only thing holding him back is consistency, as it feels like after last year's Sugar Bowl, he should reach that level more often than he does. He's great but not as great as he can be.
9. Deion Jones, LSU
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B/R Expert Scouting
"Jones took on the playmaker role in [defensive coordinator] Kevin Steele's system. And he took advantage of that, because it made him a star."
—Barrett Sallee
Run Defense
Deion Jones led LSU with 92 regular-season tackles. Inside linebacker Kendell Beckwith does the dirty work, playing hammer and taking on blockers, and then Jones cleans up the mess. He's also apt in space, where his sideline-to-sideline speed becomes a factor, and in the backfield, where he recorded 7.5 non-sack tackles for loss.
Pass Rush
Speed off the edge makes Jones a dangerous pass-rusher. His frame is not the longest (6'1", 227 lbs), and he struggles once engaged, but his burst must be accounted for. You'd like to see better production than four sacks and six QB hurries in the regular season, but those numbers came against quality opponents, so it's clear he raises his game.
Coverage
Jones is a plus-coverage linebacker with room to get even better. He's fluid in man and can mirror athletic tight ends. He also makes plays on the ball, having racked up two interceptions and three pass breakups in the regular season. He's not quite on the level where he can cover good receivers, but based on his raw tools and progress, that might be in his future.
Overall
Jones enjoyed a breakout year under new defensive coordinator Kevin Steele. LSU has always known about Jones' physical tools, but he never became more than a rotation player until this, his senior year. Steele allowed him freedom to rush the passer, use his speed and make plays. Now he's a legitimate NFL prospect.
8. Jordan Jenkins, Georgia
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B/R Expert Scouting
"I love him. He's their best linebacker by far. [Leonard] Floyd and [Lorenzo] Carter soak up all the attention, but Jenkins just does everything. Everything about his game screams 'superstar.'"
—Barrett Sallee
Run Defense
Numbers do Jordan Jenkins little justice. He posted just 56 tackles in the regular season, but because of how Georgia uses him—asking him to drop his hand and play some defensive end—that's fine. He's a tenacious run defender with size (6'3", 253 lbs), strength and toughness to set the edge. If you block him with a tight end, good luck.
Pass Rush
Jenkins has a rare blend of speed and power. He plays with great burst and leverage to either blow past or bull-rush tackles. His motor is relentless, although it doesn't always result in finished plays. He's better than his numbers, but his steep drop in production—three sacks in his first two games and one sack the rest of the way—remains an issue.
Coverage
Georgia doesn't ask Jenkins to cover much. His role as an edge-rusher and pseudo-defensive end precludes that. When he does drop into coverage, he looks capable but unspectacular. This is obviously a weakness, but it's not one teams often exploit.
Overall
When he's on, Jenkins plays like Khalil Mack. He has the same type of build and energy; he just needs to smooth the edges and play with consistency. The quiet heart of the Georgia defense, he has always played second fiddle, at least on a national stage, to position-mate Leonard Floyd. Both are quality players, but Jenkins is the alpha without a doubt.
7. Joshua Perry, Ohio State
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B/R Expert Scouting
"Excellent body, excellent athleticism, great leader out on the field. He looks like an NFL player playing against college kids."
—Matt Miller
Run Defense
Joshua Perry is Ohio State's best run defender. Raekwon McMillan surpassed his tackle total, but Perry does more in terms of taking on blockers, executing run fits and generally wreaking havoc near the line. He has the size (6'4", 254 lbs) to hold the edge but also the speed to make plays from behind. Everything he does pops off tape.
Pass Rush
With Joey Bosa at defensive end, Ohio State doesn't need to blitz much. Even when it does, it often dials a different number than Perry's. His frame suggests a dominant pass-rusher—he's long, strong and twitchy—but his production doesn't match those tools. He did, however, post a career-high 3.5 sacks this regular season.
Coverage
With smooth hips and foot speed, Perry always makes his presence felt in coverage. He can match up with tight ends and hold his own against running backs. Even shifty slot backs, who look as though they should be able to school Perry, have trouble shaking him off their tail. These coverage skills make Perry a three-down linebacker.
Overall
Darron Lee stole headlines in the 2015 College Football Playoff, and McMillan was the sexy blue-chip recruit. It's understandable that both—who are both excellent players—earned praise and recognition nationwide. But Perry, whose name fewer people recognize, has been Ohio State's best linebacker the past two seasons. There's a long NFL career ahead of him.
6. Gionni Paul, Utah
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B/R Expert Scouting
"In general, he's Johnny-on-the-spot. He finds tipped passes to get interceptions, reads the QB to get the ball, fits into the gap for a stop and can force a fumble in a pinch."
—Michael Felder
Run Defense
Even though he plays "rover" linebacker, Gionni Paul led Utah with 109 regular-season tackles. He's small but has a thick frame (5'10", 225 lbs) and plays with power to scrape and fill against the run. He uses leverage to shed blocks and has instincts to chase the football or shoot gaps. All things told, he's one of the Pac-12's best run defenders.
Pass Rush
After recording just one sack in his first three seasons, Paul improved with three sacks as a senior. He's wide and lacks the explosion to rush with frequency, but his timing and no-quit attitude have made him viable. This will never be a big part of his game, which is fine because he's still a three-down linebacker. As long as he's a threat to rush the passer—which he is—he can stay on the field and keep offenses honest.
Coverage
Paul is an agent of chaos who makes play after play in coverage. He's not a lockdown man defender, but he's one step ahead of most linebackers in zone. He had four interceptions as a junior and four more as a senior, and seven of those picks came against Power Five quarterbacks. The only one that didn't came in the red zone against Utah State's Chuckie Keeton.
Overall
Undersized and overlooked, Paul emerged as one of the nation's best playmakers. He's the captain and leader of a Utah defense no team likes playing. He flies to the ball and makes his best plays in big moments of crucial games. The measurables are forgettable, but the production is undeniable.
5. Joe Schobert, Wisconsin
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B/R Expert Scouting
"His first step is really, really good. I think that's why he's able to win some of those matchups he wins. He doesn't have great length, but he's the first guy off the ball every play."
—Matt Miller
Run Defense
Wisconsin was one of four FBS teams, along with Alabama, Boston College and Akron, to allow fewer than 100 rushing yards per game in the regular season. A good part of that credit goes to Joe Schobert, who finished second on the team with 76 tackles, including nine non-sack tackles for loss. Even when he didn't make the tackle, his presence in the backfield threw running plays off their intended courses. Disruption is the name of the game.
Pass Rush
Schobert led Wisconsin with 9.5 sacks and 14 QB hurries this regular season. His first step might be the quickest in college football, as he always seems to beat offensive tackles off the snap, forcing them to play on their heels. He also has the length (6'2", 236 lbs) and strength to rip and disengage. He might not look like a dominant pass-rusher, but he is one.
Coverage
Schobert holds his own in coverage, although he's not often asked to participate. He's more valuable rushing the quarterback, especially on passing downs. Regardless, Wisconsin trusts him to drop in zone and cover uncomplicated routes from Big Ten skill players. He made his first career interception against Minnesota in the regular-season finale.
Overall
Most weeks, Schobert is good. Other weeks, he's great. His performance in a 10-6 loss to Iowa—eight tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, two forced fumbles and five QB hurries—remains one of the best a defender submitted all season. He and Vince Biegel give Wisconsin a pair of playmaking outside linebackers. That's perfect for coordinator Dave Aranda's attacking defense.
4. Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Tennessee
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B/R Expert Scouting
"People were slow to warm up to him, because he sort of got lost in the wash behind [former teammate] A.J. Johnson. But he's been Tennessee's best linebacker for two seasons."
—Barrett Sallee
Run Defense
Tennessee finished the regular season with the nation's 25th-best run defense, per Football Outsiders' S&P+ ratings. The key to that success was Jalen Reeves-Maybin, who organized a young group of teammates and always found his way to the ball. His 99 tackles led the Vols by more than 30, and eight went for non-sack tackles for loss. Behind the line, at the line or past the line, JRM used his range to finish plays.
Pass Rush
After posting two sacks as a sophomore, Reeves-Maybin racked up five in 2015. Three of those sacks came in SEC play (including one against Alabama), and the others came against Bowling Green and Oklahoma—two of college football's best offenses. When Curt Maggitt went down with a hip injury, someone new needed to slide into his place and rush the passer across from Derek Barnett. Reeves-Maybin will never be Maggitt, but he did an admirable job replacing him.
Coverage
Reeves-Maybin is built like a safety (6'0", 225 lbs) and covers like one, too. You can stick him in the slot and feel confident he'll do his job. He also has decent ball skills, having broken up four passes this regular season. He knows when to sink in zone but doesn't let that affect his aggressiveness.
Overall
Sometimes he's flashy, and sometimes he's not, but Reeves-Maybin is always spectacular. His size and wiry frame will rub certain NFL scouts the wrong way, but Tennessee fans are OK with that. If there's a chance it keeps him in school one more season—when the Vols expect to finally turn the corner from good to great—his underrated career has been a blessing.
3. Eric Striker, Oklahoma
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B/R Expert Scouting
"I have no idea where he'll play in the NFL, but I love that he's kind of a utility weapon. I've seen him dominate [my favorite team] Texas for four years."
—Matt Miller
Run Defense
Eric Striker posted 61 regular-season tackles, but 8.5 were non-sack tackles for loss. He's a big-play run defender whose best work is done near the line, where his speed, timing, instincts and nose for the football stand out. His size limitations (6'0", 222 lbs) are an obvious detriment, as he can't take on blocks or set the edge. But, all things considered, he does a good job.
Pass Rush
This is where Striker excels. He posted 7.5 sacks and 11 QB hurries this regular season—a slight drop in sacks from last year but still great production for a linebacker. His dip move and speed are too much for offensive tackles to handle. When he blitzes, the offense has problems.
Coverage
Striker is a disciplined coverage linebacker who excels in zone but also holds up in man. Because of his size, he must focus on this area of his game, which will prove even more vital at the next level. Right now, he's active and fluid enough to shadow basic routes from tight ends, running back and receivers. If needed, he could probably play safety.
Overall
Striker made his name in the 2014 Sugar Bowl, when he recorded three sacks, including the game-clinching strip-sack, against Alabama. He's never reached those single-game heights as an upperclassman, but he's dominated weekly and become Oklahoma's defensive leader. The gestalt of his game might rub NFL scouts the wrong way, but it's hard to imagine the league has no place for him. He has a nose for the ball like a bloodhound.
2. Kentrell Brothers, Missouri
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B/R Expert Scouting
"To me, he's just a tackling machine. He always has a nose for the football. He's potentially one of the most underrated players we've ever seen in the SEC."
—Barrett Sallee
Run Defense
Kentrell Brothers led the country with 152 regular-season tackles. That's 12.67 tackles per game! And it's not like he padded stats because Missouri had no other run defenders; the Tigers ranked No. 12 in the country in run defense, per Football Outsiders' S&P+ ratings. Brothers' downhill excellence, which included 9.5 non-sack tackles for loss, was the biggest reason why.
Pass Rush
Although he posted modest pass-rush numbers—2.5 sacks in 12 games—Brothers earned positive marks. He played a passive role drawing attention away from teammates and occasionally pressuring quarterbacks on his own. Missouri ranked No. 5 in the country in front-seven havoc rate, per Football Outsiders, and Brothers played a big role in helping the Tigers get in the backfield.
Coverage
Brothers is a shutdown coverage linebacker. He's a smooth athlete with sound instincts who rarely gets caught on his heels. Despite a stocky frame (6'1", 235 lbs), he is nimble and athletic enough to hang with tight ends up the seam. You can trust him in dime situations.
Overall
After back-to-back SEC East titles—both of which Brothers played a big role in winning—Missouri failed to make a bowl game in 2015. But don't let that confuse you into thinking any less of the Tigers defense. Brothers posted huge numbers for a team that needed all of them. What an awesome career he's enjoyed.
1. Su'a Cravens, USC
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B/R Expert Scouting
"All of the demons we're used to seeing from a safety transitioning to linebacker—overpursuit, running around blocks, ineffective in blitzes—Cravens has conquered. He's on the short list of linebackers who will get picked Day 1 in the NFL draft."
—Michael Felder
Run Defense
Although he lacks the size (6'1", 225 lbs) to play the hammer, Su'a Cravens makes his presence felt in run support. He posted 78 tackles and nine non-sack tackles for loss in the regular season, using speed and instincts to make plays in the backfield and on the edge. He also understands gap integrity and is willing to lower his head to fill the hole.
Pass Rush
Cravens had modest pass-rush numbers (5.5 regular-season sacks), but that doesn't mean he's incapable. His limited sacks have more to do with usage, as he's often asked to cover on passing downs—but more on that later. When he does rush the passer, he shows good speed and timing off the edge but needs to work on block-shedding.
Coverage
Cravens is the best coverage linebacker in college football. It's frankly not all that close. Even at safety, where he played as a freshman and began his sophomore season, he showed smooth hips and an ability to read quarterbacks. As a linebacker, he's able to lock down tight ends and even switch onto outside receivers. He's perfect for the new breed of defenses, which needs versatile linebackers to play all three downs.
Overall
Cravens toes the line between a safety and a linebacker. On passing downs, he's basically an extra defensive back, but he's proved he can dominate in the box and the backfield. A top-five overall recruit in high school, per 247Sports' composite ratings, he came to USC and became an immediate impact player. No matter where he's played, that hasn't changed.
Unless otherwise noted, all statistics courtesy of CFBstats.com or ESPN.com.
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