NFL Draft 2012: Projected Landing Spots for 1st-Round LBs

By my count, the NFL draft has four linebackers that should be drafted in the first round given their talent level. But how do they rank overall? And what teams will select those players?

Glad you asked. Let's get started.

Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

Burfict has the blend of size, strength and sheer aggressiveness that makes one think his game will translate to the NFL and he'll be a star. Plus, he's versatile enough that he could likely play any linebacker position in any defense—either inside or outside linebacker in the 4-3 or 3-4 defense.

The knock on Burfict is his inconsistency and his reputation as a dirty player who sometimes plays out of control. But if he lands on the right team that puts him in the position to pin his ears back and attack, he will thrive in the NFL.

He'll be too hard to pass up for Kansas City at No. 12, and they'll slot him in as a middle linebacker next to Derrick Johnson to form a truly elite group of linebackers alongside Tamba Hali and Justin Houston on the outside.

Pick: No. 12 to the Kansas City Chiefs

Luke Kuechly, MLB, Boston College

Kuechly is a tackling machine, accumulating 191 tackles in 2011. He has good instincts and is a solid form tackler.

He makes perfect sense in Philadelphia, a team that desperately needs someone who can step in as a linebacker and play immediately. While perhaps lacking the combination of size and athleticism of the other linebackers on this list, Kuechly hasn't had any off-the-field or character issues in his career.

Pick: No. 15 to the Philadelphia Eagles

Dont'a Hightower, MLB, Alabama

If you're looking to bolster your run defense, the big and powerful Hightower is the man for you. Hightower is able to shed blockers and is also effective blitzing up the middle when called upon to do so.

If Vincent Jackson returns to San Diego, look for the Chargers to have eyes for Hightower when their pick at No. 18 comes on the board. It's that or ask old man Takeo Spikes to hold down the fort for another year.

Pick: No. 18 to the San Diego Chargers

Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina

Brown is a fantastic athlete with elite speed at the linebacker position and showed improving instincts later in his college career.

But he's also had maturity issues and was suspended for the game against Georgia Tech this year.

The Giants, needing an upgrade at linebacker, will quickly scoop up Brown and his high upside when they select with the 31st pick or 32nd pick.

Pick: No. 31 to the New York Giants

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