2012 NFL Draft: Luke Kuechly and Top First-Round Linebackers

The Philadelphia Eagles better hope that Luke Kuechly is still on the board by the time their 15th selection rolls around, or else they could be missing out on the best linebacker available—and someone who could help bolster up a defense in need of a dominating presence.

With the NFL scouting combine less than a week away, NFL Network analyst Mike Maycock lauded Kuechly as “the best inside linebacker in this draft by far” and someone with “great instincts," according to Jonathan Tamari of The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The Eagles, who finished 8-8 in 2011 and ranked eighth in the league in net yards allowed, have very few gaping holes on the roster, other than at linebacker. Given their struggles with drafting star defensive talent, according to Philly.com, now is their chance to right that ship—and to avoid spending millions of dollars locking up a free agent somewhere down the line.

Kuechly won a slew of awards in 2011, including the Dick Butkus Award, after finishing the season with 191 solo tackles and three interceptions. He could provide Philly with stability at the position in the short-term and some much-needed longevity for years to come.

One scout told CBS Sports’ Rob Rang that Kuechly “might be the safest player in the draft” and someone who can be “the quarterback of your defense for the next 10 years because of his leadership and preparation.”

Kuechly recorded 532 total tackles throughout his career at BC—the second-most in program history, and in three seasons, no less—and he led the nation in total and solo tackles in both 2010 and 2011. He finished second in both categories as a true freshman in 2009.

Aside from Kuechly, here are some other top linebackers to have your eye on during the combine. 

Courtney Upshaw, Alabama

The senior helped lead his squad to a championship with 52 total tackles, a pick and two forced fumbles, and his pass-rushing abilities make him a potential game-changer. 

Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State

The junior had a standout year in 2010, finishing seventh in the NCAA in total tackles and ninth in solo tackles. He’s projected to be a late first-rounder, and given the Ravens’ aging linebacking corps, he could be a perfect fit for Baltimore.