NFL Combine 2012: Analyzing Late-Round Linebackers to Keep an Eye on

Ah the linebackers. The defense's version of the quarterback. Where both inside and outside must have that keen sense to react fast and fierce against the run, while also possessing the awareness to sink underneath the intermediate passing routes.

Complete linebackers is all any defensive coordinator can ask for as opposed to being a specialist at pass rushing or run-stuffing. And in the 2012 NFL Draft, there are a few late-rounders that need more recognition.

So, let's take a look at some rather unknown 'backers to watch for at the combine.

Emmanuel Acho, Texas

Although Emmanuel Acho was a standout linebacker for the Longhorns, you wouldn't know it considering that Texas hasn't been overly dominant the past few seasons.

The defense has been even worse and despite Acho's efforts, he's going unnoticed. Well, the man had 110 tackles in 2011 along with three sacks and six defended passes. Easily one of the more productive defenders, Acho also recorded 79 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 2010.

Most impressive about Acho, though, is that he has the football IQ, instincts and tangible attributes to play both inside and outside linebacker in a 4-3 or 3-4 system. Now, he's not the most intimidating pass rusher, but that's also not his forte.

Stopping the run across the line, shielding the underneath routes and not allowing yards after the catch is where Acho's excels. At the combine, his quickness and agility will shine the brightest while man coverage impresses.

Tank Carder, TCU

The linebacker with arguably the best instincts and awareness in the draft, TCU's Tank Carder knows how to react well against the run and can anticipate the intermediate routes very well.

For his career, Carder recorded 219 tackles, four interceptions and defended 23 total passes. In addition, Carder also scored three touchdowns, all on pick-sixes, and averaged 27.5 yards per interception return.

He's easily one of the more underrated linebackers in the draft because of his rather slight build at 6'2", 235 pounds. Still, it's all about play recognition and reacting to the ball.

Carder does this as well as any linebacker coming out and is a sure tackler in the open field. He has good quickness, knows how to prevent from being blocked and simply goes all out. Now it wouldn't hurt him to build some strength, but as long as Carder remains fast, he'll make an impact at the pro level.

Shawn Loiseau, Merrimack

Considered a potential seventh-round/undrafted free agent before the 2012 season, Merrimack's Shawn Loiseau totally dominated from 2009 through 2011.

During that span, Loiseau recorded 377 tackles, 11 sacks, four forced fumbles and had 26.5 tackles for loss.

Thing is, Merrimack is an NCAA Division II school and only plays 10 games each season, so Loiseau compiled all those stats through just 30 games.

Now yes, Loiseau then stands out more, but continuing that level of consistency when offenses know they must gameplan to stop him is quite impressive. A stout run defender who can rush and pass blitz while reading screens and draws, Loiseau makes for a great 3-4 outside linebacker.

John Rozum on Twitter.