NFL Combine 2012: Analyzing Early-Round LBs Who Can't Afford a Poor Showing

In pro football, if there's one area where a linebacker can get exposed it's simply by being one dimensional. To be frank, a stud pass rusher like Terrell Suggs must also know how to effectively defend the run and knock down passes up front.

Or, a run-stuffer who's a sure tackler needs to provide a pass rush when needed, while also having the wherewithal to defend the pass at the very least, in zone coverage. In short, a prospect must be able to do more than one thing consistently well to have a legit shot at contributing.

Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State

The interesting thing about Vontaze Burfict is that depending on his combine and pro day performances, he could get drafted anywhere from Round 1 through Round 3. He has excellent potential and raw talent but Burfict's downside comes from a lack of consistency.

Between his freshman and sophomore seasons in 2009 and 2010, Burfict recorded 159 tackles, defended eight passes and force four fumbles. So as a junior, you would expect even better numbers.

Well, Burfict did have a down 2011 season with just 69 tackles, zero forced fumbles and four defended passes. That said, there also wasn't much talent around him on the Sun Devils defense, so Burfict was subject to be isolated.

Still, Burfict must display his explosion, interior instincts and awareness. He has all the physical capabilities to really impress but can falter if he doesn't read and react quick enough.

Ronnell Lewis, Oklahoma

If there's a linebacker in the draft who has more natural ability than anyone else, it's Oklahoma's Ronnell Lewis. He's fast, flies all over the field, can really bring the pain on hits and has great size at 6'2", 240 pounds.

However, Lewis does not possess impressive instincts, awareness or lateral agility. His aggressive play can easily be manipulated in the pros with play-action pass, roll/sprint outs and misdirection.

In other words, Lewis has the tendency to get himself out of plays instead of reading then reacting. But, Lewis had decent production in two seasons as a solid contributor (didn't play much as a freshman) with 96 tackles, nine sacks and 10 passes defended between 2010 and 2011.

As for the combine, watch for his change of direction and body control. Because breaking down and dissecting a play before the snap and during its development is where Lewis must make strides.

Shea McClellin, Boise State

With a great burst off the snap and continuous pursuit of the ball, Boise State's Shea McClellin displays an ideal 3-4 outside linebacker who's strictly a pass rusher.

After all, the man did record 16.5 sacks the past two seasons as well as 26 tackles for loss between the past two seasons. However, McClellin doesn't display consistency as an edge run container and needs to improve at anticipating the play.

McClellin will easily be isolated by a toss play to his side and because of the late reaction/over-aggressiveness, he'll simply get walled off and the running back can cut inside. In turn, this also affects McClellin's backside pursuit angle which will allow quicker ball carriers to easily juke him.

The good news is that McClellin's flaws are all tangible and can be fixed through practical development. However, we'll see at the combine if McClellin has worked on his body control, agility and ability to maintain a low center of gravity.

John Rozum on Twitter.