NFL Combine 2012 Results: Analyzing the Most Impressive Linebackers

Regardless of who the player is and where they're from, a guy who stands out at the NFL Combine gets noticed and sees a boost in draft stock.

On Monday, there were quite a few linebackers that participated and had solid performances. That being said, here are a few that impressed the most.

Luke Kuechly, Boston College

For starters, the man had 532 career tackles in just three seasons. That kind of supreme and consistent production is hard to come by regardless of what level of football we're talking about.

And Boston College's Luke Kuechly was nothing short of impressive at the combine either. There, he performed near the top with a 4.58 40-yard dash, 27 bench-press reps, a 38-inch vertical jump and 10'3" on the broad jump.

His quick explosion comes from great reactionary skills. Kuechly excelled at reading plays in the middle. He's arguably the best lateral defender against the run this draft and has keen awareness against the pass.

Provided that he keeps impressing at his pro day, it would be surprising if Kuechly dropped past the top 15.

Mychal Kendricks, California

Currently a projected fifth-rounder, California's Mychal Kendricks significantly increased draft stock on Monday. There, Kendricks led all 'backers with a 4.47 40-yard dash, a 39.5-inch vertical and leaping 10'7" on the broad jump.

Considering that he's a 5'11'', 240-pounder, Kendricks displayed ultimate dominance as an athlete. Now, his 244 career tackles isn't nearly as impressive as Kuechly's, however, Kendricks is a much better pass-rusher (13.5 career sacks) and is just as reliable at stuffing the run.

What we get from this guy is consistent aggression and instincts for making plays anywhere along the line of scrimmage and behind it. He's not as well-known for defending the pass but does have four career picks with nine total defended.

So, Kendricks has the proven potential to act as a solid 3-4 middle 'backer that focuses on stopping the run. Right now, worst-case scenario, he looks to be a late third/early fourth-rounder with the pro day yet to come.

Demario Davis, Arkansas State

Here's another guy who displayed great athleticism for having good size. Arkansas State's Demario Davis comes in at 6'2", 235 pounds and much like Kuechly and Kendricks, impressed among the linebackers.

Although Davis is only a projected mid seventh-rounder, his acceleration and speed will be tough to pass up in the later rounds. At the combine, Davis tested at 4.61 in the 40-yard dash, 32 reps on the bench, 38.5 inches on the vertical jump and soared 10'4" on the broad jump.

Because of his inconsistent discipline at defending the run and over-aggression when a play goes backside (making him vulnerable to cutbacks), Davis does have a lot of tangible developing to do. He can, however, become a great 3-4 pass-rusher because of his speed and explosion off the edge.

No offensive tackle would be able to slow him down consistently, and with time he will improve against the run and reading plays. If anything, it's simply about getting Davis in the film room to recognize his weaknesses and working on him diligently in practice.

John Rozum on Twitter.