2012 NFL Draft: Ranking the Top 10 Linebackers

The NFL Draft is finally here and it's time for football fans to rejoice. Draft boards are set, strategies are formulated and scenarios have been rehearsed. More importantly, teams must have a handle on position rankings and what sets each prospect apart.

One area that provides a very intriguing prospect list in this year's NFL draft is the linebacker position. It's a rather deep talent pool that consists of athletic specimens, throwback types and sideline-to-sideline tackling machines that can change the outcomes of games on any given play.

This is a position that is in great demand and that continues to evolve, with the advent of today's pass happy offenses combined with tight ends and running backs that possess the speed and elusiveness as top wide receivers.

I want to highlight the linebacker position by looking at the top 10 prospects heading into the 2012 NFL Draft. 

1. Luke Kuechly, Boston College

Kuechly is a 6'3", 242 pound inside linebacker that is arguably the most complete linebacker prospect in the draft. Kuechly was all over the field for Boston College, and gave a weekly clinic of how to play the position by displaying his effectiveness with elite instincts, leadership and intelligence.

Kuechly possesses enough speed to get in position to go along with his outstanding tackling ability. He arguably might be the safest pick in this first round and possibly the entire draft. He is a pure football player that will not last long in the draft.

He led the nation with 183 tackles during the 2010 season, including 110 solo tackles. Kuechly has that classic in-the-box style of play and demonstrates great pursuit of the runner. The team selecting him will have a solid player with a long career ahead of him. 

2. Courtney Upshaw, Alabama

Upshaw is a 6'2, 270 pound prospect that, in my estimation, would fit best in a 3-4 alignment. He routinely uses his power and explosiveness to put pressure on the quarterback, shed off blockers and also excels in his pursuit of ball carriers.

Overall, Upshaw has proven to be a very disruptive force on defense and he performed well on some of the biggest stages in college football. His biggest assets are his ability to rush off the edge and his versatility. He should be the second linebacker off the board, and will be a mainstay for the team that selects him.

3. Melvin Ingram, South Carolina

At 6'2" and 276 pounds, Ingram possesses a compact build and uses his power to display explosiveness off the snap. He has long arms, great lateral quickness and has an arsenal of moves. Quite simply, he can get to the quarterback in a variety of ways which makes him so attractive. He would be an ideal fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker who can play defensive end as well.

Either Ingram or Upshaw could be the second linebacker off the board after Luke Kuechly, and both are equally as talented. Ingram's ability to rush the passer, consistently apply pressure and be disruptive has solidified his stock in the 2012 draft as a sought-after player.

Those types of players generally don't slide and Ingram is primed to make an impact in the NFL in the very near future.  

4. Dont'a Hightower, Alabama

Hightower is a 6'2", 265 pound inside linebacker that has great speed for an inside player with his size. In 2011, he had 11 tackles for loss and was very effective in blitz packages. In watching him, and as I mentioned, he has very deceptive speed.

He brings a physical style of play and would be very versatile in a 3-4 scheme with his ability to rush the passer if he plays outside and inside as an in-the-box defender. He was a major component of Alabama's vaunted defense and played an integral role as their signal caller.

5. Shea McClellin, Boise State

McClellin might the most versatile linebacker in this draft. At 6'3", 260 pounds he can be equally effective in a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme and is drawing interest from a number of teams. He was all over the field for the Boise State defense and responded with 50 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and and nine sacks.

His versatility is what makes him valuable, along with his high-motor. He has great instincts and can be used as a traditional end, a stand-up rushing linebacker or he can play inside. Overall, he will be a tremendous value based on his ability to play multiple positions. 

He could sneak into the first round, but most likely will be gone by the early second. 

6. Zach Brown, North Carolina

At 6'1", 245 pounds, the word to describe Brown is fast. He literally has the speed of a wide receiver and had an outstanding 2011 campaign in which he posted 105 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions and 5.5 sacks.

Brown is an outstanding athlete that looks to be a 4-3 outside linebacker in the NFL. His speed allows him to pursue from sideline to sideline and also gives him the ability to cover tight ends and running backs in the flat. His instincts and tackling ability combined with that speed make make Brown a special talent.

He could stand to add more mass to his frame, but Brown has the ability and upside to become an outstanding player.

7. Mychal Kendricks, California

Kendricks is very versatile, but a bit undersized at 5'11" and 240 pounds. He could play outside or inside in a 3-4 scheme while using his speed and athleticism to move around and make plays. He had an outstanding season at California and posted 107 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions and 3 sacks.

He can be used as an effective blitzer from the inside position and would bring his ability to track the ball quickly to pursue runners as an asset to an NFL defense. He's a high-motor player who could go anywhere in the second round depending on the team.

8. Whitney Mercilus, Illinois

A hybrid 6'4, 260 pound prospect that possesses a special skill set centered around speed and athletic ability is quietly moving up the draft board. Mercilus led the nation in sacks and forced fumbles this past season in college football.

When you watch his game footage, he was a nightmare matchup for offensive tackles and his speed just jumps out at you. He routinely applied pressure and was disruptive in the backfield. He's a powerful player that gets upfield quickly, and it's his athleticism that will allow defensive coordinators to move him around along the defensive front to utilize his talent.

His talent and skill set make him best suited to be a 3-4 outside linebacker.

9. Nick Perry, USC

Perry is a 6'3", 250 pound linebacker with great versatility, and was all over the field at USC. In watching game footage of Perry, it's easy to see his quick initial burst off the line which allows him to constantly be around the ball. He has good power which allows him to fight blocks and he displays a solid motor.

He would be ideal playing outside in a 3-4 scheme that would utilize his ability to rush and be effective off the edge. He will need to expand his arsenal of moves at the next level, and could improve his strength as well.

Overall, this is a very solid player that could be a steal in the second round. He brings versatility, toughness and the ability to make plays to an NFL defense.

10. Ronnell Lewis, Oklahoma

Also known as "The Hammer", Lewis is a tremendously strong 6'2", 245 pound outside linebacker. His combination of size, speed and strength make him an intriguing prospect and one of my personal favorites. He plays the run well, is a solid wrap-up tackler and is a disruptive force.

Lewis plays with great intensity and would be ideal in a 3-4 alignment. When you watch him play, it's easy to see his passion for the game and his ability to pursue, close and deliver a hit. He plays with a great motor and would be a solid second round pick.

When you look at the linebacker prospects heading into this draft, it's easy to see the range in this year's class. It's an injustice to only rank ten of these prospects, because there is easily quality throughout every round of the draft.

When you look at the need for great linebacker play in relation to today's game, it's easy to see why there is a premium put on this position. It's evident in the talent level.