B/R NFL 1000: Ranking the Top 35 4-3 Outside Linebackers from 2014
Who is the best player in the NFL? Not based on the last 10 years or one game, but over the last year: Who was the best? Good luck answering that one without starting a fight, right?
Well, that's what the NFL 1000 aims to do by scouting, grading and then ranking the best players at each position before putting them in order and breaking ties to come up with the top 1,000 players. No narratives, no fantasy football points, no quarterback rating: This is cold, hard scouting.
You can find rankings for all other positions on our B/R NFL 1000 main page.
The B/R 1000 metric is based heavily on scouting each player and grading the key criteria for each position. The criteria are weighed according to importance for a possible best score of 100.
Potential is not taken into consideration, nor are career accomplishments.
Outside linebackers have many responsibilities—and those vary depending on the individual scheme. With that in mind, linebackers are judged on run defense (20 points), pass rush (20), coverage (20) and tackling (35), plus five points for their value as starters or backups. In that category, we're looking at whether the player is a consistent starter, a spot starter, a top-level backup or simply a backup-only player.
In the case of ties, our team asked, "Which player would I rather have on my team?" and set the rankings accordingly.
Subjective? Yes. But ties are no fun.
Each player was scouted by me and a team of experienced evaluators (Dan Bazal, Cian Fahey, Dan Hope, Marshal Miller, Justis Mosqueda) with these key criteria in mind. The following scouting reports and grades are the work of months of film study from our team.
All statistics from Pro Football Focus. Players' heights, weights and seasons played from NFL.com.
35. Malcolm Smith, Oakland Raiders
1 of 35
Pass Rush
The Seattle Seahawks didn’t turn to Malcolm Smith (6’0”, 226 lbs, four seasons) often in 2014, but when they did, it was rarely to rush the passer. He had no sacks and only three total pressures last season.
Coverage
Smith’s athleticism is evident when he goes into deep coverage, as he shows the ability to stay stride-for-stride down the field with tight ends. He needs to be more aggressive against underneath routes, however, as he tends to give up short passes much too easily.
Run Defense
When Smith is able to snuff out a play before the snap, he explodes toward the ball and has the speed to get there quickly. When his instincts fail him, however, he is too slow to react and recover to keep himself in plays. Smith shows some ability to work his way through traffic in pursuit, but only when he keeps his feet moving. As a smaller linebacker, Smith is typically bullied by any blocker who catches him flatfooted.
Tackling
Smith had 35 total tackles and six missed tackles in 2014. Because he has limited size and length, he can run into trouble when his tackling form is imperfect.
Starter
Despite going into the season as the reigning Super Bowl MVP, Smith's snaps were cut by more than half in 2014. After starting just five games and playing sparingly in the others, Smith left the Seahawks this offseason for the Oakland Raiders, where he is not projected to start but will try to get his career headed back in the right direction.
Overall
34. Anthony Hitchens, Dallas Cowboys
2 of 35
Pass Rush
Anthony Hitchens (6’0”, 235 lbs, one season) didn’t spend much time going after the quarterback in his rookie year. He recorded three quarterback hits and three hurries on just 28 pass-rushing snaps, but those were mostly the result of opportune blitzes. He doesn’t have the skill set to be a consistent pass-rushing threat.
Coverage
Opposing passers frequently picked on Hitchens in his rookie season. He showed some ability to turn and run with receivers downfield but lacks the recovery speed to get himself back in a play once he's beaten. He registered four passes defensed and one interception in 2014. But he was also out of position on too many plays and needs to improve his field awareness to have more success in coverage.
Run Defense
Showing the instincts and smarts to snuff out plays quickly and get himself in position, Hitchens was productive as a run-stopper in his first season. Although he is not a top-notch athlete by NFL standards, he exhibited burst and agility in hitting gaps as a blitzer to make plays around the line of scrimmage. His range is limited, and he can struggle to get off blocks, but he changes directions cleanly and takes good angles to the ball.
Tackling
With 82 total tackles and eight missed tackles, Hitchens’ tackling efficiency was right at the league average for 4-3 outside linebackers in 2014.
Starter
A fourth-round pick from Iowa, Hitchens became a fixture in the Dallas Cowboys’ starting lineup when Justin Durant went down with a season-ending injury in late October. Able to play all three linebacker positions in Dallas’ 4-3 defense, Hitchens has not yet proved himself to be of long-term-starter quality but is projected to start at strong-side linebacker in 2015.
Overall
33. Joplo Bartu, Atlanta Falcons
3 of 35
Pass Rush
Rarely used as a pass-rusher last season, Joplo Bartu (6’2”, 230 lbs, two seasons) only recorded one sack in 2014, and that came on a slide behind the line of scrimmage by Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. Bartu is neither big nor fast enough to be an effective edge-rusher but is good at spying the quarterback and can bring pressure on occasion when the passer decides to venture outside the pocket.
Coverage
Bartu shows good physicality in coverage but is overly reliant on it. He struggles to stay in stride with receivers running down the field and is slow to change directions on route breaks. Not a player who can be trusted with deep-coverage responsibilities, Bartu also shows minimal ability to make plays on the ball, recording zero passes defensed in 2014.
Run Defense
In pursuit, Bartu shows a good ability to work across blockers with his hands. When he gets stuck by a block, however, he lacks the strength to hold his ground and can be overpowered away from the run. He takes good angles to the ball but lacks the athleticism to regularly make plays outside the numbers.
Tackling
Bartu recorded 76 total tackles and had just six misses in 2014. He is not a hard hitter but typically stays sound in his form.
Starter
Since going unselected in the 2013 draft, Bartu has been a success story, starting 27 of his first 32 NFL games. That said, his talent remains below average by NFL standards, and he will likely be a backup in 2015, after the Atlanta Falcons made multiple additions to their linebacker corps this offseason.
Overall
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32. Alec Ogletree, St. Louis Rams
4 of 35
Pass Rush
While Alec Ogletree (6’2”, 245 lbs, two seasons) didn’t record any sacks in 2014, he did use his pass-rushing ability to bat down seven passes, more than double of any other 4-3 outside linebacker in the NFL. Able to accelerate very quickly when he gets a free rush lane, Ogletree does an excellent job timing his leaps to reach his apex when the quarterback releases the ball.
Coverage
With three interceptions and 22 total passes defensed already in his NFL career, Ogletree is no stranger to making big plays against the pass. Problem is, he has also been very vulnerable to giving up big plays the other way. Always looking to make a break on the ball, Ogletree too often leaves receivers open while hoping to take advantage of a mistake. He has the speed to run with anyone on the field but needs to play with better discipline.
Run Defense
Ogletree is one of the fastest linebackers in the NFL, and that's especially apparent when he is playing the run. A true run-and-chase linebacker, Ogletree makes plays all over the field in pursuit. His angles to the ball can be sketchy, but his speed often makes up for them. He lacks the strength and hand skill to effectively take blockers head-on but can get to the backfield in a hurry when he has a hole to run through.
Tackling
Much like his rookie year, Ogletree was once again among the NFL’s leaders in total tackles (115) but also in missed tackles (20). Staying true to his big-play mindset, Ogletree regularly tries to create a turnover when he goes to make a tackle. While hacking at the ball in this manner enabled Ogletree to record four forced fumbles in 2014, it also led to many of his whiffs.
Starter
Ogletree played 1,073 total snaps last season, the most among all 4-3 OLBs. On the field for all but five of the St. Louis Rams’ defensive plays in 2014, Ogletree was a stat-sheet stuffer but also a highly inconsistent player. He has star potential, as he is tremendously gifted and still just 23 years old, but he must learn to rely on fundamentals over flash.
Overall
31. Sio Moore, Oakland Raiders
5 of 35
Pass Rush
Moved to weak-side linebacker after the Oakland Raiders drafted Khalil Mack to fill the strong-side linebacker position, Sio Moore (6’1”, 240 lbs, two seasons) didn’t spend nearly as much time going after the quarterback in 2014 as he did as a rookie. Even so, he continued to be productive, recording three sacks, three hits and 12 hurries in just 73 pass-rush snaps. He has the ability to turn the corner outside and win as an edge-rusher but did just as much damage last season on blitzes from inside.
Coverage
Moore’s aforementioned move to the weak-side position meant that he had to take on more downfield-coverage responsibilities in 2014, which gave him some issues. He is a fluid runner who has enough speed to keep up with receivers downfield, but he struggles with change-of-direction quickness and can be late to pick up on his responsibilities.
Run Defense
An aggressive and instinctive run defender, Moore frequently makes stops around the line of scrimmage. He doesn’t always take the most effective path to the ball but has the strength and hand skill to fight off blockers and can close quickly. He does not have great range in covering ground downfield but has enough athleticism to chase plays out to the perimeter from time to time.
Tackling
With 17 whiffs in just 11 games, Moore missed tackles at a high rate last season. He accumulated 81 total tackles over that same span but needs to be more consistent in wrapping up ball-carriers and finishing plays. His form is often sloppy even on tackles he does make.
Starter
Because of his ability to make plays around the line, Moore is a much better fit for the SAM linebacker position than the WILL in a 4-3 defense. It looks as though he will be staying on the weak side as long as he is with the Raiders, however, so the 25-year-old must work on becoming a more reliable player in space.
Overall
30. Parys Haralson, New Orleans Saints
6 of 35
Pass Rush
As the strong-side linebacker in the New Orleans Saints’ hybrid defense, Parys Haralson (6’0”, 255 lbs, eight seasons) is often used as a pass-rusher for the edge. For someone who had plenty of pass-rushing opportunities in 2014, Haralson didn’t accumulate much production, recording three sacks but only 14 total pressures. He does not have the burst, bend or hand skill to beat offensive tackles on the outside with any frequency.
Coverage
For a linebacker with defensive end size, Haralson has an impressive ability to turn and run with pass-catchers in coverage. He is rarely asked to take on deep-coverage assignments, but when he has to he has shown the capability. He’s not a playmaker on the ball, however; he recorded no passes defensed in 2014 and has just five, with zero interceptions, in his entire career.
Run Defense
Haralson’s size and strength are big assets in run defense, as he is able to hold his ground against offensive linemen and redirect runs at the line of scrimmage. As a blitzer, he exhibits the instincts to anticipate the direction of a play and attack it quickly. He is limited in space, as he is not a sideline-to-sideline athlete, but can be used in multiple alignments inside the box.
Tackling
With nine missed tackles and just 31 total tackles, Haralson was an inefficient tackler in 2014. Even when he gets his arms around a ball-carrier, he too often allows the runner to squirm through his grasp and finish forward.
Starter
A quality early-down role player, Haralson has started at least eight games in each of his past seven healthy seasons. He provides little value in pass defense but works well in tandem with a situational pass-rusher.
Overall
29. J.T. Thomas, New York Giants
7 of 35
Pass Rush
Having yet to record a sack in his NFL career, J.T. Thomas (6’1”, 236 lbs, three seasons) has never been used more than occasionally as a pass-rusher but doesn’t offer much in that regard. While he is a good athlete, he’s not quite explosive enough to shoot gaps with consistency as a blitzer.
Coverage
Quick and agile for a linebacker, Thomas shows the fluidity to drop in a backpedal and cover tight ends down the field. He emerged last season as a linebacker who could make plays on the ball, recording the first five passes defensed and two interceptions of his career. His biggest weakness in coverage is his instincts, as he will let receivers get behind him at times and react too slowly to keep himself in the play.
Run Defense
Thanks to his lateral-movement ability, Thomas is very good at sliding himself into position to fill running lanes at the second level. He doesn’t make a great deal of plays around the line of scrimmage, however, as he tends to be swallowed up by offensive linemen and struggles to work his way through traffic.
Tackling
Thomas had about six total tackles (83) for every tackle he missed (14) last season. He doesn’t hit with much authority and is more of a catch-and-drag tackler whom runners can finish through when they have momentum.
Starter
After starting the final 10 games of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2014 season, Thomas signed as a free agent this offseason with the New York Giants. He’s not good enough to walk right into a starting role but is favored to be in New York’s lineup at weak-side linebacker in 2015.
Overall
28. Emmanuel Lamur, Cincinnati Bengals
8 of 35
Pass Rush
With only three total pressures on 71 pass-rushing snaps in 2014, Emmanuel Lamur (6’4”, 240 lbs, two seasons) had the worst per-snap pass-rush productivity among all 4-3 outside linebackers who played at least 25 percent of their teams’ snaps last season. He has the length and athletic ability to be a threat off the edge but lacks effective pass-rushing moves. He has yet to record a sack in his NFL career.
Coverage
Lamur had two interceptions in 2014 but also multiple dropped opportunities for additional takeaways. When free to roam downfield, Lamur shows good ability to track the ball and make plays on it. He struggles in man coverage against tight ends and can be too conservative in allowing underneath throws.
Run Defense
Lamur can be considered a liability in run defense. He really struggles to get off blocks. While he has great speed in pursuit, slow play recognition and subpar angles to the ball inhibit him from taking full advantage of his physical gifts.
Tackling
Having recorded 92 tackles and only 10 misses last season, Lamur has proved to be a reliable tackler, for the most part, once he gets to the ball. He hits hard to cut down runners and stop them from continuing their forward progress through him.
Starter
Although he started 13 games in 2014, Lamur remains a better athlete than football player. He is projected to be the Bengals’ starting strong-side linebacker in 2015 but must continue to improve his fundamentals.
Overall
27. Jacquian Williams, Free Agent
9 of 35
Pass Rush
When Jacquian Williams (6’3”, 231 lbs, four seasons) gets a lane to the quarterback, he can exploit it quickly as a blitzer with his speed and acceleration. He needs an unimpeded path to be successful, as he has little ability to work his way around blockers. Nonetheless, Williams recorded three quarterback hits and three hurries in 2014.
Coverage
A terrific athlete with great speed and ability to change direction, Williams has the physical tools to handle the downfield-coverage assignments the New York Giants trusted him with but frequently struggled to execute them. Slow in play recognition, Williams often allows receivers to run by him, forcing him to try to play catch-up from behind. Given the fact that he is built more like a safety than a linebacker, he can also be boxed out at the catch point by tight ends.
Run Defense
Williams has outstanding lateral-movement ability, which enables him to quickly maneuver himself into running lanes while he reads a run coming out of the backfield. When he has to chase a runner outside, he exhibits top-notch pursuit speed. These attributes make him a productive sideline-to-sideline playmaker in space. He is far less impactful around the line of scrimmage, however, because he is small and struggles to take on blocks.
Tackling
Regularly active and covering ground all over the field, Williams accumulated 67 total tackles in just nine games last season. Despite his limited size and strength, which can make it easier for runners to move through him, he only missed eight tackles in 2014.
Starter
Even though Williams started 22 games in four seasons with the Giants, the team decided to move on from him this offseason. The 26-year-old has yet to sign with another team, so it’s unlikely another starting gig will be in the linebacker’s near future.
Overall
26. Mark Herzlich, New York Giants
10 of 35
Pass Rush
Mark Herzlich (6’4”, 246 lbs, four seasons) recorded the first sack of his career in 2014 but otherwise did little else as a pass-rusher. He has been used as an edge-rusher situationally, but he lacks the burst, speed and pass-rushing moves to have any consistent effectiveness in that role.
Coverage
Lacking both long speed and the ability to change directions fluidly, Herzlich is a liability in pass defense. When he keeps a play in front of him, he can close quickly and make a sound tackle. However, he gets beaten off the snap too easily, and when he does, he struggles to recover.
Run Defense
Built as much like a defensive end as he is a linebacker, Herzlich has terrific strength and consistently holds his ground against blocks at the line of scrimmage. He has great instincts, which enable him to play with an attack mindset, and he shows he can fight his way off blocks to make tackles. Herzlich’s only weakness in run defense is his range, as he lacks the athleticism to be a sideline-to-sideline player, but he is terrific around the line of scrimmage.
Tackling
With 31 solo tackles (credited with 52 total tackles by NFL.com) and only three misses in 2014, Herzlich was consistent in wrapping up ball-carriers and finishing plays. He plays with a mean streak and is authoritative in his tackling.
Starter
A throwback-type player in more ways than one, Herzlich holds less value in today’s NFL than he would have had in a previous era. As good as he can be in run defense, Herzlich’s limitations against the pass make him unlikely to ever be a long-term starter.
Overall
25. A.J. Klein, Carolina Panthers
11 of 35
Pass Rush
The Carolina Panthers only used A.J. Klein (6’1”, 245 lbs, two seasons) as a pass-rusher on 15 snaps last season, and he did not record a single pressure. Going after the quarterback has never been one of Klein’s primary functions on the football field, and he lacks the hand skill and explosive burst to do it with much effectiveness in the NFL.
Coverage
As he primarily only played in the Panthers’ base defense last season, Klein was often off the field in pass-coverage situations, so he was not tested too much. He has good field awareness and shows quality lateral movement in keeping himself in front of out routes to the sideline. When he has to turn and run with a receiver, however, his stiff hips get exposed.
Run Defense
Klein is a disciplined run defender who wins with his instincts. He’s not the fastest or most agile linebacker but can still make plays from sideline to sideline because of his ability to read and react. He has the size and strength to hold his ground along the line of scrimmage and fight blocks but is not an explosive downhill player who will blow up many plays in the backfield.
Tackling
Klein had 34 total tackles and only two misses in 2014. He’s not a noticeably hard hitter but consistently wraps up with good form.
Starter
An eight-game starter for Carolina last season, Klein is likely headed for a reserve role in 2015 after the team’s first-round selection of Shaq Thompson, who offers more athleticism and versatility than Klein at the weak-side linebacker position.
Overall
24. Philip Wheeler, San Francisco 49ers
12 of 35
Pass Rush
After losing his gig as an every-down starter, Philip Wheeler (6’2”, 245 lbs, seven seasons) saw significantly fewer opportunities to rush the passer in 2014. He’s not a particularly explosive player, but when he times his blitzes right, he shows an ability to rip through blocks and work downhill to bring pressure into the backfield. He did not record any sacks last season but did have five hurries.
Coverage
Poor play in coverage likely played a big role in the Miami Dolphins’ decision to cut Wheeler’s snaps significantly last season. When he was on the field in pass defense, Wheeler’s athletic limitations were too often exposed. He struggles to cover out routes to the perimeter and tight ends up the seam, and when he does get beat, he lacks the recovery speed to catch up quickly. He did not record any pass breakups in 2014.
Run Defense
Wheeler is at his best when attacking downhill. When he gets caught flatfooted, he can be driven away from a play, but he is good at using his hands to fight his way through traffic toward the ball. As a strong-side linebacker, Wheeler also saw playing time on the edge last season, where he showed ability to crash inside and make plays on the line of scrimmage. He has limited range but is a solid between-the-tackles run-stopper.
Tackling
After back-to-back seasons of 100-plus tackles in 2012 and 2013, Wheeler totaled only 46 tackles in 2014. That decline was only due to his decrease in playing time. A strong form tackler, Wheeler typically wraps up solidly and drives through the ball-carrier. He only had five missed tackles last season.
Starter
The Dolphins released Wheeler this offseason, two disappointing seasons into a five-year contract. He signed with the San Francisco 49ers, with whom he is projected to be a backup inside linebacker.
Overall
23. Shea McClellin, Chicago Bears
13 of 35
Pass Rush
After two disappointing seasons at defensive end to start his career, Shea McClellin (6’3”, 245 lbs, three seasons) moved into an off-ball linebacker role in 2015. As a result, he spent much less time rushing the passer. He has good athleticism and ability to turn the corner but lacks the pass-rushing moves needed to be regularly successful as a rusher off the edge.
Coverage
As one might expect for a defender used to lining up with his hand in the dirt on the edge, McClellin did not perform well in his first season with significant playing time in coverage. He shows stiff hips when tasked with running with a receiver down the field and too often found himself out of position to enable easy completions.
Run Defense
Routinely pushed around when playing on the defensive line earlier in his career, McClellin performed much better in run defense after changing roles last season. Given the space to generate momentum before taking on blocks, McClellin showed much more ability to hold his ground and clog lanes at the line of scrimmage. He’s not great at changing directions in space and making tackles at the second level but has enough speed to chase runs outside in pursuit.
Tackling
McClellin had just two missed tackles while accumulating 40 total tackles over 12 games in 2014. He makes some sloppy arm-tackle attempts when he is on the move in space but was nonetheless one of the NFL’s most efficient tacklers last season.
Starter
Set to be an inside linebacker in the Chicago Bears’ new 3-4 defense, McClellin will be playing his third position in as many years. Although the 3-4 outside linebacker position was projected as his best position coming out of Boise State, he simply hasn’t shown enough pass-rushing ability to be a regular in that role. Entering the final season of his rookie contract, McClellin needs to perform well in 2015 to shed the "draft bust" label he currently carries.
Overall
22. Prince Shembo, Free Agent
14 of 35
Pass Rush
Although he was primarily used as an edge-rusher during his collegiate years at Notre Dame, Prince Shembo (6’0”, 254 lbs, one season) only played sparingly in that capacity with the Atlanta Falcons as a rookie. He has enough athleticism to create pressure around the outside and recorded five total pressures in 2014. If he had more length, he might have been used as an edge defender with more regularity.
Coverage
For a player seeing his first significant playing time in coverage, Shembo held up fairly well as a pass defender in his rookie year. He showed stiffness at times and didn’t record any pass breakups but exhibited good awareness to pick up receivers and a willingness to be physical in challenging short routes.
Run Defense
At the second level, Shembo does a great job fighting his way through blocks in pursuit of running plays. He’s not quite strong enough to hold up against the offensive line on the line of scrimmage but works well through traffic when moving in space. He lacks the speed and agility of a typical sideline-to-sideline player, but quick play recognition allows him to make plays on the perimeter nonetheless.
Tackling
Shembo recorded 50 total tackles and only had two missed tackles in his rookie campaign. Able to keep himself around the ball consistently between the hashes, Shembo is a sound wrap-up tackler who is consistent with his form.
Starter
Graded here only on the merits of his 2014 season, Shembo started three games in his first year and played well enough to figure into the Falcons linebacker rotation once again in 2015. That changed in May when Shembo was arrested on an animal cruelty charge, prompting the Falcons to release him. Given his off-field baggage, Shembo’s first season in the NFL very well might be his last.
Overall
21. Christian Jones, Chicago Bears
15 of 35
Pass Rush
Having spent time playing on the edge during his collegiate career at Florida State, Christian Jones (6’3”, 240 lbs, one season) was able to make some occasional contributions as a pass-rusher for the Chicago Bears in his rookie season. Able to bend the edge with speed and possessing some pass-rushing skill, Jones registered two sacks among five total pressures in 2014.
Coverage
Fluid and fast when dropping back and changing directions, Jones can cover a wide range of the field. His coverage instincts are lacking, and he has not yet shown much ability for breaking up passes in man coverage. But at least from an athletic standpoint, Jones has the tools to be a great coverage linebacker if he can improve his field awareness.
Run Defense
At his best in pursuit, Jones regularly shows the ability to chase runs down to the perimeter. Around the line of scrimmage, he does not make many run stops. While he lacks the strength to hold up against blockers on the offensive line, he is also slow in his play recognition.
Tackling
Jones finished his rookie season with 61 total tackles and only four misses. He’s not a bone-crushing hitter but is able to make plays from sideline to sideline and typically employs good form in wrapping up the ball-carrier.
Starter
Despite going unselected in the 2014 NFL draft, Jones started five games as a rookie and was productive when he was on the field. He has terrific physical upside, and his awareness should improve with experience. As the Bears move to a 3-4 scheme in 2015, Jones offers versatility to play both inside and outside linebacker.
Overall
20. Lance Briggs, Free Agent
16 of 35
Pass Rush
Even in the prime of his career, Lance Briggs (6’1”, 244 lbs, 12 seasons) has never been known to be much of a pass-rusher. He can occasionally blitz through a gap to bring pressure, but that ability has diminished to some extent as his explosiveness has decreased with age. He only had two total pressures in 2014.
Coverage
Briggs no longer has the athleticism that he once had to cover receivers all over the field, but he still has very good field awareness. He has some trouble changing directions on routes, but he typically gets himself in the right position and reacts quickly when he needs to recover. When he was on the field last season, he showed some continued ability to make plays on the ball, with three passes defensed and one interception.
Run Defense
Even as Briggs’ overall physical skill set has started to deteriorate, he has still exhibited great strength. He’s not the best at fighting his way off blocks but holds his ground steadily against them, which enables him to redirect runs even when he can’t make the tackle. When he gets lanes to make run stops between the tackles, he takes good angles and is aggressive in his attack.
Tackling
After recording at least 71 total tackles in his each of his first 11 NFL seasons, Briggs only had 34 in 2014, per NFL.com. Even though his overall activity level decreased significantly, Briggs still had six missed tackles. Briggs simply does not cover ground well enough anymore to make many of the tackles he would have made earlier in his career.
Starter
Briggs’ body has started to break down, as he has missed 15 games with various injuries in the last two seasons. Currently unsigned and 34 years old, Briggs projects only to be a rotational backup if he gets picked up.
Overall
19. Anthony Barr, Minnesota Vikings
17 of 35
Pass Rush
An explosive edge defender in college, Anthony Barr (6’5”, 255 lbs, one season) continued to make an impact getting after the quarterback in his NFL rookie season. Utilized on the edge situationally, Barr showed a terrific burst off the snap and turned the corner with speed. But most of Barr’s pass-rushing success actually came as a blitzer up the middle, where he not only showed the ability to shoot the A-gap but also to use his hands and fight his way off blockers.
Coverage
Not utilized frequently in coverage at UCLA, Barr had some growing pains defending the pass, as expected, in his rookie season. While Barr’s combination of size and athleticism is great for matching up against tight ends, he too often looked lost in coverage and has not yet shown much ability to make plays on the ball and break up passes.
Run Defense
With his ability to close on the ball in a flash, Barr is at his best when he is running free in pursuit. He is able to turn the arc to make plays on runners coming out of the backfield and has the range to chase plays downfield and out to the perimeter. His size enables him to hold his ground well against blocks, but he could be better at disengaging from them.
Tackling
Barr missed 22 tackles in 2014, the most among all 4-3 outside linebackers, even though he missed the final four games of the year. He hits with authority but needs to become a more controlled form tackler with better angles to the ball-carrier.
Starter
Viewed by most draft analysts as a raw talent coming out of UCLA, Barr exceeded expectations in his rookie season. Just 23 years old, he has tremendous upside and could easily emerge as a top-10 NFL linebacker in 2015.
Overall
18. Jelani Jenkins, Miami Dolphins
18 of 35
Pass Rush
Given a gap to attack the quarterback on a blitz, Jelani Jenkins (6’0”, 245 lbs, two seasons) can take advantage quickly. He is a great athlete who accelerates quickly and finds open lanes with his eyes. He lacks the hand skills to work his way through offensive linemen but still recorded 3.5 sacks and 12 total pressures on limited pass-rushing opportunities in 2014.
Coverage
Frequently given man-coverage assignments against tight ends, Jenkins has the quick feet and fluid hips to run and turn with them all over the field. He is not afraid to use his hands inside five yards to press receivers and keep them from releasing cleanly down the field. In situations where he is beaten for receptions, he is typically able to close quickly for a tackle. He doesn’t make many plays on the ball—he had only one pass defensed in 2014—but his reliability in coverage is what’s most important.
Run Defense
When he has clean space around him, Jenkins flows fast to the ball. He can explode through the A-gap or B-gap to make plays around the line of scrimmage, while he has the speed to pursue runs out to the perimeter. Problems arise for Jenkins, however, when his teammates don't keep bodies off him. Once he gets stuck by a blocker, he shows very little ability to disengage and keep himself in the play.
Tackling
Jenkins is not the most visually impressive tackler, but he has no problem accumulating them. Even though he settles for arm tackles more than he should in pursuit, he had 108 total tackles last season while missing only 10.
Starter
After playing sparingly on defense as a rookie, Jenkins was a productive first-year starter for the Miami Dolphins at weak-side linebacker last season. At just 23 years old, the athletic, well-rounded defender has a chance to emerge as one of the best linebackers in the league.
Overall
17. Telvin Smith, Jacksonville Jaguars
19 of 35
Pass Rush
Telvin Smith (6’3”, 218 lbs, one season) lacks the size and block-shedding ability to work regularly as a pass-rusher but can be dangerous if left unaccounted for as a blitzer. Able to accelerate very quickly, Smith recorded two sacks among six total pressures in 2014.
Coverage
Smith’s speed gives him the potential to become a great coverage linebacker, as he can run down the field with just about anyone. He has shown an ability to make plays on the ball, having recorded four passes defensed with one interception in 2014. He shows some tightness in his hips—which can enable receivers to break away from him on routes—and needs to develop better instincts in zone coverage. Overall, though, Smith offers range in coverage that most linebackers don’t have.
Run Defense
Despite being built more like a safety than a linebacker, Smith is an aggressive run defender who is unafraid to attack downhill. When blockers get into his body, he is often overpowered out of plays, but he shows he can work through traffic by keeping his feet moving and utilizing his quick hands. Pursuit is where Smith is at his best; he is a true sideline-to-sideline player who can chase down ball-carriers all over the field.
Tackling
Given that he weighs less than many NFL running backs and receivers, Smith really has to employ proper tackling fundamentals to be successful. He did for the most part in 2014, recording 98 total tackles with 13 misses.
Starter
Fifth-round picks usually don’t see much playing time in their rookie seasons, but Smith saw plenty, as he started nine of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ final 12 games. He fell in the draft because of his lack of size, but his athleticism is a huge asset. He projects to be a key player for the Jaguars defense going forward.
Overall
16. Geno Hayes, Free Agent
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Pass Rush
Geno Hayes (6’1”, 226 lbs, seven seasons) only had 16 pass-rushing snaps in 2014, but the Jacksonville Jaguars occasionally line up their strong-side linebacker on the edge. Hayes took advantage of those opportunities for two sacks, including one strip sack that led to a touchdown, and two hurries.
Coverage
Hayes doesn’t make many plays on the ball, but against short routes, he does a nice job keeping plays in front of him and immediately getting to the pass-catcher for a tackle. In deep coverage, his limited speed and change-of-direction quickness make him a liability.
Run Defense
Between the hashes, Hayes shows good ability to fill in running lanes and make stops. He’s not great with using his hands to disengage from blocks, but he shows enough strength to set the edge or crash in from the outside and find the ball up the middle. He does not show a lot of range to make plays out on the perimeter, which limits his impact against the run.
Tackling
Hayes had 55 tackles and only four misses in 2014. For a smaller linebacker, Hayes has the sound form he needs to be able to consistently bring runners down.
Starter
Although he is an adequate all-around player, Hayes doesn’t do much to get excited about. His snaps diminished over the course of last season, and he remains unsigned this offseason. The 27-year-old would be a quality depth pickup at this point, but his days as a starter might be over.
Overall
15. Bruce Irvin, Seattle Seahawks
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Pass Rush
While Bruce Irvin (6’3”, 248 lbs, three seasons) technically qualifies as a 4-3 outside linebacker, the Seattle Seahawks use him more like a 3-4 outside linebacker, which means that Irvin frequently rushed off the edge on passing plays. Irvin can explode off the snap and turn the corner with speed as well as just about any edge defender in the NFL. Even though he does not have a great set of pass-rushing moves, he recorded 6.5 sacks and 31 total pressures in 2014.
Coverage
Even though Irvin only drops back into coverage infrequently, he shows playmaking ability in that regard. Last season, he recorded two interceptions, both of which he returned for touchdowns. He has more than enough athleticism to run with receivers outside and down the field but often looks lost when assigned with man-coverage responsibilities.
Run Defense
Thanks to his terrific burst, Irvin is very good at crashing in off the edge and making plays in the backfield and around the line of scrimmage. He exhibits the power to push through tight end blocks and work toward runs but struggles to hold his ground when setting the edge against offensive tackles. He has the speed to cover significant range in pursuit but didn’t make many run stops downfield in 2014.
Tackling
Irvin had 30 total tackles and six missed tackles during the 2014 regular season. It’s not really fair to compare his tackling numbers to those of the other 4-3 OLBs, considering his role differs greatly from most of theirs. With that being said, he is not a consistent form tackler at full speed and could improve his efficiency with better technique.
Starter
Irvin plays a unique role, and with his physical skill set, he offers great versatility. But as the 27-year-old enters the final season of his rookie contract with the Seahawks, who declined to pick up his fifth-year option, teams considering making a run at Irvin next offseason will likely want to see him make a few more plays in 2015.
Overall
14. Danny Lansanah, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Pass Rush
A first-year starter in 2014, Danny Lansanah (6’1”, 255 lbs, three seasons) was rarely used as a pass-rusher but still managed to record 1.5 sacks and three hurries. Lansanah does not have much in the way of pass-rushing moves, but when he gets a lane to the quarterback, he has the forward burst to take advantage and make a play.
Coverage
Lansanah has an inclination toward breaking on the football in coverage, which can be both a good and bad thing. He had eight passes broken up, three interceptions and two pick-sixes last season. On the flip side, he too often allowed receivers to run open behind him for receptions while he stayed underneath trying to leap up and get a hand on the throw.
Run Defense
At his best when he is attacking downhill, Lansanah shows the ability to fill up a lane quickly and shut down a play around the line of scrimmage. At the second level, Lansanah struggles to work off blocks in space. His instincts fail him at times, but he shows the reactionary speed to recover quickly and make plays from sideline to sideline.
Tackling
Lansanah had 77 total tackles and nine missed tackles in 2014. When he has a clear shot at a runner, he does a good job wrapping up and driving through the ball-carrier. On plays where he has to chase down a play in space, his form tends to abandon him, which can enable runners to finish forward through him or break his tackle altogether.
Starter
Perseverance paid off last season for Lansanah, a 2008 rookie who was out of the NFL for nearly five years before the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed him off the New York Jets' practice squad to their roster in December 2013. After starting 11 games and performing more than adequately, he will compete with rookie Kwon Alexander to start at strong-side linebacker in 2015.
Overall
13. Justin Durant, Atlanta Falcons
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Pass Rush
In a small sample, Justin Durant (6’1”, 230 lbs, eight seasons) was productive rushing the passer last season; he had six pressures in just 20 pass-rushing snaps. A savvy blitzer, Durant effectively uses his eyes to find open gaps and weave his way into them. When he hits a lane, he can accelerate toward the quarterback rapidly.
Coverage
For a linebacker, Durant moves very well in coverage, displaying quick feet and fluid hips. This enables him to run with receivers deep down the field. He tends to leave a little too much cushion to allow receptions but has good ball skills. In just six games last season, Durant recorded four passes defensed, one interception and two near-interceptions.
Run Defense
Durant’s experience, instincts and athleticism are apparent in run defense. He is able to identify the direction of a play quickly and catch up to it with his speed. However, his limited size can be a hindrance, especially around the line of scrimmage, as he is often driven away from plays by offensive linemen.
Tackling
Durant had 50 total tackles in 2014 but also as many missed tackles—six—as games played. As a run-and-chase linebacker, he often attempts diving arm tackles, which can lead to whiffs.
Starter
Before his season was cut short by a torn biceps, Durant was providing regularly solid play as a starting outside linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys last season. Not elite in any capacity but a well-rounded player, the 29-year-old should bring solid rotational play to the Atlanta Falcons after signing with them as a free agent this offseason.
Overall
12. Vincent Rey, Cincinnati Bengals
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Pass Rush
Used as a coverage linebacker on a vast majority of his plays in pass defense in 2014, Vincent Rey (6’0”, 255 lbs, five seasons) had no sacks and only four total pressures for the entire season. He lacks the length and downhill explosiveness to be a consistent factor in the pass rush.
Coverage
A fluid and agile athlete, Rey can run with slot receivers, tight ends and running backs. He gives up some plays because he has limited ball skills and gets out of position at times in zone coverage.
Run Defense
Quick in play recognition and fast with his feet, Rey is able to cover a wide range in chasing down plays. He doesn’t make a lot of plays around the line of scrimmage, as he tends to get swallowed up by offensive linemen, but he is better at sliding off second-level blocks when moving in space.
Tackling
With 113 total tackles and only eight missed tackles, Rey was one of the NFL’s most efficient tacklers in 2014. It’s rare to see Rey whiff against a moving target in space. He consistently tackles with good form, wrapping up the ball-carrier and finishing the play soundly.
Starter
Rey started 13 games in 2014 because of injuries to the Cincinnati Bengals’ regular starters at weak-side linebacker (Vontaze Burfict) and middle linebacker (Rey Maualuga). He will likely return to a spot-starting role once Burfict recovers from knee surgery, but he filled in very capably last season.
Overall
11. Gerald Hodges, Minnesota Vikings
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Pass Rush
Rushing the passer is not something the Minnesota Vikings will ever ask Gerald Hodges (6’2”, 243 lbs, two seasons) to do with regularity. He recorded one half-sack last season, but even that play came on an occasion when Hodges initially dropped in coverage and just happened to be in the right place to touch Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler down after a slide.
Coverage
Hodges had seven passes defensed in 2014 despite only starting seven games (14 games played total). A fluid athlete who can cover ground all over the field, Hodges demonstrates a natural feel for making plays on the ball in the air. He will lose some receivers on their breaks because of missteps but has the athleticism to recover quickly.
Run Defense
While he is not the most instinctive linebacker, Hodges’ speed enables him to work toward a play quickly in pursuit when he gets going in the right direction. He uses his hands well to shed off second-level blocks and keep himself in a play. Situationally, he has also shown that he can play along the line of scrimmage and hold his ground as an edge-setter.
Tackling
Hodges had at least five solo tackles in every start last season and only seven total missed tackles for the year. He takes good angles to the ball and is a strong form tackler who drives through the ball-carrier as he brings his opponent down.
Starter
The fill-in starter for the Vikings linebacker corps in 2014, Hodges performed well in stints replacing Anthony Barr at strong-side linebacker and Chad Greenway at weak-side linebacker. Hodges will have to beat out either Greenway or rookie Eric Kendricks to earn a full-time spot in the lineup in 2015.
Overall
10. Nigel Bradham, Buffalo Bills
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Pass Rush
A well-built linebacker out of Florida State, Nigel Bradham (6’2”, 241 lbs, three seasons) made the most of his chances in the starting lineup and looks to be a long-term solution at linebacker in Buffalo. As a pass-rusher he’ll get the job done with solid strength but average quickness and bend. Bradham is a power rusher without the twitchy skills to beat blockers off the ball in his first step.
Coverage
With more pass-coverage responsibilities in 2014, Bradham answered the call with six passes defensed and an interception—the first of his career. When taking on tight ends in man coverage he’s solid, but he still struggles with a lack of speed to turn and run up the seam.
Run Defense
The strength and athleticism are there for Bradham to be a consistent threat in the run game, but he has to continue improving his awareness and his timing. Too often we saw Bradham struggle to identify the play on time, which left him struggling to get into position to make a stop.
Tackling
Bradham had 87 total tackles in his 14 starts, including 69 solo tackles. He did miss 10 attempts—something we graded hard on—but showed solid aggression and power when meeting ball-carriers in the hole.
Starter
Bradham came on strong in his third season, showing the tools and production to become a key fixture in new head coach Rex Ryan’s defensive plans.
Overall
9. Thomas Davis, Carolina Panthers
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Pass Rush
As Thomas Davis (6'1", 235 lbs, nine seasons) prepares for his 10th season, it’s important to note just how good he’s been since entering the NFL out of Georgia. As a three-down weapon, Davis has few rivals. As a pass-rusher, he’s not going to see double-digit sacks but has proved to be a force on blitzes and stunts. His 13 quarterback hurries and 2.5 sacks in 2014 show that he can make plays both moving forward and backward after the snap.
Coverage
Davis is at his best in coverage—where he remains one of the best linebackers in the NFL. With elite agility, balance, patience and quickness in space, Davis is able to take tight ends out of the game. And when he’s dropping into zones, Davis has the speed to plant, break on the ball and either knock it down or pick it off.
Run Defense
At 6’1” and 235 pounds, Davis is more of a safety playing strong-side and sometimes weak-side linebacker. He’s able to get under blockers to make plays, but if he’s contacted by a blocker on the move, it’s tough for Davis to disengage and get free to make a play.
Tackling
Missed tackles are part of the job, but Davis totaled 14 misses last year while still struggling at times to make contact with runners just off his frame. The 14 misses are much better than his 19 from 2013, but it’s still far too many. On the plus side, Davis’ Week 2 performance against Detroit was one of the best tackling performances of the year by an outside linebacker.
Starter
Davis continues to defy age and remains one of the NFL’s best linebackers. His performance in 2014 moves him into the top 10 after a ranking of No. 12 last year.
Overall
8. K.J. Wright, Seattle Seahawks
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Pass Rush
A three-down linebacker with tools to make plays no matter the situation, K.J. Wright (6'4", 246 lbs, four seasons) continues to improve. As a pass-rusher he doesn’t see the snaps of a Von Miller or Khalil Mack, but he will produce when asked to attack thanks to his speed and ability to get low against blockers on the corner.
Coverage
As has become the norm in Seattle, Wright excels in pass coverage. He’s athletic enough to match up with tight ends and has no trouble keeping pace with backs in the flats. He didn't record an interception in 2014, but Wright limited receptions and targets with his tight coverage.
Run Defense
If you want an agile defender with the size to take on blockers and the speed to catch ball-carriers in space, then you want Wright as your weak-side linebacker. He has all the tools to excite in space but will get moved around if he’s caught flatfooted, which does happen at times if the play is coming his way.
Tackling
Wright is a consistent tackler with great power when coming in at an angle, and his 89 solo tackles during the regular season showed his ability to impact the game from his outside linebacker spot. Fans may remember his four missed tackles against the Panthers in the divisional round of the playoffs, but Wright only missed eight tackles throughout the regular season.
Starter
Last season’s No. 9-ranked 4-3 outside linebacker, Wright continues to climb the ladder with his blend of athleticism and toughness. He’s a surefire top-10 outside linebacker.
Overall
7. Preston Brown, Buffalo Bills
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Pass Rush
A true 4-3 outside linebacker, Preston Brown (6’1”, 251 lbs, one season) rarely attacked the quarterback on designed rushes in 2014. That makes his lack of sacks (zero) and limited hurries (two) understandable. What he does offer, though, is great pursuit skills when the pocket breaks down and the agility to serve as a spy against mobile quarterbacks.
Coverage
For a first-year player—heck, for any player—Brown impressed with his anticipation and positioning in pass coverage. He showed confidence and patience when tasked with man coverage and the strength to get aggressive at the line of scrimmage with tight ends. Brown is agile enough to cover backs out into the flats and has the hands to flip the field with turnovers.
Run Defense
Brown was a rookie in 2014, which gets him a little slack for early-season struggles to disengage from blockers. But his willingness to stick his head in and pop running backs jumped off the film, and Brown’s size and agility are an ideal mix for a strong-side or inside linebacker.
Tackling
Brown’s power and instincts as a tackler were consistently impressive. He logged 68 solo tackles and was a menace on inside and outside run plays alike. One key for his development will be better hand use on inside run plays so he doesn’t get so easily locked up by a down-blocking tight end or tackle.
Starter
The former Louisville starter looks to be the real deal—real enough that the Bills were comfortable trading Kiko Alonso to the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason.
Overall
6. Devon Kennard, New York Giants
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Pass Rush
In his rookie season, fresh out of USC, Devon Kennard became a rare find at linebacker for the New York Giants. The search for a stud ‘backer to build around could be over in New York. Kennard has the frame (6’3”, 251 lbs) to bend the edge and take on blockers as a pass-rusher, and he shows good potential to produce heavily when asked to bump down and go after the quarterback. With a good mix of power, first-step quickness and instincts, Kennard could change the Giants defense for the better with his versatility.
Coverage
Pass coverage was a weak link for Kennard at USC because he was mostly used as a pass-rushing defensive lineman, but he performed well when asked to rough up a tight end at the line of scrimmage or drop into a zone look in 2014. Man coverage is still an issue for him, but he did flash here as the season came to an end.
Run Defense
Kennard was a big, stout presence on the edge of the defense against the run. He’s able to lock out blockers with his length and is strong enough to shed their hands, but he has to improve at identifying the play and getting himself into position earlier in the process.
Tackling
With only six starts, Kennard wasn't on the field enough to post eye-popping numbers, but he did get credit for 35 solo tackles during that time.
Starter
Kennard and Johnathan Hankins team to form one of the best young linebacker-defensive tackle duos in the NFL. If Kennard continues to perform like he did down the stretch in 2014, the Giants will have a steal.
Overall
5. DeAndre Levy, Detroit Lions
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Pass Rush
In our 2014 edition, DeAndre Levy (6'2", 235 lbs, six seasons) came in at No. 14 overall among 4-3 outside linebackers. One year later he’s cracking the top five. Levy isn’t a big pass-rusher, not in the Lions scheme, but he can get after the quarterback on blitzes and stunts. He added 2.5 sacks, one quarterback hit and nine hurries to his resume in 2014.
Coverage
Levy is good in coverage, but if he has a weakness, this is it. Too often he surrenders ground and lets the tight end or receiver make a play in front of his face. Further acclimation to Teryl Austin’s defense could help here, as Levy looked lost at times last year.
Run Defense
A stout, tough run defender, Levy is able to truly take on blockers head-up and win the battle. Whether it’s a fullback, tight end or pulling guard, he won’t back down from contact and uses his leverage and lower-body strength to make a pop on the outside. And on inside run plays, it’s not uncommon to see Levy knifing in from the edge to make a stop.
Tackling
With 121 solo tackles in 2014, Levy was among the most active tacklers we profiled. He did notch 19 misses during that same stretch, though, so we’d like to see more consistency in his ability to make contact and get the runner to the ground on the first try.
Starter
Two seasons ago, no one was talking about Levy, and now he’s a top-five outside linebacker. He’s definitely earned all five points in this category.
Overall
4. Lavonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Pass Rush
A true 4-3 outside linebacker, Lavonte David (6'1", 233 lbs, three seasons) is rarely asked to go after the quarterback. That explains his low numbers as a pass-rusher (one sack, four hits, four hurries). When he has been asked to blitz or pursue on scrambles, David has shown elite quickness and angles to attack the quarterback.
Coverage
You can tell David played some safety in college with his ability to dominate in zone coverage. He’s fluid, agile and explosive when he has to cut and break on the ball. The only negative here was a poor Week 1 coverage game against the Carolina Panthers, but David remains an ideal cover man when asked to take zone drops.
Run Defense
A smaller linebacker, David does a great job winning with leverage and anticipation. He often beats the blocker to the ball and is fast enough to chase down running backs from behind if he’s not asked to set the edge.
Tackling
David had a mind-blowing 120 solo total tackles in 2014 but did miss 21 attempts as well. The balance between high-frequency tacklers and a lot of misses is something to consider, but David can do a better job hitting on a higher ratio of tackles than misses. He’s strong, aware and relishes contact.
Starter
David’s run as one of the best defenders in football continues. If you’re building a 4-3 defense, he’s a linebacker to target.
Overall
3. Brandon Marshall, Denver Broncos
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Pass Rush
The “other” Brandon Marshall—not to be confused with the wide receiver of the same name—came on the scene in 2014 and took over as the weak-side linebacker in Denver. And he’s not giving the job up, either. Marshall (6'1", 250 lbs, three seasons) wasn’t a heavy pass-rusher with Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware on the field but still posted impressive numbers (two sacks, three hits, seven hurries) on limited opportunities.
Coverage
This is where Marshall really made his impact for Denver. His ability to read-and-react on the go in coverage allowed him to land one interception and impact many other plays. He kept receivers and tight ends in front of him, which allowed Marshall to prevent the deep ball and helped the Denver pass rush get home more often.
Run Defense
As a weak-side ‘backer, Marshall is asked to come around the line often and pursue on plays away from his spot. He does this well, showing agility and determination. He can also take on a blocker head-up and shows the hand use and strength to stack-and-shed when the run comes his way.
Tackling
With 89 solo tackles and just four misses on the year, Marshall established himself as an elite-level tackler in his first season as a starter.
Starter
A versatile linebacker with the skills to play inside or outside, Marshall is a building block for the Broncos as they start to prepare for life after Peyton Manning.
Overall
2. Von Miller, Denver Broncos
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Pass Rush
Von Miller (6'3", 250 lbs, four seasons) is known for his dynamic abilities as a pass-rusher and lived up to that reputation in 2014 with 15 sacks, 11 quarterback hits and 47 hurries. Add it all up, and that’s 73 plays where Miller affected the quarterback personally. With speed, agility and strength off the edge, blockers can’t prepare for Miller’s onslaught of moves. The area keeping Miller at No. 2 on our list? Penalties. His five flags in 2014 were too many for an elite-level player.
Coverage
Miller isn’t asked to play in coverage often, even though the Broncos played with more of a 4-3 look last year. When he is in pass coverage, Miller is largely playing zone or taking away tight ends on short man routes. He’s not great here—he’s too prone to go forward and attack—but he’s good enough to disrupt the game in coverage.
Run Defense
Whether he’s setting the edge or crashing down into the backfield to stop ball-carriers, Miller has improved as a run defender. That showed up with his ability to shed blockers, but also in his recognition of the play post-snap.
Tackling
On the year Miller posted 35 solo tackles and was credited with just three missed tackles. As far as tacklers go, he’s one of the best we saw at outside linebacker.
Starter
Miller is a true threat on all three downs. He’s still one of the NFL’s best players overall.
Overall
1. Khalil Mack, Oakland Raiders
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Pass Rush
Rookie Khalil Mack (6'3", 252 lbs) was known as a pass-rusher at Buffalo, and in Oakland the Raiders did utilize him some off the edge to the tune of four sacks, 10 hits and a crazy 40 quarterback hurries. Mack has explosive quickness in his first step and has the power to lift blockers and push them back into the backfield.
Coverage
Pass coverage was something Mack also excelled at in college, and he had an easier transition than most rookies do. He has all the athletic tools to drop into zone coverage or lock up a tight end but must improve his awareness.
Run Defense
Mack hit the ground running and never stopped, and in the run game he was a dog for both blockers and running backs to deal with. His 61 solo tackles and 11 missed tackles aren’t great numbers, but he impacted the game by taking away the edge on many plays where he didn’t get a number stat to his credit.
Tackling
As mentioned above, Mack did struggle at times with missed tackles. This largely came from over-aggression and not keeping his eyes on the ball-carrier.
Starter
Mack is already one of the NFL’s best linebackers—and he’s only played one full season. A move to a more aggressive 3-4 scheme under Jack Del Rio could make him a household name in 2015.
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