Middle Linebackers (2018 NFL Draft)

Discussion in 'NFL Draft' started by Broken Arrow, Jun 26, 2017.

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  1. Broken Arrow

    Broken Arrow Just a Fan....

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    Yes, NFL training camp hasn't even started -- much less the NFL or NCAA season.

    But I feel we needed an upgrade at ILB in the draft at some point to assume Avery's role - his liability in pass coverage cannot hang around here for middle of the pack-back end AFC South Tight Ends to put up 100 - let alone the Five. (Plus this is his contract year, and I don't think anything's going to change.)

    Personally, I can't see how Middle Linebacker won't be our #1 priority for 1st or 2nd round pick next year...

    Some of the Top Linebackers in 2017-2018 as of 06/26/17.

    (http://walterfootball.com/draft2018ILB.php



    Malik Jefferson*, ILB/OLB, Texas
    1. Height: 6-3. Weight: 238.
    2. Projected 40 Time: 4.68.
    3. Projected Round (2018): 1-3.
    4. 4/13/17: In 2016, Jefferson recorded 59 tackles with 5.5 sacks and three passes broken up. The numbers don't illustrate how good of a linebacker he was. Jefferson was highly recruited and showed why as a freshman contributor for the Longhorns. He totaled 61 tackle with seven for a loss, 2.5 sacks, three passes broken up and one forced fumble in 2015. Jefferson had a bigger presence than the numbers illustrate.
    5. The junior has a nice combination of size and speed. He has a ton of upside, and it wouldn't be surprising if he is in store for some massive seasons for Texas.




    Kendall Joseph*, ILB/OLB, Clemson
    1. Height: 6-0. Weight: 230.
    2. Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
    3. Projected Round (2018): 1-3.
    4. 4/13/17: Ben Boulware got a lot of attention, but Joseph was the best linebacker on Clemson's National Championship team. Joseph totaled 108 tackles with 12.5 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, 3.5 sacks and one interception on the year. He is a fast and instinctive defender.


    Cameron Smith*, ILB, USC
    1. Height: 6-2. Weight: 245.
    2. Projected 40 Time: 4.80.
    3. Projected Round (2018): 2-3.
    4. 4/13/17: As a sophomore, Smith totaled 83 tackles with seven for a loss, one sack, four passes broken up and one forced fumble. He started as a freshman in 2015 while totaling 78 tackles, three interceptions, and three passes broken up.


    Jack Cichy, ILB/OLB, Wisconsin
    1. Height: 6-2. Weight: 233.
    2. Projected 40 Time: 4.77.
    3. Projected Round (2018): 3-4.
    4. 4/13/17: Cichy was a tough defender for the Badgers in 2016. He was good versus the run and a leader on the defense. In 2016, the junior recorded 60 tackles with seven for a loss, 1.5 sacks, two passes broken up and two forced fumbles in seven games. As a sophomore in 2015, he had 60 tackles with eight for a loss, five sacks and four passes broken up.


    Josey Jewell, ILB/OLB, Iowa
    1. Height: 6-2. Weight: 230.
    2. Projected 40 Time: 4.72.
    3. Projected Round (2018): 3-5.
    4. 4/13/17: Jewell recorded 124 tackles with six tackles for a loss, nine passes broken up and one forced fumble in 2016. He is a good run defender who will need to get stronger for the NFL and show more pass-coverage skills as senior. The NFL draft advisory board told Jewell he should return for his senior year.
    5. In 2015, Jewell was a tough defender for Iowa as he racked up 126 tackles with 7.5 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, six passes broken up, one forced fumble and four interceptions. It was an impressive season from the Hawkeyes defender. If he stays consistent to his play-making production as a senior, his stock could really rise.




    Azeem Victor, ILB, Washington
    1. Height: 6-4. Weight: 232.
    2. Projected 40 Time: 4.78.
    3. Projected Round (2018): 3-4. '

    Micah Kizer, ILB, Virginia
    1. Height: 6-2. Weight: 240.
    2. Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
    3. Projected Round (2018): 3-4.
    T.J. Edwards*, ILB, Wisconsin
    1. Height: 6-1. Weight: 244.
    2. Projected 40 Time: 4.74.
    3. Projected Round (2018): 3-5.
    Taylor Young, ILB, Baylor
    1. Height: 5-10. Weight: 225.
    2. Projected 40 Time: 4.63.
    3. Projected Round (2018): 4-6.

    Shaun Dion Hamilton, ILB, Alabama

    Height: 6-0. Weight: 232.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.63.
    Projected Round (2018): 4-6.
     
  2. The Hammer

    The Hammer Ace Degenerate

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    Good thread!


    Let's also hope :scared: that we are not in a position to draft the "Top prospect"
     
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  3. Fry

    Fry Welcome to the land of tomorrow!

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    Derwin James can probably play MLB.
     
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  4. JCBRAVE

    JCBRAVE goTitans 2019 Survivor Champion

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    Just based on our current LBs contracts, the 2018 draft should be where we look to restock the defense...

    FA next year isn't all that sexy at LB so Def going to draft 1 or 2 LBs IMO
     
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  5. Broken Arrow

    Broken Arrow Just a Fan....

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    I agree completely - Let's hope we're in position for a Late 1st Rd. LB like this years TJ or Reuben (Oh how I pray that level of Talent would drop to us at 31... or 32 lol -- but without the people skills BS)
     
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  6. Zack3000

    Zack3000 Special Teams Standout

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    I agree ILB should be top priority in draft.

    What I do t agree with is that Avery won't be around next off season. I think he will get an extension on the cheap.

    I don't think there is a FA like hightower to go after in 2018.

    Woodyard will be the guy to replace.

    ILB ; Nose tackle has got to be #1 and 2 on next off season.

    Building a team takes seasons and we are on the right path
     
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  7. JCBRAVE

    JCBRAVE goTitans 2019 Survivor Champion

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    We might have something in Austin Johnson at NT, hard to say but he's getting thrown in the lineup to find out
     
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  8. Broken Arrow

    Broken Arrow Just a Fan....

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    Our D Line has Youth and Some Tread left...

    But our LB Corp is Hugh Hefner old..
     
  9. JCBRAVE

    JCBRAVE goTitans 2019 Survivor Champion

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    I agree, but Rak and Morgan might have another 5 years in them, they're both playing at high levels right now

    Would still look for another OLB but I'm not giving up on those 2 at all
     
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  10. Ontario Titan

    Ontario Titan Pro Bowler

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    Should get Zach Orr in for a visit
     
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