Outside Linebackers

1. Aaron Curry Wake Forest 6-2 246 4.6
Smart player, rarely caught out of position, has nice speed and very fluid when pursuing the ball. Curry is the type of person that teams savor having as part of their franchise as they are leaders on and off the field. Was normally the best player on the field at any given time. According his school bio he has future plans to be a lawyer after his career is complete and could become a real face of the NFL down the road. Would look great playing for Cleveland next season and is one of the safest picks coming out this season.

2. Aaron Maybin Penn State 6-4 248 4.7
Freakish talent that made the most of his opportunity this year as a starter at Penn State and is ready to cash in on it. Possesses some qualities to his game (speed, pursuit, backpedaling) that compares him favorably with guys like Ware, Harrison and Merrimen some of the best in the NFL. One drawback is history of recent Penn State players (especially defensively) not having much of a ceiling left in their game due to the quality of coaching they’ve received at Penn State. Maybin appears to be different as he looks to only be scratching the surface.

3. Brian Cushing USC 6-3 243 4.7
Great versatility as he has spent some time at defensive end and middle linebacker for the Trojans as well as the majority at strong side linebacker. Anyone who can start as a freshman at USC has to be a special player and Cushing is certainly that type of guy as he brings a fierceness not seen in many. Only true area of concern comes in durability as he has missed games or practice time because of the following injuries: a high ankle sprain in 2007, a shoulder separation in 2005, and knee and shoulder surgery in 2006 and 2007 respectively. If teams believe Cushing style of play can hold up for a seventeen week schedule then he will likely hear his name called early in round one if they have concerns then he will like slide no later than the top of round two.

4. Larry English Northern Illinois 6-2 254 4.7
Rock-solid player who right now can start at outside linebacker on most teams but would have to add 10 to 15 lbs. to also be able to put his hand down and play end. English plays the angles very well and has quick hands and feet to stay with any tight end. Similar to Cliff Avril from Purdue last year and will likely develop in the same manner. Safe, solid pick anywhere after the 20th spot in round one.

5. Clint Sintim Virginia 6-3 249 4.7Nice combo of size, speed and durability that should have Sintim going earlier than his stats might warrant. One of the under-rated players in this year’s draft, Sintim is an Al Groh player and everyone knows guys like Coughlin, Belicheck and Parcells value that fact. Sintim will have to work on improving his overall strength but should see a late first round selection likely to a team like the Dolphins or Giants teams that put a premium on high character guys.

6. Clay Matthews USC 6-3 246 4.7
No player available in this year’s draft has better bloodlines than Clay Matthews Jr. with his dad Clay playing 19 years, Uncle Bruce, a Hall of Famer, and even his grandfather Clay played in the NFL in 1950s. According to most services Clay Matthews is flying up most boards and looks to be a certain day one selection based on his strong Senior Bowl. Matthews has only started ten games which can be explained by many reasons including depth of talent at USC, finally getting an opportunity to get on the field, or maybe finally have the switch go on and putting it all together. Whatever is the case I would not bet against this kid as he seems to be merely scratching the service of his talents and would look great playing in Arizona, Pittsburgh, or Carolina.

7. Tyrone McKenzie South Florida 6-2 244 4.6
8. Marcus Freeman Ohio State 6-1 235 4.6
9. Cody Brown Connecticut 6-2 243 4.7
10. Zack Follett California 6-2 234 4.7
11. Nic Harris Oklahoma 6-2 233 4.6
12. Jonathan Casillas Wisconsin 6-1 226 4.5
13. Mortty Ivy West Virginia 6-2 239 4.7
14. Jason Williams Western Illinois 6-1 241 4.6
15. Victor Butler Oregon St. 6-2 241 4.6
16. DeAndre Levy Wisconsin 6-3 228 4.6
17. Lee Robinson Alcorn State 6-2 243 4.7
18. Corey Smith Cincinnati 6-0 224 4.6
19. Kaluka Maiava USC 6-0 232 4.7
20. Robert Francois Boston College 6-3 243 4.7
21. Johnny Williams Kentucky 6-2 242 4.7
22. Kevin Akins Boston College 6-2 228 4.5
23. James Holt Kansas 6-3 226 4.6
24. Brian Toal Boston College 6-1 238 4.6
25. Solomon Elimimian Hawaii 5-11 228 4.7
26. Ashlee Palmer Mississippi 6-2 223 4.6