With college bowl season in full swing and I continue to dig deep into my draft prep, I thought I would take the time to go over some of the potential prospects at the linebacker position. Keep in mind, this is just who I have watched to this point so far. As I watch more game film and prospects, I will update this list accordingly.
Isaiah Simmons, Clemson Tigers (6’4” / 230 lbs.)
The consensus top linebacker in this draft class. Simmons and the Tigers will be on the national stage for everyone to watch, as they play for yet another National Championship. What better place and opportunity to showcase his talents. Simmons is a converted safety and you can still see that type of play in his game, and it’s a big advantage for him, especially when it comes to pass coverage situations. The transition from position to position can be difficult for some, but Simmons made the switch from safety to the starting nickel/sam linebacker in 2017 and just two years later he was named the Butkus Award winner, as the nation’s top linebacker. That’s impressive! This was just one of many accolades and honors for the ACC Defensive Player of the Year. The 1st team All-American took his game to another level as a senior, posting career highs in just about every category across the board. Look below, the numbers don’t lie!
Provided By: College Football Reference
Logan Wilson, Wyoming Cowboys, (6’2” / 250 lbs.)
Not one of the more popular names at the position, unless you really dig into the college game but make no mistake and NFL scouts will agree, that Logan is one of the best linebacker prospects in this class. He’s everything you’re looking for in as an inside/middle linebacker. A tackling machine that swallows up everything that comes within reach and makes just as big of an impact when dropping into coverage. But he’s more than the 400+ career tackles and ten interceptions, he’s a playmaking star all over the field. Logan was a Butkus Award semi-finalist and is as good as any Power 5 prospect you’ll find. He plays without hesitation and plays through the ball, not to it. Wilson shows extremely good technique and hands and doesn’t rely on support to make the play. He has an extremely high football IQ and his instincts are top-notch. Keep an eye on him during Senior Bowl week and these All-Star games, as his stock will soar with good showings.
Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma Sooners (6’2” / 234 lbs.)
One of the top linebacking prospects in this class. The three-year Sooner left his mark on the program, as he was the first freshman since 1975 to start at inside linebacker and started all 42 games he played. He’s led the Sooners in tackles the past two seasons, with 250+ during that span, with 35+ for a loss. Kenneth has the size and frame of what fits today’s prototype at the position, with a lean and athletic frame. Murray is a decent blitzer from the inside and makes a lot of plays behind the line of scrimmage. One of his biggest attributes is his patience. His ability to stay calm and collected allows him to wait until the last possible second to make a decision and the play. He has terrific sideline to sideline coverage, fast flow to the ball and is rarely beaten. Getting off blocks and coverage leave something to be desired, but correctable with the right coaching.
Daniel Bituli, Tennessee Volunteers (6’3” / 252 lbs.)
You didn’t think I was going to pass on the chance to promote one of my Vols, did you? Daniel is one of this class’s best instinctive run defenders, with his long, athletic frame. His ability to breakdown run plays, with the understanding of leverage and filling gaps, makes him one of the best run defenders you’ll find. One of the best fundamental tacklers in this class and has the size and speed to stay with tight ends in coverage. Bituli stacks and sheds blockers very well and his effort is second to none. He doesn’t have the greatest range but can hold his own. He will have to improve on third downs, especially long-yardage situations, to be a complete three-down player.
Robbie Wallace, Wingate Bulldogs (6’0” / 235 lbs.)
One of the best small school prospects at this position that you will find. I have personally watched this kid live and he’s as good as advertised. Robbie led his team to a 10-2 record before losing to the eventual Div-2 National Champions, West Florida Argonauts, in the playoffs. He has very good size and has a very high football IQ. Some of the NFL’s best players have come from small schools and Robbie is not one that you should sleep on. He takes good angles to the ball, with good vision and instincts. Robbie shows the athleticism and skill set, attributes that NFL scouts look for. We @IDPNation did an interview with this young man and his desire and love for the game are evident. He’s a player that will definitely make not only make your team better but those around him better.
Thanks for reading my article and if enjoyed it, you can read more of my articles at dynastyfootballfactory.com. You can also follow me on social media, on Twitter at Hollywood@DFF_DWin, on Facebook on my IDPNation page, on Reddit in the fantasy football IDP sub I’m user KingTitan1 and you can tune in each week and listen to the podcasts, IDP Nation that I co-host, on a number of different platforms. Feel free to hit me up with any questions that you have, as I’m always glad to help fellow IDPers. #IDPNation #IDP #IDPDevy
