Position Breakdown: Middle Linebackers

1. Luke Kuechly (JR) 6'3 240 Boston College
Analysis: Has some of the best insticts we've seen in a linebacker in years. A better athlete than you think who makes plays all over the field. Can fit into any scheme.
Projection: Top 15.

2. Dont'a Hightower (JR) 6'4 260 Alabama
Analysis: A prototypical downhill run stuffer who works well in traffic. Only fit is in a 3-4 scheme due to a lack of elite athletism. Very talent blitzer who knows how to get to the QB.
Projection: 1st Round

3. Vontaze Burfict (JR) 6'3 252 Arizona State
Analysis: Might be the most talented LB in the draft. Great athlete, very aggressive, and hits like a truck. However he disappears at times, lacks focus, and is a me first player. Punched a teammate and blamed old coaching staff for his problems.
Projection: 2nd - 4th Round

4. Bobby Wagner (SR) 6'2 235 Utah State
Analysis: At his best when he is in space. Good coverage linebacker who will fly to the ball. Not great in run support and is a drag down tackler. Highly productive with 147 tackles this past year.
Projection: 2nd - 3rd Round

5. Audie Cole (SR) 6'4 240 North Carolina State
Analysis: Flurished when moved to MLB Senior year. Good run defender who can operate in traffic. Could stand to add more weight. Struggles to change direction in coverage. Solid pass rusher with 5.5 sacks in 2011.
Projection: 3rd - 4th Round

6. James-Michael Johnson (SR) 6'2 240 Nevada
Analysis: Has good speed and quickness, but very stiff and doesn't change direction very well. Can get lost in traffic. Isn't great at anything, but solid in all areas.
Projection: 4th Round

7. Chris Marve (SR) 6'0 235 Vanderbilt
Analysis: Has some of the best instincts at the position, but physical skills don't match up. Not very physical, but always around the ball. He doesn't have top end speed, but always knows where to be.
Projection: 4th - 5th Round

8. DJ Holt (SR) 6'1 250 California
Analysis: Good tackler who drives through opponents to take them down. Very disciplined and reliable, rarely makes mental mistakes. But not a great athlete and isn't going to make many "slash" plays.
Projection: 5th - 7th Round

9. Jerry Franklin (SR) 6'1 240 Arkansas
Analysis: Versitle linebacker who can play multiple LB spots. Plays with a hot motor and always around the ball. Not very fast or quick, but strong and a good tackler. Plays well in traffic and can shed blocks well.
Projection: 5th - 6th Round

10. Korey Williams (SR) 6'2 244 Southern Mississippi
Analysis: Had a monster 2011 year before tearing ACL in 4th game. Has a knack for making big plays. Very good at anticipating. Good athlete before injury. Talented blitzer who was always in the opponents backfield. If knee heals he could be a steal.
Projection: 4th - 6th Round

Sleeper

Carmen Messina (SR) 6'2 236 New Mexico
Analysis: Has produced at a high level since he arrived. Technically sound with good instincts. But lacks size and elite physcial skills. Could flourish in the right system.
Projection: 6th - 7th Round

Lavonte David Scouting Report

Lavonte David

Position: Linebacker
School: Nebraska
Year: Senior
Height: 6'1
Weight: 225
Draft Stock: 2nd Round / #2 Outside Linebacker

Strengths
-Incredible Instincts. Always around the ball
-Has a knack for making big plays.
-Production. Set Nebraska's single season tackle record. Has made an impact from Day 1.
-Elite speed and quickness for a linebacker. Can go sideline to sideline.
-Sound tackler. Rarely misses a tackle. Does a good job of wrapping up defenders and taking them to the ground.
-Able to secure the tackle and strip the ball
-Good in run support. Doesn't take false steps
-Does a great job of shedding blocks
-Able to stick with tight ends running backs in man coverage due to good speed and quickness
-Does a great job of changing directions quickly and efficiently
-4 down linebacker
-Can make an impact in special teams on coverage units
-Loves the game. Loves to watch tape.
-Great motor. Never quits on plays

Weaknesses
-Size. Smaller for a linebacker. Can't keep on weight.
-Durable? No injury issues, but will his smaller size lead to more injuries in the NFL?
-Limited Position Flexibility. His only fit might be as a WLB in a 4-3.
-Footwork could get better

Summary
If Lavonte David was 6'3 250 we might be talking about him as a top 15 pick. But because he is 6'1 225 he's considered to be a Day 2 pick. David has been an impact player for Nebraska since day 1. He set the single season tackle record as a junior and as a senior he made plays that directly lead to wins. Against Ohio State he flat out took the ball away from QB Braxton Miller that swung the whole momentum. And against Penn State he stuffed a RB on fourth down which sealed a win. David has good speed and quickness but his best strength is his IQ. David is always in the right place at the right time and seems to be in on every tackle. This comes from his love for watching film and his eagerness to learn. Learning a playbook in the NFL should be no problem for him. The only real negative for David is his size. Because of his small stature he can run into trouble against bigger lineman when they lock onto him. This also means that he'll likely only fit with a 4-3 team as a Weakside Linebacker. If he was bigger he'd be an ideal MLB in any scheme. David will also add value on special teams coverage units because he is a good tackler and has good speed and quickness. Look for David to go somewhere in the 2nd round but could slide into the 3rd round because of his limited fit. Look for a team like Tampa Bay, Chicago, St. Louis, Minnesota, Cleveland, and Atlanta to really consider him.