2011 NFL Draft - Top 4 ILB

The-Mainboard.com 2011 NFL Draft Initial Top 4 ILBs

List is from NFL Draft aficionado, Neal Olson.

1. ILB Dont'a Hightower, Alabama
-In an incredibly talented draft class, Hightower is the third member of the Crimson Tide to make my initial 32. Although he isn't the known commodity that a Dareus or Ingram is, Hightower is arguably the most talented of the three. In the little games he played in 2009, there is plenty of reason to be excited about Hightower's ability heading into 2011. He showcased tremendous aggressiveness towards breaking up plays and the memorable play from his shortened season was running down a play in the Virginia Tech game with no helmet. He has displayed the rare ability of both playing inside and outside in a 3-4 defensive scheme. He uses his hands well and has a tremendous motor as well. On the outside, he displays and excellent burst off of the line and is able to disrupt plays in the backfield with the ability to get great pressure on the opposing quarterback. Although he looked like he was going to challenge Rolando McClain as the top linebacker early on he suffered a season ending injury and halted the momentum he was gaining. His 2008 film isn't as impressive as the shortened 2009 season and he looked a bit out of place the games that I saw. He tended to be pushed out of the play to easy and played a bit to high for the position. So with that he is probably the biggest boom or bust candidate in the initial top 32, however I tend to think we will see the 2009 version of him rather than the 2008 version.

2. ILB Greg Jones, Michigan State
-There is no doubt that Greg Jones is one of the most productive players entering this year's NFL Draft. He has produced since the minute he stepped on the campus at East Lansing. He shows excellent pursuit towards the ball and has great closing speed in getting to either the opposing quarterback or running back. He has an outstanding motor and never gives up on a play that is going away from him. He also is one of the better pass rushing linebackers eligible for this year's draft. He has great explosiveness and shows a great ability of getting to the quarterback from the middle linebacker spot. Even though he is one of the most productive players, he does have areas to work on. He was undersized going into this year, however reports are he has bulked up for the new season. It will be interesting to see how this weight affects his on field speed and overall ability. In addition to his size, he hasn't had the best of luck getting off of blockers at the linebacker spot at times. He doesn't always use his hands the proper way which slows him up in getting to the backfield. Overall if he shows that new weight isn't bad weight, he should get back into first round consideration.

3. ILB Quan Sturdivant, North Carolina
-Sturdivant is yet another member of the North Carolina defense to make the initial cut for me. He isn't a freakish athlete like the others, but is all around a very good and productive football player. The move from outside linebacker to inside linebacker has paid off and probably enhanced his value. Although he isn't the quickest straight line guy, he does have very good lateral quickness and can change directions very well in order to make a play that is going away from him. He is good and taking on blockers front on and using his hands to disengage rather than being eat up by opposing linemen and being taken out of the play. He is a sure tackler and doesn't whiff on to many opportunities to bring the opposition down. Like with Greg Jones, Sturdivant just isn't a physical beast or insane athlete that middle linebackers usually are that go in the first round. He should be a productive player in the league, but don't see a team taking him with their first round selection.

4. ILB Ross Homan, Ohio State
-By the end of the year it wouldn't surprise me if Homan is the top overall linebacker from the Big Ten and maybe the top inside linebacker in the country. Like previous Buckeye linebackers, Homan is extremely intelligent and possesses great technique. He attacks blockers well and uses his hands to disengage from opposing linemen. He is a sure tackler and drives through opponents while wrapping them up. He rarely misses his assignments and at the same time he rarely whiffs on a tackle he is in position to make. Although he does lack top end athleticism, his lateral quickness is more than good enough for the NFL and shouldn't be to concerning for NFL teams come next April. The measurements might wind up hurting him and his overall potential. The ceiling might not be there for him like some other linebackers but the production should easily translate to the next level and could be a steal for a team picking in the second round.