Top 5 Outside Linebacker

The NFL can thank the Big 10 for a recent influx of talented outside linebackers. Last year, the Packers made A.J. Hawk, from Ohio State, the fifth overall selection in the draft. While not quite the prospect Hawk is, Penn State’s Paul Posluszny should be the first outside linebacker taken this year; probably drafted in the middle of the first round. The tradition could continue next year with Penn State’s Dan Connor and Ohio State’s James Laurenitis. After Puz comes two smallish, fiery outside linebackers, Miami’s Jon “Big Beast” Beason and Oklahoma’s Rufus Alexander, both of whom have drawn comparisons to another OLB from last year’s class, Ernie Sims.

Top 5 Outside Linebackers

1. Paul Posluszny- Penn State
Senior: 6’2, 240
Projected: First round

2. Jon Beason- Miami
Junior: 6’0, 237
Projected: First round

3. Rufus Alexander- Oklahoma
Senior: 6’0, 228
Projected: Second or third round

4. Lawrence Timmons- Florida State
Senior: 6’1, 235
Projected: Late first or second round

5. Stewart Bradley- Nebraska
Senior: 6’4, 255
Projected: Third to fifth round

Sleeper

Prescott Burgess- Michigan
Senior: 6’3, 240
Projected: Fourth or fifth round