2013 NFL Draft Middle Linebacker Rankings

One of the surprises leading up to this year’s underclassmen declaration deadline was middle linebacker Manti Te’o returning to Notre Dame. Had he entered the draft this year, he likely would have been a first-round pick. Through the first part of this season, he’s done nothing to hurt his draft stock. Te’o is surprisingly agile for a 250-pound linebacker and has the kind of physical style that will work in the NFL. He’s the top player at the position by a wide margin.

Stanford senior Shayne Skov is the intense leader of the Cardinal defense. After missing most of last season with a knee injury, Skov should only get better as the season progresses. Arthur Brown of Kansas State is probably the most intriguing player at the position. He may not be big enough to stay inside in the NFL, but he’s wildly athletic and gets after the ball.

The junior class of middle linebackers shouldn’t be regarded as highly as the seniors. C.J. Mosley could be the latest very good Alabama linebacker. He could play inside or outside. Georgia’s Alec Ogletree looks good when he’s on the field, but was suspended at the start of the year for violating the school’s drug policy.

SENIORS

JUNIORS