2014 NFL Draft middle linebacker rankings

Nov 20, 2013, 5:00 PM UTC

John David Mercer-USA TODAY Spor

While the outside linebacker class looks deep and talented, the middle linebacker class does not. C.J. Mosley of Alabama remains the top player at the position, as he has all season. But some NFL teams will only consider him an outside linebacker at the next level.

The players immediately after Mosley – Yawin Smallwood of Connecticut, Max Bullough of Michigan State and Shayne Skov – are all solid players. They just don't project out as big-time playmakers in the NFL. They're all experienced, productive players but maybe nothing more than solid to good starters. In other words, they're more James Laurinaitis and less Patrick Willis.

The wild card is Chris Borland of Wisconsin. If you get past the negatives about his size, there's a lot to like. He's an active linebacker who plays the angles in the run game and can rush the passer.

1. C.J. Mosley | 6'2, 232 pounds | Middle linebacker | Alabama

2. Yawin Smallwood | 6'3, 244 pounds | Middle linebacker | Connecticut

3. Max Bullough | 6'3, 242 pounds | Middle linebacker | Michigan State

4. Shayne Skov | 6'3, 245 pounds | Middle linebacker | Stanford

5. Chris Borland | 5'11, 248 pounds | Middle linebacker | Wisconsin

6. Avery Williamson | 6'1, 241 pounds | Middle linebacker | Kentucky

7. A.J. Johnson | 6'2, 240 pounds | Middle linebacker | Tennessee

8. Trey Depriest | 6'2, 245 pounds | Middle linebacker | Alabama *

9. Lamin Barrow | 6'2, 232 pounds | Middle linebacker | LSU

10. Preston Brown | 6'2, 257 pounds | Middle linebacker | Louisville

11. Andrew Jackson | 6'1, 265 pounds | Middle linebacker | Western Kentucky

12. DeDe Lattimore | 6'1, 237 pounds | Middle linebacker | South Florida