It’s hard to recall an outside linebacker class with this much potential. It could have been the 2005 draft that featured Demarcus Ware, Shawne Merriman and David Pollack. Despite how their careers turned out, they were largely considered high-potential players with bright futures.
2013 NFL Draft outside linebacker rankings
Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE
If this outside linebacker class mirrors 2005, LSU’s Barkevious Mingo could be the next Ware. Mingo has good size, athleticism and has barely touched his potential as a pass rusher. Dion Jordan’s potential is just as great. The Oregon product has to add some bulk, but he profiles as a top 10 pick.
For much of the season, Jarvis Jones of Georgia was rated higher but his timing stats knocked him back some. Conversely, Jamie Collins of Southern Mississippi has risen during the offseason process. All four would be best in a 3-4 scheme, but there are plenty of 4-3 players in the class. Khaseem Greene, Jelani Jenkins and Gerald Hodges all project as solid weak-side linebackers.
As always, player rankings aren’t an indicator of where a player will be drafted.
1. Barkevious Mingo | 6'4 1/4, 241 pounds | Outside linebacker/Defensive end | LSU *
2. Dion Jordan | 6'6 1/4, 248 pounds | Outside linebacker/Defensive end | Oregon
3. Jarvis Jones | 6'2, 245 pounds | Outside linebacker | Georgia *
4. Jamie Collins | 6'3 1/2, 250 pounds | Outside linebacker | Southern Miss
5. Khaseem Greene | 6'0 3/4, 241 pounds | Outside linebacker | Rutgers
6. Sio Moore | 6'0 3/4, 245 pounds | Outside linebacker | Connecticut
7. Brandon Jenkins | 6'2, 251 pounds | Outside linebacker | Florida State
8. Chase Thomas | 6'3, 240 pounds | Outside linebacker | Stanford
9. Jelani Jenkins | 6'0, 243 pounds | Outside linebacker | Florida *
10. Gerald Hodges | 6'1, 243 pounds | Outside linebacker | Penn State
11. Lerentee McCray | 6'2, 250 pounds | Outside linebacker | Florida
12. Cornelius Washington | 6'4, 265 pounds | Outside linebacker | Georgia
13. Sean Porter | 6'1 1/4, 229 pounds | Outside linebacker | Texas A&M
14. DeVonte Holloman | 6'1 3/8, 243 pounds | Outside linebacker | South Carolina
15. Jake Knott | 6'2, 243 pounds | Outside linebacker | Iowa State
16. Zaviar Gooden | 6'1 1/2, 234 pounds | Outside linebacker | Missouri
17. Trevardo Williams | 6'2, 233 pounds | Outside linebacker/ Defensive end | Connecticut
18. Herman Lathers | 6'0, 230 pounds | Outside linebacker | Tennessee
19. Archibald Barnes | 6'4, 235 pounds | Outside linebacker | Vanderbilt
20. Keith Pough | 6'1 3/4, 239 pounds | Outside linebacker | Howard
21. Kenny Tate | 6'4, 230 pounds | Outside linebacker | Maryland
22. Walter Stewart | 6'4, 246 pounds | Outside linebacker | Connecticut
23. Tristan Okpalaugo | 6'6, 250 pounds | Outside linebacker | Fresno State
24. Chris Norman | 6'1, 233 pounds | Outside linebacker | Michigan State
25. Cameron Lawrence | 6'3, 230 pounds | Outside linebacker | Mississippi State
26. Herman Lathers | 6'0, 230 pounds | Outside linebacker | Tennessee
27. Etienne Sabino | 6'3, 237 pounds | Outside linebacker | Ohio State
28. Nathan Williams | 6'3, 249 pounds | Defensive end/Outside linebacker | Ohio State
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