2014 NFL Draft middle linebacker rankings

Through five weeks of the college football season, Alabama's C.J. Mosley remains the top middle linebacker prospect for the 2014 NFL Draft. It's true that Alabama lists Mosley as a weak-side linebacker. But that's simply a function of keeping a box score. When Alabama takes true middle Trey DePriest out of the lineup, Mosley often shifts over. Maybe Mosley will end up in the outside linebacker rankings by the draft. That will depend on what he does at the Senior Bowl, which he'd be wise to attend. For now, he's staying here.

That's a good thing because of the quality of the position. Connecticut's Yawin Smallwood is an athletic linebacker, but not particularly standout in any single area. Same with Michigan State's Max Bullough. Andrew Jackson of Western Kentucky is a between the tackles thumper, same with DePriest.

The name to keep an eye on the rest of the season is Kentucky's Avery Williamson. He's an instinctual linebacker with solid tackling skill.For now, C.J. Mosley of Alabama remains at the top of the middle linebacker rankings. He may not be there in May, by no fault of his own.

The wild card in the middle linebacker group is Wisconsin's Chris Borland. The first thing you notice – fairly or not – is Borland's size. He's listed at 5-foot-11, and there just aren't that many linebackers of that height in the NFL. But Borland more than makes up for it with instincts and quickness. Wisconsin has been using Borland as an edge rusher this season, which should help his draft stock. Borland could be attractive as a player who can play middle and weak side linebacker and special teams as well.