2014 NFL Draft outside linebacker rankings

This year’s group of outside linebackers all fit in a specific role. That is, other than Khalil Mack, the draft’s most versatile linebacker.

by Dan Kadar

Mar 25, 2014, 1:00 PM UTC

The outside linebacker class in the 2014 NFL Draft has something for everyone. For 3-4 teams looking for a pass rusher, there’s Anthony Barr of UCLA, Trent Murphy of Stanford or even mid-round Southern California players like Devon Kennard or Morgan Breslin.

The 4-3 teams have options too. Ryan Shazier of Ohio State and Telvin Smith of Florida State are classic weak-side linebackers, as is Boston College’s Kevin Pierre-Louis.

Then there is Khalil Mack. Forget scheme or fit. Forget just being a pass rusher. Or being athletic enough to drop into coverage. Mack can do it all. He’s cemented himself as a top six pick in the draft because of his versatility and playmaking.

Kyle Van Noy of BYU, Jeremiah Attaochu of Georgia Tech and Christin Jones of Florida State are versatile linebackers as well, but not on the same level as Mack.

1. Khalil Mack | 6'2 5/8, 251 pounds | Outside linebacker | Buffalo

2. Anthony Barr | 6'4 7/8, 255 pounds | Outside Linebacker | UCLA

3. Ryan Shazier | 6'1, 237 pounds | Outside linebacker | Ohio State *

4. Kyle Van Noy | 6'3 1/8, 243 pounds | Outside linebacker | BYU

5. Jeremiah Attaochu | 6'3, 252 pounds | Outside linebacker | Georgia Tech

6. Christian Jones | 6'3 1/8, 240 pounds | Outside linebacker | Florida State

7. Trent Murphy | 6'5, 250 pounds | Outside linebacker | Stanford

8. Telvin Smith | 6'3, 218 pounds | Outside linebacker | Florida State

9. Carl Bradford | 6'0 3/4, 250 pounds | Outside linebacker | Arizona State *

10. Kevin Pierre-Louis | 6'1, 225 pounds | Outside linebacker | Boston College

11. Trevor Reilly | 6'5, 245 pounds | Outside linebacker | Utah

12. Devon Kennard | 6'3, 249 pounds | Outside linebacker | Southern California