The Post’s Ryan Dunleavy gave his top 10 linebackers in this year’s NFL Draft, based on evaluations and interactions with people around the league:
1. Micah Parsons, Penn State, 6-foot-3, 246 pounds
Top-two defensive prospect in the draft. Character anxiety from earlier events in his high school and college career. Elite blitzer and run-stuff that can cover, too. Plays any lineback spot.
2. Jeremiah Owusu-Coremoa, Notre Dame, 6-foot-1, 221 pounds
Is the Butkus Award winner too young to play NFL lineback? Not as valuable as protection, even with cover skills. The sideline-to-sideline game-changer with a first-in, last-one-out mentality.
3. Zeven Collins, Tulsa, 6-foot-4, 259 pounds
A rare size and speed combination appeared in the 96-yard pick-six. Big for an inside linebacker, but not much edge experience. Won the 2020 Nagersky Award as the best defensive player in college football.
4. Jamin Davis, Kentucky, 6-foot-3, 234 pounds
Only 11 career starts, but the status sheet has been filled in 2020, including a blocked kick. Reads the quarterback’s eyes, reacts to what is about to happen and follows the smell of the ball.
5. Nick Bolton, Missouri, 5-foot-11, 237 pounds
Baha is known for blocks. Stands the ball-carrier despite falling short of NFL standards. Always communicating – like a true middle linebacker.
6. Jabril Cox, LSU, 6-foot-3, 232 pounds
Three-time FCS National Champion at North Dakota State who is basically fit as the leader of LSU. Direction speed to match the best pass-catching backs.
7. Chase Saratt, North Carolina, 6-foot-2, 229 pounds
Played quarterbacks until 2019. There is no change in the position you see every day. Still learning the basics of linebacks but athleticism, football IQ and willingness to initiate contact.
8. Dylan Moses, Alabama, 6-foot-1, 225 pounds
Five-star recruit who never put it together like expected. Missing from the 2019 season as the captain of a team that outperforms the others, but that is often not enough.
9. Monty Rice, Georgia, 6-foot, 233 Pound
He suffered a leg injury last season, but could do more than harm to his stock. Ball-carrier-making hard hitters want to step out of bounds.
10. Pete Werner, Ohio State, 6-foot-2, 238 pounds
Three-year starter who looked comfortable at various linebacker venues and special teams. Will quickly understand not only his responsibility but also 10 others on any sport.
late riser
Jamin Davis, Kentucky, 6-foot-3.5, 234 pounds
The 42-inch vertical leap and the 4.41-second 40-yard dash have scouts buzzing.
Fall fast
Tony Fields, West Virginia, 6-foot, 222 pounds
The Arizona transfer piled the tackle but did not make game-changing plays. At his size, pass coverage needs to get better or he will get lost in a big body shuffle.
Small-school wonder
Riley Cole, South Alabama, 6-foot-2, 240 pounds
East Alabama held its competition against big school products in the Senior Bowl. Everyone will do the dirty work, including special teams.
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