As the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago quickly approaches, CSNChicago.com is releasing a list of the Top 5 prospects at each position leading up to Day 1 of the draft on Thursday, April 28. Next up is linebacker.
1. Myles Jack, UCLA
6’1” | 245 lbs.
2014 stats:
87 tackles, 8 TFL, INT, 7 PD
Scouting Report:
"Where He Wins: The complete package at the position, and a complete linebacker is as valuable as it has ever been. Jack’s movements are uncommon. His lower half swivels when adjusting to what is in front of him, and his first steps are explosive and springy, quickly eating up ground to make a play others cannot. Jack is equally as aggressive between the tackles as he is in coverage. At UCLA, he was even asked to play opposite receivers and did not look out of place in coverage. Jack is a foundation piece to build with and around." - Josh Norris, Rotoworld.com
NFL
2. Darron Lee, Ohio State
6’1” | 232 lbs.
2015 stats:
66 tackles, 11 TFL, 4.5 sacks, INT, TD, 2 PD, 2 FF
Scouting Report:
"Where He Wins: A true run and chase linebacker. Lee missed a few tackles this season, but he also puts himself in position to make plays other linebackers cannot. Played a hybrid safety/linebacker role in 2015. Lee is also an adequate blitzer." - Josh Norris, Rotoworld.com
3. Reggie Ragland, Alabama
6’1” | 247 lbs.
2015 stats:
102 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 7 PD, 2 FF
Scouting Report:
"Where He Wins: Is best as a hammer linebacker, meeting blocks as soon as possible in the hopes of disrupting plays. Reminds me a lot of Kevin Minter. I think the “edge rusher on third down” stuff is a nice attempt by his people, but if Ragland is one of your two best edge rushers on obvious passing downs, you have bigger problems." - Josh Norris, Rotoworld.com
4. Deion Jones, LSU
6’1” | 222 lbs.
2015 stats:
88 tackles, 12.5 TFL, 5 sacks, 2 INT, 3 PD, TD
Scouting Report:
"Three-down linebacker prospect with outstanding athleticism and a willing, aggressive mindset for the position. Jones lacks the playing experience that most linebackers in this draft will have so he might need a year of tutelage on the NFL level to help him expedite his learning curve. Jones could be a fit at ILB for a 3-4 team or as an outside linebacker in a 4-3. Jones potential as a special teams cover man gives him a shot to get early playing time." - Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
5. Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame *(will miss 2016 season due to injury)*
6’2” | 223 lbs.
2015 stats:
115 tackles, 9 TFL, 1 sack, 5 PD, 2 FR
Scouting Report:
"Where He Wins: Jaylon is very athletic, capable of covering gaps and plenty of ground. Like most linebackers, Smith is at his best against the run and looked more aggressive at the point of attack this season. He is above average in coverage and has even shown the ability to rush the passer as a blitzer." - Josh Norris, Rotoworld.com
Click here for profiles of more than 150 prospects, including a scouting report and video interviews with each player. Video analysis provided by NBC Sports and Rotoworld NFL Draft expert Josh Norris.