Linebackers

Just a reminder to check out our live running blog of the NFL draft. We will have all of the picks BEFORE they are announced on ESPN. Keep by your comp for the most up to the second coverage available anywhere on the web!

We will have a new mock draft up very soon as well as coverage of the draft plans for the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins.

Now onto the linebackers... I was 90% done with a very in depth article when a lightning strike caused the power to go out. Let this be a reminder to frequently save your work. So to make up for lost time I'm scrapping the analysis and just giving you bare bones rankings, will have more on each player as they are drafted.

1. Paul Posluszny - Penn State

Best instincts of any player in the draft and now is 100% healed from that nasty knee injury he suffered in the Orange Bowl his junior year. Two time Bednarik Award Winner.

2. Pat Willis - Mississippi

Virtually a "1B" in these rankings, Willis is a very aggressive player with great athleticism. Ferocious tackler, who always seems to be banged up.

3. Jon Beason - The U

Great leader and very instinctive player who lacks ideal size/speed.

4. Lawrence Timmons - Florida State

Terrific athlete with a knack for making big plays, but drops in these rankings due to his lack of experience -- one year starter.

5. Justin Durant - Hampton

Three time MEAC Defensive POY is a firey, aggressive player with great natural athletic ability.

6. Quincy Black - New Mexico

Big playmaker but only started two years for New Mexico after transfering from a JuCo. Still black has phenominal instincts and ran a 4.42!!

7. Rufus Alexander - Oklahoma

Big 12 player of the year will slide in the draft because of his size 6'0'' 225lb but he plays fast and is always around the ball. Will succeed in the right system as a weakside backer.

8. Stewart Bradley - Nebraska

Great, versitile player with a real nose for the game who would be much higher if he wasn't always injured. Has played all three linebacker spots as well as defensive end.

9. David Harris - Michigan

Big athletic ILB who was a very important part of a really talented Wolverine D who didn't always play up to his ability but has all the tools to be successful.

10. Stephen Nicholas - South Florida

Top notch athlete who was monsterously productive at a lower level of competition. If he were bigger would be a perfect fit as an outside rush end in a 3-4 scheme, he had 14.5 sacks over the last two years, but he's only 6'1'' 235lbs.