Here are the top 10 linebacker prospects (with projected draft round) for the NFL draft, which is set for Thursday through Saturday in Philadelphia:
Reuben Foster, 6-foot and 229 pounds, Alabama (first round): Has had a stormy pre-draft season starting with getting kicked out of the scouting combine and culminating with a flagged drug test. NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock doesn't believe Foster's miscues will hurt his draft status. "There are some red flags there," Mayock said. "I think the combine incident has been wiped clean by almost every team. I think that was way overdone, and the kid should not have been sent home. … As far as the diluted sample at the combine, that's always really disappointing. … He's a top-20 pick all day long in any draft. Could he have been a top-10 pick? He still might be a top-10 pick."
Haason Reddick, 6-1, 237, Temple (first): He was a two-year starter for the Owls and played left and right defensive end. He also played some standing up and has experience dropping into coverage.
Tim Williams, 6-3, 244, Alabama (first-second): He played nearly 30 snaps per game as the Crimson Tide's designated pass rusher. He finished with 31 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, nine sacks and two forced fumbles to earn second-team All-SEC honors.
T.J. Watt, 6-4, 252, Wisconsin (first-second): The younger brother of NFL players J.J. Watt (three-time defensive player of the year) and Derek Watt (Chargers' fullback). Watt, a converted tight end, thrived for one season in Wisconsin's 3-4 defense, when he finished with 63 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 15.5 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles last season. Watt needs to get stronger.
Zach Cunningham, 6-3, 234, Vanderbilt (first-second): He led the SEC in tackles (125) as a junior in 2016, posting 16.5 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles to earn first-team All-American and All-SEC honors.
Jarrad Davis, 6-1, 238, Florida (second): He was a two-year starter for the Gators. Mostly played weakside linebacker and is considered tough and explosive with a high football intelligence. He stared 23 games, but made more than 200 tackles over his career.
Ryan Anderson, 6-2, 253, Alabama (second): Started at strongside linebacker for the Crimson Tide. He had 61 tackles and 9.0 sacks last season.
Raekwon McMillan, 6-2, 240, Ohio State (second-third): He played at Liberty County before signing with Ohio State. He was a two-year starter for the Buckeyes and primarily played middle linebacker in their 4-3 scheme. He finished his career with 275 tackles.
Kendell Beckwith, 6-2, 243, LSU (second-third): He started the first 10 games last season before suffering a season-ending injury. He finished with 91 tackles, six tackles for loss and four passes defended to earn first-team All-SEC honors.
Alex Anzalone, 6-3, 241, Florida (third): He had an injury-marred career and was a one-year starter.
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POSITION BY POSITION SERIES
Sunday, April 16 — QUARTERBACKS
Why is finding a NFL quarterback a crapshoot?
Deshaun Watson has spectacular Pro Day
A look at the top 10 Quarterbacks in the draft
Monday, April 17 — RUNNING BACKS
Top 10 running backs in the 2017 NFL draft
Tuesday, April 18 — WIDE RECEIVERS
Top 10 wide receivers in the 2017 NFL draft
Wednesday, April 19 — TIGHT ENDS
Top 10 tight ends in the 2017 NFL draft
Thursday, April 20 — OFFENSIVE LINE
Top 10 offensive linemen in the 2017 NFL draft
Friday, April 21 — DEFENSIVE LINE
