A look at the top 10 linebacker prospects in the NFL draft:
1. Dion Jordan, 6 feet 6, 248 pounds, Oregon (Projection: top 10 pick): He went to Eugene as one of the top-rated tight end prospects in the nation but was moved to defense and played a hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker spot for the Ducks. He had 12 1/2 sacks over his last two seasons.
2. Barkevious Mingo, 6-4, 242, LSU (top 10 pick): He played defensive end for the Tigers, but is considered a NFL outside linebacker. He could develop into a top-level pass rusher.
3. Jarvis Jones, 6-2, 245, Georgia (first round): He ran a slow 40-yard dash (a best time of 4.85 seconds) at Georgia's Pro Day. Three scouts recorded his time at 5.1 seconds, 4.92 and 4.97 on his second run, though he was officially listed with a 4.92. With his relentless style of play, Jones led the nation in sacks and generated some excellent scouting film.
4. Arthur Brown, 6-0, 241, Kansas State (first): Brown started his is career at Miami and he played in 23 games for the Hurricanes. After transferring to Kansas State, he blossomed into one of the nation's top defenders. He is the brother of Eagles running back Bryce Brown.
5. Alec Ogletree, 6-2, 242, Georgia (first): He played safety as a freshman. Ogletree accounted for 111 total tackles last season, 11 1/2 for losses with three sacks. He played in pass coverage and had five breakups.
6. Manti Te'o, 6-1, 241, Notre Dame (first): Because of the infamous Internet hoax, Te'o has been one of the most scrutinized players in the pre-draft process. "I do think he's a heck of a football player and I think he's got a bright future in this league," Carolina head coach Ron Rivera said.
7. Kevin Minter, 6-0, 246, LSU (late first, second): After waiting his turn at LSU, Minter had a breakthrough season in 2012. He made first-team All-SEC and was named the team's most valuable player. Played at Peachtree Ridge High in Suwanee.
8. Khaseem Greene, 6-1, 241, Rutgers, (second): ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has the Falcons selecting Greene in the second round. Greene, who started his career as a safety, plays well in coverage. He led the Big East with 141 tackles in 2011 and then had 136 tackles last season.
9. Cornelius Washington, 6-4, 265, Georgia (second/third): He finished in the top three in four categories at the combine. He was first in the 225-pound bench press (36 lifts), second in the 40-yard dash (4.55 seconds), second in vertical jump (39 inches) and third in broad jump (10 feet 8).
10. Sio Moore, 6-1, 245, Connecticut (second/third): A native of Liberia. He was highly productive for the Huskies, including 72 tackles and eight sacks his senior season.
D.Orlando Ledbetter
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