The 2009 NFL Draft: OLB Prospects

by Dane Noble on Mar 4, 2009 12:00 PM CST

Up next in WCG's multi-part breakdown of the upcoming NFL draft are the Outside Linebackers. Keep in mind, ChiFan13 brought you breakdowns of Brian Orakpo, Everette Brown, and Aaron Maybin, who are all DE/OLB hyrid players. If you have missed any of the previous position breakdowns, you can find them on the left side of the home page.

Let's get started...

Aaron Curry, Wake Forest, 6'2", 254 lbs.

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Aaron Curry is considered by many to be the best OLB in this year's draft. He had an excellent combine, significantly raising his stock to the upper eschelon of the first round. His 4.56 40 yard dash time was tops for OLBs, and he completed 25 reps on the 225 pound bench press. Curry might possibly be the "safest" pick in this year's draft... he will immediately start, and immediately make an impact.

Strengths: Very fast, aggressive. Has great instincts. Is constantly around the football. Leader in the lockerroom. Excellent tackler. Sheds blocks very well.

Weaknesses: He may end up playing for the Lions, Rams, or Chiefs. Honestly, I haven't found really anything that is a knock against this athlete.

Draft projection: Early 1st Round

Brian Cushing, USC, 6'3", 243

Cushing is probably the #2 OLB in this year's draft class. He has an uncanny nose for the football, and has great speed and strength. He was a leader on the field at USC, and is another player who will make an immediate impact in the NFL.

Strengths: Very strong. All over the football field. Has a big motor. Aggressive. Great football instincts.

Weaknesses: Durability has been questioned, and can be late in reading plays.

Draft projection: Mid to late 1st round

Clint Sintim, Virginia, 6'3", 256

Clint Sintim is one of the players who saw a big rise in his stock at the combine. He has consistantly impressed scouts, and will do well in the NFL. He led all LBs last year in sacks. Was a 4 year starter at Virginia.

Strengths: Great size, and an excellent athelete. Strong player, and exceeds at pass rushing.

Weaknesses: Plays too tall at times, and has struggled in pass coverage. Footwork needs to improve.

Draft Projection: Early-mid 2nd round

Clay Matthews, USC, 6'3", 240

Nephew of Bruce Matthews, Clay is another of a long line of great linebackers from USC. He works very hard, and is a true playmaker. He has been known to watch a ton of film, and is a great student of the game.

Strengths: Big motor. Very aggressive. Quick on his feet. Strong. Impact player. Great pass rusher. Good on special teams.

Weaknesses: Not a true athlete. Not good in coverage. Poor hands. Sometimes, too aggressive.

Draft projection: 2nd round

Do I have a sleeper pick? You betcha.

Zack Follett, California: Big hitter, and a ton of tackles for losses. Will be a big pick up in the 3rd or 4th round for some team.

Anyone I left out? What happens if Urlacher gets injured and Briggs gets moved to the middle?

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Comments

Curry

I listened to a podcast last night with Kiper and McShay and they both agreed that this is a super weak draft in both the DB area and then also the D-line. They also said that Curry is the best ‘backer but that he won’t be too great because he won’t be able to play in a 3-4 defense and that since that is the trend in the league right now his stock could be hurt easily if a couple 4-3 teams pass on him because a lot of the 3-4 teams won’t want him either. He will still probably be a top 5 pick though.

by Sam Householder on Mar 4, 2009 12:10 PM CST reply actions

Great post GB

Re GG’s post….if someone wants a versatile player, go after Rak or Maybin. If you want strictly a baller LB, you get Curry.

I'M A MAN! I'M 22!

by ChiFan13 on Mar 4, 2009 12:19 PM CST reply actions

Thats kind of what I thought too

I think draft experts (Yes even Kiper and McShay) overreact and try to make more stories out of stuff around now because nothing is happening.

Kiper even said he thinks Davis is a 5th-6th round prospect now. Maybe but he must have had an AWFUL combine for that to happen….

…if he is in the 5th-6th round we need to take a flier on him. Please…

by Sam Householder on Mar 4, 2009 3:24 PM CST up reply actions

Really...

5th-6th round on Davis, that does seem low. Most mock drafts I have seen have him going late in the 2nd round, maybe early 3rd round.

The only reason he might fall that far is that teams are scared about his learning disability, but he can’t be stupider than Vince Young (Sorry ChiFan13, couldn’t resist) and he went early.

by chase17 on Mar 4, 2009 5:08 PM CST up reply actions

Which OLB Davis are you talking about?

by gillrowdy on Mar 9, 2009 12:26 AM CDT up reply actions

I know the Bears have talked to Nic Harris

SS/OLB from Oklahoma. Had a pretty good combine and would probably be a good coverage LB to challenge Hillenmeyer. I dont think the Bears would pass on him if he is available in round4.

by gillrowdy on Mar 9, 2009 12:30 AM CDT reply actions