Inside linebackers: top senior prospects

Sporting News, The, Dec 13, 2004 by Dan Pompei

1 Mike Goolsby, 6-4, 242, Notre Dame. Tough, instinctive linebacker who has produced. Doesn't have great speed or athleticism but has good size and a feel for the game. More solid than spectacular. Also can play outside, as he has in college.

2 Barrett Ruud, 6-1, 240, Nebraska. Has very good athleticism and speed for his size. A chase player who makes tackles all over the field. Isn't much for taking on blockers. Could be better suited to play outside. Has average instincts.

3 Lance Mitchell, 6-3, 244, Oklahoma. Reads the play well and gets to the ballcarrier. Has good coverage skills for his size. Plays with strength. Powerful hitter. Is a little tight athletically. Isn't a burner but is fast enough for inside play.

4 Kirk Morrison, 6-2, 240, San Diego State. Physical player with a nasty attitude. Is tough, instinctive and quick off the snap. Will pop the running back in the hole. Is a solid tackle-to-tackle player. Isn't very athletic and is a little stiff in coverage.

5 James "Boomer" Grigsby, 6-1, 241, Illinois State, Smart player who can flat-out fly. Tough guy who fights off blockers and makes a lot of plays. Has top measurables and could improve his stock in the offseason. Also can play outside.

6 Robert McCune, 6-1, 245, Louisville. Tough player who has a burst to the bail. Strictly a tackle-to-tackle player. Is a solid tackler. Has some speed but lacks change-of-direction ability. Might lack instincts. Has played outside and inside.

7 Martin Patterson, 6-2, 228, TCU. An instinctive linebacker who has been productive. Isn't as big as some prospects, but not many are tougher. Can cover and blitz. Plays sideline to sideline. Also has experience playing on the strong side.

8 Marcus Lawrence, 6-2, 235, South Carolina. Athletic, physical player who is an explosive hitter. Could make more plays. Instincts are a concern.

9 Wendell Hunter, 6-1, 230, California. Has come on late in the season. Is productive and instinctive. Is a solid tackler with strong hands. Shows good short-area quickness.

10 Matt Sinclair, 6-3, 245, Illinois. Uses his speed to make a lot of plays. Isn't very instinctive. Needs to learn to use his hands better. Could be a good special teams player.

More draft analysis: warroom.sportingnews.com.