Bossman641
07-17-2007, 04:44 PM
With training camps approaching, Scouts Inc. ranks the NFL teams 1-32 at nine positions. Today's position: Linebacker
1. San Diego Chargers
Shawne Merriman might just be the most disruptive defensive player in the game today. He is massive, extremely powerful and competitive. At times, he is a man among boys on the field and still probably has not reached his prime. On the opposite side, Shaun Phillips certainly benefits from Merriman's presence -- as does every player of San Diego's defense -- but Phillips is a fine player in his own right. He is a quick-twitch pass rusher who has gotten better in all areas year after year. There will be some change at inside linebacker. Stephen Cooper and Matt Wilhelm probably will be the starters. Neither is an exceptional talent, but they both should be solid starters between Merriman and Phillips. Donnie Edwards will be missed, though, especially from a coverage standpoint.
2. Chicago Bears
Brian Urlacher is the prototype middle linebacker for Lovie Smith's Cover 2 defense. He has exceptional range against the run and deep down the middle of the field in coverage. He can play man coverage against exceptional running backs and tight ends, while still being a premier run-stuffer. Next to him, Lance Briggs is certainly in Urlacher's class as an overall linebacker -- if he gets past his contract situation and gets on the field. He is a run-and-hit linebacker who makes a ton of plays. Rookie Michael Okwo would get an opportunity to replace Briggs if he chooses not to play. The other starter is Hunter Hillenmeyer, who is an unspectacular player compared to Urlacher and Briggs, but does an adequate job. Without Briggs, this group would fall significantly in our rankings.
3. Baltimore Ravens
The threesome of Ray Lewis, Bart Scott and Adalius Thomas was sick in 2006. Thomas was too expensive to re-sign and he now resides in New England, but this will once again be a very strong unit. Thomas probably will be replaced by a combination of Jarret Johnson and Dan Cody. Johnson is a former defensive lineman and has some versatility, but he will clearly be a drop-off in coverage from Thomas. Cody is an upfield player with upside as a pass rusher, but he clearly lacks Thomas' flexibility. Still, Lewis is still a star, and Scott is a big-time playmaker who should continue to improve as he gets more starts under his belt. Depth here could be an issue.
4. New England Patriots
Although this group is aging, it is still quite formidable, especially with the addition of Adalius Thomas. He can do a lot of things very well and allow this coaching staff to attack offenses in a variety of ways. Thomas should fit in perfectly. His presence should also allow Rosevelt Colvin get more mismatches as a pass-rusher against tight ends and running backs, which he should exploit with consistency. On the inside, Mike Vrabel is probably better suited to play on the edge, but he is the consummate professional and still very valuable. Tedy Bruschi is not what he once was, but is still a team leader, tough and has a great feel for the position. Overall, this group is not very young, but it is littered with proven players.
5. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have assembled quite a group of pass-rushers. DeMarcus Ware is a star and only will get better in time. Expect him to post 12 or more sacks this season and establish himself as one of the best pass-rushers in the league. His other skills are improving as well. He has a chance to be exceptional. Opposite Ware, the Cowboys selected Anthony Spencer in the first round. Spencer might struggle early as he adapts to Dallas' 3-4 scheme, but he is a natural pass-rusher who tormented the Big Ten a year ago. Greg Ellis is ahead of Spencer on the depth chart and is a fine pass-rusher in his own right. The Cowboys' defense fell apart after his Achilles injury last season and he must prove that he is fully healed. Expect all three of these players to be on the field at times. The inside backers are solid, but unspectacular. Wade Phillips runs his version of the 3-4 differently than Bill Parcells, so expect this group to be more aggressive and attacking this year.
6. Cleveland Browns
The Browns have their share of problems, but their linebackers have to be considered a team strength. On the outside, Willie McGinest's best days are behind him and he should give way quickly to free-agent signee Antwan Peek. Peek is well suited for the 3-4 outside linebacker role with a good first step and upfield pass-rush ability. The Browns found a keeper on the other side in Kamerion Wimbley. Wimbley is explosive and should be a game-changer as he further develops his techniques. Matt Stewart isn't the playmaker needed for the outside, but he is a fine depth player. Inside, Andra Davis is a team leader and stalwart run-stuffer. He isn't huge, but he is tough and competitive. Second-year ILB D'Qwell Jackson is very athletic and is a student of the game. Leon Williams also looks like a keeper and the Browns now have a fine stable of young linebackers.
7. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins have a nice blend of new and old in Channing Crowder and Zach Thomas. Crowder is an up-and-comer, and Thomas continues to play at a high level. There are few players in recent memory who maximize their natural gifts as well as Thomas, and Crowder has an exceptional role model to follow as he gains experience. Miami overpaid to acquire Joey Porter's services, but he is a good fit on the opposite side of Jason Taylor. Porter is not the force that he once was, but should be successful as a secondary pass-rusher with Taylor garnering so much attention. Taylor is a difficult player to classify, but for this project we are considering him a defensive end.
8. Carolina Panthers
The addition of Jon Beason gives the Panthers' linebackers a lot more flexibility. Of course, Dan Morgan has been extremely injury prone, but when healthy, he is a playmaking force in the middle with great speed and very good instincts. If he can't play, which is certainly always a possibility, Beason will move from the outside to the middle. This is asking a lot from a rookie, but Beason has the skills to excel in either role. Thomas Davis was a safety in college, but has transitioned into a formidable outside linebacker who has great athleticism and aggression. Carolina potentially could start Beason, Morgan and Davis, which would rival any group of linebackers in the league in term of sheer athletic ability. Still, there is a lot of uncertainly here.
9. Seattle Seahawks
Julian Peterson is a special player who can do an awful lot of good things. He blitzes off the edge very well and closes on his prey with a violent burst. He is a very fluid and explosive athlete who is a very good coverage player. At the other outside spot, Seattle has LeRoy Hill, who had a very impressive rookie season but didn't take it to the next level last year as a sophomore. Lofa Tatupu mans the middle, and much like Hill, blew up two years ago as a rookie but didn't build on that season like many had hoped.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars
With Mike Peterson's return, this is a very solid group. Peterson is a very good run-stuffing middle linebacker who excels behind Jacksonville's outstanding defensive tackle duo. On the outside, Daryl Smith is not yet a household name, but he had a fine 2006 season and does many different things well. The other starter probably will be Nick Greisen, who is unspectacular but dependable. He should feel a lot of heat from second-round pick Justin Durant. Durant comes from a very small school, so his learning curve could be steep, but it shouldn't take him long to supplant Greisen. Clint Ingram should also get playing time and the depth on the outside is very strong.
11. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers have a very rich history at linebacker, but the overall production of the group wasn't great last year -- especially from an edge pass-rushing standpoint in their 3-4 scheme. To remedy the situation, Pittsburgh drafted two outside linebackers, Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley, in the first two rounds. These two should ignite the entire unit and both players will be used in a variety of ways. Clark Haggans is very solid on the outside, but isn't a game-changer. On the inside, James Farrior is the consummate professional and is still playing very well, while Larry Foote is productive, but isn't real dynamic.
12. Oakland Raiders
The Raiders have very good young players in Kirk Morrison, who mans the middle, and Thomas Howard on the weak side. Morrison is very instinctive and is always around the ball. He is quick to diagnose and is a natural playmaker. Howard is an exceptional athlete with a long, athletic body type. He is extremely fast, fluid and will make plays all over the field. He has all kinds of upside and turned a lot of heads in his rookie season. The strong side is the weakness of this group and the depth across the board is suspect, but the Raiders have two young players in Morrison and Howard.
13. Green Bay Packers
A.J. Hawk is an up-and-comer on the weak side. He has all the tools and competitiveness to become one of the best players in the league at his position. Expect a big leap in production in his second season. On the inside, Green Bay has another impressive starter in Nick Barnett. Barnett is active and athletic. These two are the building blocks of the Packers' defense. Brady Poppinga is the starter on the strong side. He is big and physical with the ability to battle tight ends near the line of scrimmage, but he isn't very athletic and can be a liability in space. Abdul Hodge has a chance to develop into a good player, but depth here is very average overall.
14. San Francisco 49ers
The Niners have drafted a linebacker for their 3-4 front in the first round each of the last two years. This year, Mike Nolan selected Patrick Willis to be his version of what he had with Ray Lewis in Baltimore. Comparing any inside linebacker to Lewis in his prime is unjust, but Willis has a ton of ability and a great head and feel for the position. Manny Lawson is an ideal physical specimen for the outside if he can continue to add a little more bulk and power. He is an exceptional athlete with a long frame and natural pass rush ability. Tully Banta-Cain was signed to man the opposite side. He should be solid, but isn't a difference maker. Assuming Willis beats out Derek Smith, he will play next to Brandon Moore, an underrated player in his own right.
15. Tennessee Titans
Keith Bulluck is one of the best outside linebackers in the game today, but he doesn't consistently get the credit he deserves. He is a do-it-all type who makes a lot of plays in coverage and against the run. Tennessee has high hopes for Stephen Tulloch, who will start in the middle. He is a tough guy and should improve the run defense. David Thornton will start on the other side of Bullock. He isn't a great player, but is solid and athletic enough to run with tight ends and running backs in coverage. Depth across the board is an issue and there isn't anyone else on the depth chart who looks to be a competent starter.
16. Denver Broncos
The Broncos will move D.J. Williams into the middle to replace Al Wilson. Williams could excel in his new role. He is a terrific athlete with all kinds of upside for the position. With the wealth of talent that Denver has brought in up front, he should be better protected than Wilson was last year. On the weak side, Ian Gold remains an active player who is a solid contributor versus the run and pass. Denver is a little light opposite Gold though, with D.D. Lewis and Warrick Holdman poised to compete for the job. Neither linebacker is very exciting.
17. N.Y. Jets
Drafting David Harris was an excellent move for the Jets. He is the physical, take-on player needed to run the 3-4 scheme. Harris is mature for a rookie and his presence on the inside should make Jonathan Vilma a much better player, allowing him to freelance a little more. Vilma is extremely competitive and athletic, but still isn't a great fit in the 3-4. Victor Hobson can play either inside or out, but isn't a difference-maker at either spot. Bryan Thomas is a difference-maker coming off the edge, though, and really came into his own last season. Big things are expected of him and he should deliver. David Bowens, Eric Barton and Brad Kassell also will compete for playing time while providing solid depth.
18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers' linebacking corps has a lot of speed and ability, but the trio of Derrick Brooks, Barrett Ruud and Cato June are all probably best suited to play on the weak side. Obviously, two of these starters will have to play out of position to some degree. Ruud will man the middle, but he lacks starting experience. Tampa Bay knows exactly what it has in Brooks, who is the consummate professional and prototypical weakside backer in the Tampa 2 scheme. Brooks has lost a step or two, but remains a formidable player. June will be out of position on the strong side.
19. Washington Redskins
If the Redskins' ordinary group of defensive tackles can protect newly signed London Fletcher, then he has the ability to be very productive at his new home. He is undersized and doesn't excel taking on big blockers play after play, but he diagnoses very quickly and doesn't take many false steps on his way to the ball carrier. On the strong side, Marcus Washington brings a nice blend of size, pass-rush ability and strength at the point of attack. There were many rumors flying around that Washington was in the market for Lance Briggs for their weakside linebacker spot, but second-year player Rocky McIntosh has all the talent needed to excel at this spot. Lemar Marshall can play several linebacker positions and the depth he provides is crucial, especially if McIntosh were to struggle.
20. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles have two proven starters in Jeremiah Trotter and newly acquired Takeo Spikes. Although both have been very productive throughout their impressive careers, neither player is what he once was. This is especially true with Trotter, who simply doesn't cover the necessary ground to be considered an upper-echelon starting middle linebacker. There should be an interesting competition on the strong side, where second-year player Chris Gocong will battle it out with rookie Stewart Bradley. Gocong was a defensive end in college and has struggled with his transformation, but both players have good upside and developmental qualities. Philadelphia has exceptional linebacker depth, and Omar Gaither could get into the starting mix, while Matt McCoy also is a talented young outside backer.
21. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs signed Donnie Edwards and Napoleon Harris to strengthen an average group of linebackers. Both players should start, with Harris manning the middle, even though he may be better suited outside. Edwards is exceptional in coverage and is a smart, productive veteran who could rub off favorably on youngster Derrick Johnson. Johnson isn't much of a physical take-on player, but he is extremely fast and excellent in pursuit. He covers a ton of ground and has a lot of playmaking ability. The Chiefs' starters should be pretty solid. Kendrell Bell is still in the mix, but seems to be a guy without a home. He has deteriorated from a physical standpoint and is not the specimen that he once was.
22. Cincinnati Bengals
Ahmad Brooks has all the physical tools needed to be an excellent starting middle linebacker. He will be given every opportunity to succeed this year and should improve dramatically in his second season. There will be several players competing for the outside linebacker spots. David Pollack (neck) and Odell Thurman (suspension) remain wild cards at this point and shouldn't be counted on for 2007 and maybe beyond, but if the Bengals can get either player on the field, their defense will be much improved. Edgerton Hartwell was signed this summer and can play inside or out. Right now he is penciled in on the weak side to keep Brooks in the middle. He has been very disappointing since leaving Baltimore, but could bring a run-stuffing presence to the Bengals' front. Rashad Jeanty, Caleb Miller and Landon Johnson will all see valuable minutes.
23. Atlanta Falcons
Demorrio Williams still is recovering from a torn pectoral muscle, so rookie Stephen Nicholas could find himself as the opening day starter on the weak side. Nicholas is athletic, but an adjustment period should be expected. Keith Brooking is a very good player who brings a lot to the table, but he will move from the outside to the middle, where he is less suited to excel. He should still make a ton of plays, but this is not his best spot on the field. Michael Boley isn't real physical, but he is extremely athletic with a long athletic build that he uses to his advantage.
24. N.Y. Giants
Early in the offseason, the Giants abruptly parted ways with veterans LaVar Arrington and Carlos Emmons. The only free agent they brought in to replace them was Kawika Mitchell, who will make a position switch to the outside. The reason he will switch positions is because New York has Antonio Pierce in the middle. Pierce is always around the football and is very solid in just about every area. On the strong side, the Giants are moving former defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka to linebacker. This move could go either way and he is sure to struggle some in coverage, but Kiwanuka surely will add a pass-rushing presence from his new spot. Reggie Torbor and Gerris Wilkinson are the top backups, but they are clearly not starting material.
25. Houston Texans
The Texans have a star in DeMeco Ryans. He has exceptional instincts for such a young player, and although quite a few of his tackles came well off the line of scrimmage, it is tough to argue with his production. Morlon Greenwood was a good free-agent acquisition a year ago and fits in well on the weak side. Shantee Orr will start on the strong side. He is a below-average starter, but Houston has a couple of players in Danny Clark and Shawn Barber with starting experience who will provide some depth.
26. Arizona Cardinals
Bertrand Berry is a fine pass-rushing defensive end, but he has been riddled with injuries. With Arizona switching to a 3-4 front, Berry will move from end to outside linebacker. Although he still will be predominantly a pass-rusher off the edge, his recovery surely will slow the transition. Opposite Berry probably will be a combination of Darryl Blackstock and Calvin Pace. Neither is overly awe-inspiring, but both players do have upside, especially in the new scheme. Karlos Dansby and Gerald Hayes will be the starters inside. In the 3-4, a heavy inside linebacker is needed to take on big blocks. That job will fall to Hayes, who is a solid all-around player, but this doesn't best suit his strengths. Dansby is a run-and-hit player with a long athletic build. His transition to the inside could be rocky. Rookie Buster Davis could surprise.
27. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings will get Chad Greenway back this season, after he spent his entire rookie season on injured reserve. He was a run-and-hit linebacker with exceptional instincts in college. He should start on the weak side and has a good chance to excel with the powerful Vikings' defensive tackles eating space in the middle of the field. Although he isn't much of a pass-rusher, Ben Leber is a stout player against the run on the strong side. In the middle, E.J. Henderson is the starter. He runs well and is usually around the football, but he isn't real stout or physical at the point of attack. The depth is ordinary at best.
28. Buffalo Bills
London Fletcher and Takeo Spikes are gone, but the Bills did get a steal in the second round when they landedPaul Posluszny. There will obviously be a lot of change in the Buffalo linebacking corps. Posluszny should be the starter from day one in the middle and he is the type of rookie who should acclimate himself to the NFL very quickly. However, he surely will have some growing pains as well, particularly taking on offensive line blocks in the run game. Flanking Posluszny will be Keith Ellison and Angelo Crowell, both of whom have been very pleasant surprises in their limited looks in live regular-season action. It appears that this unit took a step backwards from a year ago, but it also could surprise. The depth here is a true weakness, however.
29. St. Louis Rams
This isn't an overly dynamic group any way you slice it. Starting MLB Will Witherspoon is the best of the bunch. He had a fine season last year and is very active and instinctive. Brandon Chillar is a tough guy who can battle with linemen and tight ends on the strong side, but he isn't real fluid or explosive. Pisa Tinoisamoa can play out of control and reckless, but he is fast and can be all over the field. Tinoisamoa has durability concerns, though, and just isn't big or strong enough to constantly play his style of play. Chris Draft is a versatile backup who should contribute. Jon Alston also has a chance to become a playmaker on the weak side, but he also lacks bulk.
30. New Orleans Saints
The Saints added Brian Simmons, who was released by Cincinnati, to bolster their solid, but very ordinary group of linebackers. Simmons still has some gas in his tank, but a lot should not be expected of him. Scott Shanle and Scott Fujita will flank Simmons on opening day. Both players caught Sean Payton's eye while they were together in Dallas. Neither is a game-changer, but they are fundamentally sound and don't make many mistakes. Mark Simoneau should be a very respectable backup, but it was a little shocking that New Orleans didn't address its linebacking corps with a little more aggression on draft day.
31. Indianapolis Colts
Cato June left the Super Bowl champions for Tampa Bay. Although June is overrated, this group lacks star power and was the main reason the Colts struggled against the run last season. The Colts do have high hopes for second-year player Freddy Keaiho, who will replace June on the ever-important weak side in this Tampa 2 scheme. There is little depth to speak of and starting MLB Gary Brackett and SLB Rob Morris both have some glaring flaws in their games.
32. Detroit Lions
The Lions made a lot of shrewd offseason moves, but with so many glaring needs, something had to be neglected this year -- linebacker. There is some talent here, but the production has been lacking. Detroit has Paris Lenon and Teddy Lehman battling it out for the starting middle linebacker spot, and Boss Bailey and Alex Lewis outside. Bailey is very fast, but has put it all together since joining the league. Needless to say, this group of backers cannot get Lions fans real excited.
1. San Diego Chargers
Shawne Merriman might just be the most disruptive defensive player in the game today. He is massive, extremely powerful and competitive. At times, he is a man among boys on the field and still probably has not reached his prime. On the opposite side, Shaun Phillips certainly benefits from Merriman's presence -- as does every player of San Diego's defense -- but Phillips is a fine player in his own right. He is a quick-twitch pass rusher who has gotten better in all areas year after year. There will be some change at inside linebacker. Stephen Cooper and Matt Wilhelm probably will be the starters. Neither is an exceptional talent, but they both should be solid starters between Merriman and Phillips. Donnie Edwards will be missed, though, especially from a coverage standpoint.
2. Chicago Bears
Brian Urlacher is the prototype middle linebacker for Lovie Smith's Cover 2 defense. He has exceptional range against the run and deep down the middle of the field in coverage. He can play man coverage against exceptional running backs and tight ends, while still being a premier run-stuffer. Next to him, Lance Briggs is certainly in Urlacher's class as an overall linebacker -- if he gets past his contract situation and gets on the field. He is a run-and-hit linebacker who makes a ton of plays. Rookie Michael Okwo would get an opportunity to replace Briggs if he chooses not to play. The other starter is Hunter Hillenmeyer, who is an unspectacular player compared to Urlacher and Briggs, but does an adequate job. Without Briggs, this group would fall significantly in our rankings.
3. Baltimore Ravens
The threesome of Ray Lewis, Bart Scott and Adalius Thomas was sick in 2006. Thomas was too expensive to re-sign and he now resides in New England, but this will once again be a very strong unit. Thomas probably will be replaced by a combination of Jarret Johnson and Dan Cody. Johnson is a former defensive lineman and has some versatility, but he will clearly be a drop-off in coverage from Thomas. Cody is an upfield player with upside as a pass rusher, but he clearly lacks Thomas' flexibility. Still, Lewis is still a star, and Scott is a big-time playmaker who should continue to improve as he gets more starts under his belt. Depth here could be an issue.
4. New England Patriots
Although this group is aging, it is still quite formidable, especially with the addition of Adalius Thomas. He can do a lot of things very well and allow this coaching staff to attack offenses in a variety of ways. Thomas should fit in perfectly. His presence should also allow Rosevelt Colvin get more mismatches as a pass-rusher against tight ends and running backs, which he should exploit with consistency. On the inside, Mike Vrabel is probably better suited to play on the edge, but he is the consummate professional and still very valuable. Tedy Bruschi is not what he once was, but is still a team leader, tough and has a great feel for the position. Overall, this group is not very young, but it is littered with proven players.
5. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have assembled quite a group of pass-rushers. DeMarcus Ware is a star and only will get better in time. Expect him to post 12 or more sacks this season and establish himself as one of the best pass-rushers in the league. His other skills are improving as well. He has a chance to be exceptional. Opposite Ware, the Cowboys selected Anthony Spencer in the first round. Spencer might struggle early as he adapts to Dallas' 3-4 scheme, but he is a natural pass-rusher who tormented the Big Ten a year ago. Greg Ellis is ahead of Spencer on the depth chart and is a fine pass-rusher in his own right. The Cowboys' defense fell apart after his Achilles injury last season and he must prove that he is fully healed. Expect all three of these players to be on the field at times. The inside backers are solid, but unspectacular. Wade Phillips runs his version of the 3-4 differently than Bill Parcells, so expect this group to be more aggressive and attacking this year.
6. Cleveland Browns
The Browns have their share of problems, but their linebackers have to be considered a team strength. On the outside, Willie McGinest's best days are behind him and he should give way quickly to free-agent signee Antwan Peek. Peek is well suited for the 3-4 outside linebacker role with a good first step and upfield pass-rush ability. The Browns found a keeper on the other side in Kamerion Wimbley. Wimbley is explosive and should be a game-changer as he further develops his techniques. Matt Stewart isn't the playmaker needed for the outside, but he is a fine depth player. Inside, Andra Davis is a team leader and stalwart run-stuffer. He isn't huge, but he is tough and competitive. Second-year ILB D'Qwell Jackson is very athletic and is a student of the game. Leon Williams also looks like a keeper and the Browns now have a fine stable of young linebackers.
7. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins have a nice blend of new and old in Channing Crowder and Zach Thomas. Crowder is an up-and-comer, and Thomas continues to play at a high level. There are few players in recent memory who maximize their natural gifts as well as Thomas, and Crowder has an exceptional role model to follow as he gains experience. Miami overpaid to acquire Joey Porter's services, but he is a good fit on the opposite side of Jason Taylor. Porter is not the force that he once was, but should be successful as a secondary pass-rusher with Taylor garnering so much attention. Taylor is a difficult player to classify, but for this project we are considering him a defensive end.
8. Carolina Panthers
The addition of Jon Beason gives the Panthers' linebackers a lot more flexibility. Of course, Dan Morgan has been extremely injury prone, but when healthy, he is a playmaking force in the middle with great speed and very good instincts. If he can't play, which is certainly always a possibility, Beason will move from the outside to the middle. This is asking a lot from a rookie, but Beason has the skills to excel in either role. Thomas Davis was a safety in college, but has transitioned into a formidable outside linebacker who has great athleticism and aggression. Carolina potentially could start Beason, Morgan and Davis, which would rival any group of linebackers in the league in term of sheer athletic ability. Still, there is a lot of uncertainly here.
9. Seattle Seahawks
Julian Peterson is a special player who can do an awful lot of good things. He blitzes off the edge very well and closes on his prey with a violent burst. He is a very fluid and explosive athlete who is a very good coverage player. At the other outside spot, Seattle has LeRoy Hill, who had a very impressive rookie season but didn't take it to the next level last year as a sophomore. Lofa Tatupu mans the middle, and much like Hill, blew up two years ago as a rookie but didn't build on that season like many had hoped.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars
With Mike Peterson's return, this is a very solid group. Peterson is a very good run-stuffing middle linebacker who excels behind Jacksonville's outstanding defensive tackle duo. On the outside, Daryl Smith is not yet a household name, but he had a fine 2006 season and does many different things well. The other starter probably will be Nick Greisen, who is unspectacular but dependable. He should feel a lot of heat from second-round pick Justin Durant. Durant comes from a very small school, so his learning curve could be steep, but it shouldn't take him long to supplant Greisen. Clint Ingram should also get playing time and the depth on the outside is very strong.
11. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers have a very rich history at linebacker, but the overall production of the group wasn't great last year -- especially from an edge pass-rushing standpoint in their 3-4 scheme. To remedy the situation, Pittsburgh drafted two outside linebackers, Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley, in the first two rounds. These two should ignite the entire unit and both players will be used in a variety of ways. Clark Haggans is very solid on the outside, but isn't a game-changer. On the inside, James Farrior is the consummate professional and is still playing very well, while Larry Foote is productive, but isn't real dynamic.
12. Oakland Raiders
The Raiders have very good young players in Kirk Morrison, who mans the middle, and Thomas Howard on the weak side. Morrison is very instinctive and is always around the ball. He is quick to diagnose and is a natural playmaker. Howard is an exceptional athlete with a long, athletic body type. He is extremely fast, fluid and will make plays all over the field. He has all kinds of upside and turned a lot of heads in his rookie season. The strong side is the weakness of this group and the depth across the board is suspect, but the Raiders have two young players in Morrison and Howard.
13. Green Bay Packers
A.J. Hawk is an up-and-comer on the weak side. He has all the tools and competitiveness to become one of the best players in the league at his position. Expect a big leap in production in his second season. On the inside, Green Bay has another impressive starter in Nick Barnett. Barnett is active and athletic. These two are the building blocks of the Packers' defense. Brady Poppinga is the starter on the strong side. He is big and physical with the ability to battle tight ends near the line of scrimmage, but he isn't very athletic and can be a liability in space. Abdul Hodge has a chance to develop into a good player, but depth here is very average overall.
14. San Francisco 49ers
The Niners have drafted a linebacker for their 3-4 front in the first round each of the last two years. This year, Mike Nolan selected Patrick Willis to be his version of what he had with Ray Lewis in Baltimore. Comparing any inside linebacker to Lewis in his prime is unjust, but Willis has a ton of ability and a great head and feel for the position. Manny Lawson is an ideal physical specimen for the outside if he can continue to add a little more bulk and power. He is an exceptional athlete with a long frame and natural pass rush ability. Tully Banta-Cain was signed to man the opposite side. He should be solid, but isn't a difference maker. Assuming Willis beats out Derek Smith, he will play next to Brandon Moore, an underrated player in his own right.
15. Tennessee Titans
Keith Bulluck is one of the best outside linebackers in the game today, but he doesn't consistently get the credit he deserves. He is a do-it-all type who makes a lot of plays in coverage and against the run. Tennessee has high hopes for Stephen Tulloch, who will start in the middle. He is a tough guy and should improve the run defense. David Thornton will start on the other side of Bullock. He isn't a great player, but is solid and athletic enough to run with tight ends and running backs in coverage. Depth across the board is an issue and there isn't anyone else on the depth chart who looks to be a competent starter.
16. Denver Broncos
The Broncos will move D.J. Williams into the middle to replace Al Wilson. Williams could excel in his new role. He is a terrific athlete with all kinds of upside for the position. With the wealth of talent that Denver has brought in up front, he should be better protected than Wilson was last year. On the weak side, Ian Gold remains an active player who is a solid contributor versus the run and pass. Denver is a little light opposite Gold though, with D.D. Lewis and Warrick Holdman poised to compete for the job. Neither linebacker is very exciting.
17. N.Y. Jets
Drafting David Harris was an excellent move for the Jets. He is the physical, take-on player needed to run the 3-4 scheme. Harris is mature for a rookie and his presence on the inside should make Jonathan Vilma a much better player, allowing him to freelance a little more. Vilma is extremely competitive and athletic, but still isn't a great fit in the 3-4. Victor Hobson can play either inside or out, but isn't a difference-maker at either spot. Bryan Thomas is a difference-maker coming off the edge, though, and really came into his own last season. Big things are expected of him and he should deliver. David Bowens, Eric Barton and Brad Kassell also will compete for playing time while providing solid depth.
18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers' linebacking corps has a lot of speed and ability, but the trio of Derrick Brooks, Barrett Ruud and Cato June are all probably best suited to play on the weak side. Obviously, two of these starters will have to play out of position to some degree. Ruud will man the middle, but he lacks starting experience. Tampa Bay knows exactly what it has in Brooks, who is the consummate professional and prototypical weakside backer in the Tampa 2 scheme. Brooks has lost a step or two, but remains a formidable player. June will be out of position on the strong side.
19. Washington Redskins
If the Redskins' ordinary group of defensive tackles can protect newly signed London Fletcher, then he has the ability to be very productive at his new home. He is undersized and doesn't excel taking on big blockers play after play, but he diagnoses very quickly and doesn't take many false steps on his way to the ball carrier. On the strong side, Marcus Washington brings a nice blend of size, pass-rush ability and strength at the point of attack. There were many rumors flying around that Washington was in the market for Lance Briggs for their weakside linebacker spot, but second-year player Rocky McIntosh has all the talent needed to excel at this spot. Lemar Marshall can play several linebacker positions and the depth he provides is crucial, especially if McIntosh were to struggle.
20. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles have two proven starters in Jeremiah Trotter and newly acquired Takeo Spikes. Although both have been very productive throughout their impressive careers, neither player is what he once was. This is especially true with Trotter, who simply doesn't cover the necessary ground to be considered an upper-echelon starting middle linebacker. There should be an interesting competition on the strong side, where second-year player Chris Gocong will battle it out with rookie Stewart Bradley. Gocong was a defensive end in college and has struggled with his transformation, but both players have good upside and developmental qualities. Philadelphia has exceptional linebacker depth, and Omar Gaither could get into the starting mix, while Matt McCoy also is a talented young outside backer.
21. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs signed Donnie Edwards and Napoleon Harris to strengthen an average group of linebackers. Both players should start, with Harris manning the middle, even though he may be better suited outside. Edwards is exceptional in coverage and is a smart, productive veteran who could rub off favorably on youngster Derrick Johnson. Johnson isn't much of a physical take-on player, but he is extremely fast and excellent in pursuit. He covers a ton of ground and has a lot of playmaking ability. The Chiefs' starters should be pretty solid. Kendrell Bell is still in the mix, but seems to be a guy without a home. He has deteriorated from a physical standpoint and is not the specimen that he once was.
22. Cincinnati Bengals
Ahmad Brooks has all the physical tools needed to be an excellent starting middle linebacker. He will be given every opportunity to succeed this year and should improve dramatically in his second season. There will be several players competing for the outside linebacker spots. David Pollack (neck) and Odell Thurman (suspension) remain wild cards at this point and shouldn't be counted on for 2007 and maybe beyond, but if the Bengals can get either player on the field, their defense will be much improved. Edgerton Hartwell was signed this summer and can play inside or out. Right now he is penciled in on the weak side to keep Brooks in the middle. He has been very disappointing since leaving Baltimore, but could bring a run-stuffing presence to the Bengals' front. Rashad Jeanty, Caleb Miller and Landon Johnson will all see valuable minutes.
23. Atlanta Falcons
Demorrio Williams still is recovering from a torn pectoral muscle, so rookie Stephen Nicholas could find himself as the opening day starter on the weak side. Nicholas is athletic, but an adjustment period should be expected. Keith Brooking is a very good player who brings a lot to the table, but he will move from the outside to the middle, where he is less suited to excel. He should still make a ton of plays, but this is not his best spot on the field. Michael Boley isn't real physical, but he is extremely athletic with a long athletic build that he uses to his advantage.
24. N.Y. Giants
Early in the offseason, the Giants abruptly parted ways with veterans LaVar Arrington and Carlos Emmons. The only free agent they brought in to replace them was Kawika Mitchell, who will make a position switch to the outside. The reason he will switch positions is because New York has Antonio Pierce in the middle. Pierce is always around the football and is very solid in just about every area. On the strong side, the Giants are moving former defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka to linebacker. This move could go either way and he is sure to struggle some in coverage, but Kiwanuka surely will add a pass-rushing presence from his new spot. Reggie Torbor and Gerris Wilkinson are the top backups, but they are clearly not starting material.
25. Houston Texans
The Texans have a star in DeMeco Ryans. He has exceptional instincts for such a young player, and although quite a few of his tackles came well off the line of scrimmage, it is tough to argue with his production. Morlon Greenwood was a good free-agent acquisition a year ago and fits in well on the weak side. Shantee Orr will start on the strong side. He is a below-average starter, but Houston has a couple of players in Danny Clark and Shawn Barber with starting experience who will provide some depth.
26. Arizona Cardinals
Bertrand Berry is a fine pass-rushing defensive end, but he has been riddled with injuries. With Arizona switching to a 3-4 front, Berry will move from end to outside linebacker. Although he still will be predominantly a pass-rusher off the edge, his recovery surely will slow the transition. Opposite Berry probably will be a combination of Darryl Blackstock and Calvin Pace. Neither is overly awe-inspiring, but both players do have upside, especially in the new scheme. Karlos Dansby and Gerald Hayes will be the starters inside. In the 3-4, a heavy inside linebacker is needed to take on big blocks. That job will fall to Hayes, who is a solid all-around player, but this doesn't best suit his strengths. Dansby is a run-and-hit player with a long athletic build. His transition to the inside could be rocky. Rookie Buster Davis could surprise.
27. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings will get Chad Greenway back this season, after he spent his entire rookie season on injured reserve. He was a run-and-hit linebacker with exceptional instincts in college. He should start on the weak side and has a good chance to excel with the powerful Vikings' defensive tackles eating space in the middle of the field. Although he isn't much of a pass-rusher, Ben Leber is a stout player against the run on the strong side. In the middle, E.J. Henderson is the starter. He runs well and is usually around the football, but he isn't real stout or physical at the point of attack. The depth is ordinary at best.
28. Buffalo Bills
London Fletcher and Takeo Spikes are gone, but the Bills did get a steal in the second round when they landedPaul Posluszny. There will obviously be a lot of change in the Buffalo linebacking corps. Posluszny should be the starter from day one in the middle and he is the type of rookie who should acclimate himself to the NFL very quickly. However, he surely will have some growing pains as well, particularly taking on offensive line blocks in the run game. Flanking Posluszny will be Keith Ellison and Angelo Crowell, both of whom have been very pleasant surprises in their limited looks in live regular-season action. It appears that this unit took a step backwards from a year ago, but it also could surprise. The depth here is a true weakness, however.
29. St. Louis Rams
This isn't an overly dynamic group any way you slice it. Starting MLB Will Witherspoon is the best of the bunch. He had a fine season last year and is very active and instinctive. Brandon Chillar is a tough guy who can battle with linemen and tight ends on the strong side, but he isn't real fluid or explosive. Pisa Tinoisamoa can play out of control and reckless, but he is fast and can be all over the field. Tinoisamoa has durability concerns, though, and just isn't big or strong enough to constantly play his style of play. Chris Draft is a versatile backup who should contribute. Jon Alston also has a chance to become a playmaker on the weak side, but he also lacks bulk.
30. New Orleans Saints
The Saints added Brian Simmons, who was released by Cincinnati, to bolster their solid, but very ordinary group of linebackers. Simmons still has some gas in his tank, but a lot should not be expected of him. Scott Shanle and Scott Fujita will flank Simmons on opening day. Both players caught Sean Payton's eye while they were together in Dallas. Neither is a game-changer, but they are fundamentally sound and don't make many mistakes. Mark Simoneau should be a very respectable backup, but it was a little shocking that New Orleans didn't address its linebacking corps with a little more aggression on draft day.
31. Indianapolis Colts
Cato June left the Super Bowl champions for Tampa Bay. Although June is overrated, this group lacks star power and was the main reason the Colts struggled against the run last season. The Colts do have high hopes for second-year player Freddy Keaiho, who will replace June on the ever-important weak side in this Tampa 2 scheme. There is little depth to speak of and starting MLB Gary Brackett and SLB Rob Morris both have some glaring flaws in their games.
32. Detroit Lions
The Lions made a lot of shrewd offseason moves, but with so many glaring needs, something had to be neglected this year -- linebacker. There is some talent here, but the production has been lacking. Detroit has Paris Lenon and Teddy Lehman battling it out for the starting middle linebacker spot, and Boss Bailey and Alex Lewis outside. Bailey is very fast, but has put it all together since joining the league. Needless to say, this group of backers cannot get Lions fans real excited.