2021 NFL Draft Inside Linebacker Rankings

Micah Parsons 2021 NFL Mock Draft

2021 NFL Draft Inside Linebacker Rankings includes a prospect ranking, a breakdown of scouting for the position, key questions about the position, and a link to learn more.

Inside Linebacker Rankings:

  1. Micah Parsons, Penn State
  2. Jamin Davis, Kentucky
  3. Nick Bolton, Missouri
  4. Chazz Surratt, North Carolina
  5. Jabril Cox, LSU
  6. Baron Browning, Ohio State
  7. Tony Fields II, West Virginia
  8. Dylan Moses, Alabama
  9. Cameron McGrone, Michigan
  10. Mohamed Sanogo, Mississippi

2021 NFL Draft Inside Linebacker Rankings

  • Maybe the toughest scouting reports to make, because a lot of confusion:
    • Inside linebackers in 3-4 aren’t generally premium players in the draft, but there is always a couple that have exceptionally well rounded skillsets that sneak into early rounds.
    • The two inside linebacker positions in a 3-4 often have fairly varied responsibilities, one being the move-forward, run stopping, gap-filling player that needs to be a strong, reliable tackler, and the other being the playmaker that has more freedom to roam.
    • The inside linebackers in the draft that more often get drafted high are really going to be Middle Linebackers in a 4-3.
  • If a linebacker in college is a tackling machine, is big and strong, a violent tackler that wraps up well, and they seem to be much better moving forward than back, they are probably going to be an ILB in a 3-4 at the next level.
  • The star Inside Linebackers are most often playing OLB in college, and need certain skills:
    • Ability to diagnose plays quickly.
    • Able to call defenses, so smarts and experience.
    • Chase down running backs and wide receivers.
    • Move forward to defend the run.
    • Drop into coverage.
    • Blitzing ability.
    • Able to tackle.
    • Relentless.
    • Loves football…this is mentioned for this position more than any other (referring to linebackers in general).
    • Do they “wrap up” tacklers.
    • Often referred to as “off-ball” linebackers, just another term for a guy suited for ILB in 3-4 or middle linebacker
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