2021 NFL Draft Outside Linebacker Rankings includes a prospect ranking, a breakdown of scouting for the position, key questions about the position, and a link to learn more.
Outside Linebacker Rankings:
- Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame
- Zaven Collins, Tulsa
- Azeez Ojulari, Georgia
- Joe Tryon, Washington
- Joseph Ossai, Texas
- Jamin Davis, Kentucky
- Jayson Oweh, Penn State
- Pete Werner, Ohio State
- Malcolm Koonce, Buffalo
- Chris Rumph II, Duke
- Grant Stuard, Houston
- Malcolm Koonce, Buffalo
- Merlin Robertson, Arizona State
- Brenton Cox Jr., Florida
2021 NFL Draft Outside Linebacker Rankings
- First trick is determining the position in the NFL- if possibly a defensive end. Most 4-3 DE’s are fairly long and built, but some 4-3 DE’s in certain systems are “designated pass rushers” or “pass rush specialists”, that might come in on 3rd down or any obvious passing down. That is generally a smaller, speedier defensive end that could be a liability against the run.
- Primary skills to evaluate:
- Ability to drop into coverage (including covering matchup nightmares like speedy tight ends and running backs that move into the slot to receive).
- Run stopping ability.
- Blitzing ability (or general pass rush ability).
- “Sideline to sideline” agility and range.
- Can “break down”, which is a tackling technique of stopping before you tackle someone so you don’t get beat by last second moves.
- Number of sacks / INT’s, TFL’s
- Most of the OLB’s in the scouting reports are either middle linebackers in 4-3’s or OLB’s in 3-4… the skillset is often pretty close. Guys that are destined to play strongside or weakside in a 4-3 are generally a tier below and skew strongly to either better against the run, or better in coverage.