Top 10 LB Prospects In NFL Draft

SI Staff | Apr 23, 2009

Top 10 LB Prospects In NFL Draft

Aaron Curry

Al Tielemans/SI

He is not only the best linebacker in the draft but also the event's top player and safest pick.

Rey Maualuga

Damian Strohmeyer/SI

Maualuga suffered assorted leg injuries the past eight months but is a dominant defender when running on all cylinders.

Brian Cushing

John W. McDonough/SI

He's a disruptive linebacker who can also put his hand on the ground and line up in a three-point stance.

Clay Matthews

Peter Read Miller/SI

A backup his first three seasons in the program, Matthews grew into one of the Trojans' most reliable defenders last season.

James Laurinaitis

John Biever/SI

He's a heady, productive linebacker who is destined for a long NFL career.

Larry English

AP

The athletic English is projected to move from his college position of defensive end to linebacker in the NFL.

Connor Barwin

AP

A reserve tight end until last season, Barwin was one of the nation's most disruptive players after moving to defense as a senior.

Clint Sintim

Todd Kirkland/Icon SMI

Sintim is a forceful linebacker who has drawn the interest of the league's top 3-4 defenses.

Darry Beckwith

Damian Strohmeyer/SI

Beckwith is a reliable middle defender with potential at a number of linebacker spots.

Jasper Brinkley

Jim Owens/Icon SMI

He has shown little ill-effect from the knee injury that shelved him in 2007.