With the first wave of free agency over, NFL teams are turning more attention to setting their boards in anticipation of the 2015 NFL Draft. With that in mind, College Football 24/7 is releasing Lance Zierlein's top-10 lists at each position -- today it is linebackers. To view Zierlein's full scouting report on each prospect in NFL.com's Draft Tracker, click on the player's name.
1. OLB Paul Dawson, TCU
Zierlein's bottom line: Outrageously productive linebacker with a nose for the ball. Dawson averages a tackle every 5.3 snaps and either caused or recovered a total of eight turnovers during the 2014 season. Evaluators understand that Dawson has been a handful while at TCU and that will turn some teams off to him completely. Dawson can play inside in a two-gap scheme but is a natural fit at 4-3 WILL.
2. ILB Benardrick McKinney, Mississippi State
Zierlein's bottom line: Productive, steady performer in the middle with above-average size and length for the position but below-average agility. McKinney plays within the scheme and finds himself near the play frequently. He plays with strength and has an ability to take on offensive linemen and get downhill to finish his tackles. McKinney looks like an above-average NFL inside linebacker who could become part of a really good defense. He lacks star-making talent, though.
3. ILB Eric Kendricks,UCLA
Zierlein's bottom line: Kendricks is an intelligent leader with high football character. Scouts don't see the same explosiveness in Eric as they see in his brother Mychal (Eagles LB), but they do see the same level of production and desire. Eric Kendricks plays with plus instincts against the run and pass. He has the athleticism and demeanor to be an impactful, productive outside linebacker in a 4-3 for years to come.
4. ILB Stephone Anthony, Clemson
Zierlein's bottom line: Anthony has the athleticism to be an NFL linebacker, but he's not an explosive talent. He tries to get downhill and make plays, but more often it feels like he's guessing rather than instinctive. He'll take high-risk chances that will turn some coaches off. Anthony can make it in the league but he might be more of a depth-chart player than a long-time starter.
5. OLB Shaq Thompson, Washington
Zierlein's bottom line: Long, twitchy athlete with outstanding range to become a highly restrictive defender. Able to make plays well outside of his area against both the run and pass. With his big-play potential, Thompson could become a unique chess piece in the hands of the right defensive coordinator, but there are a growing number of teams that are beginning to struggle with whether to project Thompson as a safety or 4-3 outside linebacker.
6. ILB Denzel Perryman, Miami
Zierlein's bottom line: Early-down linebacker who can make plays against the run but will struggle if isolated in coverage. Perryman is a lunch-pail worker who enjoys the physical part of the game. Can be a highly productive NFL player but ceiling looks to be limited.
7. OLB Hau'oli Kikaha, Washington
Zierlein's bottom line: Kikaha is the most accomplished pure pass rusher in this draft class. Relies on a relentless motor off the edge more than athleticism. He has an elite determination to get to the quarterback. While he seems to specialize in just rushing the passer, Kikaha has the power, hands and frame to improve against the run. It might take some work to get fully comfortable as a stand-up 3-4 OLB, but Kikaha is a very safe draft prospect as long as his medicals check out.
8. OLB Kwon Alexander, LSU
Zierlein's bottom line: Productive two-year starter who registered 90 tackles during 2014 season thanks to above-average speed and a desire to stick his nose into as many plays as possible. Alexander's lack of instincts were ill-suited in the box, as he was too easily confused by the misdirection of offenses he faced. He's an outside 'backer with a chance to become a starter in a 4-3 defense. He can come in and play on special teams right away.
9. ILB Ramik Wilson, Georgia
Zierlein's bottom line: Wilson could use more thump in his game. He will occasionally flash explosiveness, but we don't see it enough. Productive over the last two years, with ability to come in and help on special teams. Attack-oriented defense could turn Wilson into a more urgent player, but he might have to prove he can be more than just a backup linebacker.
10. OLB Jordan Hicks, Texas
Zierlein's bottom line: Hicks sticks to the script and "plays through a straw" -- seeing just what is in front of him -- but he has the necessary size, speed and athleticism to stick in the league. Hicks is an improving player who will live in the film room and might end up overdrafted on the upside potential.
*Follow Lance Zierlen on Twitter **@LanceZierlein.*
