IMO there are two excellent OLB prospects in the draft (Mack & Barr), some very good prospects, and then some lesser ones. With more and more collegiate teams playing a 3-4 alignment, it helps NFL teams that use the alignment. They have to do less projecting at OLB and can draft players with experience. In this draft there are quite a few who have played as OLBs and also a sizable group that project to OLB in the NFL. I've even seen Clowney projected as 3-4 OLB. Add him to the OLB prospects, and this may be the best, and deepest draft for 3-4 OLBs in a long time, if not ever. Van Noy, Hubbard, Attaochu, Reilly, Bradford, Marcus Smith, Chris Smith, Kareem Martin, with the added weight possibly Shazier, and in the lower rounds even some guys like Breslin, Kennard, Shembo, Powell, and Fortt. It's not as deep as the WR class, but decent. It's not as good as I thought initially, but I think the Jets definitely need to draft one if they get the chance. As much as we need offensive firepower, I would be ecstatic if either Mack or Barr fell to the Jets at #18, but I'm not holding my breath on that.
http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/khalil-mack?id=2543463 Khalil Mack OLB Buffalo Grade 6.7 ? 4.65 SEC Top Performer 23 REPS 40.0 INCH Top Performer 128.0 INCH Top Performer 7.08 SEC 4.18 SEC Top Performer Blue Star = Top Performer 6'3" Height 33 1/4" Arm Length 251LBS. Weight 10 1/4" Hands More Combine Video Overview Three-time first-team All-MAC selection (2011-13). 2013: Second-team All-American pick after starting in all 13 games. Had nine tackles, 2.5 sacks and interception return for touchdown against Ohio State. 2012: Played and started 11 games, and led team in tackles (94), tackles for loss (21), sacks (8) and forced fumbles (4). 2011: Started in all 12 games and led team in sacks (5.5), tackles for loss (21) and forced fumbles (5). 2010: Started in all 12 games and led team in sacks (4.5), tackles for loss (14.5), and pass breakups (10). 2009: Redshirted. Misc.: Learned how to play guitar as a freshman (self-taught through Internet). Was only recruited out of high school heavily by Buffalo and Liberty. Analysis Strengths Disruptive first-step quickness -- immediately re-creates the line of scrimmage and plays in the backfield (record tackle-for-loss production). Outstanding instincts -- locates the ball quickly and is around the ball a lot. Very good body control, bend and balance -- plays on his feet and is seldom on the ground. Developed pass-rush moves (rip, dip and inside counter). Very explosive. Excellent pursuit -- tracks down ball carriers from behind. Sacrifices his body and sells out around piles. Strikes with authority -- hits on the rise, violently jars ball carriers backward on impact and has a knack for dislodging the ball. Highly motivated. Played big vs. better competition (see Ohio State). Can zone drop and buzz to the flat with ease. Highly competitive and energetic. Regularly was the focus of defensive game plans and still produced despite facing multiple blockers and extra protection consistently rolled his way. Weaknesses Produced nondescript performance with a MAC title game berth on the line vs. Bowling Green and regularly faced inferior MAC competion. Plays a bit too recklessly and out of control. Can learn to run the arc with better lean. Bottom Line A havoc-wreaking rush linebacker with the burst and acceleration to excel as a right defensive end in a "40" front, Mack has demonstrated the instincts, toughness, athletic ability and explosive power to line up at any linebacker position in an even or odd front and factor readily. Is a four-year starter who made an immediate impact upon his arrival and is well primed for the NFL game. Looks every bit the part, comes from a humble, grounded family and offers the full package to become an impact performer in the pros. -Nolan Nawrocki
http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/anthony-barr?id=2543459 Anthony Barr OLB UCLA Grade 6.6 ? 4.66 SEC 15 REPS 34.5 INCH 119.0 INCH 6.82 SEC Top Performer 4.19 SEC Blue Star = Top Performer 6'5" Height 33 1/2" Arm Length 255LBS. Weight 9 3/8" Hands More Combine Video Overview Switched from OLB in 2012, after spending first two seasons at running back. 2013: First Team All-American. Led team in TFL and sacks. 2012: Encouraged to switch positions by new head coach Jim Mora. Second Team All-American. First Team All-Pac 12. Led team in sacks and TFL. Second on team in tackles. Started all 14 games at OLB. 2011: Played in 12 games with seven starts. Also played special teams. 2010: Played in all 12 games with four starts. Winner of John Boncheff, Jr. Memorial Award for Offensive Rookie of the Year. High School: Missed virtually all of his senior season with a broken ankle. SuperPrep All-American. Selected to U.S. Army All-American game but was unable to play. 1,890 rush yards, 20 TD as junior. Misc: Dad, Tony Brooks played fullback at Notre Dame and was a fourth-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1992 NFL Draft. Three uncles also played in the NFL. Analysis Strengths Exceptional take-off speed, acceleration and closing burst. Makes plays effortlessly in back-side lateral pursuit. Outstanding recovery quickness to make plays (when he is out of position). Explosive striker. Can produce "wow" plays when he triggers quickly or releases cleanly and has developed a reputation for knocking quarterbacks out of games (see USC, 2012 and New Mexico State, 2013). Weaknesses Developing instincts -- late to locate the ball and too easily fooled by play-action and misdirection. Motor runs hot and cold -- does not always apply himself. Can be locked down too easily when engaged -- unrefined hand use. Lacks variety of pass-rush moves and relies too much on natural speed. Average eyes, anticipation and awareness in coverage -- marginal feel. Average base strength -- moved off the ball too easily by tight ends (plays tall). Bottom Line A highly disruptive, athletic specimen with the pass-rush potential to effortlessly emerge as a double-digit sack producer. Is far from a finished product and his best football is still ahead of him, yet he plays the game with more of an offensive temperament and could require some patience. Is the type of rare athlete that could even contribute as an offensive playmaker once he learns to grasp defensive concepts and the game slows down for him. A top-10 talent. -Nolan Nawrocki
http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/kyle-van noy?id=2543699 Kyle Van Noy OLB BYU Grade 5.55 ? 4.71 SEC 21 REPS 32.5 INCH 112.0 INCH 7.22 SEC 4.20 SEC 6'3" Height 31 5/8" Arm Length 243LBS. Weight 9 5/8" Hands Overview 2013: FBS All-Independent Defensive Player of the Year selection. Had eight tackles, one sack and one tackle for loss in win over Texas. 2012: Third-team AP All-American after recording 13 sacks, 22 tackles for loss and forcing six fumbles. Had eight tackles, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble, an interception return for a touchdown, a fumble recovery for a touchdown and blocked kick against San Diego State in the Poinsettia Bowl. 2011: Played in all 13 games with eight starts. Was only FBS player to record a stat in each of the following categories: tackles, tackles for loss, sacks, inteceptions, pass breakup, QB hurries, fumble recoveries, forced fumbles, blocked kicks and touchdowns. 2010: Played in all 13 games and made two starts. 2009: Redshirted. High school: Helped lead footballteam to state title as a senior. Also ran track (400-, 800- and 1,600-meter relays). Analysis Strengths Has a muscular, well-proportioned build. Quick get-off. Knifes gaps. Good pass-rush ability -- can push the pocket or pressure the edge. Keeps working to the quarterback and has deceptive closing speed. Eyes the quarterback and tries to get his hands in the passing lane. Athletic with good movement skills in all directions -- equipped to keep pace with backs and tight ends in coverage. Is rangy and can open up his stride and run vertical. Glides on the field. Scheme versatile. Football smart. Weaknesses Lacks elite length and flexibility to bend and flatten. Average instincts and diagnose. Still developing eye discipline. Needs to cultivate a more sophisticated arsenal of pass-rush moves. Leaves some production on the field. Leaves his feet to tackle and slips off the ball carrier. Hit-or-miss run defender. Could stand to improve his upper-body strength and stack-and-shed ability. Average motor -- could pursue with more urgency. Bottom Line Good-sized, athletic, smooth-moving stand-up player who projects best as a 3-4 right outside linebacker, but could also warrant consideration from 4-3 teams as a Will or Sam. Is not without flaws, but has unique ability to play up the field, laterally or in reverse. -Nolan Nawrocki
http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/ryan-shazier?id=2543486 Ryan Shazier OLB Ohio St. Grade 6.15 ? 25 REPS 42.0 INCH Top Performer 130.0 INCH Top Performer 6.91 SEC Top Performer 4.21 SEC Blue Star = Top Performer 6'1" Height 32 3/8" Arm Length 237LBS. Weight 10" Hands More Combine Video Overview Two-time first-team All-Big Ten pick (2012-13). 2013: First-team All-American selection and Butkus Award finalist. Started all 14 games. 2012: Started in all 12 games. Was a two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week pick. 2011: Played in 13 games and started the last three. Analysis Strengths Highly productive, disruptive playmaker vs. the run and pass. Shoots gaps and plays behind the line of scrimmage (compiled 39.5 TFL the last two seasons). Agile to slip blocks. Quick, strong hands to shed. Knifes gaps and flows very well laterally. Striking tackler -- uncoils on contact. Excellent speed and range -- opens up his stride in space and really covers ground. Bends naturally. Changes direction and accelerates with ease. Explosive first step as a pass rusher -- shows the ability to dip, bend and run the arc low to the ground. Ample athleticism and flexibility to mark backs and tight ends. Four-down utility. Arrow is pointing up. Weaknesses Lacks ideal size and bulk. Still developing eyes and instincts -- will diagnose and trigger more quickly down the road. Gets caught in traffic or engulfed by larger blockers when he hesitates to step downhill. Prone to overaggressiveness -- occasionally overruns plays or loses cutback contain. Could stand to improve his eyes, awareness, anticipation and reactions as a zone defender. Took some time to acclimate before making an impact. Bottom Line The Big Ten's leading tackler, Shazier flies around the field and his unique athletic ability stands out. Offers a tremendous combination of speed, tackling and coverage skills to become a playmaker as a run-and-hit 4-3 Will or perhaps a 3-4 weakside 'backer if protected by a block-occupying nose tackle. Value is increased by the fact that he will not have to come off the field. -Nolan Nawrocki He has put on some weight I believe, but at 237 pounds and only 6'1" will the Jets think he is big enough?
http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/adrian-hubbard?id=2543686 Adrian Hubbard OLB Alabama Grade 5.45 ? 4.69 SEC 38.5 INCH Top Performer 117.0 INCH Blue Star = Top Performer 6'6" Height 34 1/2" Arm Length 257LBS. Weight 9 1/4" Hands Overview 2013: Played in all 13 games and made 12 starts. 2012: Played in all 14 games and made 13 starts. 2011: Played in nine games as a reserve. 2010: Redshirted. High school: Was an Under Armour All-American in Georgia. Analysis Strengths Exceptional length and overall size for a rush linebacker. Good hand strength to leverage the edge. Flashes pass-rush ability -- nice bend and balance. Flattens down the line and is athletic enough to string out plays to the sideline. Is strong enough to set the edge, shed and defend the run. Good take-on strength and anchor -- benchpresses tight ends. Nimble-footed enough to carry tight ends down the field (see LSU). Already graduated. Weaknesses Lacks elite edge speed, burst and explosion. Does not make plays and too often disappears for stretches. Instincts are still developing -- can be lured by play-action and misdirection. Average career sack production (10 sacks). Has a quirky personality, inflated opinion of his ability and carries a sense of entitlement that could be difficult to manage and require a patient positional coach. Bottom Line A long-bodied, athletic rush linebacker with the base strength desired in a 4-3 left defensive end, Hubbard's greatest physical trait is his core functional strength and ability to leverage the edge and defend the run. Is still developing as a pass rusher and offers the scheme versatility and upside to interest any defense. Has starter traits, but has yet to reach the impact level he thinks he makes. Has upside if the light bulb comes on. -Nolan Nawrocki
http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/trevor-reilly?id=2543676 Trevor Reilly OLB Utah Grade 5.35 ? 26 REPS 6'5" Height 32 1/4" Arm Length 245LBS. Weight 9 1/2" Hands Overview 2013: First-team All-Pac-12 pick after starting in all 12 games. 2012: Honorable mention All-Pac-12 pick after starting in all 12 games, including eight at linebacker and four at defensive end. 2011: Played in 13 games and started eight. 2010: Played in 11 games, but did not make a start. 2009: Redshirted. Misc.: As a 16-year-old, he set a Guinness world record by eating a raw onion in one minute, 35 seconds (beating the old record by 65 seconds). The current record is 43.53 seconds. Has a young daughter with kidney cancer. Analysis Strengths Very solidly built frame. Good functional playing strength to beat blocks and defend the run. Locates the ball quickly and is around it a lot. Crashes the line hard and plays with energy. Flashes shock in his punch. Fine arm-under move to come underneath blockers and work the edges. Can control and disrupt tight ends. Takes good angles. Solid tackler. Ultra-tough, mentally and physically (played through ACL injury as a junior). Extremely competitive. Very good football intelligence -- can line up a defense. Versatile -- has played every LB position and can interchange with ease. Respected tone-setter. Outstanding work ethic. Identifies with the game. Weaknesses Average athletic ability and lateral agility. Can be stymied by power. Stiff-hipped and robotic moving in reverse. Has limitations in man coverage and can be mismatched by athletic tight ends. Wore a brace on his right knee and plant strength did not appear at full strength. Had arthroscopic surgery on the knee following the season and will require closer medical evaluation. Overaged -- will be a 26-year-old rookie. Bottom Line A country-strong, throwback, wrangler cowboy with the toughness desired to set the edge and the motor, intensity and competitiveness to produce effort sacks. Can factor as a 3-4 rush linebacker in an odd front or match up with tight ends as a strong-side linebacker in an even front. Could contribute readily as a situational rusher and, with continued strength gains, emerge as a DE prospect. Versatility is a plus. -Nolan Nawrocki
http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/jeremiah-attaochu?id=2543717 Jeremiah Attaochu OLB Georgia Tech Grade 5.52 ? 6'3" Height 33" Arm Length 252LBS. Weight 9 7/8" Hands Overview 2013: Third-team AP All-American and second-team All-ACC selection. Started all 13 games at defensive end, and posted 10.5 sacks in last six games including four against Georgia. Moved from a 3-4 linebacker to 4-3 defensive end before season. 2012: Honorable mention All-ACC pick. Started 13 games, but missed Middle Tennessee State game due to injury. 2011: Honorable mention All-ACC selection. Played in 11 games with 10 starts. Missed the Maryland and Virginia games due to a lower leg injury. 2010: Played in 12 games and started the Independence Bowl against Air Force. Misc.: Born in Ibadan, Nigeria. Started playing football as a freshman in high school because, "I got tired of just watching it." Analysis Strengths Good burst off the snap. Heats up the edge and runs the arc. Quick inside move. Disruptive ability. Motor runs hot -- keeps coming after the quarterback and chases hard from the back side. Moves well laterally and can zone drop. Has experience in even and odd fronts, having played defensive end and stand-up linebacker. Power-leverage potential. Mature and intelligent. Cares about the game and prepares like a pro. Arrow pointing up (will be a 21-year-old rookie). Weaknesses Lacks elite length, athleticism and top-end speed. Needs to get stronger. Gets knocked around at the point of attack. Controlled by larger blockers when they get their hands on him. Still developing pop and violence in his hands. Still learning to incorporate power into his rush (more effortful than powerful). Needs to cultivate his pass-rush arsenal. Bottom Line Georgia Tech’s all-time sack leader, Attaochu is a Nigerian-born, young, heady, disruptive, relentless edge rusher who profiles as 3-4 right outside linebacker. Should interview well, and has the look of a trustworthy, long-term starter given his pass-rush ability, motor and makeup. -Nolan Nawrocki
http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/carl -bradford?id=2543552 Carl Bradford OLB Arizona State Grade 5.31 ? 4.76 SEC 23 REPS 37.5 INCH 122.0 INCH Top Performer 7.25 SEC 4.30 SEC Blue Star = Top Performer 6'1" Height 30 1/4" Arm Length 250LBS. Weight 9 1/2" Hands Overview 2013: Started in all 14 games. Was second-team All-Pac-12 pick. Was on watch list for Bednarik Award. Led team with 8.5 sacks. 2012: Started in all 13 games. Was an honorable mention All-Pac-12 pick. 2011: Played in 13 games and started in one. Played linebacker, defensive end and special teams. 2010: Redshirted. Misc.: Benched in second half of win over Oregon State after sideline altercation with teammates. Analysis Strengths Plays with urgency and beelines to the ball. Explosive -- can power-clean 400 pounds and hits on the rise with power. Is effective stunting and looping. Flashes playmaking ability (see UCLA). Explosive tackler. Can play on his feet off the ball and times up the blitz well. Good hands. Athletic enough to fold back into coverage. Solid instincts and diagnose -- sniffs out screens and has a feel for locating the ball quickly. Weaknesses Has a short, compact frame with average arm length and gets hung on blocks. Gets locked down by big-bodied blockers when they get their hands on him. Spins in place and lacks variety of pass-rush moves. Cannot convert speed to power. Needs to improve his hand use. Bottom Line An undersized college defensive end, Bradford projects to outside linebacker in a 3-4 front in the pros, where his physical dimensions and rush ability are best suited. Would profile best in an aggressive, one-gapping odd front such as the Colts, Jets, Ravens or Steelers. -Nolan Nawrocki
I agree we probably have no shot at Mack. I have almost zero interest in Hubbard. In general, I think most Alabama players are overrated, and I haven't seen any (that I can remember) lighting up the NFL recently. I've seen Alabama play several times over the last couple of years and never remember his standing out. Looking at his profile above, if the following is true, I see little reason to draft him: Does not make plays and too often disappears for stretches. can be lured by play-action and misdirection (I think that may be one of the hardest things to break players from doing) Has a quirky personality, inflated opinion of his ability and carries a sense of entitlement that could be difficult to manage and require a patient positional coach. In addition, according to WalterFootball, Alabama didn't try to convince him to come back for his Sr. season. IMO that's a bit telling, if true. IMO, the Jets don't need a player that may be hard to coach and that has a sense of entitlement or thinks he's better than he is. They need young players who want to be coached and get better, who have high motors and who make plays, particularly at the OLB position. At this point my favorite day 2 OLBs are Attaochu, Marcus Smith and Bradford. Attaochu has positive attributes and athleticism that can't be coached, and his negatives can be fixed with coaching, time in the weight room and experience. The same goes for Bradford. Smith was a leader and dynamic player for Louisville, is athletic and fast.
http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/marcus-smith?id=2543725 Marcus Smith DE Louisville Grade 5.39 ? 4.68 SEC 23 REPS 35.0 INCH 121.0 INCH 7.48 SEC 6'3" Height 34" Arm Length 251LBS. Weight 10" Hands Overview 2013: AAC Defensive Player of the Year and first-team All-AAC. Recorded 14.5 sacks, second most in FBS. Had two sacks in Russell Athletic Bowl win over Miami (Fla.). 2012: Finished second on the team with four sacks and led team with seven tackles for loss. 2011: Played in 10 games, starting in five. 2010: Played in nine games at linebacker and on special teams. High school: Three-star prospect at quarterback by Rivals.com. Analysis Strengths Nice bend, balance and body control. Good pass-rush ability and potential. Quick first step. Coordinated hands and feet. Athletic and agile -- can stunt and loop. Flashes a spin move. Shows burst to close and get home. Moves well laterally. Gives effort in pursuit and ranges all over the field. Operated from 2- and 3-point stance. Solid character. Is coachable and has improved steadily. Weaknesses Lacks ideal length -- plays short-armed and can be locked up by larger blockers. Short initial steps. Still crafting a wider array of counters and pass-rush moves. Still learning to convert speed to power. Work in progress as a run defender. Does not set a hard edge and can do a better job using his hands to disengage quicker. Needs to become a more violent hands fighter. Limited experience playing in reverse. Bottom Line A high school quarterback turned pass rusher who broke out with 14.5 sacks as a senior (1.12 sacks-per-game average led nation), Smith projects as a pass-rushing, 3-4 right outside linebacker in the pros. Should contribute initially on passing downs and has eventual starter potential as his game becomes more well-rounded. -Nolan Nawrocki
http://walterfootball.com/draft2014OLB3-4.php Marcus Smith, DE/OLB, Louisville Height: 6-3. Weight: 252. Projected 40 Time: 4.70. Projected Round (2014): 2-3. 2/8/14: The Cardinals had a tough defense in 2013, and Smith was the leader of the unit. He was the American Conference Defensive Player of the Year as he finished the season with 14.5 sacks for Louisville. Smith also had 42 tackles with 18.5 tackles for a loss, four forced fumbles and three passes broken up. The senior's sack total put him second in the nation behind only Stanford's Trent Murphy. Smith had multi-sack games against Florida International, Rutgers, South Florida, Connecticut and Miami. He then held his own at the Senior Bowl. Smith collected four sacks and 5.5 sacks as a junior and sophomore, respectively. He played defensive end for the Cardinals, but in the NFL, he will have to move to outside linebacker. Smith would fit best as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense.
http://walterfootball.com/draft2014OLB3-4.php Morgan Breslin, DE/OLB, USC Height: 6-2. Weight: 250. Projected 40 Time: 4.71. Projected Round (2014): 3-4. 2/8/14: Breslin missed the 2013 opener against Hawaii with a foot injury. He was banged up this season and missed time at multiple points. When Breslin played, he performed well for the Trojans. In limited time, Breslin picked up 4.5 sacks, eight tackles for a loss and 15 tackles. 8/12/13: The junior college product Breslin had a breakout year for USC in 2012, his first season on campus. He totaled 62 tackles with 19.5 tackles for a loss, 13 sacks, four passes batted and a forced fumble. The biggest issue keeping Breslin is his size. He is a tweener defensive end/outside linebacker. It will be interesting to see how Breslin performs in the Trojans' new defense, but he looks best as a 3-4 outside linebacker.
http://walterfootball.com/draft2014OLB3-4.php Chris Smith, DE, Arkansas Height: 6-1. Weight: 266. Projected 40 Time: 4.83. Projected Round (2014): 3-4. 2/8/14: In 2013, Smith recorded 36 tackles with 11.5 tackles for a loss and 8.5 sacks. He had three sacks against Southern Miss. Smith didn't stand out against South Carolina, Florida or Alabama. However, he played better against Mississippi State and Ole Miss. Smith showed his edge-rush ability at the Senior Bowl, but he should move to outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense in the NFL. 8/12/13: Smith fell under the radar last year because Arkansas had a nightmare season, but he played extremely well. The junior totaled 52 tackles with 13 tackles for a loss, 9.5 sacks, four passes batted and one forced fumble. He put a lot of pressure on the quarterback. In 2011, Smith had 31 tackles with 3.5 sacks. He could be the second-best pass-rusher in the SEC behind only Jadeveon Clowney.
http://walterfootball.com/draft2014OLB3-4.php Demarcus Lawrence*, OLB, Boise State Height: 6-3. Weight: 244. Projected 40 Time: 4.69. Projected Round (2014): 3-4. 2/8/14: Lawrence was fairly quiet in the early going of 2013, but started to heat up late in September. He turned in a big game against Air Force with nine tackles and two tackles for a loss. Lawrence recorded sacks in six straight games - 3.5 sacks came against Nevada. The junior picked up 72 tackles, 20.5 tackles for a loss, 10.5 sacks, one pass batted and three forced fumbles in 2013. Lawrence needs to add more strength. He probably would have a better shot at going higher if he had returned for his senior year and gotten stronger. 8/14/13: Lawrence replaced Shea McClellin in the Boise State defense in 2012 and had a breakout sophomore season. Lawrence spent his freshman year in community college, but was an impact player for the Broncos in 2012. He showed nice pass-rush ability with 9.5 sacks. Lawrence also led the defensive line in tackles (48) and tackles for a loss (13.5). He chipped in four forced fumbles and an interception, too. Lawrence's year of experience could make him even better in 2013 - if he adds some more strength.
http://walterfootball.com/draft2014OLB3-4.php Jeremiah Attaochu, DE/OLB, Georgia Tech Height: 6-3. Weight: 252. Projected 40 Time: 4.71. Projected Round (2014): 2-3. 2/8/14: In 2013, Attaochu collected 45 tackles with 16 tackles for a loss, two passes batted and 12.5 sacks. He beat North Carolina left tackle James Hurst for one of those sacks. Attaochu had big games against Clemson and Georgia. He is a good speed rusher, but he'll most likely have to move to outside linebacker in the NFL. Attaochu played well at the Senior Bowl. 8/12/13: Attaochu is fast and is very athletic. He has some natural pass-rush ability as he enters his senior year with 19 career sacks. Attaochu is moving from outside linebacker to defensive end for 2013. He should gain weight for the NFL and looks like he would fit well as a 3-4 outside linebacker. Attaochu totaled 69 tackles, 10 sacks, 12 tackles for a loss, one pass broken up and one forced fumble last year. He had solid sophomore season with 59 tackles, 11.5 tackles for a loss, six sacks, one interception, two passes broken up and two forced fumbles.
http://walterfootball.com/draft2014OLB3-4.php Kareem Martin, DE, North Carolina Height: 6-5. Weight: 272. Projected 40 Time: 4.73. Projected Round (2014): 2-3. 2/8/14: Martin recorded 82 tackles, 21.5 tackles for a loss, 11.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and three passes broken up in 2013. After a quiet start, he was red hot in the second half of the season. Martin has a nice athletic skill set, but hasn't always played up to his potential. He needs to become more consistent with his pass rush. Martin didn't have a very impressive week at the Senior Bowl. 8/12/13: Martin totaled 40 tackles, 15.5 tackles for a loss, three passes batted, one forced fumble and four sacks last year. Surprisingly, the junior wasn't as effective a pass-rusher as he seemed capable of. Many thought Martin would produce a big season with a year of experience and Quinton Coples being in the NFL. Martin beat out Donte Paige-Moss for a starting job in 2011 despite the fact that Paige-Moss had a productive 2010 season. The sophomore provided a bigger impact early in the season for the Tar Heels than Coples. Martin recorded 40 tackles with four sacks, seven tackles for a loss and six passes batted in 2011. Martin has upside, and he could become a big-time prospect as a senior. Martin has good size with excellent speed. He is a physical player who really battles offensive tackles.
http://walterfootball.com/draft2014OLB3-4.php Carl Bradford*, OLB, Arizona State Height: 6-1. Weight: 243. Projected 40 Time: 4.68. Projected Round (2014): 2-3. 2/8/14: Bradford played really well in 2013. He has a unique skill set with toughness as a run-defender and pass-rushing ability. Bradford was impressive against Notre Dame with a lot of disruption. He was superb against Washington State with forced fumbles and a sack. The junior was suspended against Oregon State. Bradford had 61 tackles with 19 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks, four passes broken up, one interception and three forced fumbles in 2013. He could be a nice weapon in a 3-4 defense who plays on the inside and outside. Bradford would fit best as a Sam (strongside) linebacker in a 4-3, but he could also be trained on the inside. 9/5/13: Bradford broke out last year with 81 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 20.5 tackles for a loss, five passes defended, three forced fumbles and one interception. The sophomore started strong and was on fire to close out the season. He had sacks in the final six games with a total of seven sacks in that stretch. With Will Sutton causing havoc on the inside, Bradford could have another big season as a junior in 2013.
http://walterfootball.com/draft2014OLB3-4.php Kyle Van Noy, OLB, BYU Height: 6-3. Weight: 244. Projected 40 Time: 4.65. Projected Round (2014): 2-3. 2/8/14: Even though it was a moderately disappointing season, Van Noy made a lot of impact plays for BYU in 2013. He recorded 68 tackles with 17.5 tackles for a loss, four sacks, seven passes batted and two interceptions. Teams also game planned for Van Noy to go away from him. He was solid at the Senior Bowl but didn't do enough to help himself get back into first-round consideration. Against Wisconsin, Van Noy had eight tackles with two tackles for a loss and an interception. He recorded six tackles and three sacks versus Georgia Tech. The senior picked off a pass and returned it 17 yards for a touchdown against Utah State. A week earlier against Middle Tennessee on a tackle for a loss, Van Noy knifed through the line to tackle the running back in the end zone for a safety. Van Noy had a big impact against Texas, recording eight tackles with a sack. He also had a ton of other pressures and hits on the quarterback. In Week 1 versus Virginia, Van Noy racked up four tackles with two tackles for a loss. He also caused an interception while tackling the quarterback. 8/14/13: Van Noy is extremely explosive coming off the edge. He is a solid run-defender, but really excels in pass defense. Van Noy is a good athlete who drops into coverage well, yet he is still a phenomenal blitzer. Van Noy has an excellent physical skill set with a lot of upside to develop in the NFL. He was one of the nation's leading sackers in 2012 with 13 quarterback takedowns. The junior also recorded 53 tackles, 22 tackles for a loss, six forced fumbles, two interceptions and five passes batted. Van Noy was the most impressive player on the BYU defense and that includes the 2013 NFL Draft's fifth overall-pick, defensive end Ezekiel Ansah. Van Noy closed out last season with a game for the ages. He scored two touchdowns against San Diego State. On the first, Van Noy dropped into coverage and picked off a pass to set up a 17-yard touchdown return. The other touchdown came on recovering a fumble in the end zone. Van Noy had 68 tackles, 15 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, three forced fumbles, three passes batted and three interceptions in 2011.
