How many first-round linebackers will be there this year?
The lineback position is often widely regarded as the real core and defensive backbone of a defensive group, because they need to do everything, and the anti-pass coverage, anti-run, and raid are all the tasks of the linebacker. Among them, the center lineback is often the brain and captain of the defensive group, directing the team's defensive tactics. Today, we're going to talk about the five best linebackers in this draft.
5. Christian Harris, University of Alabama
Harris's physical condition is extremely excellent, tall but has a completely different athletic ability than his body looks, and his 40-yard performance of 4.44 seconds on the joint test has also opened the eyes of many scouts. At the same time, he can do everything on the field, anti-pass and anti-run are his strengths, and he also has a one-handed surprise attack. This also makes Harris particularly malleable, with strong wingbacks, center-backs and weak sidebacks in the 4-3 formation, or interior guards in the 3-4 formation, which he can easily adapt to.
4. Brian-Asamoah, University of Oklahoma
Compared with other lists, Asamoah ranked seventh and eighth linebackers, Xiaobian felt that he was underestimated. Assamoah, as a grappling machine, is probably the best anti-running expert in this draft. His road cover covers the entire course, often spanning most of the course to complete the tackle. In addition, his flying body grappling is particularly aggressive, and his cunning hands are often able to shoot the ball. And even if he doesn't end up making a name for himself in the lineback position, his athleticism and road coverage give him the ability to transform into a security guard.
3. Quay Walker, University of Georgia
With nearly 6'4 in height and 241 pounds at the same time, it's easy to associate Walker with last season's supernova defensive rookie, Micah Parsons. Although Walker is much weaker than Parsons' athleticism, walker's athleticism is above average compared to most linebackers. Whether it's passing or running, Walker can take his own big strides to approach the attacking players. Similar to Harris, Walker is very versatile and even has better static physical condition. So he is also very malleable and can adapt to almost all types of defensive systems.
2. Nakobe-Dean, University of Georgia
1. Devon-Lloyd, University of Utah
Lloyd is a bit like a fusion of the Georgian Duo, Walker and Dean. He was as large and proficient as Walker, but also possessed Dean's raiding skills and a keen sense of offensive tactics. It also makes Lloyd a very good 4-3 central defender. In addition, Lloyd also has a huge advantage is his sense of position to defend against passes, he can meticulously complete the coverage tasks conveyed by the coach and be in the right place at the right time. That's a great plus for linebackers, and many players with great bodies can't learn it even before they retire.