"Puz" is one of the surest things in the draft after the players I call the "franchise 7". What you get in this two time Bednarik Award (there's also a Butkus Award on his mantle) is lots of form tackles, a non-stop motor, top notch football instincts, and a smart player who is almost always under control. What you don't get is an outstanding athlete or the type of LB that "blows plays up" and makes unbelievable individual plays. He did not quite seem to be his 2005 self coming off a torn ACL, so there could be some latent upside there. Puz is versatile, and he played some MLB in 2006. He flows to the play instinctively like an MLB, so a team in need such as Buffalo or Carolina could snag him in the mid first to settle into that role for good.

Beason is an intense tough customer on the field who plays bigger than his slightly undersized frame. Beason's range extends from sideline to sideline and he's an excellent tackler who rarely lets a ballcarrier get away. He leads by example, but also played a "QB of the defense" role at Miami. Beason is shorter than an ideal LB, but that doesn't stop him from taking on offensive lineman with gusto. Like Puz, he has experience and the right mindset to play inside at the next level.

Timmons is public enemy #1 if you're a QB. He hurtles towards QBs like he's trying to decapitate them. He's also excellent dropping into coverage. What Lawrence lacks in experience and natural feel for the game, he makes up with innate athleticism. He's not very stout at the point of attack and needs to tighten up his tackling technique, going for the big hit instead of the sure tackle. Timmons projects very well as a 3-4 OLB, and he's clearly in play for the #15 pick owned my beloved Steelers.

Bradley is a very solid backer in many facets of the game. He disrupts the passing game with his edge rush ability and good coverage skills, He can hold up at the point of attack and make plays in pursuit against the run. Bradley also has the size to fit as a 3-4 OLB or a 4-3 SLB. Bradley's main issues are durability (torn ACL in 05 and knee problems in high school) and the lack of exceptional athleticism and playmaking ability. His solid play could get him into the 2nd round.

Alexander has been very productive at Oklahoma, but slow 40 times have put a dent in his draft stock. He's the type of LB who is valuable to a cover 2 team because he's athletic, and his main drawback (undersized) almost turns into a plus because it increases his mobility. Alexander also brings the lumber despite being a smaller LB. He does get by on his tools more than natural football smarts.

Black's post season might have gotten him into the first day. He was one of the most athletic LBs at the combine by far (41.5" vert, 4.42 40). Black filled the big shoes of Brian Urlacher at the "Lobo" safety/LB hybrid position in Albuquerque, and seems like a perfect fit on any cover/tampa 2 team.

Barnes can give Timmons a run for his money as the best pass rushing LB in this draft. He played DE the last few years but should have no trouble switching back to OLB in a 3-4. Barnes closing speed when he's got missile lock on a QB has to be seen to be believed. He may end up being a third down pass rush specialist, but his speed rush will change the momentum of games whether he's standing up or putting his hand on the ground.

Nicholas rivals Timmons and Barnes for the title of best pass rushing LB in this class. He plays mean and flies around the field when he's in pursuit. Nicholas does have some holes in his game, including pass coverage, getting off blocks, and change of direction/open hips. He will make plays on the offense's side of the line of scrimmage, but like Barnes, he could play a limited role in the pros.

Johnson's raw tools are outstanding. He flashes outstanding speed and hitting ability, and plays angry. Johnson is a classic boom/bust who will either be one of the five best OLBs from this class or amount to nothing. He's a JC transfer who only saw extensive action at Ole Miss when he started the last 7 games of the 2006 season. He had 10+ tackles in six of them.

Everett's quality athleticism allows him to hang in the coverage and really get after it when he rushes the passer. While he doesn't hit with a thump, Everett does perservere and makes his share of hustle plays. He's not particularly physical. He might have a shot to make it in a cover 2, but he's an uninspiring prospect.

Olajubutu sets up the classic production vs. measureables argument. He's a passionate player who has been answering doubts about his height during his entire career. He's a very instinctive football player who makes great reads and changes direction well to compliment those decisive reads. Olajubutu just might have the heart and dedication to overcome his diminutive frame.

Shotwell was the 3rd straight Buck Buchanan award winner from Cal Poly (Jordan Beck, Chris Gocong). He had a nice week at the Shrine Game, taking in extra coaching from Mike Singletary after practice, and had fantastic all around numbers at his pro day.

Shaw has a good motor, plays hard, and doesn't back down from anyone, but I'm not sure if he's a good enough football player to hang at the next level. His measureables had him rocketing up some boards, but I have to agree with Tom Casale's scathing assessment of Shaw.

Harris has the speed, strength, and sideline to sideline range you look for in an NFL LB. He's also versatile enough to play inside or outside. It's hard to know how much teams will weigh the arrest for armed robbery (he was a lookout) that cost him his chance to play for "The U" back in 2002. He's not a very natural football player and doesn't play up to his innate ability.

Sartz is the bargain version of Stewart Bradley, a tall LB who is comfortable dropping into coverage. He's not nearly as physical as Bradley and generally plays too high. He plays hard and is coming into his own as a blitzer, but Sartz looks like special teams/backup material in the NFL.

Worth Mentioning

Tony Taylor, Georgia, 6'1" 236

Juwan Simpson, Alabama, 6'3" 225

Will Herring, Auburn, 6'3" 229

Larry McSwain, UAB, 6'1" 242

Cameron Siskowic, Illinois State, 6'2" 228

Brian Smith, Missouri, 6'4" 235

Adam Heyward, Portland State, 6'0" 235

Clint Session, Pitt, 5'11" 236

Prescott Burgess, Michigan, 6'4" 240