NFL Combine: Linebacker Full Measurements

With most football teams in the 60s, 70s, 80s, and even part of the 90s, the elite defensive position for pass rush was the defensive end. However, over the last 30 or so year, the entire NFL seems to have made the switch from 4-3 defenses to 3-4 defenses. With that switch, the new elite defensive position for pass rush is now the outside linebacker. However, it has also made the inside linebacker important because it has become a position of chase, speed, and stopping the run. So with about 25 teams running the 3-4 this upcoming year, it’s good for them that this class of linebackers is filled with talented pass rushing depth.

Because of the class being filled with so many speed rushers on the outside, there hasn’t been an all-out #1 guy. Most scouts would say Randy Gregory of Nebraska is the top guy, but others could easily make a case for Shane Ray of Missouri, and Florida’s Dante Fowler. Gregory came in a bit lighter than most would like, as most outside linebackers are in the 245 pounds or heavier range. It is something that does raise an eye and could cost him being the 1st linebacker taken and may drop him outside the top five overall picks.

Some other guys that will be likely to go in the 1st rounds are Vic Beasley of Clemson, Kentucky’s Alvin “Bud” Dupree, and two undersized outside linebackers in UCLA’s Eric Kendricks and Washington’s Shaq Thompson. Kendricks can also play inside linebacker, which will help his value. One other linebacker of note that has been all over draft boards from early-2nd round to mid-3rd round is Hauoli Kikaha, who had 19 sacks last year and 32 total sacks in junior and senior years at Washington. Two inside linebackers that could go in round one are Denzel Perryman of Miami and Bernardrick McKinney or Mississippi.

Below is a list of all the heights, weights, arm lengths, and hand lengths of all the Linebackers from the 2015 NFL Combine.