Let's do a quick round up of the linebackers that are of note for this weekend's Texas Vs. The Nation game. J.T. Thomas out of West Virginia just might be the only candidate from this game that is an option for the Cowboys, but you never really know. Both he and DJ Smith would appear to be too small to play inside and have to take on blockers, he's projected to be exclusively of interest to teams that run the 4-3. Consider this just a primer, so you have a point of reference should their names come up in the future. For a look at the top defensive linemen prospects, go here.
NATIONAL TEAM LINEBACKER ROSTER: Click on each name for their NFLDraftScout.com profile.
LB Smith, DJ - Appalachian State
ILB Harvey, Mario - Marshall
OLB DE Addison, Mario – Troy
OLB Moten, Adrian - Maryland
OLB Thomas, JT – West Virginia
OLB Hunter, Jeremiha – Iowa
OLB/DE Gee, Mike – Indiana PA/Virginia Tech
TEXAS TEAM LINEBACKER ROSTER:
OLB Williams, Jabara - Stephen F. Austin
OLB Davie, Quentin – Northwestern
OLB/ DE Lattimore, Jamari- Middle Tennessee State
OLB Paysinger, Spencer - Oregon
ILB Duncan, Brian – Texas Tech
ILB Baptiste, Tressor - Texas A&M Kingsville/Hofstra
Draft profiles below...
J.T. Thomas, OLB, West Virginia
6'2" 225 lbs. Ranked 21st 4-3 OLB br Drafttek.com
Sporting News Wednesday Notes: He showed excellent lateral quickness, agility and explosive closing ability, making three great plays during the team period. He also showed instincts to sniff out plays and the athleticism to get to the play. He was the best defensive player on the field for either team.
D.J. Smith, MLB, Appalachian State
5'11" 237lbs, ranked #394 by draftscout.com
Sporting News Wednesday Notes:
Smith's height (5-10 3/4) is a concern, but he is quick and athletic and he reads plays quickly and correctly. He consistently is the first linebacker moving and shows the burst and speed to chase down plays outside the hash-marks. He also is willing and able to deliver violent hits.
Brian Duncan, MLB, Texas Tech
6'1" 240lbs Rated 17th 4-3 OLB, 321st overall by Drafttek.com
Sporting News Wednesday Notes: He is quick and athletic, and he shows good instincts to read plays quickly and correctly. He gets started towards the ball quickly, moving through traffic nicely. He bends his knees and drives up into ballcarriers.
Sporting News Tuesday notes: Duncan displayed good run reads, instincts and athleticism and willingness to play physical. He is clearly the best linebacker on the Texas team.
Mario Addison, OLB, Troy
6'2" 240 lbs, Unranked, expected to be undrafted free agent
Sporting News Wednesday Notes: Addison did not have a good practice. A straight-line player, Addison struggled to change direction quickly and was not able to adjust and move through traffic well. He looked out of place trying to break down and tackle on the move.
So draftniks, have any good insight beyond what could be gleaned from the reports?