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Frank Coyle's analysis of the class:
This year, there are a few high quality performers who should earn early grades this spring. Junior Curtis Lofton combines all the physical and mental skills to be an impact performer in the NFL. Senior Dan Connor could be listed inside or outside, but fits best inside where he is the top prospect. Junior Jerod Mayo is a productive defender who performed well in the SEC, which should earn him a top-75 selection.
Inside Linebackers Rankings
1.* Curtis Lofton, 6-0, 245, Oklahoma
Lofton is an explosive player who was a dominant performer in the Big 12 last season. He could have used some more development, but he is a talent. He is best-suited for middle linebacker, though he played outside last season.
2. Dan Connor, 6-2, 235, Penn State
Connor is a rugged prospect who has the versatility, physical talent, intangibles and production to become a fine NFL starter at either the inside or outside positions.
3.* Jerod Mayo, 6-2, 230, Tennessee
This fast underclassman declared after an outstanding 2007 season. He has shown sideline-to-sideline speed and the instincts to finish plays. He had the type of workout in Indianapolis that underclassmen need to be selected in the early rounds.
4. Philip Wheeler, 6-2, 245, Georgia Tech
Wheeler has good mobility. He displayed the versatility and ability to both blitz and cover, in addition to going sideline to sideline. However, his workout at the Combine was only average.
5. Beau Bell, 6-2, 250, UNLV
Bell has shown the ability to make plays from sideline to sideline. He moves well, and his mobility is his biggest asset. He has the athleticism that NFL scouts want in a premier pro linebacker.
6. Jonathan Goff, 6-3, 235, Vanderbilt
Goff is an athletic prospect who has been highly productive in the SEC. He has displayed the talent to be an every-down defender. His overall workout at the NFL Combine was as expected - very good in all areas.
7. Ben Moffitt, 6-1, 230, South Florida
Moffitt has been very productive in the Big East, and helped key USF's early season surge. He has shown the ability to be an every-down defender the past few seasons.
8. Vince Hall, 5-11, 240, Virginia Tech
Hall was part of an outstanding unit at Virginia Tech. He can run, is a sure tackler and can also drop in coverage.
9. Jameel McClain, 6-1, 250, Syracuse
Has performed well playing both as an end and as a linebacker, making him one of the more versatile defenders in this class.
10. Thomas Williams, 6-2, 240, Southern Cal
This athletic senior saw only spot starting duty because he was playing behind the nation's best unit - a group that includes three potential first-round picks.
11. Spencer Larsen, 6-0, 240, Arizona
12. J Leman, 6-2, 235, Illinois
13. Jo-Lonn Dunbar, 6-1, 225, Boston College
14. Steve Allen, 6-1, 230, West Texas A&M
15.* Josh Johnson, 6-2, 250, Marshall
16. Rodrick Johnson, 6-2, 250, Oklahoma State
17. Kaleb Thornhill, 6-1, 240, Michigan State
18. Nelson Coleman, 6-1, 235, Tulsa
19. Colin Disch, 6-1, 225, Albany State (N.Y.)
20. Alan Darlin, 6-0, 255, Oregon State
21. Corey McKeon, 6-0, 225, Nebraska
22. Mike Klinkenborg, 6-1, 240, Iowa
23. Misi Tupe, 5-10, 250, Texas A&M
24. Ahijah Lane, 6-1, 235, Fresno State
25. Mike Sherels, 6-0, 240, Minnesota
Frank Coyle is a nationally known NFL scout who publishes Draft Insiders' Digest and www.draftinsiders.com. In it's 16th season, Draft Insiders' Digest is dedicated to year-round coverage of NFL and NCAA Football. He covers the NFL Draft and free agency extensively with a veteran scouting staff that provides insightful and unique information on players and team potential in the coming seasons. Draft Insiders' Digest is an extensive publication that produces 15 issues throughout the year and a Draft Yearbook with over 450 in-depth scouting reports.
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FRANK COYLE'S NFL DRAFT POSITION RANKINGS:
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