Bryan's Draft Preview: LB's

Top Five Inside Linebackers

1.) Channing Crowder, Florida: He was a true freshman, and really has been productive in his career. Solid tackler that is really aggressive.

2.) Barrett Ruud, Nebraska: Not the kind of athlete that you would love to have, but has great instincts, and knows how to play. Someday, he'll be a coach

3.) Odell Thurmon, Georgia: Can move side to side, another aggressive player that has good speed and size. Tough, and he was improving in each game he played.

4.) Kirk Morrison, San Diego St.: Nice closing speed, always around the ball. Another guy like Ruud who was a team leader.

5.) Lance Mitchell, Oklahoma: sideline to sideline guy with good closing speed. Very good tackler. Has had some health issues though, was coming off ACL surgery.

Top Five Outside Linebackers

1.) Derrick Johnson, Texas: The best defensive player in this draft. I would be very surprised if he wasn't the first defensive player taken. Very athletic and very fast.

2.) Kevin Burnett, Tennessee: good speed, can get after the quarterback and can chases. Very explosive tackler.

3.) Darryl Blackstock, Virginia: Good pass rusher, can be very useful in a 3-4 scheme which was what Virginia played.

4.) Ernest Shazor, Michigan: He is a lot like Thomas Davis in the sense that he can play either this or safety his college position. Explosive tackler that will punish. He was Michigan's hitter.

5.) Rian Wallace, Temple: Can play either inside or outside linebacker. He's fiery, tough guy with great instincts.

Top Five teams that need help Inside

1.) Patriots: I worry about putting them number one, especially with Patriotsy2k around, but does anybody know what Bruschi's situation is? If he can't come back you have Ted Johnson who is pretty old.

2.) Raiders: They lost Napoleon Harris in the Moss deal

3.) Seahawks: They could not upgrade last year, but could benefit from doing it this year

4.) Steelers: Lost Kendrell Bell, so they could use some depth

5.) Colts: Rob Morris was lost to free agency, but was never really that good to begin with

Top Five teams that need help outside

1.) Saints: They need an upgrade at this position

2.) Seahawks: Anthony Simmons released, and what is Chad Brown's health?

3.) Raiders: They are going to run a 3-4, but do not have the pass rusher that would be needed in the scheme

4.) Panthers: They don't really have a great starter at this position, and they got beat on short passes last year, gonna need somebody that can take the running back out of the backfield.

5.) Dolphins: Junior Seau is not getting any younger

Other teams in need of some linebacker help: Eagles, Falcons, Browns, Bears, Redskins