NFL Draft Preview
Linebackers
Mark Maske Breaks Down the Draft Position-by-Position, Leading up to Next Weekend's Draft
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Who's Blogging  |
TOP FIVE PLAYERS
| Player | Ht. | Wt. | School | The Skinny |
| Keith Rivers | 6-3 | 237 | USC | A good tackler but not regarded as an explosive pass rusher. |
| Jerod Mayo | 6-1 | 242 | Tennessee | Many teams seem to like him more and more as the draft nears. |
| Dan Connor | 6-3 | 237 | Penn State | Some wonder if he could go to the Giants with the last pick of the first round. |
| Xavier Adibi | 6-1 1/2 | 236 | Virginia Tech | Had eight career interceptions and perhaps could end up as a safety. |
| Curtis Lofton | 6-0 | 238 | Oklahoma | Moved from outside to middle linebacker at the end of his college career. |
THE 'TWEENERS
This year's linebacker class is rather ordinary, but the inclusion of some defensive ends, who could be used differently in the NFL, makes it a stellar group. Those ends include: Chris Long, Virginia; Vernon Gholston, Ohio State; Derrick Harvey, Florida; Quentin Groves, Auburn; and Cliff Avril, Purdue.
| REDSKINS' INTEREST
| RAVENS' INTEREST
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| The Redskins have concerns at linebacker. Middle linebacker London Fletcher was solid, but strong-side linebacker Marcus Washington was slowed by a hamstring injury, and weak-side linebacker Rocky McIntosh is recovering from reconstructive knee surgery. H.B. Blades impressed but must prove he can be an every-down player. Khary Campbell has consistently contributed on special teams. The Redskins are expected to draft an outside linebacker and Jerod Mayo met with them last week. | The Ravens are thinking quarterback after the retirement of Steve McNair. After QB, their needs are at wide receiver, offensive and defensive lines and running back. Linebacker is not a spot at which Baltimore has gaping holes. |
