Roquan Smith – 3-4 ILB
6’1” 236 lbs Georgia
Pick 8, Round 1 (8) Bears
Twitter: @RoquanSmith1

Not many expected Roquan Smith to last out there very long before someone snapped at the chance to grab the former Georgia stand-out. Smith is one of the few linebacker prospects that check every box for me. Great leader and consistently looking for ways to make himself better in that respect? Check. Elite speed and sideline-to-sideline capability? Check. Coverage skills that allow him to hang with tight ends and running backs in space? Check. Surefire instincts and quality tackling technique? Check. Quickness to beat backs to the edge as well as the toughness to get into the hole to make plays for a loss? Check. Elusiveness that allows him to shake blocks? Check. My one criticism is that he is a slightly small for what the Bears are going to ask of him playing inside. Being a little smaller means that he can get swallowed up by the bigs and doesn’t have the strength or handfighting skills to shed a blocker. That said, Smith doesn’t really find himself in that situation as often as you think. With the Bears cutting Jerrell Freeman loose after another violation of the PED policy and Christian Jones landing with the Lions, the Bears needed more help for oft-injured ILBs Danny Trevathan and Nick Kwiatkoski. The path to significant playing time has little in the way for Smith and he may already be the best linebacker on his team. Expect three down work for Smith early.

Fantasy impact/value

Redraft: I expect Smith to be a viable fantasy starter in all leagues especially balanced and tackle-heavy leagues. I put him firmly in high-upside LB2 territory for 2018 with the only thing standing between him and LB1 territory is the presence of Danny Trevathan who will vacuum up a fair amount of tackles in his own right if he stays healthy.

Dynasty: I have Smith as a very close LB2 in this draft for dynasty purposes. I think he is the best linebacker in the draft but his position could put a slight a cap of high-end production. That said, he’s a great silver medal to get.

Tremaine Edmunds – 4-3 MLB
6’5” 253 lbs Virginia Tech
Pick 16, Round 1 (16) Bills
Twitter: @maine_savage23

Elite athleticism meets dire roster need. This pick was a match made in fantasy heaven. The son of a former NFL tight end, Edmunds combines the size and strength of a defensive end to the speed and coverage ability of a linebacker. It’s rare to see NFL caliber linebackers that big that can still run with elite speed and cover but Edmunds does it well. Looking at his frame, playing in the 260 lb range wouldn’t be that unreasonable as long as his speed wasn’t affected. The obvious benefits of a player like Edmunds are easy to spot. His speed allows him the ability to chase down the play and his strength allows him to sift through the mess to get to and bring down the ballcarrier. He can make plays that smaller linebackers can’t get away with because his arms are so long and he has the strength to pull it off. His versatility is something that NFL defensive coordinators salivate over. You could place Edmunds anywhere on the field and I bet he could hang. His pass rush chops are battle tested as the former Hokie has 10 sacks to his name from 2016 onward. The downside of Edmunds is like many elite athletes, he relies on being faster and stronger than his opponents to make plays and as such, his instincts and gap discipline are below average. He is getting credit for being a great cover guy but I think he still looks stiff at times when guarding against a real route run on him. However, we have seen in recent years that elite athleticism and opportunity can yield great fantasy results with a guy like Zach Brown even if the NFL-caliber instincts aren’t there. What excites me most about Edmunds is the fact that he is expected to be replacing Preston Brown in the Bills defense. Brown logged 140 total tackles playing MLB for the Bills last year. With Brown gone to Cincinnati and the Bills not possessing much behind him, Edmunds has arguably the best opportunity of the incoming rookies this year.

Fantasy impact/value

Redraft: Edmunds’ versatility hurts him a bit here as there is risk that the Bills play him outside and kick Matt Milano/Ramon Humber inside. That wouldn’t be a deathknell to Edmunds’ value but I like him better inside. Edmunds playing MLB places him squarely into LB1 territory in most league scoring types.

Dynasty: Pairing elite upside and top-tier opportunity gives Edmunds the edge over Smith despite being much farther from a finished product. I’m taking Edmunds as my dynasty LB1 as long as he remains inside, otherwise I’m taking Smith.

Leighton Vander Esch – 4-3 MLB
6’4” 256 lbs Boise State
Pick 19, Round 1 (19) Cowboys
Twitter: @VanderEsch38

With the departure of Anthony Hitchens to Kansas City and some weak roster depth behind him, the Cowboys had a need to fill at linebacker going into the draft. Leighton Vander Esch is a bigger linebacker that can still run and cover. Maybe my favorite attribute of Vander Esch is how smooth he is in everything he does. Economical is a word that sometimes can be associated with lesser athletes that maximize what they have. I would call Vander Esch economical because everything he does is simple and smooth; nothing is robotic. However, that does not say that Vander Esch is a below average athlete as he is very much the opposite. The former Boise State stand out showed his ability running sideline to sideline and solid wrap-up tackling technique while piling up over 10 total tackles a game in his junior year. His coverage ability is surprisingly adept for a bigger guy and he can match elite tight end speed and strength. I like how he manages to shake blockers with speed but needs to work of shedding blocks with power and technique as well. Critics will make mention of the lack of starting experience given that he only had significant snaps last year. That tends lead to over-pursuit and other positioning problems and Vander Esch is no different. Dallas currently has Sean Lee and Jaylon Smith starting at weakside and middle linebacker respectively which likely leaves Vander Esch at strong side. That said, Lee is 31 years old with a storied injury history and while Smith is much younger, his injury history is well-documented also. Lee is signed through the 2019 season but could be a cap casualty at the end of the 2018 season. I expect to see Vander Esch playing part-time snaps in his rookie year in a two-down role but is unlikely to make a fantasy impact this year barring injury to Smith or Lee.

Fantasy impact/value

Redraft: Vander Esch has potential to make a fantasy splash but is unlikely to realize that value in redraft leagues unless Smith or Lee gets hurt. He is bench fodder for deeper leagues at best otherwise as I don’t see the Cowboys moving away from Smith and Lee otherwise.

Dynasty: However, I do like Vander Esch as a dynasty pickup that you can wait a year or two on. While you might need to wait, the upside is high as I can see him easily playing three downs and leading the Cowboys’ defense when his time comes to step into that role. I have him as the dynasty LB5 of the draft.

Rashaan Evans – 3-4 ILB
6’3” 232 lbs Alabama
Pick 22, Round 1 (22) Titans
Twitter: @616evans4

The latest in the seemingly endless supply of quality Alabama linebackers to come to the NFL, Rashaan Evans finds himself in a decent situation in Tennessee. After losing Avery Williamson to the Jets, the Titans were left with Wesley Woodyard (signed through 2019), 2017 5th round pick Jayon Brown and UFA signees Will Compton and Nate Palmer. Williamson played over 650 snaps last year and those plays need to be filled. Evans is a rangy athlete that fits the new mold of what an NFL linebacker needs to be; run sideline to sideline, have above average coverage ability, can chase down edge runners but still be able to shake a block or two from a 300 lb lineman. As has been typical with most Alabama linebackers coming into the NFL, Evans has experience at multiple positions across multiple fronts. His pass rushing ability in both burst and timing might be the best out of any ILB propsect this year because of his experience elsewhere in Nick Saban’s defense. Evans is a well-trained, well-disciplined linebacker who rarely is caught out of position. He manages his gap well and is able to shake would-be blockers and stay in the play longer than other linebackers would. That said, his leverage and ability to shed blocks once engaged is challenged at times and facing NFL linemen will only exacerbate the problem. I also see him as a touch slow in diagnosing plays. He rarely over-commits but also doesn’t make plays in the hole as much as he could.

Fantasy impact/value

Redraft: I think that Evans has an easier path to playing time given his competition. However, the Titans have committed to only having one fulltime linebacker in years past and I’d be hard-pressed to say that it will be anyone other than Woodyard, barring injury. Evans’ ceiling is likely where Avery Williamson finished last year, around LB3/flex range. His big play ability might be a touch better than others if the Titans choose to turn him loose on the pass rush.

Dynasty: With Woodyard at 31 years old and little else by way of legitimate competition, the path is clear for Evans to assume full command of this defense next year or the year after. In a division that features Andrew Luck and Deshaun Watson, his speed and coverage ability will be critical to the Titans’ success. For that reason, I like him as the dynasty LB4 of the draft.

Darius Leonard – 3-4 ILB
6’2” 234 lbs South Carolina State
Pick 4, Round 2 (36) Titans
Twitter: @dsleon45 ‏

The Colts haven’t had much fantasy value at the ILB since D’Qwell Jackson and haven’t invested a pick higher than a 3rd rounder into the position since Pat Angerer in 2010. Darius Leonard is twitchy kind of linebacker that has very good close range speed and agility to both get himself in position to make a play as well as get himself out of situations where he is washed out of the play by blockers or other bodies. His closing speed to make tackles is elite-caliber and has a plenty of great tape showing him closing out plays with great breakdown and wrap-up. His coverage ability to decent but isn’t of the quality of the linebackers taken before him in the draft. That said, he might be better than the talent that the Colts currently have. While he plays squarely and seems to be see the field well, he doesn’t take the best angles every play. Instead, he relies on his athleticism to run around to make a play. He is on the smaller side and doesn’t look like he is going to get much bigger at the NFL level. At the college level, he struggled with hand-fighting and might lack the pure strength to shed an NFL blocker. The Colts currently feature 2016 4th round pick Antonio Morrison, 2017 5th round pick Anthony Walker and four other rookies in their inside linebacker positions. A good camp might see Leonard take control of the defense. He has four years of starting experience at South Carolina State and the Colts need a leader on that side of the ball.

Fantasy impact/value

Redraft: Leonard has a chance to win a job out of camp given the lack of talent in front of him, this is a camp battle to watch. A fulltime Colts ILB has a ceiling of LB1 as shown by D’Qwell Jackson whereas it has been a LB2/LB3 position as of late. My guess is that he starts but doesn’t take 100% of the snaps this year, giving him LB3 value in redraft.

Dynasty: I think the Colts are looking for Leonard to lead their defense and will give him every opportunity to do so once he is ready. History says that even below average abilities yield LB1-LB2 results for a fulltime Colts ILB. Leonard carries some risk but the upside is high. I’m taking him as my dynasty LB3 this year.

Fred Warner – 4-3 OLB
6’3” 236 lbs BYU
Pick 6, Round 3 (70) 49ers
Twitter: @fred_warner‏

A two-year starter for the Cougars, Warner is built closely to what I think the 49ers envisioned when they moved Eric Reid down to linebacker but with a touch more size. Warner’s strengths come in running with pass catchers, quick and smooth changes of direction, above average instincts and great reactionary ability. He is a leader and someone who can positively impact your team on the field with his demeanor. What he needs to get better at is pure tackling ability. He is far from a devastating hitter and frequently attempts arm tackles either due to poor technique or poor angle. He also struggles once engaged by a blocker and his involvement in the play is usually over if his initial attempt doesn’t shake them. His role might be that of a nickel LB rather than full time. The 49ers currently feature Reuben Foster, Malcolm Smith and Eli Harold as their starters at linebacker. Foster’s legal troubles currently have him in hot water with the 49ers front office and Smith is returning from a pectoral injury that ended his season last year. It’s not out of the realm of possibility that Warner plays significant snaps for the 49ers this year but he needs some opportunity and a scheme that is better tailored to his abilities.

Fantasy impact/value

Redraft: Warner needs either Foster or Smith out of his way to make any kind of meaningful fantasy contribution in 2017. I’m passing in redraft.

Dynasty: It’s a steep dropoff after the top 5 guys to the next tier. Warner is one of a handful of guys who have some ability but really don’t have the path opened up to make an impact. Those guys can be quality fantasy with some luck but you don’t invest significant draft capital on them. I have Warner as my LB7 of the draft simply due to Foster’s legal trouble potentially opening a door for him sooner than others in his tier.

Jerome Baker – 4-3 OLB
6’1” 229 lbs Ohio State
Pick 9, Round 3 (73) Dolphins
Twitter: ‏@Lastname_Baker

The Dolphins released Lawrence Timmons this offseason after a tumultuous 2017 campaign which should leave an opening in their linebacking corps but it remains to be seen how the Dolphins juggle their linebackers. Timmons played strongside last year with Mike Hull in the middle and Kiko Alonso on the weakside. Raekwon McMillan is set to return from a knee injury suffered in the preseason last year. Baker is too small to play anywhere but weak side in my opinion. So if McMillan returns to play strongside, Kiko slides to the middle and Baker plays weakside, he has a shot at starting. However, Stephone Anthony is projected to start at strongside. As mentioned before is certainly on the smaller side compared to other at his position. He cannot get engaged by blocks or the play is over for him. He has the poor tackling technique of a big hitter looking for the highlight heel hit without any of the power to back it up. He needs to diagnose the play sooner and wrap up better once he gets there. What I do like about his game is his speed and agility. He can go sideline to sideline and change directions very quickly. He plays faster than his 4.53 forty time would tell you as well. You trust him in coverage against the opposing team’s gamechangers. From what I’ve seen of him, I wonder if his NFL future is that of a safety or at least a safety/linebacker hybrid.

Fantasy impact/value

Redraft: It’s unlikely that Baker starts this year unless injury or a shakeup of positions occurs. Watch training camp reports to confirm but I’m passing altogether unless it’s clear that Baker is starting.

Dynasty: There is a lot of youth in the Dolphins’ linebacking corps right now. Baker might emerge but the Dolphins are high on Alonso (27 years old, signed through 2020) and McMillan (21 years old). I’m not holding my breath for him unless there’s a position change in his future. He’s my LB9 of this draft.

Malik Jefferson – 4-3 OLB/MLB
6’2” 236 lbs Texas
Pick 14, Round 3 (78) Bengals
Twitter: ‏@malikjefferson

Malik Jefferson is a curious case in that on paper and in shorts, he checks all of the boxes. Height, weight, speed, strength, he even looks like a guy you’d peg for being an NFL linebacker. And yet despite that, he never seems to equate those attributes into production on gameday. My thoughts are that for all of Jefferson’s gifts, he doesn’t have the instincts to play the position. He needs to be in a scheme that lets him have very simple reads, attack one gap or man cover one guy. When he played in more complicated schemes or positions with increased responsibility, he seemed a step or two slower and process time led to missed plays. It will be interesting to see how Cincinnati plays him and those interested should tune into the Bengals preseason games to see where he is slotted in. At the worst, he can play special teams and likely excel. At best, you have an attacking weakside linebacker. The downside of Jefferson’s opportunity is that Cincinnati is very deep at linebacker. He likely doesn’t see the field this year much even though Vontaze Burfict is suspended for the first four games of the season.

Fantasy impact/value

Redraft: Lots of things need to happen to see Jefferson make an impact this year in redraft. I doubt he gets 100 snaps.

Dynasty: Upside is limited here due to depth and what I perceive as limited options in where he can play on the field but the physical gifts are there. I’m stashing him and waiting a year or two to see what happens to both Jefferson and the guys in front of him. He’s my LB8 of the draft.

Oren Burks – 3-4 ILB
6’3” 233 lbs Vanderbilt
Pick 24, Round 3 (88) Packers
Twitter: ‏@BangTimeBurks

Similar to many ILBs you’ve seen on this list, Oren Burks is a smaller ILB who excels in coverage versus many predecessors at the position. In fact, Burks has a season and half of experience at safety playing at Vanderbilt. His hips are very good which allows him the ability to change directions and run with tight ends and runningbacks. He has above average athleticism and impressive quickness where necessary to make plays. Like many other tweener-type players, he struggles to make plays at the line of scrimmage. HE doesn’t do a great job separating himself from blockers and doesn’t play with the strength he needs to at times. The Packers currently have Blake Martinez taking virtually all of their snaps but the other ILB starter, Jake Ryan, is on the last year of his contract. The Packers have little else behind them to challenge Burks for playing time if Ryan leaves or either starter is hurt.

Fantasy impact/value

Redraft: I wouldn’t be surprised to see Burks sprinkle in for his rookie season but he is not going to be a fantasy impact unless Martinez or Ryan is hurt.

Dynasty: The Packers are famous for getting their home-grown talent into the lineup at the linebacker positions. Burks should be no different especially if Ryan leaves for a payday elsewhere. He’s a massive upgrade in coverage ability over Ryan. He’s my dynasty LB6 of the draft.

Best of the Rest

Dorian O’Daniel KCC ILB (3rd round, Clemson) – This guy gets my vote of the all-name team for sure. O’Daniel is currently behind Anthony Hitchens and Reggie Ragland for ILB snaps in Kansas City. He’s one injury away from relevance.

Josey Jewell DEN ILB (4th round, Iowa) – Todd Davis is a below average starter in Denver and Brandon Marshall is far from the picture of health. Little else in the way for the former Hawkeye.

Micah Kiser LAR ILB (5th round, Virginia) – The Rams traded away their best linebacker in the offseason in Alec Ogletree and outside of Mark Barron, a converted safety, the Rams have a whole bunch of replacement talent at linebacker. A good camp might earn him some snaps.