Draft preview: Linebackers

Our NFL expert, Bob LeGere, ranks the Top 10 prospects for linebacker.

Tell us what you think by leaving your comments at the end of this report, or send your comments by e-mail to sportstalk@dailyherald.com:

1. Keith Rivers, USC (senior)

Size: 6-2, 241pounds

40-yard dash time: 4.63

LeGere's line: Ripped physique, reacts quickly and arrives in a foul mood, delivering big hits. Very good speed with the versatility to play any LB spot.

2. Dan Connor, Penn State (senior)

Size: 6-2Ã ¹Ãƒ…", 231 pounds

40-yard dash time: 4.74

LeGere's line: Smart, instinctive and physica, he's the all-time leading tackler at Linebacker U. but an average athlete who needs more size, strength.

3. Curtis Lofton, Oklahoma (junior)

Size: 6-0, 246 pounds

40-yard dash time: 4.78

LeGere's line: This 1-year starter lacks height but was very productive and finds the ball, hits with power and plays faster than his times. Ideal MLB.

4. Jerod Mayo, Tennessee (junior)

Size: 6-1, 242 pounds

40-yard dash time: 4.54

LeGere's line: Versatile and mobile enough to play all 3 LB spots, he's solid and sturdy with good speed, but knee injuries are a legitimate concern.

5. Erin Henderson, Maryland (junior)

Size: 6-2, 244 pounds

40-yard dash time: 4.73

LeGere's line: Blow-up tackler with strength and athleticism plays with emotion but can be undisciplined and overpursue. Knee injuries a concern.

6. Xavier Adibi, Virginia Tech (senior)

Size: 6-1, 226 pounds

40-yard dash time: 4.66

LeGere's line: Very instinctive, moves well laterally with extensive range vs. the run and can also drop into coverage but lacks size and strength.

7. Beau Bell, UNLV (senior)

Size: 6-1, 244 pounds

40-yard dash time: 4.67

LeGere's line: Very good read-and-react run-stuffer, but not as effective vs. the pass and needs to get stronger to enhance his good size and instincts.

8. Geno Hayes, Florida State (junior)

Size: 6-0, 226 pounds

40-yard dash time: 4.64

LeGere's line: Instincts and athleticism make him a productive, disruptive force behind LOS but he lacks size and strength and can be overpowered.

9. Tavares Gooden, Miami (senior)

Size: 6-1, 234 pounds

40-yard dash time: 4.65

LeGere's line: Has a jacked-up physique with all the physical tools and good pursuit, but reactions, instincts and mental approach are questionable.

10. Cliff Avril, Purdue (senior)

Size: 6-2, 253 pounds

40-yard dash time: 4.51

LeGere's line: Competes hard, has excellent size, speed, strength combo with some pass-rush ability but lacks athleticism and isn't very physical.