Every since that first Ram Playoff game, our two young linebackers have been a shell of their former selves. Rams killed Lve/Jaylon with a lot of misdirection running plays and now other teams have followed that same blueprint with tremendous success. Prior to that loss, many were talking about the Cowboys young tandem, as among the best in the entire league.
In my opinion, both lack the necessary instincts that the position requires. They are more athletes then good football players. This pains me to say, as I was a huge Lve supporter prior to his draft. You would think with their elite, physical traits the physical nature of the position would at least be covered. Neither is a good stack/shedder, point of attack type of player, they are more finesse run and hit linebackers then anything else. Playing more of a read/react scheme that Nolan tried to implement was a total disaster. They both should be better in a more traditional, one gap 4-3 scheme, but teams will continue to misdirect us to death until they prove they can stop it! Kind of liked the screen pass two years ago.
I don't think addressing the linebacker group will be the priority this off-season. Almost the entire secondary is littered with fa's, DL has serious needs within the interior. The front office probably would like to see first, if Quinn can salvage their careers as they both were premium draft picks that were considered core players just 2 seasons ago. A decision on Jaylon makes more sense next off-season as well as deciding if they will pick up Lve's 5th yr option on his rookie contract.
Since they are moving back to the 4-3, they are going to need another starter, assuming both Lee/Thomas don't return. Who are some of the top linebackers to this year's class and various things I have heard and read about them:
Parsons Penn State-is quite like Jaylon, has immaturity concerns, struggles with misdirection plays. However, has the Bobby Wagner type of ceiling due to his traits. More of a strong-side LB.
Collins Tulsa-a do it all, elite size linebacker. Many see him as a chess piece in the 3-4 and a strong-side LB in the 4-3. Possesses elite, size/length, but doesn't play like it. I've heard some Lve comparisons.
JOK Notre Dame-many view him as a similar prospect to I. Simmons from last year, who had an ok rookie season with Arizona. He will most likely be a will linebacker on the NFL level. Has elite quickness and strong instincts for the postion. His lack of size could be a concern for some teams.
Bolton Missouri-my number 1 pet cat in the entire draft. He is the total opposite of Parsons, lacks the elite physical traits, probably is maxed out, but is the best at mental processing for the position. Rarely takes false steps and shows up before his blocking assignment reaching him. He remind me of Kendricks from Minnesota. Cowboys probably won't have interest as they usually like the better athletes.
Surratt North Carolina-more of a will LB on the next level, who should make more of an impact in coverage early in his career. Pretty new to the position in which he is still learning. Some question him being too soft.
Browning Ohio State-possesses all the elite, physical traits team look for. He needs to become more of a consistent player, rather then a flash one.
I think all these prospects could go within the top 60 selections, I hope the last two falls to our 3rd rd selection.
