MIKE MAYOCK'S TOP FIVE
Jaylon Smith
6-2, 223, Notre Dame
A top prospect and one of the most explosive players in all of college football, Smith suffered a significant knee injury in the Fiesta Bowl but declared for the draft after his junior season anyway. Consensus All-American and 2015 Dick Butkus award winner finished with 284 career tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. Expected to miss the 2016 season as he recovers from injury but could intrigue a team in the first round.
Myles Jack
6-1, 245, UCLA
Listed No. 2 here, but some believe Jack is the best player in the entire draft. Turned pro following junior year despite a knee injury that ended his 2015 season after just three games. Still expected to come off the board early in Round One. Dynamic athlete played linebacker and running back for the Bruins. Finished with 178 total tackles, four interceptions and 19 passes defensed to go along with 11 rushing touchdowns and 387 rushing yards.
Darron Lee
6-1, 232, Ohio State
Extremely productive linebacker left Ohio State after his redshirt sophomore season and is projected to be a first-round pick. Compiled 147 tackles, 12 sacks, three interceptions and three defensive touchdowns in two seasons. Lee's 4.47 40-yard dash was the best time among linebackers at the combine.
Reggie Ragland
6-1, 247, Alabama
The All-American senior leader of the Crimson Tide defense is another talented linebacker with a first-round projection. Physical, hard-hitting run stopper posted 197 tackles in two years as a starter.
Deion Jones
6-1, 222, LSU
Burst onto the scene after becoming a starter for the first time as a senior. Led the Tigers with 100 tackles in 2015, while also posting 13.5 tackles for loss, five sacks and two interceptions. Reportedly ran a blazing 4.38 40-yard dash at LSU Pro Day.
COMBINE STANDOUT
Travis Feeney
6-4, 230, Washington
His 4.50 40-yard dash was second only to Lee among linebackers at the combine. His 40-inch vertical jump, however, was the best among linebackers.
