Giants.com takes a look at NFL.com's scouting reports on the 2017 draft prospects:
Leading up to the NFL Scouting Combine, NFL Media's Mike Mayock unveiled his first position-by-position rankings for the 2017 NFL Draft. The draft expert will update this list a few times before the first round eventually kicks off April 27 in Philadelphia.
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In the meantime, Giants.com will take a closer look at each position. Today, we break down Mayock's top linebackers:
REUBEN FOSTER, ALABAMA
Height: 6-1
Weight: 228
NFL.com Scouting Report: Foster is a vicious hitter with elite playmaking range and an ability to toggle between 225 and 240 pounds. Athleticism gives him cover ability that former teammate Reggie Ragland never possessed. Has Pro Bowl potential as a 3-4 inside linebacker or a 4-3 weak-side linebacker, but concerns over his medical history could be a consideration, according to some teams. NFL comparison: Bobby Wagner.
HAASON REDDICK, TEMPLE
Height: 6-2
Weight: 237
NFL.com Scouting Report: Injuries limited Reddick to just four games over last two years of high school, forcing him to walk on at Temple. The Owls staff helped him unlock his explosive athletic traits on the field, which resulted in three forced fumbles, 9.5 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss in 2016. Reddick's speed and athleticism might give him a greater shot at impacting the game as a 3-4 inside linebacker or a 4-3 WILL rather than trying to bulk up and play the edge. An ascending prospect with a high-end potential if he can continue to hone his craft. NFL comparison: Ryan Shazier.
ZACH CUNNINGHAM, VANDERBILT
Height: 6-4
Weight: 230
NFL.com Scouting Report: Cunningham's missed tackles and lack of desired play strength could bother teams, but his consistent production is hard to ignore. Cunningham is a rangy, three-down linebacker who has a nose for the ball and special teams value. His downhill approach is made for attacking 4-3 defenses and Cunningham could become a good, early starter as a run-and-chase weak-side linebacker. NFL comparison: Alec Ogletree.
NFL.com's Lance Zierlein names his instant impact draft prospects for the 2017 NFL Draft.
- TE David Njoku, Miami
14. ILB Reuben Foster, Alabama
13. CB Sidney Jones, Washington
- TE O.J. Howard, Alabama
- CB Marshon Lattimore, Ohio State
- RB Dalvin Cook, Florida State
- DT Malik McDowell, Michigan State
- DE Taco Charlton, Michigan
- Safety Jamal Adams, LSU
- Safety Malik Hooker, Ohio State
- QB Mitch Trubisky, North Carolina
- DE Jonathan Allen, Alabama
- DE Solomon Thomas, Stanford
- RB Leonard Fournette, LSU
- DE Myles Garrett, Texas A&M
JARRAD DAVIS, FLORIDA
Height: 6-2
Weight: 238
NFL.com Scouting Report: Praised for both his football and personal character, Davis has athletic gifts to go along with the character traits teams are looking for. His ability to cover ground, operate with loose hips in space, and finish his tackles make him a draft favorite for some teams. While it is easy to fall in love with the traits and potential, Will have to take better routes to the ball and learn to keep himself clean against blocks. Should be able to compete for an early starting job as a 4-3 outside backer. NFL comparison: Shaq Thompson.
ALEX ANZALONE, FLORIDA
Height: 6-3
Weight: 240
NFL.com Scouting Report: Anzalone's size, speed and athleticism will be tempting for teams looking for a linebacker who can play all three spots. However, concerns about his durability could cause some teams to shy away from him on the first two days of the draft. If he can stay healthy, he has the talent to become a solid three-down starter in the league. NFL comparison: Vincent Ray.
Next on Giants.com: cornerbacks…
NFL.com names the top 50 prospects in the 2017 NFL Draft.
- Adam Shaheen - TE, Ashland
- Jordan Willis - DE, Kansas State
- Teez Tabor - CB, Florida
- Marcus Williams - S, Utah
- Zay Jones - WR, East Carolina
- Obi Melifonwu - S, Connecticut
- Marlon Humphrey - CB, Alabama
- Kevin King - CB, Washington
- Tim Williams - LB, Alabama
- Josh Jones - S, N.C. State
- Curtis Samuel - RB, Ohio State
- Chidobe Awuzie - CB, Colorado
- Evan Engram - TE, Ole Miss
- Tyus Bowser - LB, Houston
- T.J. Watt - LB, Wisconsin
- Cam Robinson - OT, Alabama
- DeShone Kizer - QB, Notre Dame
- Adoree' Jackson - CB, USC
- Mitchell Trubisky - QB, North Carolina
- Jabrill Peppers - S, Michigan
- Budda Baker - S, Washington
- Quincy Wilson - CB, Florida
- Deshaun Watson - QB, Clemson
- Ryan Ramczyk - OT, Wisconsin
- Alvin Kamara - RB, Tennessee
- Garett Bolles - OT, Utah
- Taco Charlton - DE, Michigan
- John Ross - WR, Washington
- Takkarist McKinley - DE, UCLA
- Jarrad Davis - LB, Florida
- Charles Harris - DE, Missouri
- Haason Reddick - LB, Temple
- Tre'Davious White - CB, LSU
- Gareon Conley - CB, Ohio State
- Forrest Lamp - G, Western Kentucky
- Dalvin Cook - RB, Florida State
- Christian McCaffrey - RB, Stanford
- Derek Barnett - DE, Tennessee
- David Njoku - TE, Miami
- Mike Williams - WR, Clemson
- Corey Davis - WR, Western Michigan
- Reuben Foster - LB, Alabama
- O.J. Howard - TE, Alabama
- Marshon Lattimore - CB, Ohio State
- Jonathan Allen - DT, Alabama
- Solomon Thomas - DE, Stanford
- Leonard Fournette - RB, LSU
- Malik Hooker - S, Ohio State
- Jamal Adams - S, LSU
- Myles Garrett - DE, Texas A&M
