Meet the Prospects: Plenty of 1st-round talent in outside linebacker class

Get to know all the top prospects for the 2015 NFL Draft, most of whom will be taking the field at the NFL Scouting Combine on Feb. 17-23 in Indianapolis.

Top Prospects By Position
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Offensive Tackles
Offensive Guards/Centers
Defensive Tackles
Defensive Ends
Inside Linebackers
Outside Linebackers
Cornerbacks/Safeties

Shaq Thompson, Washington

Height: 6-2
Weight: 231 lbs.
Age: 20

2014 Stats: 71 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT, 2 FF

One of this year's best overall athletes, Thompson is capable of playing either linebacker or safety at the next level. Though which position is the better fit represents one of his lone question marks leading up to the draft. The number of areas in which he can contribute should make him an impact player from Day 1.

Vic Beasley, Clemson

Height: 6-2
Weight: 235 lbs.
Age: 22

2014 Stats: 11 sacks, 28 tackles

After continuing to produce at a high level in his senior season, Beasley enters the 2015 draft as one of the top pure pass-rushers in an already strong class. He'll fit as an outside linebacker in a 4-3 or 3-4 front, but his value will come as a nickel edge-rusher no matter the scheme he's drafted to play in.

Eli Harold, Virginia

Height: 6-4
Weight: 235 lbs.
Age:

2014 Stats: 7 sacks, 54 tackles, 1 INT

While he may be a somewhat raw prospect, Harold's ceiling is arguably as high as any edge player's in this year's draft. He's an ideal fit as a stand-up outside linebacker for 3-4 defensive teams and could easily end up as a mid-to-late first-round pick.

Paul Dawson, TCU

Height: 6-2
Weight: 230 lbs.
Age:

2014 Stats: 127 tackles, 5 sacks, 4 INTs, 2 FF

There have been some reports of off-field issues that teams will need to consider, but Dawson's college production tells you everything there is to know about his potential as a player. An ideal off-the-ball linebacker in the NFL, Dawson could be a tackling machine in any system.

Hau'oli Kikaha, Washington

Height: 6-3
Weight: 246 lbs.
Age: 22

2014 Stats: 19 sacks, 73 tackles

Showcasing his dominant ability to get after the quarterback, Kikaha led the nation with 19 sacks as a senior in 2014. He could be limited to a nickel pass-rush role as a rookie, but it would be no surprise to see him develop into a productive three-down player before long.

Lorenzo Mauldin, Louisville

Height: 6-4
Weight: 256 lbs.
Age: 22

2014 Stats: 7 sacks, 45 tackles

Mauldin was a consistent edge presence over three seasons at Louisville, proving capable of contributing at a high level against both the run and pass. A strong showing in combine drills could see him cement his status as an early second-day pick.