Meet the Prospects: Jaylon Smith, Myles Jack headline linebacker class

Get to know all the top prospects for the 2016 NFL Draft, most of whom will be taking the field at the NFL Scouting Combine on Feb. 23-29 in Indianapolis.

Top Prospects by Position

Linebackers

Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame

Height: 6'2"
Weight: 240 lbs.
Age: 20

2015 stats: 115 tackles, 1 sack, 1 FF

Smith became just the second player to take home the high school and college Butkus Awards as the nation's top linebacker after leading the Fighting Irish with 113 tackles in 2015. He's an exceptional athlete who excels in coverage and plays aggressively, with head coach Brian Kelly calling him "one of the most dynamic football players I've coached in 25 years." He's still recovering from an ACL tear, though, which could sideline him for the combine.

Myles Jack, UCLA

Height: 6'1"
Weight: 245 lbs.
Age: 20

2015 stats: 15 tackles, 1 INT

Widely considered one of the most freakish athletes available in the 2016 draft, Jack took the Pac 12 by storm in 2013, winning both Offensive and Defensive Freshman of the Year as a running back and linebacker. He's coming off a torn meniscus that limited him to three games in 2015, but still projects as a high pick due to his outstanding physical traits and instincts.

Reggie Ragland, Alabama

Height: 6'2"
Weight: 252 lbs.
Age: 22

2015 stats: 102 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 2 FF

Ragland was named a Butkus Award semifinalist in 2014 after replacing the departed C.J. Mosley as Alabama's starting Will linebacker, and continued his ascent this past season by taking home SEC Defensive Player of the Year and several All-American honors. His biggest strength is his ability to stuff the run, but he also impressed scouts with his pass-rushing ability at the Senior Bowl.

Darron Lee, Ohio State

Height: 6'2"
Weight: 228 lbs.
Age: 20-21

2015 stats: 66 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 1 INT, 2 FF

A former high school quarterback, Lee emerged as an immediate star for the Buckeyes after winning the starting strongside linebacker job in spring 2014. He played a crucial role in the Ohio State's championship run that season and was named the outstanding defensive player in their Sugar Bowl victory over Alabama. He plays well in space and is able to change direction quickly, but needs to work on his technique in shedding blocks.

Su'a Cravens, USC

Height: 6'1"
Weight: 225 lbs.
Age: 20

2015 stats: 86 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 2 INT, 2 FF

A three-year starter for the Trojans, Cravens is one of the most intriguing defensive players available in the draft because of his ability to play both linebacker and safety. He's drawn comparisons to former Pittsburgh Steelers safety (and fellow USC alumni) Troy Polamalu, but projects as a 4-3 outside linebacker or 3-4 inside linebacker at the NFL level.

Kentrell Brothers, Missouri

Height: 6'1"
Weight: 235 lbs.
Age: 22

2015 stats: 152 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 2 INT, 1 FF

Brothers' draft stock got a huge boost thanks to the monster numbers he put up in 2015. He led the nation in tackles and became the first Tiger under Gary Pinkel to record 10 or more tackles in seven consecutive games. He was also an impact player on special teams, blocking three kicks. The biggest knock against him is his lack of explosiveness and athleticism.

Joshua Perry, Ohio State

Height: 6'4"
Weight: 252 lbs.
Age: 21-22

2015 stats: 105 tackles, 3.5 sacks

Perry can be easy to overlook on an Ohio State team loaded with first-round talent, but he was an important part of the Buckeyes defense the past two seasons, both on and off the field. In addition to earning first-team All-Big Ten honors, he was also named an Allstate AFCA All-Good Works Team member and a finalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy. He plays with a high motor, but will sometimes take himself out of plays with his aggressive approach.

Kyler Fackrell, Utah State

Height: 6'5"
Weight: 250 lbs.
Age: 24

2015 stats: 82 tackles, 5 sacks, 2 FF

Making his return from a torn ACL that cut short his junior season, Fackrell led the Aggies with a school-record 12 quarterbacks hurries in 2015 and finished first in the nation with five fumble recoveries. He earned first-team all-Mountain West honors for his efforts and was named a fourth-team All-American by Phil Steele's Magazine. His size, length, and agility should appeal to teams.

Tyler Matakevich, Temple

Height: 6'1"
Weight: 232 lbs.
Age: 23

2015 stats: 138 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 5 INT

The most decorated football player in Temple history, Matakevich finished his collegiate career as the school's all-time leading tackler (493) and was awarded the Chuck Bednarik and Bronko Nagurski trophies as the nation's most outstanding defensive player. His size and athleticism leave something to be desired, but an impressive combine performance could boost his stock.

Scooby Wright III, Arizona

Height: 6'1"
Weight: 246 lbs.
Age: 21

2015 stats: 23 tackles, 2 sacks

Wright turned in one of the most prolific defensive seasons in NCAA history as a sophomore in 2014, racking up 163 tackles, 14 sacks, and six forced fumbles en route to earning the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Rotary Lombardi Award, and Chuck Bednarik Award. He missed a good portion of the 2015 season due to injuries, but returned for the New Mexico Bowl, contributing 15 tackles and a pair of sacks in Arizona's win.