2016 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings - LB

theScore's draft prospect rankings are compiled by NFL editor Dan Wilkins. A list of top players available within each position group can be found at the links below.

Offense
QB | RB | WR | TE | OL
Defense
EDGE | DL | LB | CB | S

Linebackers

• Jaylon Smith almost certainly would have been a top 10 selection if it weren't for the knee injury he suffered in January. The Notre Dame star had long established himself as a top-tier linebacker prospect, demonstrating a rare combination of athleticism, power, and instincts. With reported nerve damage potentially keeping him out beyond this season, teams may now be hesitant to invest an early-round pick.
• After missing nearly his entire junior season at UCLA with a knee injury, Myles Jack also faces some uncertainty. He's had some time to recover, but it's still impossible to know whether teams are comfortable with the medicals. Based on the explosiveness and elite coverage ability he's shown on the field, however, he's another top 10 talent.
• Reggie Ragland may not be on the same level as some of his contemporaries in terms of athleticism, but he still has everything teams are looking for in a first-round linebacker. His physicality and sound tackling should immediately make him a strong run defender at the next level. Though he likely won't ever be great in coverage, his instincts should do enough to keep him on the field for all three downs.

Offense
QB | RB | WR | TE | OL
Defense
EDGE | DL | LB | CB | S