NFL Draft- Inside Linebackers

The 2008 inside linebacker draft class was the weakest position in the entire NFL draft. There were no inside 'backers and just one drafted in the second round. In fact, there were just eight inside 'backers drafted. There likely will be only a maximum of three starters from this group.

The first linebacker selected was Oklahoma's Curtis Lofton. Lofton, taken by the Atlanta Falcons at pick 37, is a hard worker and a very smart football player. In his final season at OU, Lofton was named an All-America and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year because of his 157 tackles, 4 forced fumbles, and 3 interceptions. Despite the fact that he does not possess great physical skills, Lofton should make Atlanta very happy with his ability to lead a defense and be in the right place at the right time. While Lofton will never be a superstar, he should end up being a solid starting linebacker for the Falcons.

Tavares Gooden from Miami was the next inside 'backer picked, by the Baltimore Ravens, respectively. Gooden had an excellent senior season for The U, racking up 100 tackles, 3 forced fumbles, 3 pass breakups, and an interception. Gooden is a good athlete and will provide very good depth for the Ravens' aging linebacker corps as Gooden can play any linebacker position. Gooden could end up having a very long career, either as an excellent backup, or a decent starter.

With the 74th selection in the draft, the Carolina Panthers selected Penn State's Dan Connor. It was very surprising to see Connor slip all the way to the third round, as many saw him being a late first rounder. However, Carolina did a good job of taking Connor, who has great range and is a very good tackler. In his senior season at Linebacker U, Connor had 145 tackles with 6.5 sacks, 6 pass breakups, and an interception. If Connor can get a little stronger, he has the potential to be a very good linebacker in the NFL, giving Carolina a possible steal in round 3.

Philip Wheeler of Georgia Tech was the next inside linebacker taken. At pick 93, this is a solid pick for the Indianapolis Colts. Wheeler will give them a very good backup linebacker at the very least. He has very good instincts with good athleticism. Wheeler's specialty is rushing the passer, which could help the Colts free up Dwight Freeney. However, if Wheeler wants to see the field he will need to get stronger. But overall, the Colts made a good selection here, seeing that Wheeler will at the very least give them a good pass rusher and a good backup.

This class of inside linebackers was the weakest in years. There are no future stars in this group, and maybe two starters. Besides Dan Connor and Curtis Lofton, the 2008 class of linebackers will probably end up being relegated to back up duty in the NFL.

Next- Outside Linebackers