OLB Prospects For the NFL Draft

The OLB position is a deep position that is very versatile. Many's top rated prospect overall is at OLB, and he supposedly is versatile enough to play MLB. There are 3-4 speed rushers, strong side backers, coverage backers and tackling machines. The position also could end up stronger when some of the DE prospects go to 3-4 teams and play outside backer.
DRAFT POSITION GRADE: B-

1. Aaron Curry (Wake Forest) 6'2 254
Curry has the size and strength that is ideal for the Linebacker position in the NFL. He has been given the title of best overall prospect by many, but don't be fooled. As talented as Curry is he does have some flaws. He basically has no pass rush repertoire, and makes many mistakes in pass coverage. That being said, I have heard him called a 1 year wonder. Makes little sense to me considering statistically his Junior year was at least as good as his Senior season. He took 4 INT back to the house his Junior year. Curry is a great LB prospect, but he may not be quite the player some are making him out to be. Curry should be gone by the 3rd pick.
DRAFT GRADE: 94 (88 mlb)

2. Clay Matthews (USC) 6'3 240
Matthews has the bloodlines, that is for sure. His father was a NFL Lifer, and Uncle Bruce Matthews is a hall of famer. Matthews has always been on the NFL radar, but blew up from bowl season until this point. He is considered the best pass rushing OLB, and may very well end up on a 3-4 defense rushing the passer . Matthews can sometimes be too aggressive, over pursuing or falling for play action and losing his responsibilities in coverage. Matthews should be gone in the first 20 picks.
DRAFT GRADE: 84

3. Brian Cushing (USC) 6'3 245
Cushing has the absolute perfect build for a OLB in the league. He may even have the abilities to play any LB position in any scheme. He is a solid tackler with decent pass rush/coverage skills. He seems to lack effort from time to time, having some question his work ethic. He was highly touted out of high school but had several issues with health in his first 3 seasons. Cushing should be a strong side LB for a NFL team next season. He will be gone in the first round of the draft.
DRAFT GRADE: 81

4. Clint Sintim (Virginia) 6'3 260
Huge body, great strength. Uses his size and arms to his advantage. Outstanding pass rusher as well as tackler. Lacks some ability to cover consistently. 27 sacks and 40 TFL in his career at Virginia. Sintim should end up playing strong side for a 4-3 team and he will excel. Sintim will have a solid and lengthy career.
DRAFT GRADE: 78

5. Connor Barwin (Cincinnati) 6'3 255
Possibly the most versatile athlete in the draft. Played 3 seasons in college at TE. Had 700 rec yards and 6 TD at Tight End. Some pro scouts actually like him better at TE due to his "rawness" at the linebacker position. He is a freakish athlete for his size, and is great in coverage. He is still learning which will hurt him on draft day, but if he gets into a system that lets him make plays against the pass he will be successful in the NFL. Should be gone by the middle of the 3rd round.
DRAFT GRADE: 72