TNT’s top prospects in NFL draft
OUR TOP LINEBACKER PROSPECTS
1. Myles Jack, UCLA, OLB: Only seven months since knee surgery ended his college career after two seasons. But Bellevue High star wows with athleticism, physicality.
2. Leonard Floyd, Georgia, OLB: Sack man is swift and 6 feet 6, but is SEC defensive player of the year strong enough? A team likely drafting in the top 15 will find out.
3. Reggie Ragland, Alabama, ILB: Most-touted inside LB in draft. Considered a throwback, smash-mouth hitter inside in 3-4. Man, do the Packers need him.
4. Darron Lee, Ohio State, OLB: A wild card. Former high school QB is super-athletic and fast off the edge. Could be one of half dozen Buckeyes to go in first round.
5. Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame, OLB: Risk vs. reward? Might be with Jack at top if not for torn ACL, LCL in January’s Fiesta Bowl. Butkus Award winner as best college LB. Not expected to play in 2016. Some wonder if he’ll play again.
Possible Seahawks fits …
Smith, since they’d likely be willing to wait and develop as he recovers.
Kamalei Correa, Boise State.
OUR TOP DEFENSIVE BACK PROSPECTS
1. Jalen Ramsey, Florida State, FS: Best back-end ball hawk in draft might be the first non-QB taken, perhaps at No. 3 by San Diego.
2. Vernon Hargreaves, Florida, CB: Big speed, big hitter. Star since freshman season in the SEC.
3. Eli Apple, Ohio State, CB: Tall at 6-1 and attacks the ball in the air. Played only two seasons for Buckeyes but stock rising.
4. William Jackson, Houston, CB: Uses 6-foot frame well to wall-off receivers downfield. Considered weaker in press coverage.
5. Mackensie Alexander, Clemson, CB: Considered strong in man, press coverage. Leaving college as redshirt sophomore.
Possible Seahawks fits …
Artie Burns, Miami, CB: Has attributes Pete Carroll loves. Premier athlete with long arms (33 1/4 inches). Overcoming adversity: Left school early after mother died in October and he gained custody of two brothers with father in jail.
Miles Killebrew, Utah State, SS: If the end is nearing for Kam Chancellor in Seattle, this four-year starter is 6-2, 217, hits like a linebacker and runs like a cornerback.
Gregg Bell: gbell@thenewstribune.com
This story was originally published April 23, 2016 at 9:13 PM with the headline "TNT’s top prospects in NFL draft."