2017 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Defense
By Jon Dove
Linebacker
1. Reuben Foster, Alabama
2. Zach Cunningham, Vanderbilt
3. Jarrad Davis, Florida
4. Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Tennessee
5. Raekwon McMillan, Ohio State
Alabama’ Reuben Foster is a game changer who always around the football. He’s the leader of the Alabama defense as the guy who gets everyone in proper position and sets the tone. Foster is the type of linebacker who impacts all aspects of the game.
His athleticism allows him to remain on the field in passing situations and hold up in coverage. This 4-down ability makes him worthy of a top-10 pick and possibility even top-5 depending on team needs.
Zach Cunningham doesn’t get a ton of media attention but screams potential. He’s a long and rangy linebacker who quickly closes on the football. Like Foster, he has the athleticism to hold up in coverage. It wouldn’t be a shock to see Cunningham seek into the top-15 picks of the 2017 NFL Draft.
Jarrad Davis is a steady and reliable contributor. He’s another linebacker prospect who gets bonus points because of his coverage ability.
Jalen Reeves-Maybin plays like he’s been shot out of a cannon. He routinely makes proper reads and explodes to the ball carrier. Reeves-Maybin is a bit undersized but fits recent trend of smaller linebackers in the NFL.