Editor's note:This is part of a series in which Falcons analyst and former NFL quarterback Dave Archer shares his insights after scouting some of the top players at each position in the 2020 NFL Draft.
- OTHER POSITIONS: Cornerbacks | Defensive tackles | Defensive ends | Running backs
- RELATED CONTENT: Dave Archer's updated big board
I thought this was the toughest position on the defense to evaluate. There are a ton of multi-positional linebackers this year, which makes it tough to decide where they play their best football. The Falcons, with the loss of De'Vondre Campbell in free agency, have some options here. Deion Jones is one of the most instinctive linebackers in the league against both the run and pass. Foye Oluokun will get his opportunity to step in and start. I think there are some linebackers on the board in this draft that could help bolster the Falcons linebacker corps.
Name: Isaiah Simmons
School: Clemson
Grade: RS Junior
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 238 lbs
Measurables: 4.39 (40-yard dash), 20 reps (bench press), 39" vertical jump
Strengths
- Elite multi-level athlete with rare size, speed, and power combo (Edge, LB, Slot corner, Safety)
- Sideline-to-sideline defender with an extra gear
- Excellent read-and-react ability
Weaknesses
- Good tackler but doesn't always wrap up
- Tends to run around blocks, creates running lanes in defense
Name: Kenneth Murray
School: Oklahoma
Grade: Junior
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 241 lbs
Measurables: 4.52 (40-yard dash, 21 reps (bench press), 38" vertical jump
Strengths
- Fast, physical player that flies to the football
- Solid tackler, 109 tackles (2019) and big 12 Defensive player of year (2018) with 155 tackles
- Character guy, help raised as a big brother three special-needs children that his parents adopted
Weaknesses
- Will over-pursue some, can be too aggressive
- Inexperienced one-on-one pass defender, used more as a blitzer
Name: Patrick Queen
School: LSU
Grade: Junior
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 229 lbs
Measurables: 4.50 (40-yard dash), 18 reps (bench press), 35" vertical jump
Strengths
- Excellent instincts against the run and pass (especially reading screens)
- Smooth athlete and a solid finisher when tackling
- Three-down linebacker
Weaknesses
- A little undersized, can get swallowed up trying to shed blocks
- Just a one-year starter, shows inexperience at times
Name: Zack Baun
School: Wisconsin
Grade: Senior
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 238 lbs
Measurables: 4.65 (40-yard dash), 24 reps (bench press) , 32 1/2" vertical jump
Strengths
- Excellent blitzer or edge rusher (success as undersized edge rusher) 12 1/2 sacks (2019)
- Excellent range at linebacker, showed solid technique in coverage
- Displayed good strength at the contact point
Weaknesses
- Because he was used so often as edge rusher, can he move inside off the ball?
- Too small to be a full-time edge rusher
Name: Malik Harrison
School: Ohio St.
Grade: Senior
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 247 lbs
Measurables: 4.66 (40-yard dash), no bench press numbers, 36" vertical jump
Strengths
- Smart and aggressive downhill player
- Excellent nose for the ball, very disruptive at point of attack and very good range outside
- Good tackler, 66 percent of his tackles as starter were solo tackles
Weaknesses
- Coverage limitations, was fooled on play action a number of times
- Played too high at times, poor leverage
A few to pay attention to in the middle of draft:
Willie Gay Jr. – Miss St. (Jr.)
- 6'1", 243 lbs
- Thick, explosive player, good tackler, had a tremendous combine
Logan Wilson - Wyoming (Sr)
- 6'2", 242 lbs
- Elite-level tackler, reads and diagnosis, three-down linebacker
Jordan Brooks – Texas Tech (Sr.)
- 6'1", 240 lbs
- Very experienced linebacker (44 starts), consistent tackler with good lateral speed
