Darron Lee - USA Today
Position: Linebacker
College: Ohio State
Scouting Report:A Freshman All-American who helped the Buckeyes to their 2014 National Championship, Lee is a speedy linebacker who thrives in all defensive situations. His explosiveness is palpable, and his ability to bend the edge makes him especially dangerous during blitz packages. Multiple scouts have said his athleticism is rare, and as someone who plays with the kind of energy Dan Quinn desires, he could be a nice fit in Atlanta.
Jaylon Smith - SB Nation
Position: Linebacker
College: Notre Dame
Scouting Report: A natural athlete who exhibits a strong burst and impressive closing speed, Smith has led the Fighting Irish in tackles during each of the last two seasons and just won the Butkus award, presented to college's top linebacker. This year he recorded 115 tackles (69 solo), nine tackles for loss, five pass deflections, a forced fumble and a sack. Considered to have top-10 talent, Smith could fall in the draft because of serious knee injury he sustained during the Fiesta Bowl.
Reggie Ragland - Bleacher Report
Position: LB
College: Alabama
Scouting Report: With a high football IQ, a unique ability to shed blocks and good coverage skills, Ragland projects to be a solid inside linebacker at the NFL level. He thrives against the run, too, and has the kind of closing speed needed to track down pro RBs. Ragland was named the SEC's Defensive Player of the Year and a First-Team All-American thanks to his 97 tackles (56 solo), 6.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
Noah Spence - Comcast Sportsnet
Position: DE
College: Eastern Kentucky
Scouting Report: Dubbed the next Von Miller by former teammate Michael Thomas, Spence is one of the most talented defenders in this year's draft class. After transferring from Ohio State, the 6-foot3, 254-pounder thrived at EKU, tallying 22.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks in 2015. A strong showing at the Senior Bowl undoubtedly helped his stock, too: Spence shined throughout his week in Mobile, Ala., and registered a sack during the big game.
Shaq Lawson - SEC Country
Position: DL
College: Clemson
Scouting Report: Formerly teammates with Vic Beasley, Jr. and Grady Jarrett, Lawson is one of the top defensive ends in the 2016 draft class. It's hard to argue with his stats: The consensus All-American earned 22.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks and a forced fumble in 14 games as a junior. A bulky athlete for someone who lines up outside, Lawson uses his impressive strength to bully offensive tackles and can frequently handle double-teams.
