linebacker look out

[Dirty Wizard]

as of right now I think the pressing need is at center, but there are quite a few good centers coming out this year highlighted by luigs, mack and caldwell, 2 from the sec and one from the pac 10. But I think you're more likely to see the bills go lineabcker in the mid to late 20's even though that is a perfect place to take either mack or luigs.

A lot of experts like mack more than luigs, they point to his ability to pass block as well as run block. Personally, I'll take luigs, he is the best interior lineman in the best conference in football, and he can play lg, rg, as well as center. His versatility is sweet icing on the cake.

However linebackers, so who's coming out, little animal, rey, cushing, all will be long gone byt he time the bills pick. so who else is there?

not much at all to be perfectly honest.

brinkley, weatherspoon from mizzou, spikes and zack follett, and spikes and brinkley are middle linebackers and I'll be shocked if brinkley shows any semblance of nfl speed. while isc gamecock thinks' he's the greatest thing sliced ghey porn, the truth is he's a 2 down linebacker in the nfl.

Hopefully some olb comes out of nowhere to look good as this class flat out sucks.

[FaggotPig]

Any in FA this year? Wasn't Dansby franchised?

[treydawg]

a guy who might be available a little later is aq shipley for penn state. he really anchors the line and you can see how well psu runs the ball.

[Dirty Wizard]

yeah, no. I'd rather have a great venter and not a decent center, thanks but no thanks. luigs mack or bust

[FaggotPig]

2009 NFL Free Agent Linebackers
By: Greg Davis

Eric Barton, UFA, New York Jets

While Barton’s ’07 production didn’t match his ’06 production, he was playing for a defense that didn’t get much help from the offensive unit. Brett Favre’s arrival should improve the offense, which will also help alleviate pressure on the defense. Barton made 100 tackles and 4.5 sacks in ’06, and if he can reach similar numbers this season, teams will consider him a good free agent option.

Karlos Dansby, UFA, Arizona Cardinals

Dansby is becoming a consistent linebacker in the NFL. In his last three seasons, he has tackle totals of 89, 82, and 99. He has also tallied at least 3.5 sacks in each of his four seasons as a pro. His three interceptions last season tied a career high, and Dansby is young and athletic. He isn’t in the same class as some of the linebackers on this list, but he may eventually be pretty close. Dansby will appeal to several teams because of his age, size, and potential.

Ray Lewis, UFA, Baltimore Ravens

With over 1,500 tackles, 30 sacks, and 25 interceptions during his 12 seasons, Lewis isn’t just a Pro Bowl player and Super Bowl winner, but also a future Hall of Famer. Since entering the league, Lewis has been a force and helped the Ravens to be one of the league’s best defensive units year in and year out. He’s been in Baltimore his entire career so it’s hard to imagine him with another franchise. The Ravens will make him an offer that should lock him up until almost the end of his career.

Mike Peterson, UFA, Jacksonville Jaguars

Peterson has played in just 15 games over the course of the last two seasons, but when healthy he is one of the better middle linebackers around. He hlikely six seasons in double-digit tackles and the three seasons he failed to reach that mark were injury-shortened years. In ’05, his most recent full season, he also had six sacks and three interceptions. His health concerns will scare some teams away, but Peterson may still have some quality seasons left in him.

Bart Scott, UFA, Baltimore Ravens

Even though Scott was an undrafted free agent, he has managed to become a quality linebacker. While he has benefited from playing alongside Pro Bowlers like Ray Lewis, he has also helped them benefit from his own contributions. He had just one sack last season as the Ravens defense struggled more than usual, but he showed in ’06 that he is capable of over 100 tackles and 9.5 sacks. The Ravens will probably pay Scott enough to keep him around, but they may be looking to see if he can have another solid season this year before they commit.

Jonathan Vilma, UFA, New Orleans Saints

Vilma will be coming back from an injury and trying to make an impression with his new team in New Orleans. Prior to his shortened ’07 season, Vilma had registered 108 tackles or more in three straight seasons, including 173 in ’05; he also has six interceptions in his four seasons of work. Vilma is quick to the ball and consistently makes the right play. At 26 years of age, he will be a hot commodity on the market if he shows that his injury is well behind him.

Linebacker:
Jordan Beck, UFA, Denver Broncos
Monty Beisel, UFA, Arizona Cardinals
Angelo Crowell, UFA, Buffalo Bills
Channing Crowder, UFA, Miami Dolphins
James Farrior, UFA, Pittsburgh Steelers
Tyjuan Hagler, UFA, Indianapolis Colts
Willie McGinest, UFA, Cleveland Browns
Carlos Polk, UFA, San Diego Chargers
Sam Williams, UFA, Oakland Raiders

http://www.footballsfuture.com/2009/fa/lb.html


Also add Suggs to that list.

[Patrick!]

Gerald McRath, Southern Miss.

1st round potential, lock it up.

[Dirty Wizard]

mcgrath is eh, and he's 220, no thanks

[LALALALALALAFONTAINE]

Farrior is no longer an UFA, he got resigned for 5 years...which is too bad, because Potsy ain't the same player he once was.