Take a look at top draft prospects and you wonder how Miami ever loses a game. D.J. Williams is the best outside linebacker prospect and Jonathan Vilma is the best inside prospect. There is no argument about either.
Auburn boasts the next best in the pair of Karlos Dansby and Dontarrious Thomas. Oklahoma’s Teddy Lehman is the smartest of the bunch and also very fast but may already have reached his prime.
1. D.J. Williams
6-0, 250, Miami
Lovie Smith would love to see a Derrick Brooks-type paired with Brian Urlacher.
2. Jonathan Vilma
6-0, 235, Miami
Draws comparisons to another former Hurricane, Ray Lewis, with his mobility.
3. Karlos Dansby
6-3, 245, Auburn
He has the best size-speed ratio of outside-linebacking prospects. A former safety.
4. Dontarrious Thomas
6-2, 240, Auburn
Recruited more for basketball. Probably a second-rounder outside.
5. Teddy Lehman
6-1, 235, Oklahoma
Butkus Award-winner and four-year player, a coach on field. Could move inside.
Sleeper
Michael Boulware
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6-2, 225, Florida State
Smaller than brother Peter of Ravens but could be fastest of lot.
Local
Courtney Watson
6-1 1/2, 237, Notre Dame
Productive college player who needs to improve against the pass. He played inside for Irish but has speed to play outside linebacker spot in the NFL. Third- or fourth-round pick.