2016 NFL draft: Top 10 linebackers

Ryan Wood, USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Published 7:43 p.m. CT April 26, 2016 | Updated 10:30 p.m. CT April 26, 2016

Ryan and Wes discuss the best inside linebackers in the draft and how they might fit with the Packers' need at the position. (April 26, 2016) USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

1. Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame. Height: 6-2. Weight: 223. Class: Junior. Stats: 115 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 1 sack. 40-yard dash: N/A. Projection: Round 3-4.

Top linebacker in this class potentially would be the first defensive player drafted if not for a devastating knee injury that could drop him to Day 3.

2. Myles Jack, UCLA. Height: 6-1. Weight: 245. Class: Junior. Stats: 15 tackles, 0 tackles for loss, 0 sacks. 40-yard dash: 4.56. Projection: Top 10.

Torn meniscus wiped out his junior season and could drop him a couple spots in the draft, though it’s hard to fathom he could drop out of the top 10.

3. Darron Lee, Ohio State. Height: 6-0¾. Weight: 232. Class: Sophomore. Stats: 66 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks. 40-yard dash: 4.47. Projection: Round 1.

Raw and undersized linebacker with rare athleticism who entered college as a safety and still can line up across slot receivers in man-to-man coverage.

4. Reggie Ragland, Alabama. Height: 6-1¼. Weight: 247. Class: Senior. Stats: 102 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks. 40-yard dash: 4.72 Projection: Round 1.

Thumper between the tackles who can make immediate impact in the middle of a defense while playing well enough in pass coverage.

PACKERS NEWS

Ragland can cover in nickel, but well enough?

5. Deion Jones, LSU. Height: 6-0⅞. Weight: 222. Class: Senior. Stats: 88 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks. 40-yard dash: 4.59. Projection: Round 2.

Athletic linebacker doesn’t offer much defending the run, but his range and ability to play in space will appeal to teams needing a coverage linebacker.

6. Joshua Perry, Ohio State. Height: 6-3¾. Weight: 254. Class: Senior. Stats: 105 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks. 40-yard dash: 4.68. Projection: Round 2.

Coming from a Buckeyes program that could produce seven first-round picks, has been overshadowed compared to his potential to develop into a starter early in his career.

7. Kentrell Brothers, Missouri. Height: 6-0⅜. Weight: 245. Class: Senior. Stats: 152 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks. 40-yard dash: 4.89. Projection: Round 2-3.

College football’s leading tackler is as active as it gets inside the box, but doesn’t have the speed to cover on third downs and fits best as middle linebacker in a 4-3 defense.

8. B.J. Goodson, Clemson. Height: 6-0⅝. Weight: 242. Class: Senior. Stats: 108 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks. 40-yard dash: 4.69. Projection: Round 3.

Team captain in his lone season as full-time starter in Tigers defense, leading his club in tackles last year.

9. Joe Schobert, Wisconsin. Height: 6-1⅜. Weight: 244. Class: Junior. Stats: 76 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks. 40-yard dash: 4.76. Projection: Round 3-4.

Former high school safety, could offer underrated third-down value in coverage and rushing the passer.

10. Scooby Wright III, Arizona. Height: 5-11¾. Weight: 239. Class: Junior. Stats: 23 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks. 40-yard dash: 4.9. Projection: Round 3-4.

Won Bronco Nagurski Trophy, Rotary Lombardi Award and Chuck Bednarik Award in 2014 before torn meniscus and sprained right foot forced him to miss all but three games last season.