:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29616837/20140222_mje_bl4_2054.0.jpg)
NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock recently released an updated list of his position rankings for the 2014 NFL Draft. Mayock ranked the top 5 players at each position. BGN already reviewed his [top wide receivers] and [safeties]. Today we'll look at his favorite linebackers. Here's who Mayock listed:
| Rank | Linebackers | HT | WT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OLB Khalil Mack, Buffalo | 6-3 | 251 |
| 2 | ILB C.J. Mosley, Alabama | 6-2 | 234 |
| 3 | OLB Anthony Barr, UCLA | 6-5 | 255 |
| 4 | ILB Chris Borland, Wisconsin | 5-11 | 248 |
| 5 | LB Ryan Shazier, Ohio State | 6-1 | 237 |
It's worth noting that the NFL Combine didn't have any impact on these rankings. Mayock's pre-combine top 5 linebackers were exactly the same as seen here.
As you can see, the "linebacker" designation is a little ambiguous. The exact position some of these prospects will play depends on whether they're drafted to a team that runs a 3-4 or a 4-3. The Eagles, as we know, run a 3-4 and could use help at either inside or outside LB.
Top prospect Khalil Mack could greatly improve the Eagles' pass rush off the edge. The problem is he probably won't be available at No. 22. The same might be said for Anthony Barr, but of the two there's more of a chance he could fall.
On the inside, the Eagles could be looking for a future replacement for DeMeco Ryans. C.J. Mosley has the size the Eagles would ideally like to add on the inside. Chris Borland could fall short of the Eagles' desire for bigger players.
So which one of these draft prospects is your favorite fit for the Eagles?