DRAFTTEK BIG BOARD - Ranked by Position
Top 2012 Inside LB Prospects - Weakside
Most Recent Revision: 4/27/2012

Center

LOT

ROT

RBF

RBC

WRF

WRP

WRS

INSIDE LINEBACKER
WEAKSIDE

The Weak Inside Linebacker ("Mo") plays the weak side of the offensive formation in a 3-4. His responsibilities include:

1) Stop the run, particularly in the middle of the field
2) Gap responsibilities between the Nose Tackle and Defensive End in a 3-4
3) Pass coverage - typically dump-offs to backs or Tight Ends. Also blitzing if called on to do so.

This diagram shows the WILB in a 3-4 alignment. One prospect may be selected over another based on the following factors:

A. Prevailing defensive philosophy: In a "read and react" 3-4, the defensive line controls the offensive line to allow the LBs to flow to the ball. In "attack and penetrate", the defensive line takes more of a 1-gap approach and the LBs have more gap responsibilities.

B. Opponent's offensive philosophy: In facing a power running game, the WILB has to stay home and support the SILB. Against slants and sweeps, the WILB can take more chances with angles between blockers. Passing game responsibilities are in the middle of the field - if the TE and RB go wide, a blitz is possible.

DE43

DE34

DT43

DT34

OLB43

OLB34

WILB

SILB

Big Ten

SEC

PAC 12

Big 12