2012 NFL Draft | Top Linebackers

2012 DRAFTTEK BIG BOARD - Ranked by Position
2012 4-3 Outside Linebackers
Most Recent Revision: 4/25/2012

LOT

ROT

RBF

RBC

WRF

WRP

WRS

OUTSIDE LINEBACKER
4-3

The Outside Linebackers in a 4-3 are referred to as "Sam" for the strongside (the side with the TE) and "Will" for the weakside. Their responsibilities include:

1) Stop the run, particularly off-tackle slants and end sweeps
2) Support the MLB gap responsibilities
3) Pass coverage - typically dump-offs to backs or Tight Ends. Also blitzing if called on to do so.

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

A. Prevailing defensive philosophy: In a "read and react" 4-3, 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: On off-tackle slants and sweeps, the OLBs have primary responsibility. On running plays up the middle, Sam and Will support the MLB and Strong Safety. Responsibilities in the passing game responsibilities are ioutside the hashmarks. If the TE and RB do not go wide, then keying a running QB or executing a blitz is possible.

DE43

DE34

DT43

DT34

OLB43

OLB34

WILB

SILB

Big Ten

SEC

PAC 12

Big 12