2012 Strong Inside Linebackers
Most Recent Revision: 4/25/2012
| QB | OC | OG | LOT | ROT | TE | RBF | RBC | WRF | WRP | WRS | FB |
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4-3 (3-4 Diagram is below) 
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The Strong Inside Linebacker ("Mike") plays the strong 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 Defensive Tackles in a 4-3 3) Pass coverage - normally dump offs to backs or TEs. And blitz, if called on to do so. This diagram shows an MLB 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: In facing a power running game, the SILB has primary responsibility with support from the outside LBs and strong safety. Passing game responsibilities are in the middle of the field. If the TE and RB go wide, then keying a running QB or executing a blitz is possible. |
| DE43 | DE34 | DT43 | DT34 | OLB43 | OLB34 | WILB | SILB | SS | FS | CB |
| Big Ten | SEC | PAC 12 | Big 12 | ACC | Mtn West | C USA | WAC | Big East | Mid AM |
| 1 (7) | +1 |  |
Boston College Luke Kuechly Jr 6'3" 242 |
#40 Video N/A |
| 2 (28) | +3 |  |
Alabama Dont'a Hightower Jr 6'4" 245 |
#30 Video N/A |
| 3 (39) | +12 |  |
California Mychal Kendricks Sr 5'11" 240 |
#30 Video N/A |
| 4 (115) | -27 |  |
North Carolina State Audie Cole Sr 6'4" 242 |
#42 Video N/A |
| 5 (144) | +1 |  |
Nevada James-Michael Johnson Sr 6'1" 241 |
#52 Video N/A |
| 6 (153) | -3 |  |
Arizona State Vontaze Burfict Jr 6'1" 248 |
#7 Video N/A |
| 7 (161) | +1 |  |
Texas Emmanuel Acho Sr 6'1" 238 |
#18 Video N/A |
| 8 (212) | -7 |  |
USC Chris Galippo Sr 6'1" 241 |
#54 Video N/A |
| 9 (218) | +7 |  |
Arkansas Jerry Franklin Sr 6'1" 245 |
#34 Video N/A |
| 10 (342) | +9 |  |
Merrimack Shawn Loiseau Sr 6'0" 244 |
#10 Video N/A |
| 11 (377) | -1 |  |
West Virginia Najee Goode Sr 6'0" 244 |
#52 Video N/A |
| 12 (378) | -2 |  |
Pittsburgh Max Gruder Sr 6'1" 230 |
#55 Video N/A |
| 13 (378) | -11 |  |
Texas A&M Garrick Williams Sr 6'2" 235 |
#8 Video N/A |
| 14 (378) | -1 |  |
Vanderbilt Chris Marve Sr 6'0" 238 |
#13 Video N/A |
| 15 (380) | 0 |  |
New Mexico Carmen Messina Sr 6'2" 236 |
#58 Video N/A |
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3-4 
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The Strong Inside Linebacker ("Mike") plays the classic Middle Linebacker in a 4-3. 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 - normally dump offs to backs or TEs. And blitz, if called on to do so. This diagram shows an SILB 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 SILB has primary responsibility with support from the outside LBs and strong safety. Passing game responsibilities are in the middle of the field. If the TE and RB go wide, then keying a running QB or executing a blitz is possible. |
