6. ROLB Robert Reynolds, Detroit Lions
The draft gem went from reserve role player to possible star after the money was exchanged for his “renovation”. Reynolds is the second faster outside linebacker in the PTF at 88 SPD and 88 ACC. His AWR (69) is great for a rookie, as well as his TAK (81). He’s already missed a week(and most of another game he got injured in) with a broken thumb due to his glass class status but the talent is already visible. He’s also of good size at 6’3”, which should help him clog up some passing lanes. If he can stay on the field most of the season, he should post great numbers soon.
5. LOLB Tank Williams, Tennessee Titans
Williams—the first non-traditional position change player—converted to safety last season and has all the tools you’d want in an outside linebacker— w 85 SPD/88 ACC he can rush the passer, drop back in coverage, and hold his own in the run game. He has good awareness for a 24 year old (76) and TAK (84). The production was also there in 2003 with 14 tackles for a loss, most of them after midseason where he was moved. The only knock on him is his 223lb frame which is on the pretty small side of linebackers though his very good STR should minimize the plays where he’s bulldozed by the stronger offensive lineman.
4. Julian Peterson, San Francisco 49ers
Peterson was one of the most productive at the position last season with 8 tackles for a loss and 10 sacks with 2 forced fumbles. With 87 SPD and 88 ACC, it’s easy to see how he was in the backfield so often. He has an above average 79 AWR that should end somewhere in the mid 80s at season’s end. That would make him more of a pain for offensive lineman wondering what gap he plans on quickly jumping through on his way to make a play on the ball.
3. LOLB LaVar Arrington, Washington Redskins
The 6’3”, 253lber can play with his hand in the dirt or standing up due to his elite size/strength/speed combination (86SPD/81 STR/87ACC). He blew up plenty of runs behind the line of scrimmage in 2003 with 10 tackles for a loss and 5 sacks. His value is strengthened of his 43/34 scheme versatility. Maybe one day he plays as a 43 defensive end, probably as he approaches or enters his 30s.
2. ROLB Takeo Spikes, Cincinnati Bengals
At 28, Spikes is the oldest member of the list but in this league he has both elite traits physically and mentally. He’s got 85 SPD, 78 STR, 81 AGI, 86 ACC with 84 AWR and 90 TAK. That’s probably the most well-rounded linebacker in the league. 2003’s production was pretty good too, though he may have accumulated some of these stats while still a middle linebacker, but I may be wrong. He had 100 tackles, 13 for a loss, 5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 14 passes deflected. He’s currently on pace to have just as a stat-filled season this year as well. He’ll also play well far into his regression years.
1. ROLB E.J. Henderson, Seattle Seahawks
PTF’s very own Lawrence Taylor is an unmatched physical specimen who could probably play at wide receiver, tight end, defensive end, cornerback and safety—and start. His explosiveness at the position no one comes close to (91 SPD/99 ACC) and it translated into multiple accolades in this rookie campaign with 21 sacks and 14 tackles for a loss. Those numbers are insane and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he matched or surpassed them. Henderson is among the most valuable players in any position and I wish my draft gem was based off him.
