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Once you get past elite prospect Myles Jack, beauty is in the eye of the beholder for the next tier of linebackers in the draft. Several options capable of upgrading the Cowboys' corps should fall to Day 2 of the draft, including:
Scooby Wright III, Arizona
Ht. 6'0", Wt. 239, Arm: 30 ½", Hand: 9 ¾", Bench: 22
40 yd: 4.90, 10 yd.: 1.67, 3 Cone: -, Vertical: 31", Broad: 9'5"
Scooby Wright was one of the most productive and highly decorated defenders in college football during his sophomore season at Arizona in 2014, winning the Nagurski Trophy and the Lombardi and Bednarik awards. Two injuries limited him to three games last season.
• Pros: Instincts, motor, disruptive, tackling, production
• Cons: Durability, physically, limited, overpursues at times
Wright won't wow you with athleticism, but some players (e.g. Chris Borland) have the instincts, intelligence and competitiveness to overcome that. He simply finds the ball, making him a good fit at MIKE for the Cowboys on Day 2.
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Verdict: Round 2
Kentrell Brothers, Missouri
Ht. 6'0", Wt. 245, Arm: 30 ¾", Hand: 9 ¾", Bench: 19
40 yd: 4.89, 10 yd.: 1.69, 3 Cone: 6.99, Vertical: 28.5", Broad: 9'2"
Brothers was a three-year starter for the Tigers and improved every season. He led the nation in tackles (152) as a senior, adding 12 TFL, 2.5 sacks and 2 INTs and was voted second-team All-America.
• Pros: Fast, quick feet, elusive, instinctive, blitzing, tackling, coverage
• Cons: Length, lacks elite athleticism, overpursues, angles
Brothers is a three-down linebacker in the NFL, comfortable playing forward against the run or in reverse against the pass. He's an ideal MIKE in the Cowboys' scheme, but he's capable of handling the WILL role as well.
Verdict: Round 2
Josh Perry, Ohio St.
Ht. 6'3", Wt. 254, Arm: 33 ⅞", Hand: 10 ¼", Bench: 20
40 yd: 4.68, 10 yd.: 1.65, 3 Cone: -, Vertical: 33.5", Broad: 10'4"
Josh Perry was a solid starter for two years in the middle of the Buckeyes' defense. He averaged more than 100 tackles, 8 TFL and about 3 sacks and earned all-conference honors each year.
• Pros: Length, athleticism, disciplined, elusive, motor
• Cons: Overruns plays at times, not disruptive
Perry is a safe prospect that does everything pretty well, but lacks elite qualities. His best role is probably inside in a 3-4 front, but he'd be a good SAM in base downs for the Cowboys.
Verdict: Round 3
