MLB Rankings 2017 NFL Middle Linebacker Rankings Projected Rounds: 1.

Zach Cunningham, MLB, Vanderbilt: 59 solo tackles, 50 assisted tackles, 109 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss, 1 quarterback hurry, 1 deflection from a pass breakup, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 blocked kick/punt Round 1, 2.

Reuben Foster, MLB, Alabama: 40 solo tackles, 35 assisted tackles, 75 total tackles, 9 tackles for a loss, 4 quarterback hurries, 2 sacks, and 2 deflections from pass breakups Round 1, 3.

Jarrad Davis, MLB, Florida: 25 solo tackles, 31 assisted tackles, 56 total tackles, 6 tackles for a loss, 5 quarterback hurries, 4 deflections from pass breakups, and 2 sacks Round 2, 4.

Kendell Beckwith, MLB, LSU: 33 solo tackles, 58 assisted tackles, 91 total tackles, 6 tackles for a loss, 4 deflections from a pass breakup, and 1 quarterback hurry Round 2, 5.

Anthony Walker Jr. MLB, Northwestern: 52 solo tackles, 37 assisted tackles, 89 total tackles, 8 tackles for a loss, 6 quarterback hurries, 2 sacks, 2 deflections from pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery Round 3, 6.

Raekwon McMillan, MLB, Ohio State: 30 solo tackles, 41 assisted tackles, 71 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss, 4 deflections from pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 quarterback hurry Round 2, 7.

Jalen Reeves-Maybin, MLB, Tennessee: 12 solo tackles, 8 assisted tackles, 20 total tackles, and 2 tackles for a loss Round 3, 8.

Josey Jewell, MLB, Iowa: 47 solo tackles, 58 assisted tackles, 105 total tackles, 5 deflections from pass breakups, 4.5 tackles for a loss, 4 quarterback hurries, 1 forced fumble, 1 blocked kick/punt, and 0.5 sack Round 3, 9.

Ben Boulware, MLB, Clemson: 42 solo tackles, 46 assisted tackles, 88 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss, and 2 sacks Round 3, 10.

Chase Allen, MLB, Southern Illinois: 49 solo tackles, 28 assisted tackles, 77 total tackles, 7 quarterback hurries, 7 tackles for a loss, 1 sack, 1 deflection from a pass breakup, and 1 forced fumble Round 3, 11.

Ritchie Brown, MLB, Mississippi State: 46 solo tackles, 43 assisted tackles, 89 total tackles, 4 tackles for a loss, 3 quarterback hurries, 1.5 sacks, and 1 deflection from a pass breakup Round 4, 12.

Riley Bullough, MLB, Michigan State: 18 solo tackles, 50 assisted tackles, 68 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss, and 4 quarterback hurries Round 4, 13.

Keith Kelsey, MLB, Louisville: 40 solo tackles, 33 assisted tackles, 73 total tackles, 3 forced fumbles, 3 quarterback hurries, 2.5 tackles for a loss, 2 deflections from pass breakups, and 1 sack Round 5, 13.

Stacy Thomas, MLB, Louisville: 41 solo tackles, 23 assisted tackles, 64 total tackles, 5 tackles for a loss, 2 deflections from pass breakups, 2 fumble recoveries, and 1 interception Round 6, 15.

Nick DeLuca, MLB, North Dakota State: 14 solo tackles, 12 assisted tackles, 26 total tackles, 2 tackles for a loss, 2 deflections from a pass breakup, and 1 interception Round 7

2017 NFL Draft: Connor Harris Scouting Report

Joshua Forrest follow @joshpforrest Last Updated: December 22, 2016

Connor Harris, MLB, Lindewood

Projected Round 5th Round

With so much talent at the Division 1 level, it might be hard to believe that one of the top linebackers in the upcoming NFL Draft is coming from the division 2 level. That's the case with linebacker Connor Harris; the number 1 all-time leading tackler in NCAA history at any level.

Harris has done everything for the Lindenwood Lions, from tackling ball carries, to intercepting passes, recovering fumbles, and even running the football, he was the true definition of a team player. While the 24-year-old Senior doesn't boast terrific size or speed, what he does bring to the table cannot be coached, effort and intensity.

Strengths Excellent upper body strength; was able to disengage from lineman to make tackles. Proactive athlete, doesn't wait for the play to come to him but rather hunts for the ball carrier. Smart enough to know where he fits in against the run as was able to consistently make tackles from sideline to sideline as well as make plays in the passing game as he came away with 6 career interceptions. Connor Harris showcases outstanding zone coverage for a middle linebacker at times.

Weaknesses Lacks the prototypical size most NFL GM's want to see in an inside linebacker. Solid at 5-11 and 240-lbs., but he lacks the frame to be able to add weight his body. While he had over 600 tackles, only 34 of them were for loss, meaning he won't hit players behind the line of scrimmage much. Sometimes will mis-read or overplay the run did the "linebacker shuffle" at times and looked lost in coverage. Harris has the footwork to drop back into coverage, but lacks the vision to recognize where receivers and tight ends are in coverage. Suffered a Grade 3 separation to his AC Joint and had to have reconstructive surgery after tearing all 3 of his ligaments that held his collarbone in place (now has a mesh wire connecting his clavicle to his shoulder blade).

Summary

The production of the Missouri native cannot be denied (633 tackles, 34 tackles for loss,16 pass breakups, 6 interceptions, 5 fumble recoveries, and 3 forced fumbles), however the question remains in regards to how he will stand up to the world's greatest athletes in the NFL. This question will be answered in late January, as Harris will be playing in the NFL Players Association Bowl, where he will be tested against other future NFL athletes. If he tests well among the scouts there, he could have the opportunity to earn an invite to the NFL Combine. If professional scouts don';t like him as a linebacker, a move to the Fullback position could also be an option. Harris has 7 career rushing TD's, 4 of which came in 1 game; he was also 12-12 on PAT's but the transition to kicker seems less likely.

Projection

Late 4th to Mid 6th round pick.

2017 NFL Draft: Connor Harris Scouting Report

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