Inside linebackers are often overshadowed by edge rushers, shutdown corners and space eating defensive tackles both on draft day and at the next level -- but take a look at NFL tackle stats though Week 7 if you want to know the importance of the men in the middle. Eight of the top eleven on the list line up at inside linebacker.
In addition, Dallas losing Sean Lee to a season-ending toe injury and the impact his absence will have on the Cowboys' defense has been one of the top stories in the league this week.
In terms of the 2013 draft, teams in the market for immediate help at inside linebacker should have a pair of first-round options in Notre Dame's Manti Te'o (Grade: 94) and Georgia's Alec Ogletree (93), both of whom will push for a starting job from their first day in camp.
However, they are not the only inside linebackers in the class with the ability to contribute right away. Let's take a slightly deeper look at the 2013 inside linebackers and examine three Day 2 prospects who could make noise as rookies.
To see how these prospects break down and the NFL players they compare to, and to get access to all of Scouts Inc.'s draft coverage, become an ESPN insider.
Steve Muench
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Todd McShay (left) is the director of college scouting for Scouts Inc. McShay, who played quarterback at Richmond, has been evaluating NFL prospects since 1998. Follow Todd on Twitter: @McShay13
Steve Muench (middle) played guard at Richmond and worked in the athletic department there and at Boston College before joining Scouts Inc. in 2002. Follow Steve on Twitter: @SteveMuenchESPN
Kevin Weidl (right) is a former quarterback for Indiana (Pa.) University who worked in the pro scouting department for the New York Jets before joining Scouts Inc. in 2007. Follow Kevin on Twitter: @Kevin_Weidl
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