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The 2006 linebacker class has elite potential. The 2005 NFL draft saw three linebackers come off the board in the first 15 picks, but 21 selections passed before the next linebacker was taken in the second round. Demarcus Ware (Cowboys) and Shawne Merriman (Chargers) were tweener OLB/DE prospects who are currently starting at OLB in 3-4 defenses, making WLB Derrick Johnson (Chiefs) the first true linebacker selected.

Next year's class is void of any elite prospects at the trendy rush-linebacker position, but should be filled with more traditional inside, weak-side and strong-side linebacker talent than the NFL draft has seen since the banner group in 2002, which included first-round picks LaVar Arrington (Redskins), Julian Peterson (49ers), Keith Bulluck (Titans) and Napoleon Harris (Raiders).Raiders

The strength of this group hinges on the decisions of some of the top underclassmen, most specifically Virginia ILB Ahmad Brooks, Florida State OLB Ernie Sims, Penn State OLB Paul Posluszny and Oklahoma OLB Rufus Alexander. Depending on their respective decisions, the 2006 linebacker class could have as many as eight first-round draft picks and 12 more taken before the first day is completed.

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