ILB class doesn't make grade

Originally Published: March 23, 2005

By Todd McShay | Scouts Inc.

There are three probable starters – Channing Crowder (Florida), Odell Thurman (Georgia) and Barrett Ruud (Nebraska) – in this year's inside linebacker class. After that, however, there is a huge drop-off in talent.

Over the course of the last three drafts, an average of seven inside linebackers have been selected in the first three rounds. This year, I feel comfortable putting a day-one stamp on only four.

With the potential for only one first-round pick (Crowder) and four day-one picks, it's easy to see why this year's inside linebacker class is below average. Furthermore, if not for the underclassmen additions of Crowder and Thurman, this group would earn a failing grade.

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