Linebackers Fall in 2016 NFL Draft

After the first round of the 2016 National Football League Draft came to a close, there were many players that surprisingly were not drafted with one of the top 31 picks. Some were more of a surprise than others, but the fall of top-25 pick worthy linebackers was undeniable. Here is a list of linebackers that fell (ranked in presumed draft order) along with possible explanations:

1. Myles Jack, ILB, UCLA
• Jack played a total of eight positions at UCLA, lining up at all three corner positions, both safety positions, both linebacker spots, and running back. He has possibly the biggest upside (maybe second to Ramsey) of all players in the draft. According to NFL.com, Jack admitted that he may knee micro-fracture knee surgery in the future, and that has scared many teams out of spending a first rounder on him.
• Pro Comparison: NaVorro Bowman
2. Noah Spence, OLB, Eastern Kentucky
• Spence started his collegiate career at Ohio State before leaving due to failed drug tests. This may seem like a red flag but it hardly is anymore. Players like Tyrann Mathieu have overcome addictions in recent years, and according to ESPN.com, Spence has sent copies of his past 20 drug screens to each NFL team. The kid has talent and has matured.  
• Pro Comparison: Dwight Freeney
3. Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama
• Ragland was the staple holding together Alabama's top ranked defense. According to NFL.com, he has totaled 195 tackles in the past two seasons, and some scouts say he could be even better than the aforementioned Myles Jack. Why is he falling? Doctors have found that Ragland has an enlarged aorta.
• Pro Comparison: Ray Lewis
4. Jaylon Smith, OLB, Notre Dame
• Smith was ranked as one of the best outside linebackers in the 2016 draft class loaded with talent on the edge. He was good enough to take home the Butkus Award, and, according to NFL.com, he led the Irish in tackles for the second straight year. Smith's fall would be ranked higher, but almost everyone saw it coming. During his team's Fiesta Bowl game against Ohio State, Smith tore both his MCL and LCL.
• Pro Comparison: Aldon Smith

-Isaiah Addair