2014 NFL Draft: Inside Linebacker Prospects You Should Know

 In this series of articles, I will be picking one position group each week from which I will be choosing four players to evaluate.  There will be three that you’ve probably heard of, and one that you probably haven’t. I am not linking any of these players to the Chiefs. This is merely to introduce you all to the upcoming prospects. Please enjoy and I look forward to reading your comments.

Sep 14, 2013; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A

C.J. Mosley – 6’2 234lbs – Alabama

Mosley led the Alabama defense last year with 107 tackles, eight tackles for a loss, four sacks, two interceptions, two passes broken up, and one forced fumble. Mosley’s best attribute is his stout pass coverage. With his fast and physical play, Mosley almost resembles a super-sized safety. He has an incredible ability to change direction which NFL scouts will love. He shared middle linebacker snaps in 2011 with Kansas City’s own Nico Johnson, used primarily in passing down situations. In 2011, Mosley missed two games due to an injured elbow but still managed to lock up 37 tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks, and one interception. So far this year, Mosley has had 71 total tackles including 5.5 tackles for a loss and three passes broken up. Like most of Nick Saban’s defensive prospects, he is hailed for his preparation and high football IQ.  Mosley is in a race for the top middle linebacker taken this year with A.J. Johnson but most scouts have Mosley leading the pack. None of the prospects at middle linebacker this year are rated as highly as Luke Kuechley was but they aren’t off by much and Mosley would make an excellent first round pick for any team looking to sure up the middle of their linebacker corps. Mosley will likely be drafted in the top 15.