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Elite pass rushing OLBs are at a premium in the NFL. Not only are they hard to find, they often struggle to adapt to the NFL after years of dominating at the college ranks. Many of the biggest draft busts in recent memory have been pass rushers with tons of upside that couldn’t adjust to the speed of NFL games or their own positions in complex NFL defenses.
This year’s draft class includes some absolutely incredible athletes, but have so many question marks – personality, work ethic, past competition – that any one of these guys could be the next Von Miller or Khalil Mack as a star pass rusher, or the next Dion Jordan or Vernon Gholston as a bust.
Here is a look at the top 5 OLB prospects in the 2015 NFL draft:
5. Eli Harold, Virginia
A fast LB with the ability to become a team’s leading tackler for years to come, Harold is no power-lifter, but can chase down just about anyone out of the backfield and cover those troublesome TEs over the middle. Harold will struggle to take the next step in the NFL if he doesn’t get stronger, but for now he has the potential to be a real general on defense – capable of making the majority of the tackles and getting to the passer when called upon.
Projection: Late 1st-round
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