What about Bob?

1. Keith Rivers, USC, 6-2, 238. A terrific prospect at outside linebacker, continuing a strong tradition for the position at USC … Had combined 12 ½ sacks his last two seasons … finished with combined 163 tackles his last two years … can chase down runners and quarterbacks from behind … part of a defense that ranked fourth in the nation in run defense (84.2 ypg).

2. * Jerod Mayo, Tennessee, 6-1, 242. Fast-rising outside linebacker prospect has rocketed up plenty of draft boards in recent weeks … can play inside, but most scouts view him as a better weakside ‘backer … his 140 tackles last season were most by Tennessee defender since Earnest Fields in 1990 … had 19 tackles against Kentucky.

3. Dan Connor, Penn State, 6-2, 235. Yet another top linebacker prospect from Penn State … can play both inside and outside, but speed makes him a better outside ‘backer prospect for NFL … did strong job replacing Bills first-round LB Paul Posluszny at middle linebacker last season.

4. Curtis Lofton, Oklahoma, 6-0, 237. Has experience at both inside and outside, but strong work late last season at middle linebacker will probably make him a better inside prospect … had 157 tackles last season, tied for seventh best in school history ... had 10 or more tackles in eight games.

5. Cliff Avril, Purdue, 6-2, 251. Fast-rising prospect with good series of post-season workouts … can play outside linebacker in a 4-3 defense or rush end in a 3-4 … as defensive end last year, had 6 ½ sacks … good football instincts and versatility.

6. * Erin Henderson, Maryland, 6-3, 236. Best suited as outside linebacker … younger brother of NFL linebacker E.J. Henderson … doesn’t possess great flat-out speed … solid in pass coverage … reliable tackler.

7. Quentin Groves, Auburn, 6-3, 257. Very good speed (in the 4.5’s) in the 40 gives him potential as pass-rushing OLB … A bit inconsistent at college level … had 9 ½ sacks in 2006, but only three last season … will need to develop better moves at pro level, since he won’t be able to rely solely on speed.

8. Ali Highsmith, LSU, 6-0, 230. Lack of height a drawback, although has good football instincts … big issue is lack of speed, especially for an outside linebacker prospect … slow 40 times at combine have scouts concerned, although he had groin problems at the time … cousin of former NFL running back Alonzo Highsmith.

9. * Geno Hayes, Florida State, 6-0, 226. A bit undersized, but very competitive … lack of size and strength makes him weakside OLB … arrest in bar fight last fall won’t help his draft-day stock.

* Junior.

UP NEXT: Defensive backs