In the last few years, inside linebacker has not been among the strong points in terms of depth. The reason may be because there are a number of top inside linebackers who are all seniors this year. Most defenses have a very good presence in the middle, and this class has some good ones.

Here are the top five senior inside linebackers.

5. Christian Jones, Florida State

While some see Jones as an OLB, I think he can be a good player as an inside linebacker. His ability to shed blocks and make tackles is incredible, and he can explode through a ball carrier for a big hit. As a 3-4 inside backer he can be used in interior blitzes and he is very good at doing so. Playing at Florida State there has been talk that he benefits from superior talent around him, but Jones is also full of talent. Despite being a senior, Jones is still raw, as sometimes his technique is off in coverage, and he will over commit at times, but the talent is there. Jones can develop into a good player at the next level, but he is not at the level of the next few on this list.

4. Lamin Barrow, LSU

One of the better names in college football, but is also a good football player as well. Sometimes he will bite on play action, and always seems to be leaning forward at the snap, which will need to be fixed in the NFL, but can be fixed. As most inside backers are, he is always around the ball carrier no matter where the play is, and that is a desirable trait. Often times a player will end his efforts if the play is not to his side, Barrow will stay with it until the whistle blows. When Barrow connects on a hit, it is among the most punishing in the SEC, he seems to explode into the ball carrier. One thing I noticed is Barrow’s ability in pass coverage. In the Georgia game he was able to cover the tight end and running backs very well, and these players will be NFL bound, so that tape is very useful. Barrow will be drafted in the mid rounds in May, and can be a starter down the road, but still needs some more time to progress.

3. Chris Borland, Wisconsin

The knock on Chris Borland is his size, but there have been some very successful linebackers who have been less than six feet tall. Borland is a good football player, and regardless of size, football skills are football skills. Just ask Tyrann Mathieu and Lamarcus Joyner. There was one play in the Ohio State game this season where Borland met Carlos Hyde in the hole, and drove him backwards at the point of contact. Carlos Hyde is one of the better and stronger backs in college football, so that is no easy feat. Borland has underrated lateral quickness as well, which is huge for someone at over 240 pounds. Borland is always around the ball, and will be a starter in the NFL within the first two seasons, depending on the situation.

2. Shayne Skov, Stanford

Skov has been one of my favorite prospects all season, especially due to the fact that he has progressed. In my opinion, improvement from year to year is essential to a prospect’s analysis because progression is they key in the NFL as a young player. Skov is the leading tackler on a very good Stanford defense, and explodes to the ball. One of the biggest traits for an inside linebacker to have is to take good angles to the ball, and Skov shows this ability many times this season, especially in the Oregon game, which is a translatable tape to watch considering the NFL talent on Oregon’s offense.

1. C.J. Mosley, Alabama

When analyzing prospects, sharing thoughts on a players weaknesses and how they can improve is vital. But that is just why C.J. Mosley is the best inside linebacker in this class, as he has no real weaknesses. Mosley can do anything you ask him to do as a middle linebacker, tackle, cover, even rush the passer at times, and has the physical tools to make it happen. Mosley will be a good football player for a long time, and without a doubt will be picked in the first round.