With National Football League teams in need of athletic defenders to cope with a growing diversity of offenses, the 2015 college player draft features linebackers with the versatility to disrupt prolific pocket passers and those devious run-options.

Nominally listed as outside linebackers, Florida’s multi-talented Dante Fowler and Clemson’s insanely athletic Vic Beasley may hear their names called among the top ten selections on April 30 when the NFL draft begins its three-day run in Chicago.

Ratings by NFLDraftScout.com list Fowler at No. 3 overall and Beasley at No. 5, although exactly where they are selected is impacted by the needs of teams doing the picking.

In all, five outside linebackers are worthy of being drafted in the first two rounds.

UCLA’s wildly productive Eric Kendricks, brother of Philadelphia’s Mychal Kendricks, tops an interesting class of inside linebackers that could see anywhere from one to five prospects selected within the first two rounds.

Several players rated a defensive ends by NFLDraftScout.com, could easily be called outside linebackers, including the top three listed as ends — Nebraska’s Gregory, Missouri’s Shane Ray and Kentucky’s Alvin Dupree, along with sixth-ranked defensive end Nate Orchard of Utah.

Conversely, some prospects listed here as linebackers could become NFL defensive ends, starting at the top with Fowler.

Here is a closer look at the top linebackers in the NFL’s 2015 draft (position rating/overall rating. Player, college, height, weight, 40-yard time, projected round. *indicates underclassman):

OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS

1/3. *Dante Fowler, Florida, 6-3, 261, 4.60, 1

–Two-step process: Fowler’s effectiveness is based on quick feet, especially his first two steps. Add his fluid athleticism and perpetual motion and Fowler is one of the best edge rushers in this draft. He was effective at several positions, playing right or left end (in 3-4 or 4-3), outside linebacker and even nose tackle in a nickel defense. Fowler was team MVP last year after collecting 8.5 of his 14.5 career sacks, despite being double-teamed, chipped and the focus of offenses sliding his way.

–Measuring up: Exact height is 6-feet-2 and 5/8ths of inches and, at 261 pounds, he quantified his athleticism at combine by clocking 40 yards in only 4.60 seconds, 20 in 2.69 and 10 in 1.59. He showed decent strength (19 reps on bench) and explosion (32.5 inch vertical; 9-foot-5 inch broad jump). His Pro Day is April 7.

–Notable quote: “I can do it all, some linebacker, some defensive end, I can do both. I can rush really good and I can drop back in coverage. If I want to think I’m a big guy, I like to go out there and mess with the receivers, I can play in the flats and in the curls. I can play everywhere.” — Fowler, when asked at combine what separates him from the field.

–Frankly: Fowler’s versatility is a nice footnote, but his value in the pass-happy NFL is a knack for getting the quarterback, either as a defensive end in a 4-3 or outside linebacker in a 3-4.

2/5. Vic Beasley, Clemson, 6-3, 246, 4.53, 1

–Rare convertible: After two stunning seasons as a starting defensive end, Beasley’s freakish athleticism will be best displayed at outside linebacker in the NFL. He leverages a blink-quick first step into an effective array of pass rush moves. If a blocker steps out to take on the up-field rush, Beasley darts inside. Or vice versa. Although he seems to have abilities to play sideline-to-sideline, Beasley appears lost doing something other than chasing down somebody in the backfield. He did that well enough to lead a great defense last year and in two seasons had 33 sacks among his 52.5 tackles for a loss.

–Measuring up: At exactly 6-foot-3, 246 pounds, Beasley put on a great show at the combine, leading all linebackers in the 40-yard dash (4.53 seconds) and bench press (35 reps with 225 pounds) and was in top five in the 3 cone drill (6.91 seconds), short shuttle (4.15), the vertical (41 inches) and broad jumps (10 feet, 10 inches). At March 5 pro day, stood on combine numbers but impressed in linebacker and defensive end drills.

–Notable quote: “Teams really just want to see me dropping in coverage. They haven’t seen me with my hand off the ground that much and obviously they want me to play the 3-4 outside linebacker position at the next level, so they want to see me drop.” — Beasley at combine, when asked what teams are asking of him.

–Frankly: Beasley’s rare combination of athletic abilities keep moving him up draft boards and, although he needs to work on shedding blockers, he can already avoid them well enough to be a consistent trouble-maker.

3/33. *Shaq Thompson, Washington, 6-0, 228, 4.64, 1-2

–4G coverage: Size-wise, Thompson looks like a safety, but at outside linebacker he outperformed AT&T with his amazing range and the ability to dial up a big play at any time while using rollover minutes to show off skills as a running back. After scoring four of his six 2014 touchdowns on defense, including a 100-yard fumble return, Thompson won the Paul Hornung Award as the nation’s most versatile player. That versatility was first obvious at Sacramento’s Grant High School, where he was rated the No. 1 prep safety in the country, not even counting his 23 touchdowns as a passer and runner as a senior. NFL teams are glad he couldn’t hit in the Boston Red Sox minor league system, because he certainly can on a football field.

–Measuring up: Although only 1/8th-inch over six-feet in height, Thompson stood tall at combine with a 40-yard time of 4.64 seconds, including 1.69 seconds in 10 yards and 2.75 in 20. He showed great agility in the shuttle (4.08 seconds) and cone drill (6.99 seconds), but did not bench because of thumb injury. Pro day is April 2.

–Notable quote: “I feel like size doesn’t matter. There were a couple of times where I didn’t get off blocks. But there were other times when I did. If you’re a playmaker, you’re gonna make a play regardless, whether you’re getting blocked or not getting blocked. That’s part of my game I need to tighten up and I’m getting better at it– Thompson at combine in response to critics who say he cannot shed blocks.

–Frankly: Thompson’s elite athleticism and football instincts make his height — or lack of — a non-issue. Even if he cannot out-muscle blockers, he finds ways to make plays and his rare skill set can help neutralize those bothersome strategic mismatches.

4/36. *Eli Harold, Virginia, 6-3, 247, 4.60, 1-2

–Hybrid Harold: Listed as a defensive end, Harold actually started his last 24 games as a hybrid pass rusher in the Cavaliers multiple 3-4 defense. In 2014, he led Virginia in tackles for loss (14.5), including seven sacks and two fumble recoveries. He has been adding bulk to his frame over past two years which should help at the next level. Versatile athlete at Ocean Lakes High School in Virginia Beach, where he spent his senior year playing quarterback, running back and wide receiver on offense (1,146 total yards, 20 touchdowns). He was recruited to Virginia as a safety, but evolved into a versatile front seven defender who compiled career stats that include 36.5 tackles for a loss, including 17.5 sacks.

–Measuring up: Combine workouts confirmed he is an excellent athlete, but not elite, although his 261 reflects work to prepare for the pros. He ran 40 yards in 4.60 second (10 in 1.59; 20 in 2.69), had 19 reps on bench (225 pounds) and showed acceptable explosion (32.5-inch vertical jump; 9-foot-4 inch broad jump). At his March 2 pro day, Harold was impressive in position-specific workouts.

–Notable quote: “It forced me to, I say, become a man early. Not having a dad growing up, being told things as a child a child shouldn’t be told. It definitely pushed me to be the athlete I am today. Everything I do, I think of her. It just motivates me to be that much better. In football. Be a better brother, be a better friend, be a better teammate, be a better son. It definitely molded me to be what I am today.” Harold, on impact of losing mother at 14, raised through rough times by older brother who confessed to selling drugs before becoming a pastor.

–Frankly: Harold may not be a potential superstar, but has the mind, body, spirit and enough athletic ability to serve as a consistently productive defender.

5/70. Hau’oli Kikaha, Washington, 6-2, 253, 4.74, 2-3

–That’s ‘ha-OH-lee KEY-kah-HA: His serious focus and determination may be reflected in fact he changed last name before 2013 season to Kikaha, his mother’s maiden name, from Jimora, the last name of the father he didn’t meet until age 16. Nothing has come easily for Kikaha, who moved all over the country as a child before settling in southern California. Even in college he had season-ending ACL injuries in 2011 and 2012. Even when he led the nation with 19 sacks last season, it was more the result of his relentless pursuit than startling speed or fancy moves. His 25 tackles for a loss was No. 2 in the nation.

–Measuring up: April 2 pro day will be interesting because the flu prevented Kikaha from working out at Indianapolis combine. Regardless, scouts believe his productivity — which is a notable 36 sacks in two seasons — probably exceeds anything measured in a workout.

–Notable quote:” I’ve heard about being developed into an inside linebacker. It’s a possibility and I would love to be able to call defenses and kind of control what’s going on within reason and kind of know everything because I want to develop into that kind of a player. But whatever teams want I will let them have it.” — Kikaha at combine, when asked if teams are mentioning various positions.

–Frankly: Take him so you don’t face him. Kikaha isn’t as fast or fluid as you like for an outside linebacker and not built to be defensive end, but his attention-getting physicality and non-stop determination not only wears on offenses, but sets tone for his own defense.

6/88. *Kwon Alexander, LSU, 6-1, 227, 4.55, 3

–Alexander the near great: Injuries slowed Alexander’s progress, including a knee in his senior year of high school (2011) and an ankle that truncated his 2012 freshman season at LSU. After hurting opponents instead of himself the last two seasons as a starter, Alexander made a statement with quickness that takes him sideline-to-sideline, although he needs to control himself and avoid overrunning plays. Alexander finished his LSU career with 156 total tackles, 15 tackles for losses, 1.5 sacks, six pass breakups and seven QB hurries. That included leading LSU last season with 90 tackles.

–Measuring up: Alexander is short in stature — a 1/4 inch under 6-foot-1 and arms only 30 1/4 inches — but long in athletic ability, including 4.55 seconds in 40-yard dash (10 in 1.58), a 36-inch vertical jump and 24 reps on the bench with 225 (ok, yes short arms helped).

–Notable quote: “I played primarily outside. In my sophomore year I played Mike backer so I got a little taste of it.” — Alexander at combine, when asked about experience at inside linebacker.

–Frankly: Alexander looks great chasing down opponents with his quickness, which he uses to overcome shortcomings in size, strength as well as average read-and-react instincts. He will need to improve to be consistently productive in the NFL.

ALSO:

7/103. Davis Tull, Tennessee-Chattanooga, 6-2, 246, 4.59, 3-4

8/116. Lorenzo Mauldin, Louisville, 6-4, 259, 4.85, 3-4

9/131. Jordan Hicks, Texas, 6-1, 236, 4.68, 4

10/137. Mike Hull, Penn State, 6-0, 237, 4.68, 4

11/150. Markus Golden, Missouri, 6-2, 260, 4.90, 4-5

12/157. Geneo Grissom, Oklahoma, 6-3, 262, 4.81, 4-5

13/162. Zack Hodges, Harvard, 6-2, 250, 4.68, 5

14/166. Jake Ryan, Michigan, 6-2, 240, 4.65, 5

15/195. Xzavier Dickson, Alabama, 6-3, 260, 4.74, 5-6

16/198. Martrell Spaight, Arkansas, 6-0, 236, 4.88, 5-6

17/209. Kyle Emanuel, North Dakota State, 6-3, 255, 4.77, 6

18/213. Alani Fua, Brigham Young, 6-5, 238, 4.73, 6

19/221. Brock Hekking, Nevada, 6-3, 250, 4.64, 6-7

20/228. J.R. Tavai, Southern Cal, 6-2, 249, 4.91, 6-7

21/234. Edmond Robinson, Newberry, 6-3, 245, 4.61, 6-7

22/246. Derrick Malone, Oregon, 6-2, 220, 4.68, 7

23/254. Junior Sylvestre, Toledo, 6-0, 222, 4.54, 7

24/268. Sage Harold, James Madison, 6-3, 242, 4.65, 7-FA

25/282. James Vaughters, Stanford, 6-2, 258, 4.73, 7-FA

26/294. Houston Bates, Louisiana Tech, 6-1, 245, 4.77, 7-FA

27/303. Michael Odiari, Texas State, 6-0, 245, 4.78, 7-FA

28/319. *Max Valles, Virginia, 6-5, 251, 4.83, 7-FA

29/336. Tony Washington, Oregon, 6-4, 247, 4.99, 7-FA

INSIDE LINEBACKERS

1/35. Eric Kendricks, UCLA, 6-0, 232, 4.61, 1-2

–Nice genes: Like brother Mychal (Philadelphia Eagles), Eric has that rare read-and-react instinct necessary to be a great inside linebacker. Add quickness and fluid athleticism and Kendricks gets in position to make more than his share of plays. He played in 52 games, started 41, and set the school record with 482 tackles (307 solos), adding ten sacks, 26 tackles for a loss, four fumbles caused, four others recovered, advancing two for touchdowns. More? How about two blocked kicks and five interceptions, one he returned for a touchdown. That was enough to earn the Butkus Award and Lott IMPACT Trophy in 2014. However, Kendricks played hurt through 2013 season (shoulder sprain, back bruise and ankle injury that required surgery). Father, Marvin, was star running back at UCLA and Canadian League.

–Measuring up: Less stout than brother Mychal, Eric is built more like a 4-3 weak-side linebacker. He is a quarter-inch over six feet tall and only 232 pounds. Despite tight hamstring, he showed explosive ability at combine with a quick 10-yard split (1.57 seconds) in his 40-yard dash (4.59 seconds) and added a 38-inch vertical jump and 10-foot-4 inch broad jump. Curiously, his short arms (31 inches) were able to benched 225 pounds only 19 times. At March 10 pro day, Kendricks ran the 20 yard-shuttle and the 3-cone in 4.15 and 7.18 seconds, respectively

–Notable quote: “We’re the same blood. We bring a lot of the same characteristics to the game. We can do a lot of things that a lot of people can’t do. Flexibility, speed, collision at point of attack. Those are things we both bring to the table”. — Erick Kendricks at combine, when asked to describe his similarities to brother Mychal (Philadelphia Eagles).

–Frankly: Let’s just agree that we can’t coach genetics, measure a heart or teach instincts — which are the basics that make Kendricks a wildly productive football player. In the right defense, he can continue to mess with offenses for many more years.

2/44. *Benardrick McKinney, Mississippi State, 6-4, 246, 4.66, 2

–Player seeks position: While there are differing opinions as to what position he may play in the NFL, McKinney impresses coaches with his natural leadership ability on the field. He is still improving his ability to diagnose offenses, but McKinney’s explosive speed compensates for any milliseconds lost while reading and reacting. Although not a vicious hitter, McKinney fearlessly takes on lead blockers, often creating a play-ending pile even if he doesn’t get the tackle. Starred at Rosa Fort High School as quarterback and linebacker. At Mississippi State, McKinney played in 39 games, starting his final 36 at middle linebacker. He collected 244 tackles (122 solos) with 7.5 sacks and 19.5 stops behind the line.

–Measuring up: McKinney was impressive at combine, timed in 4.66 seconds for 40-yard dash (1.63 in 10; 2.73 in 20) and demonstrated explosion with a vertical jump of 40.5 inches and a broad jump of 10-feet-1 inch. He has small hands (9 inches) and managed only 16 reps on the bench (225 pounds). At March 5 pro day, he skipped measured events and looked good in positional drills.

–Notable quote: “I think I’m a football player. You’ve got to do those (workouts) to stay healthy and stay on top of your game, but I’m a better football player than a track star.” — McKinney

–Frankly: This is kind of dedicated player coaches love, although somebody must decide where he will best fit in the NFL — inside linebacker, outside linebacker or maybe defensive end.

3/59. Stephone Anthony, Clemson, 6-3, 243, 4.56, 2

— Veteran rookie: For those who followed Anthony’s career from the start, this step into the NFL is hardly a surprise. He was a four-year starter at Anson High School (Polkton, N. C.) and left as the top rated outside linebacker recruit in the country for 2011. Now after 52 games and four more seasons at Clemson, he is expected to become an NFL rookie when some team calls his name, probably on the second day of the draft. Perhaps this process even droned on for Anthony, who became “fat and happy” according to Clemson coach Dabo Swinney, and lost his starting job in the middle of the 2012 season. Swinney said Anthony “refocused” and won it back in 2013. Since then, Anthony looked and played the role of an aggressive inside linebacker with no glaring liabilities. Those who questioned his speed and athleticism are rethinking their reports after Anthony’s outstanding combine performance. He started 35 games as Clemson’s middle linebacker, totaled 330 tackles (210 solos) with 34.5 tackles behind the line, including 9.5 sacks (and 18 quarterback pressures). A disputable targeting call in the regular season finale against South Carolina earned Anthony a two-quarter suspension in the Russell Athletic Bowl against Oklahoma.

–Measuring up: Anthony, at 243 pounds, commanded attention at the combine with a surprisingly swift 40-yard dash of 4.56 seconds (10 in 1.56; 20 in 2.63). He demonstrated excellent explosion with a 37-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot-2 inch broad jump. He has big hands (10 3/8th inches) and good strength (23 reps on bench with 225 pounds). At his March 5 pro day, Anthony referred to his combine workouts and just showed off his skills in positional drills.

–Notable quote: “I think my 40-time sparked a lot of people and just my athleticism through the different drills and definitely in the position work, watching me move,” — Anthony at his pro day, on how he gained attention for this draft.

–Frankly: Anthony has the ability to be at least a consistent force at inside linebacker. But based only on one major slip in college, the team that drafts him must make sure he remains actively engaged after finally getting a nice paycheck in his ninth consecutive year of competitive football.

4/74. Paul “P J” Dawson, TCU, 6-0, 235, 4.93, 2-3

–Mystery Man: Game tapes show Dawson as a dominant defender inside TCU coach Gary Patterson’s 4-2-5 alignment. But, obviously not prepared, Dawson surprised scouts with a poor performance at the Indianapolis combine. They re-checked intel, including Dawson’s own blog in which he fesses up to being chronically late for meetings. In recent weeks, his character was increasingly questioned, even on the field where he freelances more than coaches like. A former high school wide receiver, Dawson begged to play defense at Trinity Valley Community College. It was the right move for Dawson, who showed great instinct and agility at TCU to win the 2014 Big 12 Coach’s Defensive Player of the Year award. He was the only player in the nation with at least 100 tackles (128), five sacks and four interceptions. He totaled 18.5 tackles for loss, three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, five pass breakups and five quarterback hurries.

–Measuring up: Dawson’s combine results were shocking. He seemed to slow down to a jog at the end of a 40-yard dash clocked at 4.93 seconds, much slower than expectations based on game play. Looking unprepared, he did poorly in most events, including a vertical of 28 inches that qualified more as a hop than a jump. Aside from a decent bench, 21 reps with 225 pounds, Dawson’s workout was just bad. Even his measurements were below par with 9.5-inch hands and a 31.5-inch arm length. Dawson gets a shot at redemption at his March 27 pro day.

–Notable quote: “I’m an awesome football player. The best/most productive linebacker in this draft. Not a track star.” — Dawson’s tweet on Feb. 22, after his horrific combine workout.

–Frankly: Previously a decent prospect as outside linebacker in NFL 4-3 defense. But, just when he was within reach of the brass ring, Dawson called everything into question. He now looks like trouble seeking someplace to happen and the jury is out on whether he will cause more problems for opponents or his own team.

5/93. Denzel Perryman, Miami, 5-11, 236, 4.78, 3

–Little big man: Despite being vertically-challenged, Perryman was a playmaker from the first day he suited up until he ended his career last season as on coaches’ first-team All-ACC. He is a physical player and explosive tackler who showed versatility along the way, moving outside as a junior (108 tackles, five for a loss) then inside last season (110 tackles, 9.5 for a loss). Although, he measures very close to the same as Wisconsin’s Chris Borland, a third-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers who collected 108 tackles as a rookie last season. While that sounds like a great precedent, Perryman is not really a frenetic, hyperactive tackling machine like Borland. Perryman is more of a deliberate, focused defensive quarterback who reads plays well and uses a combination of quickness and good angles to get in on plays and is an efficient open-field tackler. Injured in second practice at Senior Bowl after looking good the first day.

–Measuring up: Height is actually 1/4 inch under 5-foot-11. Still bothered by hip injury at combine, Perryman ran 40 yards in 4.78 second, with splits of 1.67 seconds in 10 yards as 2.77 in 20. No surprise he has small hands (9.5 inches) and short arms (31 7/8 inches). He may be healthy for Miami pro day, on April Fool’s day.

–Notable quote: “They like how I go downhill, they like how I take on blocks. Some scouts like to see my man-to-man coverage, my technique on that i just need to brush that up. As far as my pass coverage, some of them were impressed at the Senior Bowl.” — Perryman at combine, when asked what scouts tell him.

–Frankly: He could be productive in the right defense. Short is not the same as small and Perryman is more physical and maybe more versatile and many taller linebackers. If single Senior Bowl workout was a sneak peek, he might be more than a two-down backer.

ALSO:

6/128. Ben Heeney, Kansas, 6-0, 231, 4.59, 4

7/148. Ramik Wilson, Georgia, 6-2, 237, 4.77, 4-5

8/161. Bryce Hager, Baylor, 6-1, 234, 4.60, 5

9/164. Taiwan Jones, Michigan State, 6-3, 245, 4.95, 5

10/196. Hayes Pullard, Southern Cal, 6-0, 240, 4.78, 5-6

11/216. Trey DePriest, Alabama, 6-0, 254, 4.92, 6

12/224. Zach Vigil, Utah State, 6-2, 236, 4.68, 6-7

13/261. Jeff Luc, Cincinnati, 6-0, 263, 4.83, 7-FA

14/277. Amarlo Herrera, Georgia, 6-1, 244, 4.83, 7-FA

15/316. AJ Tarpley, Stanford, 6-0, 233, 4.84, 7-FA

16/328. Damien Wilson, Minnesota, 6-0, 245, 4.77, 7-FA

17/347. Terrance Plummer, Central Florida, 5-11, 235, 4.93, 7-FA

(Second part in series on prospects at each position in draft. Next week: Defensive backs)

–Frank Cooney, founder and publisher of The Sports Xchange and NFLDraftScout.com, is in his 50th year covering football and is a selector for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.