The Post’s Ryan Dunleavy gives his top 10 linebackers in the 2020 NFL Draft:
Game-changing Swiss Army knife who took 100 snaps or more at five different positions last season. Can cover, rush and tackle.
2. Patrick Queen, LSU, 6-0, 229
Undersized and just scratching the surface of potential but plays with great energy and should be on the field for all three downs.
3. Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma, 6-2, 241
Sideline-to-sideline ball hound who explodes into tackles and can disguise coverages/blitzes because he is adept at both.
4. Zack Baun, Wisconsin, 6-2, 238
First consensus first-team All-American linebacker in school history. Athletic in coverage and consistently gets the better of blocking tight ends.
5. Akeem Davis-Gaither, Appalachian State, 6-1, 224
Undersized but versatile, highlighted by combination of five sacks and eight passes defended.
6. Malik Harrison, Ohio State, 6-3, 247
Shuffled through linebacker positions and rarely missed a 1-on-1 tackle because he hits the center and wraps his arms.
7. Jordyn Brooks, Texas Tech, 6-0, 240
Rare four-time all-conference player who led his team in tackles as a true freshman and continued playing downhill.
8. Jacob Phillips, LSU, 6-3, 229
Filled big shoes of Devin White, last year’s fifth-overall pick, with 113 tackles. Product of a good system or just coming into his own?
9. Troy Dye, Oregon, 6-3, 231
Knock on Dye is his ability to keep weight on his frame and look like the inside linebacker he is suited to be on first and second down.
10. Markus Bailey, Purdue, 6-0, 235
Two season-ending knee injuries (2015, 2019) will scare off some teams, but he anticipates well enough to pick up slack for teammates.
Late riser
Baun: On the rise since the Senior Bowl and could jump over Queen and Murray in the back half of the first round. Never stops hustling but so much more than a grinder.
Falling fast
Dye. Like so many others who didn’t participate in NFL Scouting Combine, lack of pro day and medical checks is a dagger. Played through a partially torn meniscus last season.
Small-school wonder
Logan Wilson, Wyoming, 6-2, 241: Three straight 100-plus tackle seasons and 421 career tackles. Good read-and-react diagnostician.