Linebacker Jake Knott or AJ Klein out of Iowa State. Together they were one of the best linebacker tandems in the NCAA. Knott is always at 110% and makes good reads of the offense consistently. One of the smartest defenders in the Big 12 the last few years. He's always in on nearly every tackle and really pretty good in pass coverage. Always comes up with a game changing interception when you need it. Very gritty player. Played entire Baylor game junior year with a bad shoulder injury and had team mate Klein pop his dislocated shoulder back into place several times. He finished with 11 tackles. Returned senior year with same shoulder injury and played most of the season with it. First-team all Big 12 despite missing 4 games for injury. Averaged 10 tackler per game in his career. Ran a 4.76 at the combine and benched I believe 20 times. He can be pushed around by more physical receivers and tight ends and he needs to get better at shedding blocks. Not a very great blitzing linebacker. He has room to add more bulk. Tips a lot of passes over the middle. He's quick and fast enough to get around most blocks. Diagnoses quickly; has great instincts. Fights through traffic. He will occasionally take a bad angle and/or be a little too aggressive. Able to stick with receivers in man on crossing routes. Great in zone; makes a good read and breaks to the ball quickly. Rarely caught by play action. Vocal leader of the entire team - captain. Coach on the field and he tutors younger players on the sideline. When he was injured, he played as big of a part as the defensive coordinator Wally Burnham had - very smart player. Will play hurt and do whatever the coaches want out of him. Scholar athlete; he is active in the community.
Knott is the guy you want on your team. He will do whatever it takes to put his team in a winning situation. If you want an OLB to rush the passer, this isn't your guy. If you want a linebacker who gets to the ball and make plays, you'll find a spot for him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caIpO5jRw7M
(not Knott's best game, but only one I could find)
Klein is the more polished of the two linebackers. Led Iowa State in tackles every year and was 2011 Big 12 co-defensive player of the year. Many of the same strengths of Knott, but no injury problems. Has 4 interceptions returned for interceptions, tied for most from FBS linebackers. Very high motor and very good tackler. Also a very smart player. 33-inch vertical and a 40 time of 4.66. Strong and bulky enough to take on linemen. Good balance, flexible around the edge. Can struggle with changing direction. Plays with fire and intensity and fire. Able to respectfully challenge coaches and communicate ideas. Unquestioned leader and 3 year starter. Has played every linebacker position. He does whatever he is asked to do. Diagnoses quickly, rarely takes a false step. Very disiplined and very consistent. Fights his way through blockers to get to the ball carrier and is always aware of cracks and pulls One of the best players in pursuit; makes plays all over the field. Takes great angles. Good blitzer, but not asked to blitz a lot. Very good in zone coverage, he reads the QB well. Stays with his assignment. He can be inconsistent when jamming receivers and TEs. Makes up for his less than ideal athleticism with instincts (a lot like Zach Thomas). Great on special teams, could be a 4 down linebacker.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjydMAu5kfg
Either one of these guys could be great at the next level. Lots of upside for both of them. Klein could go in the top 100 and Knott could drop into the 5th if teams are worried about his shoulder.
