We are still over a month off from the NFL Draft, but it's never too early to start researching those individual defensive players to get your big board set for your rookie drafts. Let's start by looking at some of the guys whose main trait is rushing the passer. In no particular order, here are a handful of linebackers.

Jalon Walker, Georgia

It's probably between Walker and Jihaad Campbell as to who's the best non-edge linebacker in this class.  Walker is explosive, with a nose for the football.  He boasts 4.50 speed and twitchiness getting from sideline to sideline.  Walker started as more of an edge pass rusher but has completely developed into an every-down 'backer.  

Jihaad Campbell, Alabama

Yet another stud linebacker hailing from Tuscaloosa.  Like Walker, he's a converted edge rusher who's blossomed into an every-down defender.  Campbell boasts an impressive first step and a penchant for finding the ball carrier.  As the youngest linebacker in this class, he comes with a ton of upside.  He blends range with power.  He's a perfect fit in a Tampa-2 scheme, so look for him to really excel if he's drafted into the right situation.  He may actually be a better option than Walker in a few years.

Barrett Carter, Clemson

Carter may not have the pass-rush chops that Campbell or Walker exhibit, but he really shines in coverage and having a nose for the football.  Carter was in elite company, being only one of three linebackers to record double-digit tackles for loss, multiple sacks, picks, and forced fumbles in a season.   He's a natural athlete, gobbling up tackles and making pass breakups.  He'll initially begin his NFL career as an early-down defender but certainly has the skill to be a 3-down player after a year or two of seasoning.

Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma

Stutsman is a classic throwback linebacker who could potentially be a volume tackler at the next level.  Even though he's not a natural, fluid athlete, he exhibits plenty of skill, desire, and playmaking ability.  It may take him a handful of seasons to develop into a 3-down player, but he'll start as an early-down thumper capable of earning the green dot at some point.  

Demetrius Knight Jr., South Carolina

Here's a nice sleeper for you all.  Knight is a natural middle linebacker with a downhill mentality.  He's an accomplished student not only on the football field but off.  He's a natural leader that may not have the athletic prowess of some of these other linebackers, but do not count this guy out.  In the right situation, he could make an immediate impact.  

Conclusion

This is a pretty good class for tackling and playmaking linebackers.  Look for at least a couple of these guys to make immediate impacts, with a couple more taking a couple of years to settle into their eventual 3-down roles.