2013 NFL Draft Big Board: Outside linebackers

Let's continue our look at top 2013 NFL Draft prospects in what could be considered positions of need for the New York Giants. We are using the position-by-position top 5 lists from ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. Today, we look at outside linebacker.

Here are Kiper's top 5 outside linebackers:

Here is how Kiper summarizes the group:

Jones is a star -- no way around it. Greene isn't really a pure pass-rushing type; he's the kind of guy who's going to make 150 tackles for an NFL team at some point, likely working from the weak side. I think other smaller linebackers will limit the size questions. Collins was super-productive on a bad team.

[Offensive Tackle Rankings | Middle Linebacker Rankings]

Scouting Reports

Jarvis Jones

Jesse says: "Jones' spinal injury will likely determine his status. Jones would be a great get for the Giants as he can plug two of their major holes: outside linebacker and an increased pass-rushing presence. He isn't the traditional 4-3 strongside linebacker, but he'd make an excellent one. Jones is one of those players whose stock is impossible to pinpoint from a blogger/media perspective because we're just not going to have access to medical records on him, and that will likely be the biggest indicator of his draft stock because he can flat out play."

CBS Sports says: "Compares To: Von Miller, OLB, Denver Broncos -- Jones isn't quite as explosive off the snap or as reliable an open-field tackler as Miller but he's close. The medical concerns are frightening but make no mistake, Jones is a Pro Bowl talent whose impact in the NFL will be immediate."

Khaseem Greene

CBS Sports says: "Greene's size (or rather, lack thereof) limits his potential in the NFL. He isn't athletic enough to move back to safety and his struggles taking on and shedding blockers means he'll likely only fit as a chase (weak-side) linebacker in the 4-3 alignment. In this role, however, he has the speed and playmaking skills to flourish."

[Complete BBV Big Board | Mocking The Draft Big Board | Big Blue View Draft Prospect Profiles]

Jamie Collins

CBS Sports says: "COMPARES TO: K.J. Wright, OLB, Seattle Seahawks - Like Wright, Collins possesses a unique combination of speed, fluidity and flexibility for his size. However, when Wright came out of Mississippi State, he displayed better all-around instincts and motor than what we've seen out of Collins, who is probably the more gifted athlete. Right now, Collins looks like a developmental project with starting-caliber potential if the fundamentals and instincts can improve."

Chase Thomas

CBS Sports says: "Coming into the season, the senior's draft stock was all over the map, some believing he was first round material while others thought he was a late round pick. But Thomas' overachieving attitude and combination of strength and smarts has cemented his value in the top 75 range, and possibly higher as April gets closer."

NFL.com says: "Thomas displays potential as a starter for teams needing a strong-side linebacker or utility defender that plays on the line of scrimmage. His lack of length and athleticism handicap his ceiling, but he has been an ultra-productive defender on a good defense. If he fails to develop into a starter, he should at the very least be a capable backup linebacker and special teams player. He will likely be chosen on the second day of the draft."

Arthur Brown

CBS Sports says: "Instinctive, physical defender who, other than his lack of ideal size, ranks among the surest prospects of the 2013 draft. Possesses excellent key and diagnosis skills."

NFL.com says: "Some will question his size, but Brown plays much bigger than his frame suggests due to strong hands and a physical attitude on contact. He projects as either an inside linebacker or weak-side prospect in the NFL."