USC linebacker Su'a Cravens is reportedly expected to declare for the 2016 NFL Draft on Wednesday, according to NFL reporter Matt Miller of Bleacher Report. The junior linebacker was a key player on the Trojans defense and is expected to easily go in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft.
Cravens recorded 14.5 tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks this year, and he has added weight to his frame over the past year to become a legitimate linebacker at the next level. "I have no doubt that Cravens can play down in the box in the pros. He will either be a 4-3 WILL (outside linebacker) or a 3-4 inside 'backer. He's carrying his new weight well and he's tough enough to play down there as a pro," said one NFC scout, via the NFL.
Cravens is expected to apply for early entry in the 2016 NFL Draft Wednesday, but he stated that he would not enter unless he was a first round pick, according to Scott Wolf of the Los Angeles Daily News. Walter Football's current mock draft views Cravens as the 41st pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars, but with the combine and USC's pro day he could clearly move into the first round.
Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith is expected to be the safest pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, and with linebackers in UCLA's Myles Jack, Alabama's Reggie Ragland, and Arizona's Scooby Wright all expected to be high draft picks, Cravens could slip down boards. There looks to be a ton of talented linebackers and pass rushers in the 2016 NFL Draft, and another one more is expected to be added to the list Wednesday.
