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2017 NFL Draft: Big Ten’s All-Draft Team

By Erik Schlitt

Oct 24, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; General view of Big Ten logo on field prior to a game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Indiana Hoosiers at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; General view of Big Ten logo on field prior to a game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Indiana Hoosiers at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Northwestern Wildcats linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. (1). Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Northwestern Wildcats linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. (1). Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

Inside Linebacker

1st Team: Anthony Walker, Northwestern (redshirt junior)
2nd Team: Raekwon McMillian, Ohio State (junior)
Honorable Mention: Josey Jewell, Iowa (redshirt junior)

Anthony Walker is an athletic middle linebacker who has sideline-to-sideline speed. Walker jumped onto scout’s radars as a sophomore, after a 19 tackle performance over Duke. With starting NFL middle linebacker traits, he looks ready to take the next step, but the rumors are that he is planning on returning to school to complete his degree.

Raekwon McMillian is the leader on a stout Buckeyes defense. He is a two-down thumper right now but he has the skills to be a starter at the next level. His 16-tackle game against Michigan highlighted all of his best traits, allowing him to play downhill and aggressive.

But McMillian’s game still lacks polish, specifically in coverage, and that is holding him back from being a high pick right now. If he returns to school and improves his coverage skills he could find himself drafted in round one in 2018. If he declares this year, with his current limitations, he will be waiting around a bit longer.

Joesy Jewell has already announced that he is leaning towards returning to Iowa City. “The Outlaw” is one of the best linebackers to play for Iowa and is the only sophomore to ever be named captain under Kirk Ferentz. He can cover, blitz and rarely leaves the field. He should see his stock rise in 2017.

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