Prior to the 2007 NFL Draft, Real Football is providing newyorkjets.com with position-by-position analysis of the top prospects. Today's installment: linebackers.

Paul Posluszny, OLB, Penn State

Strengths: Aggressive run defender who fills hard and will make plays in the backfield. Has sideline-to-sideline speed and will make plays in pursuit on runs away from him. Has the strength to turn blockers and force the play inside on runs toward him. Has the athleticism to drop in zone coverage. Excellent tackler who can lay the wood. Smart player with great instincts.

Weaknesses: Is not an aggressive blitzer and lacks the speed to reach the QB. Doesn't possess ideal size and bulk. Has trouble getting through the trash and can't shed bigger blockers.

Bottom Line:Posluszny is a smart, instinctive player with a great motor, which more than makes up for his minor shortcomings in size and speed. He's an outstanding run defender who makes plays all over the field and is versatile enough to play inside or outside in any scheme.

Lawrence Timmons, OLB, Florida State

Strengths:Aggressive run defender who has the speed and athletic ability to make plays in pursuit. Will make plays in the backfield. Has strength and power to shed and turn runs inside. Has played with his hand down in passing situations. Can drop quickly in coverage and can run man-to-man with TEs. Versatile player who will have a role in any scheme.

Weaknesses:Not quick off the snap and lacks the initial burst to beat NFL linemen. Does not use his hands well when shedding blockers. Plays with poor technique.

Bottom Line:Big, tall, athletic and fast, Timmons is the top strongside prospect in this draft. But above all, he's a playmaker who can fit into any scheme. A sure first-rounder.

Jon Beason, OLB, Miami

Strengths: Aggressive run defender who attacks the hole. Shows good burst off the snap to beat blockers and will make plays in the backfield. Aggressive in pursuit and will chase down ballcarriers from behind. Is athletic and has enough speed to play in coverage.

Weaknesses:Lacks ideal size and bulk. Overaggressive and undisciplined. Will bite on play action in coverage, and will chase the run too hard, leaving cutback lanes open. Not a natural pass rusher.

Bottom Line: Beason plays with a great motor and is very athletic, allowing him to make plays all over the field. He shows a complete lack of discipline and plays out of control, which results in big plays and big mistakes. But he's a high-energy guy who doesn't need to ever come off the field and will contribute right away on special teams.

Patrick Willis, ILB, Mississippi State

Strengths: Aggressive run defender who reads and reacts quickly. Gets to top speed quickly, finishes the play with good explosion and is a sure tackler. Is comfortable in zone coverage, closes quickly on the ball, and has enough speed to run with the TE.

Weaknesses: Lacks ideal athleticism. Can be overaggressive at times and will guess early to try to get in position to make the play.

Bottom Line: Willis is a tough, competitive player who is very instinctive and smart on the field. He has the versatility to play inside or on the strong side and is a natural football player. He will make plays you don't think he should. Generally considered the top inside backer in the draft.

Brandon Siler, ILB, Florida

Strengths: Smart, instinctive player. Aggressive run defender who attacks the LOS and can take on blockers, shed and make the tackle. Can dominate between the tackles. Shows enough speed to make some plays in pursuit. Capable blitzer and big hitter. Adequate in zone coverage and closes quickly on short passes in front of him.

Weaknesses: Has good straight-line speed but lacks athleticism and change-of-direction skills to be a strong open-field tackler. Is overaggressive and will overrun ballcarriers. Lacks burst and takes time to get to full speed.

Bottom Line: Siler is an early-entry junior who has good size and bulk but is limited as a playmaker. At the NFL level he will be a liability in coverage, and he lacks the burst and athleticism to make plays outside the tackles. He will play a limited role at the next level.

David Harris, ILB, Michigan

Strengths: Solid defender who is smart and instinctive and plays under control. Plays well at the point of attack. Sheds well and uses his hands to keep blockers off his body. Fills hard. Is always around the ball. Instinctive in coverage. Makes quick reads and is always in position to make the play.

Weaknesses: Is not an elite athlete. Lacks speed and explosiveness to make plays outside the tackles, and is limited in coverage.

Bottom Line: Harris was a very productive college player and is smart and consistent. But his lack of ideal athletic ability will limit his performance at the next level. He's a two-down LB who can stop the run but will be a liability against the pass.