POSITION PREVIEW LINEBACKERS

A look at some of the top prospects available in this year’s draft: Jack Campbell, Iowa. Projected round: 1-2.

This rangy, 6-4, 249-pounder is coming off an insane two-year run of productivity in which he piled up 271 tackles . . . Flashes impressive lateral movement before exploding into gaps and running backs . . . The Butkus Award winner as the nation’s top linebacker, he swats blockers like flies . . . Campbell is also an aware pass defender, breaking up 15 in his career . . . His instincts and athleticism make him an ideal Mike linebacker at the pro level . . . Fun fact: Campbell is the first Hawkeye to win the William V. Campbell (no relation) Award, a.k.a. the Academic Heisman.

Drew Sanders, Arkansas. Projected round: 1-2.

After two nondescript seasons at Alabama, Sanders transferred and burst onto the national landscape with a spectacular season, collecting 103 tackles and 9.5 sacks . . . Sanders has excellent size (6-4, 235) and versatility . . . Could be slotted into any number of roles across the front seven a la Mike Vrabel and Dont’a Hightower . . . He moves swiftly from sideline to sideline and delivers cringe-worthy hits . . . Sanders will miss the occasional tackle; he’ll guess wrong from time to time . . . Fun fact: He’s the first All-American linebacker in Arkansas history.

Nick Herbig, Wisconsin. Projected round: 2-3.

Gets off the edge in a blink . . . Possibly the strongest hands in the draft; when he gets his mitts on you, you’re finished . . . The 6-2, 240-pounder has superb pre-snap skills and gets in the backfield faster that greased lightning . . . Piled up 36 tackles for losses in 31 games for Badgers . . . Loves to guess the snap count, and that will get him in trouble sometimes . . . Older brother Nate is a guard with the Jets . . . Fun fact: Had one of the best responses of Scouting Combine week when asked what he tells teams about his perceived lack of size: “Dynamite comes in small packages.”

Trent Simpson, Clemson. Projected round: 2-3.

One of the most athletic players in the class, regardless of position . . . Can stuff the run but also cover tight ends proficiently on underneath crossing routes . . . Treats his 6-2, 235-pound frame like a wrecking ball and will stun ball carriers on contact . . . Also lined up against slot receivers for the Tigers, but that will be a big ask at the NFL level . . . Considers spying the quarterback his favorite duty. “When I see that quarterback move off the spot, I know I’ve got the speed, and I have a great awareness of angles,” he said at the Combine. “Once I see the angle, I’ll probably get him every time.” . . . Fun fact: Grew up at Fort Benning, Ga., where his father was a decorated Army Ranger. “I take pride in that my dad fights for this country,” he said. “He’s a great man, great leader.”