Mayock's take on outside linebackers

NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock, a Newtown Square resident, will break down each position in advance of the draft for Daily News readers. Here is his take on the outside linebackers:

BEST

Melvin Ingram

South Carolina

6-1 ½, 264

Arm: 31 ½

40-yard dash: 4.79

225-bench: 28

Projected Rd.: 1 (picks 9-18)

Mayock: ``He's a freak. His athletic ability to drop in space, to catch the football. . . he could play tight end and be an All-Pro. His footwork, his ability to open his hips and drop, you're talking about a 265-pound guy who played with his hand in the dirt, who played all over the place for South Carolina. The cool thing about this kid is that no matter what scheme you play, this kid can fit somewhere. With this league being a pass-first league, he's got some natural pass-rush ability. But he also can drop. So he can play all over the place for a defensive coordinator in sub-packages.''

RISER

Shea McClellin

Boise State

6-3, 260

Arm: 32 ¾

40-yard dash: 4.63

225-bench: 19

Projected Rd.: 2

Mayock: ``Boise moved him all over the place. Ran a 4.63 forty. Every time I look at him, I think of Mike Vrabel. The 3-4 teams are starting to fall in love with him. He's a guy who was off the radar, but has steadily moved up every since the Senior Bowl. I think a 3-4 team will take him in the second round, but I wouldn't be totally surprised to see one at the end of the first round grab him.''

SLEEPER

Tyler Nielsen

Iowa

6-3 ¾, 238

Arm: 31 ¾

40-yard dash: 4.64

225-bench: 21

Projected Rd.: 5

Mayock: ``Nielsen is very undervalued. He played through some injuries this year. If you didn't know that, you might not like him. But I think he's one of the better special teams players in this draft who ultimately might be a starting SAM (strong side) 'backer in this league. And I think you'll be able to get him somewhere around the fifth round.''