The 2007 draft might not have as many immediate first-year linebacker starters as the past three drafts -- which boasted an average of 10 linebackers getting at least five starts -- but it's loaded with good football players who should be adaptable to whatever system in which they land.
Heading the list is
Patrick Willis of Mississippi, whose strengths include versatility and the ability to adapt. His training against SEC offenses helps for what's ahead of him on draft day. The 49ers, who draft 11th, like him for their 3-4 defense. The Bills, who are looking for a run-stuffing tackling machine to replace
London Fletcher, want Willis in the middle. The Panthers, who draft 14th, don't know if he would play outside or in the middle. All they know is he can play for them at any of the linebacker spots.