In this year’s class of linebackers, top prospects Keith Rivers and Dan Connor are sure-fire first round draft picks. But after those two, things drop off significantly.

For example, those at the bottom of this top 10 list may not be drafted until the mid to late third round.

Of course, performances at the Scouting Combine could put a charge into someone’s draft stock. In fact, several players like Beau Bell and Shawn Crable need good performances in Indianapolis to make up for disastrous Senior Bowls.

1. Keith Rivers, 6’2, 235, USC: Rivers likely will be the first linebacker taken in the draft, possibly in the top 15 picks. He has the combination of size, speed and athleticism to play both inside and outside, evidenced by his Senior Bowl practices where he played three different linebacker positions. Rivers has the skill set to start early and be an impact defender. Of minor concern may be an ankle that required arthroscopic surgery to remove bone spurs, an ailment that forced him to miss the Arizona game last season. Still, Rivers, a first team All-American, finished second on a star-studded Trojan defense with 78 tackles, five for losses.

2. Dan Connor, LB, 6’2, 235, Penn State: Connor is a lock to go in the first round, most likely behind Rivers. The two-time All-American led the Big 10 and finished seventh in the nation in tackles with 145, 69 of which were solo stops. He also added 6.5 sacks and 15 tackles for losses. Connor peaked at the perfect time, winning the MVP for the North Squad at the Senior Bowl this year after he made nine tackles and picked off a pass.

3. Jerod Mayo, 6’2, 230, Tennessee: After suffering a knee injury in 2006, Mayo solidified his status as the top linebacker in the SEC when led the conference in tackles with 140 and was named first team All-Conference. Mayo, a likely second round pick, has the speed to play the entire field and excellent instincts to play the pass or run.

4. Curtis Lofton, 6’0, 235, Oklahoma: The Big XII Defensive Player of the Year declared for the draft as a junior. And while he may need another year under his belt to develop into an NFL-caliber linebacker, Lofton has the explosion and big play ability to quickly become a starter for a number of NFL teams. Lofton was a second team All-American and finished his career at OU with 157 tackles, the most since Bob Stoops took over the program.

5. Philip Wheeler, 6’2, 245, Georgia Tech: Wheeler’s stock improved considerably after a standout week of practices at the Senior Bowl. Wheeler showed off his impressive mobility and range, and ability to blitz and play the run. A second team All-ACC performer, Wheeler led the Yellow Jackets in tackles with 89 (46 solo), wracked up six sacks and made nine tackles for a loss. Likely a late second or third round pick.

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6. Xavier Adibi, 6’1, 220, Virginia Tech: Adibi paired with Vince Hall to at Virginia Tech in creating the best linebacking duo in the nation. Adibi led the Hokies in tackles with 115 and possesses the quickness to defend the pass and blitz the quarterback. Adibi would be a steal in the late second round.

7. Erin Henderson, 6’2, 235, Maryland: An instant red flag on Henderson is his health, having suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament during training camp in 2005, which forced him to miss the entire season. Henderson appears healthy again and started 12 games in 2007. Still, a torn ACL is nothing to ignore, no matter how long ago it happened. A second team All-ACC selection in 2006, Henderson passed up his final season of eligibility to turn pro after leading the Terrapins with 114 tackles. His brother, E.J., is a star linebacker with the Minnesota Vikings.

8. Beau Bell, 6’2, 245, UNLV: Once considered a possible first round pick, Bell’s stock has fallen after injuries limited him at Senior Bowl practices. He also showed he is somewhat one-dimensional, playing well against the run but struggling with mobility. He is hoping to make up some ground at the Scouting Combine. Bell, the Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year, led the Rebels and the conference in tackles with 126. He also led the league with five forced fumbles.

9. Ali Highsmith, 6’0, 225, LSU: Highsmith was one of the stars on an LSU defense that ranked third in the nation in total defense. He tied Craig Steltz for the team lead in tackles with 101. A two-time Butkus Award semi-finalist, Highsmith is a symbol of durability and consistency. He started every game for the Tigers this season and made 29 consecutive starts. Highsmith possesses great range, can run sideline to sideline and was a menace against Ohio State in the national championship game.

10. Shawn Crable, 6’2, 240, Michigan: Despite amassing an astounding 28.5 tackles for loss during the 2007 season, Crable’s draft stock took a significant blow during the Senior Bowl. Not only was his ability in stopping the run exposed, but he suffered a back injury, which kept him out of the game. Crable finished second on the Wolverines with 90 tackles and was named second team All-Big Ten.

Five players to watch: Geno Hayes, Florida State; Vince Hall, Virginia Tech; J Leman, Illinois, Ben Moffitt, South Florida; Jonathan Goff, Vanderbilt.