NFL Draft 2013: Arthur Brown positioned as 1st round selection

Kansas State linebacker Arthur Brown is on the rise while other inside linebackers fall. Could he be a first-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft?

By James Brady@jamesbradyisme Apr 1, 2013, 1:17pm EDT

The inside linebacker class of the 2013 NFL Draft is an interesting one. Manti Te'o of Notre Dame was the top name at one point, but off-the-field issues and very poor performances in pre-draft workouts have hurt his stock. Now, it's looking like Arthur Brown out of Kansas State is the top guy. Furthermore, Draft Insider calls Brown a likely first-round pick in the upcoming draft.

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They suggest that Brown has been on a "straight shot north," since his pro day, and the collapse of Te'o's draft stock has helped him as well. Kevin Minter also started this offseason ahead of Brown but he hasn't been impressing all that much, either.

There are likely several teams interested in Brown's services in the upcoming draft. The Chicago Bears seem the most likely choice, given that Brian Urlacher is going elsewhere next season and the team now has a hole at the position for the first time in many, many years. They're picking at No. 20, which seems like a good slot for Brown.

Brown could always go much earlier, though. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are one team who have a big need at the position and they're picking at No. 13. It might seem like a reach, but if Brown's stock continues to rise, it may make perfect sense.

On the other hand, he could always go much lower. Falling out of the first round seems unlikely though, given the Super Bowl-winning Baltimore Ravens have a hole at the position with Ray Lewis retiring, and could pick a sliding Brown at No. 32.