Usual suspects headline SEC's top linebacker groups

Alabama has consistently fielded one of the nation’s best defensive units in recent seasons.

All of those strong defenses were boosted by an active, productive and intimidating linebacker corps.

Indeed, strong linebacker play is a trademark of the Southeastern Conference — at least one SEC linebacker was selected in the first round in four of the past five NFL drafts.

Some teams play with just two linebackers. Some play with three and others — like Alabama — use four.