Non-pass rushing linebackers typically do not go as high as Mosley did, but he was drafted where he was for good reason. Mosley was a top five prospect and an elite specimen at his position. Aside from possible health concern due to the brutality of Alabama’s program, Mosley has few flaws, and none of them fatal. He is a smart, efficient, fundamentally sound player that can play in coverage as well as he can defend the run. With Daryl Smith and 2013 second round pick Arthur Brown on the roster, the Mosley selection seemed unnecessary to some, but in reality, it was brilliant.

Last year was Smith’s first year with Baltimore and he played wonderfully. He gave Baltimore the veteran leadership and talent needed at the core of Baltimore’s defense. Despite how well he performed, Smith will enter 2014 being 32 years old. A 32 year old linebacker who has previous injury history will only have a few serviceable seasons left in him, at best. Smith received a four year contract, but seeing that it is an escalating payroll and Smith would be older than 34 years old for the final two years of the contract, it is unlikely that Smith sees the end of the contract.

The other inside linebacker of note is “King Arthur” Brown. He did not play much last year because with the serviceable depth that Baltimore had at inside linebacker, he was allowed to sit and adjust to the NFL, as well as make sure that he was 100% healthy from a past shoulder injury. Much like Mosley, Brown was a top five player in his class, but his draft class was not as talented at the top. Also, Mosley was a slightly better prospect, draft class aside. Nonetheless, he was a phenomenal linebacker prospect. Brown is a more explosive and aggressive player than Mosley, but is not quite as functional as a coverage linebacker.

Despite having two talented inside linebackers already on the roster, Mosley is set to start alongside Smith. In the base defense, Smith and Mosley will see a majority of the snaps. Although, when Baltimore switches to a nickel package, Brown will substitute in for Mosley. Quite frankly, Mosley’s and Brown’s roles should be reversed because Mosley is a better coverage linebacker, but John Harbaugh and company seem to have a vision that should not be altered. Once Smith either retires or is let go due to age and salary cap reasons, Mosley and Brown will both take over full time and be one of the best inside linebacker duos in the NFL.