"There is no inside linebacker I would rather have in the NFL than the 49ers' Patrick Willis. There is no other player I would have drafted eighth overall for the Raiders last month than inside linebacker Rolando McClain. But I don't know how important that inside linebacker position is in today's pass-happy NFL. It doesn't even rank in my top five or six critical positions, those being: quarterback, pass-rushing end, left tackle, cornerback and either defensive tackle or marquee receiver, whether that is a tight end or wideout. Willis might have the capacity to reclassify inside linebacker in the NFL world order, hence his five-year, $50 million contract extension Tuesday. Hopefully, at least for the Raiders' sake, McClain also can alter critical views of that "defensive quarterback" role. But please tell me the key inside linebackers from the past five Super Bowl-winning franchises. OK, I'll tell you: Jonathan Vilma (New Orleans Saints), James Farrior (Pittsburgh Steelers), Antonio Pierce (New York Giants), Gary Brackett (Indianapolis Colts) and Tedy Bruschi (New England Patriots). Meanwhile, quarterbacks Drew Brees, Ben Roethlisberger, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady are the ones hailed as Super Bowl heroes in this pass-oriented era, along with their receivers." http://www.insidebayarea.com/raiders/ci_15026966
