If you’re an NFL scout with an eye trained to spot linebacker talent, chances are you’re booking a lot of flights to the Southeast right now.

The best senior linebackers in the country belong to the SEC. At inside linebacker, the advantage in the conference is overwhelming.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. recently rated the five best senior inside linebackers, and the SEC claimed the top four. That’s very unusual at any position in terms of NFL draft talent, as there are so many strong programs sprinkled throughout the power conferences.

MEL KIPER’S ILB RANKINGS (SENIORS ONLY)

1. Reggie Ragland, Alabama
2. Kentrell Brothers, Missouri
3. Cassanova McKinzy, Auburn
4. Antonio Morrison, Florida
5. Rodney Hardrick, Oregon

Given the talent level in the SEC at defensive tackle and running back, expect some monumental collisions between the tackles this season. There should be some outstanding 1-on-1 matchups between running backs and these senior inside linebackers in the hole.

The SEC’s talent at linebacker extends beyond that one area, though. Here are some other SEC players that Kiper Jr. ranked at the position:

Kendall Beckwith, LSU (No. 2 ILB/underclassmen)
Jordan Jenkins, Georgia (No. 2 OLB/seniors)
Kris Frost, Auburn (No. 4 OLB/seniors)
Carl Lawson, Auburn (No. 4 OLB/underclassmen)
Leonard Floyd, Georgia (No. 5 OLB/underclassmen)