The top two middle LB’s taken is this past draft just squared off (not directly I realize) and I was curious to see who would have the better game. Here’s each of their stat lines from the game:

11th pick overall Patrick Willis: 17 solo tackles, 1 assist
25th pick overall Jon Beason: 5 solo tackles, 2 assists, 1 INT, 2 passes defensed

It’s hard not to be impressed with the total tackles put up by Willis. The guy just makes plays all over the field. His numbers could be skewed by the fact he is just so much better than the rest of his defensive teammates. Yet in spite of the number of tackles the Panthers still ran for 166 yards against the 49ers. I’m sure the Panthers focused on blocking Willis on every running play.

Beason on the other hand has a stronger supporting cast in LB’s Thomas Davis and Na’il Diggs. It was also apparent in this game the Panther defensive line finally found an offensive line they could push around. Yet when a play needed to be made Beason usually made it.

I've got a poll below and of course I'm expecting the results to be biased towards Beason being a Panther site. I'm curious if everyone else will agree.

Beyond that, would anyone trade Jon Beason for Patrick Willis at this point?