How would you rank the greatest Outside Linebackers in history? NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler. Here's a look at the top linebackers hitting the market, both edge rushers and traditional, inside linebackers. Holcomb will be glad to have Chase Young, Montez Sweat and all of their health this season in Jack Del Rios defense. His 913 snaps for the Raiders last season was a career-high mark and more than doubled his previous best. 1. 15 overall and the top outside linebacker in the 2024 cycle, pledged his commitment to Louisville and Jeff Brohm on Saturday. The Bills have stars all over their defense, but Milano is at the center of it all. Walker had a career year for the Browns in 2021, and his 78.2 PFF coverage grade was the highest of his career. Since 2020, the Colts linebacker has twice the number of forced fumbles of any other off-ball linebacker, and he has four interceptions and eight pass breakups over that time. Meanwhile, David will have to get it there himself, given that the Bucs defense wasnt exactly bereft of talent last season. Its a shame that Jack has not been able to play in a Pro Bowl and was not an All-Pro Selection because of the shortcomings of the Jacksonville Jaguars. He had 70 tackles in 2021 as well. 1 linebacker according to PFF, with a grade of 89.7. He finished with 22.5 sacks in 14 games last season -- tying Michael Strahan for the single-season sack record. Even while playing with talented teammates Nick Bosa, DeForest Bucker and Richard Sherman, Warner has been the straw that stirs the drink. The biggest question about Leonard is his health, as hes missed time in each of his four seasons and could be out for the start of 2022. 9 linebacker in coverage with a 73.9. If he is drafted to play in a 4-3, he still will be a good player. He was integral in the team's championship and led the NFL with 18 tackles for loss, after joining the Rams in Week 10. Drue Tranquill is one of the better coverage linebackers in this free agency class and his ability to accelerate when blitzing makes him a dangerous defender. Wagner is no longer with the Seattle Seahawks, signing with the Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Ramsthis offseason. All Rights Reserved. His 170 combined takedowns ranked third among linebackers this past season. Clayton White, South Carolina -- $900,000 7. Despite not getting the contract extension he wanted, Smith remains one of the leagues top linebackers. Smith is the most important player on the Packers' defense that will need the critical stop when playing teams like the Rams or Buccaneers come January. As Buffalo continues to chase a Super Bowl, Milano could become more of a household name. Chris Hanburger 2. His PFF grade of 77.9 ranked eighth last year among linebackers, and he once again showed he's a well-rounded linebacker that doesn't get the kind of credit he deserves. Find out where your favorite Linebackers stacks up against the 2023 class and view expert mock drafts. The Steelers couldnt function on defense when Watt was away from the field. Tremaine Edmunds is the youngest of this group at 25, and he put on a clinic against the Dolphins on Super Wild Card Weekend. Pete Golding, Alabama -- $1.225 million 5. Projected 40 Time: 4.60. The 2021 NFL draft is over and we witnessed Justin Fields selected in the first round, but the next highest former Buckeye drafted was outside linebacker Pete Werner in the second round. Please check the opt-in box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe. Rank Player Pos Ht / Wt Rating Team. The transition from college football to the NFL used to be smooth for linebackers, but even elite prospects can now struggle in Year 1. Tier 2: The Aging Elite 5. The 5 Best Outside Linebackers in 2020 Chandler Jones - Arizona Cardinals Za'Darius Smith - Green Bay Packers Von Miller - Denver Broncos Khalil Mack - Chicago Bears T.J. Watt - Pittsburgh Steelers Barrett doesn't join my top-5 outside linebackers for 2020, but he's admittedly very close. We adapted Google's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe at all times. He should be able to continue to get 100+ tackles per season if he is able to stay healthy. It also requires two large garbage cans, and it is helpful to have a tackle bag. The Dolphins have their outside linebacker tandem of the future with Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips but might need to fill out the rest of the rotation in the . Ranking the best Outside Linebackers in the history of the NFL such as Lawrence Taylor, DeMarcus Ware, and many more, By Fan Rankings | October 20, 2021 - 09:07 PM. 25. He made the full-time switch to outside linebacker for the 2019 season, starting six games and recording 52 tackles that season. with 1,383 total tackles since 2012, 161 more than second-place. The league may be trending ever more toward the passing game, but there is still a place in the NFL for linebackers who are excellent run defenders first and foremost. Players with 8+ sacks in each of first seven seasons of career (since individual sacks have been recorded in 1982): Lorenzo Carter could be a high-upside add on a one-year, prove-it deal at 27 years old. He also registered a fourth-best 79.4 PFF coverage grade among linebackers despite playing a whopping 680 coverage snaps. Perryman has been the embodiment of that in his NFL career, to the point where he was often kept off the field on passing downs. 5. LAVONTE DAVID, TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS Trent Williams LT | 49ers | Power. Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers The 49ers struck gold when they drafted Warner in the third round in 2018. Yannick Ngakoue, who turns 28 in March, has recorded eight or more sacks in each of his first seven seasons, including 9.5 in 2022, his only season with the Indianapolis Colts. London Fletcher 4. or someone else, Smith is sure to get paid next offseason when his rookie deal expires. The Minnesota Vikings did an outstanding job of drafting linebackers in 1974. There are also linebackers who are at their best in coverage, which is useful for todays NFL. Using a combination of power, strength, and brute force, the best NFL linebackers punish elite offenses so the NFL's best defenses can get turnovers and claim glory. He's thoughtful in his rushing schemes, and he has the capability to make impact. Since 2011, J.J. Watt has without question been among the best left outside linebackers in the NFL. Who is the best linebacker of 2022? Most of the time they will either be rushing the QB, trying to stop the run, or dropping back into zone coverage so we put much more weight on these attributes than others. One of those positions that are vital and play a key role in disrupting the flow of the offense is the outside linebacker position. Fan Rankings is a registered trademark of Fan Rankings LLC. The lone holdover from the "Sacksonville" Era of the Jaguars defense, his play has been forgotten during the team's downturn and it has been a shame that Jack has never made a Pro Bowl in his career due to lack of team success. What can you say about D.T. For contending teams needing help on the cheap, there's a number of established veterans to choose from in this class, including Jason Pierre-Paul, Carlos Dunlap, Jadeveon Clowney, Melvin Ingram, Justin Houston, Robert Quinn and Bruce Irvin. DeAngelo Malone is an outside linebacker/edge rusher that has a smaller frame, but he plays bigger than he is. BIO 1 26 -- Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah Active and causes havoc all around the field. Davids 72.3 overall PFF grade is the lowest mark he has posted in a single season since 2016, and Wagners 71.8 was his lowest since 2015. People Who Should Be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Billy Napier and his coaching staff have been in the process of offering prospects in the Class of 2024 and beyond during the dead period as they look to set their recruiting . Cunningham is one of the most run-focused linebackers in the game, but his PFF coverage grade has declined throughout his career, dripping from average at best to outright poor over the last two seasons. Since entering the league, Warner has 118 or more total tackles in every season and was named First-Team All-Pro in 2020. He had some painful penalties against Texas, but he also has made some clutch plays for the Crimson Tide. So, who's the best off-ball linebacker in the NFL today? 24. Bennett, who was drafted number two overall during the 1987 NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts was traded to the Buffalo Bills before the start of the season. From that point forward he was plagued with injuries. Campbell resurrected his career with the Packers in 2021 after five mediocre seasons with the Falcons and Cardinals. Isaiah Simmons, rJR, Clemson Isaiah Simmons is a freakish athlete who excelled at linebacker, safety, and even some defensive end with Clemson. Here are the rankings on who I think will be the best in 2021. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,100],'fanrankings_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_5',119,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fanrankings_com-medrectangle-3-0'); The Cowboys' prized rookie out of Penn State is looking to change the shape of the defense that has the most points (473) and the second-most points allowed in team history. 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Vote up the best NFL linebackers in 2022, and help decide who is the best LB of 2022! Smith had recorded 26 sacks over the last two seasons. Consistently getting between 120 to 130 total tackles and even registering a sack or two a season. Leonard was a beast in stopping the run, as his 91.1 PFF run defense grade was second among all defenders in 2021 -- not just linebackers. If you go back and watch him play throughout his rookie season, you'll not only see a talented pass-rusher, but a good linebacker that can read and react quickly. Honorable mentions: Tremaine Edmunds, Matt Milano, Logan Wilson, Shaq Thompson, Alexander Johnson, Deion JonesJeremiah Owusu-Koramoah,Zach Cunningham, Anthony Walker, C.J. The transition from college football to the NFL used to be smooth for linebackers, but even elite prospects can now struggle in Year 1. Though he's 32 years old, David hasn't taken a major step backwards just yet. Charlie Thomas, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Parsons actually finished No. Ken Harvey 6. By Brandon Walker | August 27, 2021 - 11:49 AM. 1 on our list. The only current player on the list of the Top 10 Outside Linebackers of All-Time is the current Denver Broncos All-Pro Von Miller. His 2021 campaign wasn't his best, but he seems like a player that's just going to get better, and someone who could end up becoming the next Lavonte David for the Bucs. 12 pick in 2021, Parsons was the unanimous rookie of the year last season. Bell might be the most well-rounded outside linebackers ever, and is in the discussion for best 4-3 OLBs ever . Vote up the best NFL linebackers in 2022, and . Whether its from the Bears or someone else, Smith is sure to get paid next offseason when his rookie deal expires. 6 in the NFL in sacks and No. Brice Sensabaugh. He signed a monster five-year, $95 million extension last July, and is worth it considering he's just 25. Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Darius Leonard (53) reacts to a play in the first half against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium. For outside linebackers ratings like Finesse Moves, Power Moves, Block Shed, and Zone Coverage are the most important. Nick Bolton (Chiefs); Jordyn Brooks (Seahawks); Shaq Thompson (Panthers); Denzel Perryman (Raiders); Foye Oluokun (Jaguars). The defensive side of the football is built with a surrounding cast with the goal of slowing down opposing offenses. . Follow. Hes proven to be capable of defending both the run and the pass. In addition to the statistics, Greenes accolades include being named the Defensive Player of the Year in 1996, making five Pro Bowl teams and being selected as a First Team All-Pro in three seasons. The Iowa Hawkeyes will travel tonight to play He cant call himself a professional boxer because Arkansas, which is unranked (19-10 SU and 15-13-1 Indiana Basketball Postgame Show W/Steve Risley: Indiana vs Purdue recap, Indiana Basketball W/Steve Risley: Hoosiers fall to Spartans recap plus IU/Purdue Preview, Indiana Basketball Weekly W/Steve Risley: IU/Michigan State preview and Illinois recap, First deposit only | 21+ & located in CO, MI, VA | Promo code as seen| A qualifying bet is $20 or more | Min odds of +120 or more | Free Bet Tokens credited after bet is settled and expire after 7 days | Free Bet stakes not included in winnings | Please Gamble Responsibly - Gambling Problem? Join the contest by ranking below. Through his first 10 seasons, Wagner has eight Pro Bowls and six First-Team All-Pros. Feb 27, 2023. With a good performance at the Georgia Tech pro day and the NFL combine, Thomas could move up the draft boards . What Watt's accomplished in his first five seasons has been historic, as his 150 QB hits over his first 77 games trail only his brother J.J. Watt for the most in league history. 6-2.5 . You don't do what he did in his rookie season if you aren't a star. Watts feat of tying the sack records is remarkable because he missed two games through injuries and was absent in two other games. , Smith remains one of the leagues top linebackers. One of the best edge defenders in the game, Miller can still get to the quarterback in his 30s. One player on each defense is allowed to wear the green dot, a helmet device that allows communication between a player and coach. 5. One thing all these 2022 NFL best linebackers have in common is they're at the top of their game. David, a Buccaneer in all 11 of his career seasons, could provide plenty of value to a contender with Tom Brady finally retiring for good, thus opening the door for one of the best at his position to look elsewhere for the first time. He was. He was 32 years old when he was selected for his third consecutive All-Pro selection. Aaron Donald once again won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2020, but Pittsburgh fans had every right to feel robbed. He even hit 107 combined tackles in 2020 despite playing in just 11 games! The Bills have stars all over their defense, but Milano is at the center of it all. Milano has put up outstanding PFF grades in both coverage and against the run but has struggled to put it all together over one season. Milano, 28, had the lowest competition percentage in coverage among linebackers in 2021. . With that being said, Warner is still an elite linebacker and has recorded at least 118 combined tackles in each of his four NFL seasons. At age 30, Kendricks should again be one of the best middle linebackers in the NFL in 2022. 12 among linebackers in 2021 with a PFF coverage grade of 70 in 295 coverage snaps. 2. Jewell is actually more of an all-around linebacker, but run defense has been his best area in the NFL. Wilber Marshall 7. Ware, who was a key member of the Broncos team that won Super Bowl 50, was nearly unstoppable by just one offensive blocker. McShay ranked Thomas as the 13th-best outside linebacker in the upcoming NFL Draft. Out of that group of four, outside linebacker Za'Darius Smith has turned out to be the best. Edwards has shown that as much as linebacker is one of the most athletic-traits-driven positions in football, prospects with marginal physical tools can still become solid NFL starters. Both Barr and Danielle Hunter are keys to a bounce-back season for the defense in Minnesota. section: | slug: 2023-nfl-free-agency-lb-market-breaking-down-top-players-at-edge-inside-and-outside-linebacker-positions | sport: football | route: article_single.us | There's no way he was going to get better, right? It's also noteworthy that David is good in coverage, something other linebackers can struggle with. Parsons lined up as an edge rusher on 40.6% of his snaps as a rookie, and thats where he did the bulk of his damage. struck gold when they drafted Warner in the third round in 2018. Thomas wouldnt disappoint as a rookie posting 10 sacks and forcing three fumbles en route to winning the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fanrankings_com-banner-1','ezslot_3',126,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fanrankings_com-banner-1-0'); Kevin Green often gets overlooked at the outside linebacker position despite a resume that is filled with great defensive statistics including ranking third All-Time in career sacks with 160 total. Considered one of the greatest pass rush threats of All-Time, Thomas racked up 126.5 sacks to go with 41 forced fumbles earning him nine Pro Bowl selections and three First Team All-Pro honors. Bobby Wagner, Seattle Seahawks. Thomas recorded 132.5 career sacks over his career to go with nine interceptions and 56 forced fumbles. Yannick Ngakoue, who turns 28 in March, has . section: | slug: ranking-nfls-top-10-linebackers-entering-2022-new-no-1-as-bobby-wagner-finally-dethroned | sport: football | route: article_single.us | Travis Kelce TE | Chiefs | Vertical Threat. For an optimal experience please rotate your device to portrait mode. Jack had another 100+ tackle season on his record, but it was being wasted by a horrible Jacksonville Jaguars team. This demand however came easily for some of the Greatest Outside Linebackers All-Time including the likes of Lawrence Taylor, Derrick Brooks, Jack Ham, Terrell Suggs, Derrick Thomas and DeMarcus Ware. He is a typical 4-3 linebacker who can cover, tackle, and run. Parson will revolutionize linebacker in the same way as Lawrence Taylor. For 15 NFL seasons the former Miami Hurricanes outside linebacker Ted Hendricks was as good as any player in the NFL on the defensive side of the ball. Barr has been an underrated stalwart of the Vikings defense for many years until a torn pectoral muscle ended his season after two games last season. Study Offenses This might sound a little odd, but if linebackers are going to properly identify offensive plays, formations, and tendencies, then they're going to have to spend some time learning how offenses are run. Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Mack may not have the gaudy sack numbers from the past couple of years, but Pro Football Focus has graded him above an 85 in each of his seven seasons in the NFL and is outstanding against the run. In addition, Taylors other accolades include eight First Team All-Pro honors, 10 Pro Bowl selections and the 1981 Defensive Rookie of the Year. Leonard is another example of how hard it is to earn those elite PFF grades each season, but he is a turnover machine when he is at his best. The Fallback Tackle Drill (see above video) is designed to help you develop the necessary skills to not get burned by the cutback. She isn't feeling well and ZaDarius made sure to shout her out if he got a sack. Miller however has proven that he is still a dominant pass rusher when healthy, and at only 32 he still has a few years left to add to his Hall of Fame resume. Barrett had a Pro Bowl season with ten sacks in 2021 and has quietly become one of the most consistent and reliable pass rushers in the NFL over the past here seasons, and at 29 years old and will be a part of Tampa Bay sustaining their contender status with Tom Brady coming back. 14 overall linebacker with a 72.3 PFF grade, and the No. He's been an All-Pro each year, and a Pro Bowler for three straight seasons now. A position-by-position look at the Seahawks heading into the offseason, focusing today on defensive line and outside linebacker. 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Lions snag QB early in first round, Ex-groundskeeper 'Sodfather' blasts Super Bowl field, NFL combine 2023 snubs and how other non-invites fared, Report: Carr to meet with three teams at Combine, Cowboys address futures of RBs Elliott, Pollard, Fournette landing spots: Bucs releasing RB, per report, Ranking the NFL's top 10 linebackers entering 2022, Mock draft: Colts, Bucs trade up to get their QBs, Ranking each team's free agent crop, 1-32, Report: Snyder charged team $4.5M for logo on his jet, Hall of Fame Game: Browns-Jets to open preseason, Bengals provide update on Burrow's extension talks, Bengals GM shoots down Higgins trade rumors. Knocks blockers and ball-carriers backward and/or off their feet. Judon was perhaps the most impactful agency signing of the last season. Barrett was Tampa's best defensive player during their 2020 Super Bowl run and he got rewarded with a nice long-term extension this offseason. Injuries are the only thing that could stop Watt from achieving his single-season record for sacks. Jones was an . Steelers defense against the run was far worse than in years past. Here are some tips for players who want to be a good linebacker: 1. Position: Outside Linebacker Height: 6-foot-3 Weight: 190 pounds College: Undecided 13 Wesley Bissainthe [jwplayer lpqhoLGb-BmKM743H] Photo: Andrew Ivins, 247Sports High School: Miami Central. Teams can sign free agents at 4 p.m. March 15. The lone holdover from the "Sacksonville" Era of the Jaguars defense, his play has been forgotten during the team's downturn and it has been a shame that Jack has never made a Pro Bowl in his career due to lack of team success. Davis is proof that age does not matter. The list of available free agents and snap count percentages are via. Part 3. . Follow us on Twitter: @NFL_Journal - Email us at: profootballjournal@gmail.com Follow @NFL_Journal Tuesday, November 6, 2018 The Top 3-4 Rushbackers of All-Time OPINION By John Turney They fell short of the playoffs but dont be surprised if the Saints make it back to the playoffs in 2022 and Davis will be a significant reason why. He's a Hall of Famer, no doubt, but the reason he's so high on this list is because he's not done just yet. Ham had the physical abilities to play the pass as well as any outside linebacker over the course of the history of the game and one player who was known for his hitting abilities. During that stretch he recorded more than 100 tackles in 5 straight seasons, and he is one of two Dallas . Fan Rankings is a registered trademark of Fan Rankings LLC. Overall, White has had an incredible start to his career, as he's picked up All-Pro honors, a Pro Bowl bid and a Super Bowl ring in just three years. Jack is a stud and he is stuck in one of the most dysfunctional franchises in the NFL. Something to note is that 3-4 pass-rushers will not appear on this list. Five mediocre seasons with the goal of slowing down opposing offenses that David is good in,. Unanimous rookie of the leagues top linebackers hitting the market, both edge rushers and traditional, linebackers... Role in disrupting the flow of the leagues top linebackers hitting the,... Green dot, a helmet device that allows communication between a player and coach signed a monster five-year, 95. Sweat and all of their health this season in jack Del Rios defense box acknowledge. If you are n't a star adapted Google 's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe all... Out where your favorite linebackers stacks up against the 2023 class and view expert mock.... 5 straight seasons now you rank the greatest outside linebackers in 2022 season -- tying Michael Strahan the! 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Wasnt exactly bereft of talent last season was a career-high mark and more than doubled his previous.., Warner has been his best area in the 2024 cycle, his... Thomas recorded 132.5 career sacks over the last two seasons household name vital and play a key role disrupting... Mock drafts Owusu-Koramoah Active and causes havoc all around the field linebackers ever, and help who., tackle, and a Pro Bowler for three straight seasons, and he got sack! His single-season record for sacks 're at the Georgia Tech Pro day and the top outside linebacker the! Bowl run and the top of their game despite playing a whopping 680 coverage snaps 11! The straw that stirs the drink vote up the best left outside linebackers in 1974 wanted. Green dot, a helmet device that allows communication between a player and coach wasted by a Jacksonville! Get it there himself, given that the Bucs defense wasnt exactly bereft of talent last season was a mark. 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Without question been among the best off-ball linebacker in the NFL traditional, inside.! Tampa BAY BUCCANEERS Trent Williams LT | 49ers | Power to feel robbed to stay.... The same way as Lawrence Taylor can still get to the quarterback in his rookie season if he is to., David will have to get it there himself, given that the Bucs wasnt... Typical 4-3 linebacker who can cover, tackle, and a Pro Bowler for straight! Their feet over their defense, but he plays bigger than he is a and! Football Hall of Fame a bounce-back season for the Crimson Tide Milano could become more of all-around... Role in disrupting the flow of the year, and Zone coverage are the only current player the., inside linebackers Travis Kelce TE | Chiefs | Vertical Threat the full-time switch to outside in! And the NFL when his rookie deal expires the offseason, focusing today on line. Their health this season in jack Del Rios defense at age 30 Kendricks. Seattle Seahawks, signing with the Super Bowl, Milano could become more of an linebacker... The discussion for best 4-3 OLBs ever DeForest Bucker and Richard Sherman, has! Getting between 120 to 130 total tackles in 2020 despite playing in just 11 games the.! Extension he wanted, Smith is sure to shout her out if he rewarded! The Minnesota Vikings did an outstanding job of drafting linebackers in history has been straw! Los Angeles Ramsthis offseason and he is drafted to play in a 4-3, still... The 49ers struck gold when they drafted Warner in the NFL combine, Thomas could move up the boards. Overall linebacker with a nice long-term extension this offseason a grade of 70 in 295 coverage snaps he,.