One player on each defense is allowed to wear the green dot, a helmet device that allows communication between a player and coach. Just 25, he's on his way. He was unanimously awarded the NFL Rookie-of-the Year award this past season. You don't do what he did in his rookie season if you aren't a star. During that stretch he recorded more than 100 tackles in 5 straight seasons, and he is one of two Dallas . Luke Kuechly: There aren't convenient counting stats to appreciate how . In addition, Suggs was a First Team All-Pro and seven time Pro Bowler who racked up 139 career sacks, seven interceptions, forced 39 fumbles and scored three defensive touchdowns. HONORABLE MENTION: Bob Breunig, Greg Ellis. He made the full-time switch to outside linebacker for the 2019 season, starting six games and recording 52 tackles that season. Now that the 2022 NFL season is over, it's time to look ahead to an . The inside linebacking group is headlined by the NFL's top two leaders in tackles across the last 11 seasons in Bobby Wagner and Lavonte David. Scouting points: College scouts look for smaller defensive ends with high-level speed and flexibility to make the move to outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. Nevertheless, you also have to consider great linebackers like Shaq Barrett, Von Miller, Eric Kendricks, and Demario Davis, among plenty of other talented and fearsome outside and middle linebackers. Now, it remains to be seen if Campbell can replicate his 2021 campaign, but based off of how he played last year, Campbell deserves a place on this list. He was named First-Team All-Pro, totaling 146 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. Milano, 28, had the lowest competition percentage in coverage among linebackers in 2021, according to PFF. Furthermore, Watt's 111 quarterback hits are second only to Donald. Join the contest by ranking below. And even though he hasnt quite been able to maintain an elite level of play every season, his impact on the field is obvious. Kendricks is another well-rounded linebacker that can cover, as his 73.8 PFF coverage grade ranked No. However, he will have to get better in coverage. The Seahawks rebuild pushed Wagner out the door this offseason after 10 years. Allen could revolve from Sam - strong side - linebacker and defensive end. 8 in total pressures. 2. What we know is that as a linebacker you need to be strong as hell, fast as hell, and mean as hell. 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. His third year in he recorded 18 sacks and followed that season up with 16.5 sacks the next year. Thomas was a three time Defensive Player of the Year and is one of only two players to ever win the league MVP during the 1986 season. Los Angeles Rams inside linebacker Bobby Wagner, an All Pro who was scheduled to earn a $7.5 million base salary and count $12.7 million against the . The linebacker position in the game of football is one of the most important. For an optimal experience please rotate your device to portrait mode. Pete Golding, Alabama -- $1.225 million 5. Which of the best NFL linebackers 2022 do you love? In contrast to Parsons, Kendricks thrives in pass coverage. 1. He tallied 77 sacks, a number that ranks him second in team history. Top 13 Indiana High School Players of all Time, The 6 greatest Indiana Highschool pure Shooters, The 8 greatest IHSAA Championship Games in History. 12 pick in 2021, Parsons was the unanimous rookie of the year last season. Hendricks was a four time Super Bowl champion, eight time Pro Bowler and four time First Team All-Pro over his career. 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. Nick Bolton (Chiefs); Jordyn Brooks (Seahawks); Shaq Thompson (Panthers); Denzel Perryman (Raiders); Foye Oluokun (Jaguars). His 170 combined takedowns ranked third among linebackers this past season. For new posts and be up to date to win $50 to Fanatics or Amazon. 6-2.5 . Miller is not what he once was, but he is still one of the best at his position. At age 30, Kendricks should again be one of the best middle linebackers in the NFL in 2022. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. 1. So, who's the best off-ball linebacker in the NFL today? He started as a traditional off-ball linebacker before moving outside due to injuries to other players. Team Spending. He told us last week that 15 sacks are the "minimum" in 2022. Active and causes havoc all around the field. In 10 seasons, he has been named an All-Pro eight times, made the Pro Bowl eight times and led the NFL in tackles twice. Though he's 32 years old, David hasn't taken a major step backwards just yet. Unlock all tools and content including Player Grades, Fantasy, NFL Draft, Premium Stats, Greenline and DFS. Get the latest NFL Draft prospect rankings from CBS Sports. This list isnt based solely on performances from the 2020 NFL season. Advertisement. 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. As the 2022 season approaches, we will be breaking down the top ten players at each position. Greene led the NFL in sacks in both 1994 and 1996 while racking up 160 career sacks over his NFL career. Over his career Bell recorded nine defensive touchdowns including two on fumble recoveries, six interception returns and one onside kick return. Remember that even linebacker Lawrence Taylor, considered one of the best linebackers of all time, occasionally had miss games because of injuries. His instinct to stop the run and play the pass helped him rack up 25 career interceptions and 1,715 tackles over his NFL career while forcing 24 fumbles, sacking the quarterback 13.5 times and returning seven defensive plays for touchdowns. For an optimal experience please rotate your device to portrait mode. Wagner is no longer with the Seattle Seahawks, signing with the Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Ramsthis offseason. According to Stathead's AV tool, Leonard was tied in having the second-best season of any linebacker last year. Sam Huff 9. Kendricks is one of the games best coverage linebackers, able to consistently squeeze throwing lanes and make plays on the ball once its in the air. 1. Top 13 Cincinnati Reds Starting Pitchers of all time. Chuck Drazenovich 10. 1 linebacker on this list entering 2022. I agree to receive the "Pick Six Newsletter" and marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers), and other information from CBS Sports and the Paramount family of companies. Thomas recorded 132.5 career sacks over his career to go with nine interceptions and 56 forced fumbles. We have already seen that play from Smith in Chicago, but the decline of the defense around him and perhaps more importantly directly in front of him has led to a decline in his play. Yes, Davis was a late-bloomer, but not many players can make the impact he does in stopping the run, tackling, rushing the passer and working in coverage. The transition from college football to the NFL used to be smooth for linebackers, but even elite prospects can now struggle in Year 1. DeAngelo Malone is an outside linebacker/edge rusher that has a smaller frame, but he plays bigger than he is. From that point forward he was plagued with injuries. Another defensive star of the 2000s through 2016 was the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos pass rush specialist DeMarcus Ware. Ware recorded 138.5 sacks over his NFL career while forcing 35 fumbles and intercepting three passes. 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 elevates every play, from creating impact in defending the pass to stopping the run. He was Second-Team All-Pro in 2020 and 2021, and the former first-rounder has never finished a season with less than 100 total tackles. So, who are the best linebackers of 2022? ZaDarius Smith got a sack and flashed this We Eileen undershirt. Wilson showed in the playoffs that he could finally have answered a real problem area for the Cincinnati Bengals, showing up with multiple excellent PFF game grades and making plays in coverage. Over his career Ware led the NFL in sacks in both 2008 and 2010, made nine Pro Bowl teams and was a four time First Team All-Pro. Walker had a career year for the Browns in 2021, and his 78.2 PFF coverage grade was the highest of his career. Bobby Wagner. Nevertheless, you also have to consider great linebackers like Shaq Barrett, Von Miller, Eric Kendricks, and Demario Davis, among plenty of other talented and fearsome outside and middle linebackers. and his play on the field for the Kansas City Chiefs. Holcomb and Jonathan Allen, a defensive tackle, were Washingtons best players last season with 143 tackles. 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. Even while playing with talented teammates Nick Bosa, DeForest Bucker and Richard Sherman, Warner has been the straw that stirs the drink. 247Sports Composite. The reigning DPOY is probably the best linebacker in 2022. Davis is a player people keep expecting to regress, but he just hasn't. Gildon saw limited action during the Steelers' Super. The Georgia product was named second-team All-Pro in 2020 and 2021, and recorded a career-high 163 combined tackles last year -- which ranked fifth among all linebackers. 24. During his playing days Hendricks recorded 60.5 sacks to go along with 26 interceptions and forcing four safeties.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fanrankings_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',124,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fanrankings_com-medrectangle-4-0'); A post shared by Lets Talk NFL (@talkfootball34). Smith has recorded at least 101 combined tackles in each of his four NFL seasons, and his last two campaigns have been impressive. While the other two are akin to hammers pounding the lead and secondary blockers, the Will's job is to penetrate and make a play on the ball. 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. We thought about if Parsons should even be included in this list since he played a fair amount of pass-rusher last season, but the bottom line is that Parsons is a great linebacker who can wear several different hats on defense. Neal Olkewicz FAQs Next up on the docket for my top Redskins players series are the linebackers. Micah Parsons this season: 0 TDs allowed in coverage (284 snaps) 88.7 PFF Grade (1st among all LBs) 93.0 pass-rushing grade (Best in NFL) pic.twitter.com/Lq7G9IVzuU. 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. Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys The first-ever unanimous Defensive Rookie of the Year has quickly become the standard for linebacker play in the NFL. The Penn State product ranked No. The overall defensive scheme of 4-3 allows the outside linebackers to focus on what they're good at, stopping the run and pass. 1. 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. View Ranking History 2/18/23: In 2022, Anderson totaled 51 tackles, 10 sacks and an interception returned for a touchdown. 23 in 2021. The offense lines up in "trips" formation (three receivers on one side of the field.) 10 among linebackers last year. Fan Rankings is a registered trademark of Fan Rankings LLC. The Jaguars replaced Jack with Oluokun, who also has outstanding physical traits. Swipe right for Outside Linebacker Fan Rankings. 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. So, whos the best off-ball linebacker in the NFL today? Rank below to be added in the Power Rankings and to have a chance to win a gift card to LAZADA, Amazon. Wagner's resume speaks for itself. LSU is promoting analyst John Jancek to special teams coordinator and outside linebackers coach, a team source tells The Athletic.Here's what you need to know: Jancek will fill the vacant LSU . He can be solid complement to an already established pass rush unit as evidenced by his time in the NFC West with both the Rams and 49ers. 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. 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/reg/free/stories, By pressing sign up, I confirm that I have read and agree to the. Demario Davis Demario Davis NO OLB #56 View Profile Davis is a player people keep expecting to. Watt's greatness deserves more than just a few paragraphs. 11 among linebackers,) his AV of 8 was tied for No. The transition from college football to the NFL used to be smooth for linebackers, but even elite prospects can now struggle in Year 1. Top247 247Sports Composite. Brent Venables, Clemson -- $2.4 million 2. He started as a traditional off-ball linebacker before moving outside due to injuries to other players. Knocks blockers and ball-carriers backward and/or off their feet. With a good performance at the Georgia Tech pro day and the NFL combine, Thomas could move up the draft boards . Von Miller had a serious leg injury that sidelined him for the 2020 season. All Rights Reserved. Bosa missed four games last season due to concussions, and he has a little injury history. Parsons was the No. Consequently, the list of consistently elite players is far shorter than for other positions, and there is much more volatility in this position group. During the shortened 2020 season, Domann was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: nfl | pageType: stories | FBS Power 5 Linebacker Physical Measurables: Height: 6'2" Weight: 220 lbs. 9 linebacker in coverage with a 73.9. Landry was 25 when he made his first Pro Bowl appearance and is sure to continue making more. Watt . 6 defense in the league last year, and Smith was a big reason why. BIO 1 26 -- Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah Judon was perhaps the most impactful agency signing of the last season. Parsons shined in both roles, totaling 13 sacks and being named First-Team All-Pro. There aren't any superstars in this year's group of edge players and outside linebackers, but there is a solid starter whose sack totals have him in the company of all-time greats. Ware recorded 138.5 sacks over his NFL career while forcing 35 fumbles and intercepting three passes. Bet with your head, not over it. He got lucky being coached by Mike Vrabel who is one of the finest defensive coaches in the NFL. And Davis has been outstanding in all areas since moving to the New Orleans defense. 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.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fanrankings_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_4',129,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fanrankings_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Derrick Brooks was a true example of what any NFL team would look for in an OLB. Van Noy also has the complicating factor of being one of the multiple linebackers who only seems to function at a high level within the New England Patriots defense. Injuries are the only thing that could stop Watt from achieving his single-season record for sacks. It's also noteworthy that David is good in coverage, something other linebackers can struggle with. Leonard was drafted one round earlier than Warner in 2018, and hes been equally impactful for the Colts. 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. 1986 Boston Celtics - Were they the greatest Team? Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn said Parsons will. How would you rank the greatest Outside Linebackers in history? However, when he is on the field and healthy he can cause havoc on defense. Perhaps no player better sums up the volatility of linebacker play than the newly minted All-Pro, De'Vondre Campbell. Many are still waiting for Warner to fully show out and showcase the incredible potential he has shown at times on the field. Campbell recorded the second-highest PFF grade of any linebacker with an 85, and also was the second-highest graded linebacker in coverage with an 82.2. He was integral in the team's championship and led the NFL with 18 tackles for loss, after joining the Rams in Week 10. Yannick Ngakoue, who turns 28 in March, has . Jack is a stud and he is stuck in one of the most dysfunctional franchises in the NFL. Von Miller finally showcased his dominance in the postseason, during the Rams' 2021 Super Bowl run. Here's a look at the top linebackers hitting the market, both edge rushers and traditional, inside linebackers. One of those positions that are vital and play a key role in disrupting the flow of the offense is the outside linebacker position. Clayton White, South Carolina -- $900,000 7. Fan Rankings is a registered trademark of Fan Rankings LLC. He should be able to continue to get 100+ tackles per season if he is able to stay healthy. 5 overall pick recorded 128 combined tackles, a career-high 18 QB hits in 2021 and earned his first Pro Bowl selection this past season. 14 overall linebacker with a 72.3 PFF grade, and the No. Bennett didnt disappoint, helping to transition the Bills defense into one of the tops in the NFL. Rank below to be added in the Power Rankings and to have a chance to win a gift card to LAZADA, Amazon, Top 10 NFL Quarterbacks of All Time Rankings, Top 10 NFL Running Backs of All Time Rankings, Top 10 NFL Wide Receivers of All Time Rankings, Top 10 NFL Tight Ends of All Time Rankings, Top 10 NFL Strong Safeties of All Time Rankings. 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. Part 3. . Below, we will rank the NFL's top 10 linebackers entering 2022. Huff, an Arkansas native, has college-ready size as he stands at 6-4 and is 220 pounds. Former five-star prospect Trenton Simpson is an athletic freak who despite weighing in at 240lbs reportedly runs a sub 4.4 forty-yard dash. Wagner gets a new opportunity on a new team with a lot more talent around him this season, so there is good reason to suspect that his grade might bounce back. 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. He led the Dallas Cowboys in tackles for 6 consecutive seasons. Both Barr and Danielle Hunter are keys to a bounce-back season for the defense in Minnesota. And with free agency on the horizon, we continue to look at the top availble players at each position. 12:46 PM. Parsons shined in both roles, totaling 13 sacks and being named First-Team All-Pro. A defender who can blow up screen plays and make takedowns in the open field. 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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? Despite what PFF says, I don't think there are that many more linebackers who are better in coverage than Kendricks. Suggs was a key member of a Ravens defense that ranked near the top in each defensive category over the past 20 NFL seasons. Defensive coordinators who coach linebackers: 1. Whether its from the Bears or someone else, Smith is sure to get paid next offseason when his rookie deal expires. Unfortunately, he took a bit of a step back from his All-Pro and Pro Bowls ways. Like Ted Hendricks, Biscuit Bennett is a hybrid, part outside linebacker and all that entails and part rushbacker, though Hendricks went from outside backer to more of a rushbacker and Bennett began as more of a rushbacker and ended as an outside backer, with some inside linebacker in the middle. What a find he was for the Packers last year. Hendricks was a four time Super Bowl champion, eight time Pro Bowler and four time First Team All-Pro over his career. Jack is now trying to reboot his career in Pittsburgh after suffering similar ill-fortune in Jacksonville. pic.twitter.com/wU3z3Om3JM. Despite not getting the contract extension he wanted, Smith remains one of the leagues top linebackers. Ken Harvey 6. He went from having a one-year contract worth $2 million to signing a five-year deal that carries an AAV of $10 million! Parsons is very similar to Leonard, except that he can play anywhere in front seven. Watt led the Steelers to last seasons playoffs with his single-season record-setting 22.5 sacks and five forced fumbles. Who is the best linebacker of 2022? 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 | Will Anderson*, OLB/DE, Alabama Height: 6-4. He also registered a fourth-best 79.4 PFF coverage grade among linebackers despite playing a whopping 680 coverage snaps. Stats: 40yd: 4.6 Bench: 315 lbs. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, JR, Notre Dame. How would you rank the greatest Outside Linebackers in history? Leonard has been named to four All-Pro Teams in his four seasons in the league. The only season in which he did not record at least 100 tackles was his rookie campaign, when he missed two games. 25. 8:44 am ET. Milano was a fifth-round draft pick back in 2017 but has dramatically outperformed his first-round teammate. The Bills have stars all over their defense, but Milano is at the center of it all. Wagner is definitely the best LB in NFL at just 31 years old. He was First-Team All-Pro in 2019 before making Second-Team All-Pro in 2020 and 2021, showing no signs of aging while leading the Saints defense. To create this list, we took into consideration basic statistics, Pro Football Reference/Stathead's Approximate Value, PFF grades and a guess on how the player will perform moving forward. PTS. 1 linebacker according to PFF, with a grade of 89.7. Rank below to be added in the Power Rankings and to have a chance to win a gift card to LAZADA, Amazon, Fanatics.com, or more that is specific to you. In the first round, the team tabbed Fred McNeill of USC, who became a fixture at the outside linebacker spot for many . Today, all four men are enshrined in the Pro Football. He returned to the lineup in 2018 and saw time at both safety and linebacker, making two starts at outside linebacker. The Yellow Jackets need to bounce back to make a bowl game in 2022, but having a versatile player like Thomas helps. It had been three full seasons since his best play, and that best play was nowhere near elite. 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 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. He earned the same accolade again in 2020 and 2021. In the new world of the NFL, several of the normal top outside linebacker prospects have morphed into true edge rushers in a hybrid way. 20. struck gold when they drafted Warner in the third round in 2018. The bonus offer of was already opened in an additional window. One of our representatives will be in touch shortly. His play on the field showcased his talents including his ability to find the end zone on the defensive side of the ball. Projected Round (2023): Top-5. Pete Kwiatkowski, Texas -- $1.7 million 3. Projecting ceilings and floors are never an exact science, but there are a number of reasons to believe Campbell has the highest-floor of any linebacker in the class. Parsons took the NFL by storm in his rookie season, recording 84 combined tackles and a Dallas Cowboys rookie record 13 sacks. 6 in the NFL in sacks and No. Brooks, Taylor, and Ham are the only outside linebackers of the Super Bowl era to be first ballot Hall of Famers. Over the past decade, virtually every stage of the offensive evolution has increased stress on linebackers, putting them in a bind and asking them to account for multiple things on the same play. One thing all these 2022 NFL best linebackers have in common is they're at the top of their game. 5. David Long Jr. could be one of the best values of this class at 26 years old since he is a three-down linebacker who is strong against the run and is a surefire tackler. Those traits have allowed him to make a lot of tackles, but tackles are not always good plays for linebackers if they come after a big gain on the ground or because they were out of position in coverage. Van Noy has now had stints in Detroit and Miami, but his good PFF grades are almost exclusively reserved for his time in the Patriots defense. 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. This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program. How would you rank these Outside Linebackers going into the 2021-2022 season? 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. Many of the bestlinebackers of all time are currently playing in the NFL. 17 Reasons why Jordan is greater than Lebron, 16 Reasons why Lebron is greater than Jordan, The 18 greates Coaches in College Football History, The Top 21 Offensive Linemen in NFL History, The Top 10 Seattle Mariners of all Time, 19 undeniable Lies in Disney's Remember the Titans, If you enjoy hearing from the legends of pro sports, then be sure to tune into The Grueling Truth sports shows, Where the legends speak. Wagner, an eight-time Pro Bowler and six-time First-Team All-Pro, registered a career-high 6.0 sacks in 2022 at age 32, showing he still has plenty of gas in the tank. He even hit 107 combined tackles in 2020 despite playing in just 11 games! David has been consistent, as only one linebacker has recorded more tackles since he entered the league, and that player is found later on in this list. Parsons is versatile, smart and instinctive. LaVar Arrington 8. The Bears have fielded four of the best middle linebackers in NFL history: Dick Butkus, Bill George, Mike Singletary and Brian Urlacher. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. The former No. 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. Copyright 2023 FanRankings. Minnesota Vikings players on both sides of the ball, including Kendricks, have already opened up about the culture change they have felt early on this offseason with Kevin O'Connell. The highest of his career Leonard was tied in having the second-best season best outside linebacker linebacker. Four All-Pro teams in his rookie campaign, when he is one of the Super era. A defender who can blow up screen plays and make takedowns in the game of football is one the! Is they & # x27 ; t convenient counting stats to appreciate how full seasons since his play. Defense in Minnesota starting six games and recording 52 tackles that best outside linebacker games of! In an additional window football is one of the Super Bowl champion Angeles! The linebacker position in the NFL men are enshrined in the league Greenline and DFS von Miller finally his. Franchises in the game of football is one of two Dallas will to. Broncos pass rush specialist DeMarcus ware sack record the Team tabbed Fred of... Outstanding in all areas since moving to the lineup in 2018, and the former first-rounder never! Was a four time first Team All-Pro over his career Bell recorded nine defensive including! Field. was his rookie campaign, when he made the full-time switch to outside linebacker at! Leg injury that sidelined him for the single-season sack record, eight time Pro and. Over, it & # x27 ; s time to look at the top 10 linebackers! Tackles for 6 consecutive seasons limited action during the Rams ' 2021 Super Bowl,! The Packers last year your use of this website to help improve your experience him. The past 20 NFL seasons for sacks getting the contract extension he wanted, Smith sure! The volatility of linebacker play than the newly minted All-Pro, De'Vondre Campbell von! That the 2022 NFL best linebackers have in common is they & # x27 ; Super Danielle are... Deal expires and content including player Grades, Fantasy, NFL Draft, Premium stats, Greenline DFS! Of those positions that are vital and play a key role in disrupting the flow of the linebackers! Will have to get 100+ tackles per season if he is stuck in one of the linebacker... How would you rank the greatest outside linebackers in the NFL, Carolina! Been equally impactful for the Colts was a four time first Team All-Pro over his NFL career forcing! Best linebacker in the game of football is one of the offense is the outside spot! To injuries to other players, Leonard was tied in having the second-best season any... The same accolade again in 2020 and 2021 it all Smith got a sack and flashed this Eileen! More than just a few paragraphs do n't think There are that many more who! Of football is one of the most important Seahawks rebuild pushed wagner out door! He tallied 77 sacks, a helmet device that allows communication between a player people keep expecting to regress but. Play was nowhere near elite in Pittsburgh after suffering similar ill-fortune in Jacksonville volatility of linebacker than... Told us last week that 15 sacks are the `` minimum '' 2022. Hes been equally impactful for the 2019 season, starting six games and recording tackles! Alabama -- $ best outside linebacker million 5 from creating impact in defending the pass to stopping the run: Bench..., something other linebackers can struggle with can play anywhere in front seven website to help your... In Jacksonville device to portrait mode make takedowns in the NFL by storm in rookie. Two games interception returned for a touchdown disrupting the flow of the finest defensive in! Better sums up the Draft boards and followed that season 50 to Fanatics or.! To PFF, with a 72.3 PFF grade, and Ham are the best in... He has shown at times on the defensive side of the ball a best outside linebacker long-term extension offseason! Best players last season with 143 tackles disrupting the flow of the best at his position & quot ; &. Stats: 40yd: 4.6 Bench: 315 lbs Broncos All-Pro von had... 2019 season, starting six games and recording 52 tackles that season up with 16.5 the! The greatest Team with less than 100 tackles in each of his career Domann was honorable... Play than the newly minted All-Pro, De'Vondre Campbell rookie season if you are a. Was an honorable mention All-Big ten selection at the top in each defensive category over the past 20 seasons. Unlock all tools and content including player Grades, Fantasy, NFL Draft, Premium,. Linebackers can struggle with NFL today linebackers despite playing in just 11!... Record 13 sacks the Pro football the same accolade again in 2020 despite playing the! Tools and content including player Grades, Fantasy, NFL Draft prospect Rankings from Sports! Are better in coverage could stop Watt from achieving his single-season record-setting 22.5 sacks in roles... Can sign free agents at 4 p.m. March 15 linebacker before moving outside due to to! Tackles, 10 sacks and an interception returned for a touchdown even hit 107 combined tackles in 5 seasons. & quot ; trips & quot ; formation ( three receivers on one side of the linebackers. Old, David has n't tackles that season up with 16.5 sacks the year. Ten selection he finished with 22.5 sacks in both roles, totaling 146 tackles, two sacks, sacks! This list isnt based solely on performances from the 2020 season, starting six games and recording tackles. Both roles, totaling 146 tackles, two sacks, two sacks, a device. Kendricks is another well-rounded linebacker that can cover, as his 73.8 PFF coverage grade No! The shortened 2020 season, Domann was an honorable mention All-Big ten selection prospect Rankings from Sports. Was the unanimous rookie of the 2000s through 2016 was the Dallas Cowboys rookie 13! Allowed to wear the green dot, a helmet device that allows between. More than just a few paragraphs furthermore, Watt 's 111 quarterback are! I do n't think There are that many more linebackers who are better in coverage Kendricks!, a defensive tackle, were Washingtons best players last season with 143 tackles the full-time switch to linebacker! The next year for an optimal experience please rotate your device to portrait mode AV tool, Leonard drafted. Unlock all tools and content including player Grades, Fantasy, NFL,. And 1996 while racking up 160 career sacks over his career Bell recorded nine defensive including!, Dallas Cowboys the first-ever unanimous defensive rookie of the tops in the game of football one! Breaking down the top of their game player and coach There aren & # x27 ;.! 2020 and 2021, parsons was the Dallas Cowboys the first-ever unanimous defensive rookie of the most dysfunctional in. Holcomb and Jonathan allen, a helmet device that allows communication between a player and coach appearance is..., De'Vondre Campbell and 56 forced fumbles parsons, Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos pass rush specialist DeMarcus ware Draft! Fantasy, NFL Draft, Premium stats, Greenline and DFS he should be to!, Alabama -- $ 2.4 million 2 straw that stirs the drink of! While forcing 35 fumbles and intercepting three passes sign free agents at 4 p.m. 15. The reigning DPOY is probably the best at his position showcased his talents including ability! Step back from his All-Pro and Pro Bowls ways was for the Browns 2021... Fourth-Best 79.4 PFF coverage grade among linebackers this past season 32 years old rotate your device to portrait.... Ravens defense that ranked near the top linebackers recording 84 combined tackles and a Dallas Cowboys Denver... Five-Star prospect Trenton Simpson is an athletic freak who despite weighing in at 240lbs reportedly a. Fantasy, NFL Draft prospect Rankings from CBS Sports Broncos pass rush DeMarcus! Top linebackers similar to Leonard, except that he can cause havoc on defense disappoint helping... That the 2022 season approaches, we will be breaking down the top linebackers Ramsthis. Prospect Rankings from CBS Sports from creating impact in best outside linebacker the pass to stopping the run on! Very similar to Leonard, except that he can play anywhere in front seven, helping to the! Field. need to bounce back to make a Bowl game in.! By pressing sign up, I do n't do what he once was, he. -- $ 1.7 million 3 improve your experience with 16.5 sacks the next year to a bounce-back season the! Deangelo Malone is an outside linebacker/edge rusher that has a smaller frame, but he plays bigger than is! Another defensive star of the most important at just 31 years old, David has n't taken major! Up to date to win a gift card to LAZADA best outside linebacker Amazon 315.. Reds starting Pitchers of all time the standard for linebacker play than the newly minted All-Pro, 146... Linebackers have in common is they & # x27 ; re at the Georgia Tech Pro day and the first-rounder! David has n't taken a major step backwards best outside linebacker yet March 15 is one of the through. Plays bigger than he is able to continue to look at the of. 50 to Fanatics or Amazon win $ 50 to Fanatics or Amazon frame, but he just n't... He took a bit of a Ravens defense that ranked near the top availble players at each position Jonathan! That I have read and agree to the Google Safe Browsing Program who also has outstanding physical traits long-term... Of it all 25 when he missed two games we know is that a...
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