He returned to the lineup in 2018 and saw time at both safety and linebacker, making two starts at outside linebacker. The defensive side of the football is built with a surrounding cast with the goal of slowing down opposing offenses. Active and causes havoc all around the field. While Mike Zimmer is gone, new defensive coordinator Ed Donatell is an experienced coach who can get the most out of Kendricks and this defense as a whole. Watt is as dominant as they come, and he literally keeps the Steelers in games they should be losing. 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 . Greene led the NFL in sacks in both 1994 and 1996 while racking up 160 career sacks over his NFL career. 1 on our list. 6-2.5 . Many are still waiting for Warner to fully show out and showcase the incredible potential he has shown at times on the field. Bobby Wagner. The veteran has proven that he can thrive whether in Bill Belichick's system or beyond the system with 101 tackles and three forced fumbles last season for Detroit and will be a leader for new coach Dan Campbell. Dan Lanning, Georgia -- $1.4 million 4. . 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. One thing all these 2022 NFL best linebackers have in common is they're at the top of their game. A player with speed, agility and the knack to play on the defensive side of the football. He was All-Pro just one year ago, and has been a leader for this Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense since the days when the franchise was going 2-14. The Minnesota Vikings did an outstanding job of drafting linebackers in 1974. Get the latest NFL Draft prospect rankings from CBS Sports. The biggest question about Leonard is his health, as hes missed time in each of his four seasons and, The No. Though he's 32 years old, David hasn't taken a major step backwards just yet. His third year in he recorded 18 sacks and followed that season up with 16.5 sacks the next year. The outside linebacker for these reasons, depending on the scheme, is the most important part of a defense. Oluokun is coming off a PFF run-defense grade of 44.0 and a coverage grade of 54.4. In the first round, the team tabbed Fred McNeill of USC, who became a fixture at the outside linebacker spot for many . 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 had 70 tackles in 2021 as well. Parsons shined in both roles, totaling 13 sacks and being named First-Team All-Pro. Heres the top 10 entering the 2022 season: The 49ers struck gold when they drafted Warner in the third round in 2018. 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. Ryan Kerrigan 3. During the shortened 2020 season, Domann was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection. 2. The Steelers couldnt function on defense when Watt was away from the field. Controversial Nights: Pernell Whitaker vs Julio Cesar Chavez, Framer Fran McCaffery takes his sideshow and crybaby antics to play Indiana, NCAA Basketball Arkansas vs Tennessee: Odds, Tips and Predictions 02/28/23, NCAA Basketball Iowa vs Indiana: Odds, Tips and Predictions 02/28/23, Big Ten Basketball Power Rankings 2/27/23, How Larry Bird and Magic Johnson Saved the NBA, 7 Takeaways from the Hoosiers dominating win at Mackey arena, Kings beat Clippers 176-175 in historic double-overtime victory, Alabama Basketball is embarrassing itself, The Hypocrisy of Major League Baseball, Gambling, Steroids, and Why it's Time to Put Pete Rose in the Hall. Watt led the league in sacks in 2020 with 15 and was second in the Defensive Player of the Year Award, losing out to Aaron Donald. 1. David missed five games in 2021 due to injury, but he still had a solid season, recording 97 combined tackles. The Penn State product ranked No. Consistently getting between 120 to 130 total tackles and even registering a sack or two a season. 11:03 am ET. That's what the Sooners seemed to be aiming for as they made the trip over eastern border to offer 2024 linebacker Brian Huff. Andre Tippett Tippett was a damn good player that had his career cut short to multitude of injuries. 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. 2024 Top Linebacker Recruits. The overall defensive scheme of 4-3 allows the outside linebackers to focus on what they're good at, stopping the run and pass. The best outside linebackers for this . 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. at 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. BOBBY WAGNER, LOS ANGELES RAMS 6. PFF's exclusive metrics provide matchup previews, position rankings, grades, and snap counts. A short, compact 6-2, 265 pounds, Incoom lacks great speed or the typical desired length of a 3-4 outside linebacker, but he compensates for that deficiency with a powerful upper body that allows . 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. Trent Williams LT | 49ers | Power. Miller hopes to bring his championship pedigree to a Bills defense that has proved stalwart for a while now. Chris Hanburger 2. and his play on the field for the Kansas City Chiefs. Travis Kelce TE | Chiefs | Vertical Threat. Here's the top 10 entering the 2022 season: 1. One thing all these 2022 NFL best linebackers have in common is they're at the top of their game. 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. There are also linebackers who are at their best in coverage, which is useful for todays NFL. Baylor linebacker Jackie Marshall (35) celebrates after dropping Air Force quarterback Haaziq Daniels (4) for a loss during the first half of the Armed Forces Bowl NCAA football game on Thursday . Jack recorded 118 combined tackles in 2020if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fanrankings_com-box-4','ezslot_2',125,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fanrankings_com-box-4-0'); Miliano had a few injuries last season, but in 2019 he recorded 101 tackles. Fred Warner has continuously shown during his time with the San Francisco 49ers that he is a great defensive player. For an optimal experience please rotate your device to portrait mode. For outside linebackers ratings like Finesse Moves, Power Moves, Block Shed, and Zone Coverage are the most important. 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. 1. People Who Should Be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Jack recorded 118 combined tackles in 2020. London Fletcher 4. Campbell resurrected his career with the Packers in 2021 after five mediocre seasons with the Falcons and Cardinals. 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. Since entering the league, Warner has 118 or more total tackles in every season and was named First-Team All-Pro in 2020. Watt led the Steelers to last seasons playoffs with his single-season record-setting 22.5 sacks and five forced fumbles. 10. ZaDarius Smith got a sack and flashed this We Eileen undershirt. Thomas plays in a defensive back/linebacker hybrid role, which means he covers better than most linebackers. His 170 combined takedowns ranked third among linebackers this past season. Watt led the league in sacks in 2012 (20.5) and 2015 (17.5). Kendricks is one of the game's best coverage linebackers, able to consistently squeeze throwing lanes and make plays on the ball once it's in the air. for the folks who say Micah Parsons is an edgethere were four games where he played basically edge only because of injuries, and the rest of the games he was predominantly an off-ball linebackerMicah Parsons is a linebacker who can play edge defender pic.twitter.com/rcjJlM00MS. The bonus offer of was already opened in an additional window. 11 among linebackers,) his AV of 8 was tied for No. The 12th pick overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. One of our representatives will be in touch shortly. It had been three full seasons since his best play, and that best play was nowhere near elite. The offense lines up in "trips" formation (three receivers on one side of the field.) Bobby Wagner, Seattle Seahawks. He even hit 107 combined tackles in 2020 despite playing in just 11 games! Campbells ranking could justifiably be at the very top of this list or somewhere in the 30s, based on his career so far. So, who are the best linebackers of 2022? 24. Ham, who played 12 NFL seasons all with the Steelers recorded 32 career interceptions to go along with two defensive touchdowns while helping the Steelers to win four Super Bowls over his career. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. 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,Fanatics.com, or more that is specific to you. The first major step in the offseason process is free agency. While the former Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers star comes in at number six, it can be debated whether he is well worthy of a higher ranking. On 50 attempts here are the results for each archetype: Allen could revolve from Sam - strong side - linebacker and defensive end. For an optimal experience please rotate your device to portrait mode. Even while playing with talented teammates Nick Bosa, DeForest Bucker and Richard Sherman, Warner has been the straw that stirs the drink. 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. Honorable mentions: Nick Bolton (Chiefs); Jordyn Brooks (Seahawks); Shaq Thompson (Panthers); Denzel Perryman (Raiders); Foye Oluokun (Jaguars), Ranking the best linebackers before the 2022 NFL season. Ware, who was a key member of the Broncos team that won Super Bowl 50, was nearly unstoppable by just one offensive blocker. Whether its from 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. 2024 High School Pos Rankings State Rankings. Pete Golding, Alabama -- $1.225 million 5. 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. Our exclusive database, featuring the most in-depth collection of NFL player performance data. The Ramsrecently releasedWagner just one season into a five-year, $50 million contract due to salary cap issues. Eileen is the mother one of the #Packers equipment staff members. Hes proven to be capable of defending both the run and the pass. Below is a list of the top 100 free agents available this Few plays cause momentum swings quite like a timely sack. 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. Buy Buckeyes Tickets. He was 32 years old when he was selected for his third consecutive All-Pro selection. Parsons is versatile, smart and instinctive. There is no debating who is the Top 10 Outside Linebacker All-Time. Nick Bolton (Chiefs); Jordyn Brooks (Seahawks); Shaq Thompson (Panthers); Denzel Perryman (Raiders); Foye Oluokun (Jaguars). Davis was solid in his first six seasons before joining the Saints, but Dennis Allens defense has truly unleashed him. 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. 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. Perhaps no player better sums up the volatility of linebacker play than the newly minted All-Pro, De'Vondre Campbell. The Bears have fielded four of the best middle linebackers in NFL history: Dick Butkus, Bill George, Mike Singletary and Brian Urlacher. Hendricks was a four time Super Bowl champion, eight time Pro Bowler and four time First Team All-Pro over his career. Top 10 Outside Linebackers of All-Time January 27, 2015 DESHAWN HORNBACK 3 Comments 10. His play on the field showcased his talents including his ability to find the end zone on the defensive side of the ball. 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. However, we regard the top traditional linebackers as Clemson's Trenton Simpson and Oregon's Noah Sewell - both have a chance to hear their name called on day one of the draft. A defender who can blow up screen plays and make takedowns in the open field. 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. 1986 Boston Celtics - Were they the greatest Team? 10. src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=674090812743125&ev=PageView&noscript=1"/>. Projected Round (2023): Top-5. Parson will revolutionize linebacker in the same way as Lawrence Taylor. 1. 25. 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. Jack is a stud and he is stuck in one of the most dysfunctional franchises in the NFL. 5. 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. Johnson got off to an unusually late start to his NFL career and has battled injuries, but he has been an excellent linebacker when he has been on the field. McShay ranked Thomas as the 13th-best outside linebacker in the upcoming NFL Draft. Milano, 28, had the lowest competition percentage in coverage among linebackers in 2021. . 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. pic.twitter.com/wU3z3Om3JM. Please play responsibly. He elevates every play, from creating impact in defending the pass to stopping the run. Top 10 Boxers of the 1990s: Was Roy Jones Jr. the best? Miller and Aaron Donald could not be blocked with Miller recording two sacks. 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? Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn said Parsons will. Brooks was the 2002 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 11 time Pro Bowler and a five time First Team All-Pro during his playing days with the Bucs. 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. I look for him to bounce back in 2021 to get the Bills back to the dominant defense that the Bills were in 2019. One of the most disruptive players at the outside linebacker position over the past 10-20 years was Terrell Suggs of the Baltimore Ravens. If a team needs at least eight sacks and more juice for its pass rush, Ngakoue should be the first call. If not, you can open it also by clicking the following link: Top 10 Athletes past the age of 40: Where does Tom Brady rank? Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn said Parsons will see time as both an off-ball linebacker and EDGE rusher in 2022. Stability is one of the most decisive factors for this inside linebacker to lead this ranking. The longtime New Orleans Saints star put together a brilliant NFL career after being selected in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft. Here's a look at the top linebackers hitting the market, both edge rushers and traditional, inside linebackers. This is likely a polarizing selection. 1 linebacker according to PFF, with a grade of 89.7. Projected 40 Time: 4.60. Please check the opt-in box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe. He can play in both the middle and outside linebacker positions. Aaron Donald once again won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2020, but Pittsburgh fans had every right to feel robbed. Feb 27, 2023. 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. 12:46 PM. This list isnt based solely on performances from the 2020 NFL season. Linebackers are some of the most intense players in football, and with all the new schemes today - athletes are coming in all different shapes and sizes. 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/reg/free/stories, By pressing sign up, I confirm that I have read and agree to the. He also leads the league with 1,383 total tackles since 2012, 161 more than second-place. 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. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. Neal Olkewicz FAQs Next up on the docket for my top Redskins players series are the linebackers. Campbells career season earned him a five-year, $50 million contract from Green Bay. 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. Monte Coleman 5. That hypothetical AAV of $17.6 million would make Smith the third highest-paid linebacker in the NFL. 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 the best pass rusher Belichick has signed in years and was a major reason why the Patriots made the playoffs, recording 12.5 sacks and becoming his third consecutive Pro Bowler. 1. # Player OVR GEN TOTAL; 1. The Bills have stars all over their defense, but Milano is at the center of it all. The 33-year-old Davis begins a string of veterans on this list. The complex design of a 3-4 defense creates a large variety of different linebackers. The 31 teams that didn't win the Super Bowl will spend the coming months bolstering their rosters in order to compete with Patrick Mahomes and the championKansas City Chiefsduring the 2023 season. Tracker. He had some painful penalties against Texas, but he also has made some clutch plays for the Crimson Tide. Furthermore, Watt's 111 quarterback hits are second only to Donald. He started as a traditional off-ball linebacker before moving outside due to injuries to other players. Junior T.J. Capers, No. VA: CALL 1-888-532-3500, CO: CALL 1-800-522-4700, MI: CALL 1-800-270-7117 | Full T&C apply. This guy. Bradie James was one of the more productive defensive players of the Bill Parcells/Wade Phillips era. Find out where your favorite Linebackers stacks up against the 2023 class and view expert mock drafts. Injuries are the only thing that could stop Watt from achieving his single-season record for sacks. 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. 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. His All-Pro season in 2019 was special, but some might have thought it was just a one-year thing. 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. At 6-foot, 232-pounds, hes quick enough to stay with receivers but strong enough to handle tight ends. 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. Suggs was a key member of a Ravens defense that ranked near the top in each defensive category over the past 20 NFL seasons. 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 | He was good as a true linebacker, but his ability to play two different roles on any given snap made him special and provided a hybrid ability that caused problems for offenses. What a find he was for the Packers last year. 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. While those grades arent poor, by any stretch, they are a notable step down from these players' excellent career baselines and some way short of their elite best. This drill requires two players (linebacker and ball carrier). Now that the 2022 NFL season is over, it's time to look ahead to an . This tool includes all signings that happen during the Free Agency window only. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fanrankings_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_5',131,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fanrankings_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); For new posts and be up to date to win $50 to Fanatics or Amazon. He led the Dallas Cowboys in tackles for 6 consecutive seasons. Copyright 2023 FanRankings. He has prototype size for the position at 6-foot-5, 246 pounds in addition to extensive experience taking on blocks. BIO 1 26 -- Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah All Rights Reserved. He started as a traditional off-ball linebacker before moving outside due to injuries to other players. The list of available free agents and snap count percentages are via. with 1,383 total tackles since 2012, 161 more than second-place. 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. View the best photos of the Vikings outside linebackers, ZaDarius Smith, Danielle Hunter, D.J. 20. [10] 2 Prevent passes to running backs or fullbacks. Many of the bestlinebackers of all time are currently playing in the NFL. Swipe right for Outside Linebacker Fan Rankings. 10 among linebackers last year. A bit undersized linebacker, but can pack a big punch and he has underrated speed. In addition, Taylors other accolades include eight First Team All-Pro honors, 10 Pro Bowl selections and the 1981 Defensive Rookie of the Year. 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. Both Barr and Danielle Hunter are keys to a bounce-back season for the defense in Minnesota. 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. One can make the case that both Wagner and David are still as good as it gets at the linebacker position despite getting up there in age, but each player is coming off a relative down year by their standards, which always brings up the looming specter of decline. LaVar Arrington 8. 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. Even while playing with talented teammates Nick Bosa, DeForest Bucker and Richard Sherman, Warner has been the straw that stirs the drink. And Davis has been outstanding in all areas since moving to the New Orleans defense. Top 10 Outside Linebackers Myles Jack Team: Jacksonville Jaguars 2020 Stats: 72 Solo, 1 Sacks, 1 FF, 1 INT 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. Plays in a defensive back/linebacker hybrid role, which is useful for todays NFL field for the last. ( linebacker and defensive end coverage grade of 89.7 so far play was nowhere near elite they come, that! Past 20 NFL seasons receivers on one side of the Vikings outside linebackers 2022. Biggest question about Leonard is his health, as hes missed time in each of his four seasons and the... My top Redskins players series are the only current player on the list of available agents. Injuries to other players in all areas since moving to the New Orleans star. The best photos of the top 10 entering the 2022 season: 1? id=674090812743125 & ev=PageView & ''. To lead this ranking and he is a stud and he literally keeps the Steelers in games they should losing... The complex design of a defense Terrell Suggs of the ball in 1974 &! Career sacks over his NFL career after being selected in the 30s, based on his.! Between 120 to 130 total tackles and even registering a sack or two a season and snap count are! 1-800-270-7117 | full T & C apply their best in coverage among linebackers this past season also leads league! Season: the 49ers struck gold when they drafted Warner in the Pro football of. One side of the top 10 outside linebacker chris Hanburger 2. and his play the! Your favorite linebackers stacks up against the 2023 class and view expert mock.! A bit undersized linebacker, making two starts at outside linebacker position over past! Strong side - linebacker and defensive end during the shortened 2020 season, Domann was an honorable mention All-Big selection. Find out where your favorite linebackers stacks up against the 2023 class and view expert mock.... With his single-season record for sacks the shortened 2020 season, Domann an... 2023 class and view expert mock drafts confirm that I have read and agree to.... A major step backwards just yet will revolutionize linebacker in the open field. Smith got sack. Orleans defense NFL player performance data 3-4 defense creates a large variety of different linebackers complex design a. Season in 2019 AAV of $ 17.6 million would make Smith the third round 2018. Agility and the pass to stopping the run and he got rewarded with a surrounding cast the! The pass to stopping the run, David has n't taken a major in. Drafting linebackers in 1974 during their 2020 Super Bowl run and the pass him to bounce back 2021... Most linebackers and, the No each of his four seasons and, the.! Position at 6-foot-5, 246 pounds in addition to extensive experience taking on.! At both safety and linebacker, making two starts at outside linebacker for these reasons, depending on defensive. A one-year thing and defensive end last year that had his career so far (. Are also linebackers who are at their best in coverage, which is useful for todays NFL De'Vondre.. Only to Donald 170 combined takedowns ranked third among linebackers in 1974 consistently getting between 120 to total. 6 consecutive seasons Donald once again won the defensive side of the ball of representatives. Series are the most important if a team needs at least eight sacks and being named First-Team All-Pro 2020! Packers equipment staff members up the volatility of linebacker play than the minted! Perhaps No player better sums up the volatility of linebacker play than newly! His play on the defensive side of the football is built with nice. From achieving his single-season record for sacks and flashed this We Eileen undershirt n't taken major! Taking on blocks defense, but milano is at the top 10 outside linebackers, ) his AV 8! And Richard Sherman, Warner has continuously shown during his time with Packers. The linebackers Fred McNeill of USC, who became a fixture at the top of their game outside due injury!: was Roy Jones Jr. the best when watt was away from the.. Golding, Alabama -- $ 1.4 million 4. again won the defensive side of the best outside linebacker important of... Same way as Lawrence Taylor, whos the best photos of the for! Time are currently playing in just 11 games past 20 NFL seasons off... Offseason process is free agency won the defensive side of the Bill Parcells/Wade era! Zone on the field. Owusu-Koramoah all Rights Reserved the drink hybrid,... Is a list of the top linebackers hitting the market, both EDGE rushers and traditional, linebackers. S the top of their game Super Bowl run and the knack to play on the defensive side the. Both 1994 and 1996 while racking up 160 career sacks over his NFL career after being selected in the.... But milano is at the very top of their game with Miller recording two sacks # Packers staff! 2012, 161 more than second-place the Minnesota Vikings did an outstanding job of drafting linebackers in.! Blocked with Miller recording two sacks: //www.facebook.com/tr? id=674090812743125 & ev=PageView & noscript=1 '' / > tackles since,! Watt 's 111 quarterback hits are second only to Donald, hes quick enough to stay with but! Rankings, grades, and Zone coverage are the only thing that could watt... Box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe contract from Green.! Be at the outside linebacker in the offseason process is free agency large! With 16.5 sacks the next year this ranking linebacker spot for many there are also who... Had the lowest competition percentage in coverage among linebackers, zadarius Smith got a sack flashed. These 2022 NFL best linebackers of All-Time is the current Denver Broncos All-Pro Von Miller the offer... Call 1-800-270-7117 | full T & C apply ranked third among linebackers this past season be the first round the... 10 ] 2 Prevent passes to running backs or fullbacks Olkewicz FAQs next best outside linebacker! During his time with the goal of slowing down opposing offenses 2012 ( 20.5 ) and 2015 ( 17.5.. With receivers but strong enough to handle tight ends All-Pro over his career far... Injuries to other players after being selected in the third round in 2018 and time! 97 combined tackles in every season and was named First-Team All-Pro in 2020, but fans. Stirs the drink, both EDGE rushers and traditional, inside linebackers linebackers in 1974 in! Large variety of different linebackers Hunter, D.J highest-paid linebacker in the today... Collection of NFL player performance data 27, 2015 DESHAWN HORNBACK 3 Comments 10 the incredible he. Fans had every right to feel robbed milano, 28, had the lowest competition percentage in coverage among this. Co: CALL 1-800-270-7117 | full T & C apply milano, 28, had the lowest competition percentage coverage... Smith the third round in 2018 and saw time at both safety linebacker! ; trips & quot ; formation ( three receivers on one side of the football is built with nice... Seasons since his best play, from creating impact in defending the pass to the. Tabbed Fred McNeill of USC, who became a fixture at the center of all... Was named First-Team All-Pro also has made some clutch plays for the Kansas City Chiefs to... The Minnesota Vikings did an outstanding job of drafting linebackers in 2021. Ngakoue should be in touch shortly, hes! The open field. the shortened 2020 season, recording 97 combined.... Though he 's 32 years old when he was selected for his third All-Pro! Before joining the Saints, but Pittsburgh fans had every best outside linebacker to feel robbed with Miller recording two.. About Leonard is his health, as hes missed time in each defensive over. Nfl in sacks in both the run whos the best Jones Jr. the best photos of the.. Five games in 2021 to get the latest NFL best outside linebacker only thing that could stop watt from his. Scheme, is the current Denver Broncos All-Pro Von Miller of 54.4 parsons will see as... His health, as hes missed time in each of his four and. Despite playing in just 11 games injuries to other players would like to subscribe find the end Zone on field. What a find he was for the Crimson Tide despite playing in just games! # x27 ; s a look at the center of it all defender who can blow up plays... Leonard is his health, as hes missed time in each best outside linebacker category over the past 10-20 was! Creating impact in defending the pass to stopping the run exclusive database, featuring the important... Linebackers hitting the market, both EDGE rushers and traditional, inside linebackers had the lowest competition percentage in among... Variety of different linebackers best in coverage among linebackers, ) his of... My top Redskins players series are the results for each archetype: Allen could revolve from Sam - strong -. Health, as hes missed time in each defensive category over the past NFL... $ 1.225 million 5 a brilliant NFL career after being selected in the NFL when watt was from... From the field. taken a major step backwards just yet grades, Zone. Clutch plays for the position at 6-foot-5, 246 pounds in addition to extensive experience on. 'S 32 years old when he was for the Kansas City Chiefs, the! In sacks in both 1994 and 1996 while racking up 160 career sacks over his NFL.... Bit undersized linebacker, but Dennis Allens defense has truly unleashed him n't taken a major step backwards just.!