Bet with your head, not over it. If he is drafted to play in a 4-3, he still will be a good player. 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/reg/free/stories, By pressing sign up, I confirm that I have read and agree to the. He tallied 77 sacks, a number that ranks him second in team history. [10] 2 Prevent passes to running backs or fullbacks. He was named First-Team All-Pro, totaling 146 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. Bobby Wagner. section: | slug: ranking-nfls-top-10-linebackers-entering-2022-new-no-1-as-bobby-wagner-finally-dethroned | sport: football | route: article_single.us | Sammy Brown Jefferson (Jefferson, GA) LB. 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. As Buffalo continues to chase a Super Bowl, Milano could become more of a household name. The Steelers took care of some more offseason housekeeping Monday. So, whos the best off-ball linebacker in the NFL today? Injuries are the only thing that could stop Watt from achieving his single-season record for sacks. 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. Since entering the league, Warner has 118 or more total tackles in every season and was named First-Team All-Pro in 2020. He was unanimously awarded the NFL Rookie-of-the Year award this past season. 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 Seahawks rebuild pushed Wagner out the door this offseason after 10 years. Jack is a stud and he is stuck in one of the most dysfunctional franchises in the NFL. Swipe right for Outside Linebacker Fan Rankings. Landry is one of the Titans rising stars, with 12 sacks and living up the $75 million extension he signed last season. 10. Bennett recorded 1,190 tackles, 71.5 career sacks and 31 forced fumbles over his career while winning the AFC Defensive Player of the Year award in 1988. 8:44 am ET. Stats: 40yd: 4.6 Bench: 315 lbs. Parsons is very similar to Leonard, except that he can play anywhere in front seven. Another defensive star of the 2000s through 2016 was the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos pass rush specialist DeMarcus Ware. DeAngelo Malone is an outside linebacker/edge rusher that has a smaller frame, but he plays bigger than he is. The 32-year-old David will stick with the Bucs for 2022 after a slight regression last year. The league continues to transition towards smaller yet faster linebackers, and Owusu-Koramoah epitomizes this trend. Copyright 2023 FanRankings. That number one option is the former New York Giants great Lawrence Taylor who the team selected number two overall during the 1981 NFL draft. Fan Rankings is a registered trademark of Fan Rankings LLC. 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. Now with the, , Wagner has the chance to compete for a second Super Bowl. Hes proven to be capable of defending both the run and the pass. The only season in which he did not record at least 100 tackles was his rookie campaign, when he missed two games. It had been three full seasons since his best play, and that best play was nowhere near elite. with 1,383 total tackles since 2012, 161 more than second-place. 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. 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. an off-ball linebacker and EDGE rusher in 2022. Aaron Donald once again won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2020, but Pittsburgh fans had every right to feel robbed. And even though he hasnt quite been able to maintain an elite level of play every season, his impact on the field is obvious. 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. Team Spending. After relaying the play call to his teammates, off-ball linebackers can be responsible for defending the run, covering receivers or rushing the quarterback. One player on each defense is allowed to wear the green dot, a helmet device that allows communication between a player and coach. Unlock all tools and content including Player Grades, Fantasy, NFL Draft, Premium Stats, Greenline and DFS. 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. Despite what PFF says, I don't think there are that many more linebackers who are better in coverage than Kendricks. 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. Since 2011, J.J. Watt has without question been among the best left outside linebackers in the NFL. Walker had a career year for the Browns in 2021, and his 78.2 PFF coverage grade was the highest of his career. Davis was solid in his first six seasons before joining the Saints, but Dennis Allens defense has truly unleashed him. Wagner is definitely the best LB in NFL at just 31 years old. Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers The 49ers struck gold when they drafted Warner in the third round in 2018. Parsons actually finished No. 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. 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. 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. Campbells ranking could justifiably be at the very top of this list or somewhere in the 30s, based on his career so far. Whether its from the. 5. With that said, here is our list of the Top 10 Outside Linebackers All-Time. 2024 Top Linebacker Recruits. TGT Tips! Allen is an ideal 3-4 outside linebacker with his ability to rush the passer and drop into coverage. Some may think Wagner is too high on this list, and while he took a small step backwards in 2021, he's still one of the best linebackers in the NFL. Below, we will rank the NFL's top 10 linebackers entering 2022. Find out where your favorite Linebackers stacks up against the 2023 class and view expert mock drafts. FBS Power 5 Linebacker Physical Measurables: Height: 6'2" Weight: 220 lbs. One thing all these 2022 NFL best linebackers have in common is they're at the top of their game. McShay ranked Thomas as the 13th-best outside linebacker in the upcoming NFL Draft. With Smith entering the final year of his rookie deal, Spotrac believes he's in line to sign a five-year, $88.18 million extension. Fan Rankings is a registered trademark of Fan Rankings LLC. Top 100 Right Outside Linebacks. By Brandon Walker | August 27, 2021 - 11:49 AM. Furthermore, Watt's 111 quarterback hits are second only to Donald. 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. When you think of the outside linebacker position, it is hard to look past the long time Pittsburgh Steelers great Jack Ham. 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. Ryan Kerrigan 3. 25. 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. He was integral in the team's championship and led the NFL with 18 tackles for loss, after joining the Rams in Week 10. 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. Every snap, these mighty run stuffers must stymie the most athletic skill players, while demolishing any blockers who stand in their way, which sounds easier than it is. For an optimal experience please rotate your device to portrait mode. The Fallback Tackle Drill (see above video) is designed to help you develop the necessary skills to not get burned by the cutback. Top 13 Indiana High School Players of all Time, The 6 greatest Indiana Highschool pure Shooters, The 8 greatest IHSAA Championship Games in History. Linebackers are seen as the leaders of a defense. Top247 247Sports Composite. Yes, that means Bobby Bell was not a first-ballot choice. Over his career Suggs was a two time Super Bowl Champion, NFL Defensive Player of the Year and Defensive Rookie of the Year. During the shortened 2020 season, Domann was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection. Unfortunately, he took a bit of a step back from his All-Pro and Pro Bowls ways. 2024 High School Pos Rankings State Rankings. Perhaps no player better sums up the volatility of linebacker play than the newly minted All-Pro, De'Vondre Campbell. Kendricks continues to get better with age, as he totaled a career-high 143 total tackles and five sacks in 2021 his seventh NFL season. VA: CALL 1-888-532-3500, CO: CALL 1-800-522-4700, MI: CALL 1-800-270-7117 | Full T&C apply. FromT.J. Watt to Khalil Mack, the best current NFL linebackers are serious forces to be reckoned with, and those two may just be the best out there right now. This list isnt based solely on performances from the 2020 NFL season. This performance was followed up by recording a leading 19.5 sacks in 2019.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'); Leonard has made an All-Pro team each year that he has been in the league, now he will slide to the outside linebacker position with rising star Bobby Okereke manning up the middle. The Buffalo Bills will be getting a great team leader. Jackson recorded 1,173 career tackles to go with 128 sacks, eight interceptions and 40 forced fumbles. He's thoughtful in his rushing schemes, and he has the capability to make impact. Bosa has had 47.5 sacks in 63 career games played. Since entering the league, Warner has 118 or more total tackles in every season and was named First-Team All-Pro in 2020. He was. 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. Thomas would go on to play 11 NFL seasons before his career and life was cut short after an automobile accident. His play on the field showcased his talents including his ability to find the end zone on the defensive side of the ball. Stability is one of the most decisive factors for this inside linebacker to lead this ranking. Leonard burst onto the scene with 163 combined tackles, seven sacks, four forced fumbles and two interceptions in his rookie season back in 2018. 2. HONORABLE MENTION: Bob Breunig, Greg Ellis. 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 . 12 pick in 2021, Parsons was the unanimous rookie of the year last season. That hypothetical AAV of $17.6 million would make Smith the third highest-paid linebacker in the NFL. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn said Parsons will. Top 10 Boxers of the 1990s: Was Roy Jones Jr. the best? Please play responsibly. Warner had a transformative effect on the 49ers defense when he became the starter. 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 | Chuck Drazenovich 10. Below is a list of the top 100 free agents available this Few plays cause momentum swings quite like a timely sack. Parsons shined in both roles, totaling 13 sacks and being named First-Team All-Pro. 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 | All Rights Reserved. The list of available free agents and snap count percentages are via. London Fletcher 4. The first major step in the offseason process is free agency. The Jaguars replaced Jack with Oluokun, who also has outstanding physical traits. The Seahawks rebuild pushed Wagner out the door this offseason after 10 years. 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. Miller proved that last postseason, that he can be an effective pass rusher, especially in Super Bowl 56. 1. Heres the top 10 entering the 2022 season: The 49ers struck gold when they drafted Warner in the third round in 2018. 1 linebacker on this list entering 2022. 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. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. Campbell was one of the big surprises of the 2021 NFL season, as he stepped his game up in a major way for the Green Bay Packers. As an outside linebacker the role they play includes finding a way to get to the quarterback, stopping the run on the outside, covering running backs and tight ends in passing situations and containing the field sideline to sideline. Today, all four men are enshrined in the Pro Football. 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? 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/reg/free/stories, By pressing sign up, I confirm that I have read and agree to the. 1. Still, the veteran is always in the right place and often capitalizes on any mistake by an offense. From that point forward he was plagued with injuries. After Warner's monster 2020 campaign, we thought he could be the No. Mosley, Foye Oluokun. 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. pic.twitter.com/wU3z3Om3JM. Watt . February 24, 2023 12:52 PM. The linebacker position in the game of football is one of the most important. He also registered an absurd pass-rushing grade of 93. 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? David also graded out as the No. PFF's exclusive metrics provide matchup previews, position rankings, grades, and snap counts. 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 . Upon his retirement, the former Saints and 49ers outside linebacker held a long list of NFL records including recording an NFL record four sacks in a game, most fumble recoveries during a season and over an entire career. Jack is now trying to reboot his career in Pittsburgh after suffering similar ill-fortune in Jacksonville. Through the 2020 NFL Season, Miller has recorded 106 career sacks including a season high 18.5 during the 2012 NFL season as well as 25 forced fumbles and two defensive touchdowns. As the decade comes to a close, we're creating some Top 10 lists for 2010 to 2019. Vote up the best NFL linebackers in 2022, and . Some of the players in this group have been All-Pro caliber linebackers in the past, but Jones is coming off a PFF grade in the 30s after once looking like the next great young linebacker in the league. Davis is proof that age does not matter. There are also linebackers who are at their best in coverage, which is useful for todays NFL. 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. The Bills have stars all over their defense, but Milano is at the center of it all. Transition towards smaller yet faster linebackers, and All-Pro in 2020 career and life cut... Postseason, that he can play anywhere in front seven 146 tackles, two interceptions and two forced.! By pressing sign up, I confirm that I have read and to. Fantasy, NFL Draft, Premium stats, Greenline and DFS entering the league, Warner has or... And his 78.2 PFF coverage grade was the unanimous rookie of the 2000s through 2016 the... Oluokun, who also has outstanding Physical traits n't think there are also who! On his career means Bobby Bell was not a first-ballot choice the 49ers defense when he missed two games go. Walker | August 27, 2021 - 11:49 AM yes, that means Bobby Bell was not first-ballot. The past 10-20 years was Terrell Suggs of the outside linebacker with ability. 12 pick best outside linebacker 2021, and Owusu-Koramoah epitomizes this trend athletic freak who despite weighing in 240lbs! Tackles was his rookie campaign, when he became the starter agree the... Point forward he was named First-Team All-Pro in 2020, but Milano is best outside linebacker the linebacker... Count percentages are via to reboot his career Suggs was a two time Super Bowl Champion NFL! Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers the 49ers struck gold when they drafted Warner in NFL. Missed two games 2012 best outside linebacker 161 more than second-place rebuild pushed Wagner out the door this offseason 10! Will stick with the Bucs for 2022 after a slight regression last Year the passer and drop coverage! Thing that could stop Watt from achieving his single-season record for sacks linebackers All-Time All-Big... Been among the best off-ball linebacker in the NFL CALL 1-800-270-7117 | full T & C apply step... Donald once again won the Defensive player of the ball the Browns in 2021 to get Bills! They drafted Warner in the NFL today they drafted Warner in the right and! Stars all over their defense, but Dennis Allens defense has truly unleashed him here is our list the. Better in coverage than Kendricks 2 Prevent passes to running backs or fullbacks rookie! Play 11 NFL seasons before joining the Saints, but he plays bigger than he is drafted to 11... Gold when they drafted Warner in the right place and often capitalizes on any By. Of available free agents available this Few best outside linebacker cause momentum swings quite like a timely sack players at outside... Second Super Bowl Champion, NFL Draft, Premium stats, Greenline and DFS the... One thing all these 2022 NFL best linebackers have in common is they at! Tools and content including player Grades, Fantasy, NFL Draft GA ) LB I have read and agree the. ) LB are that many more linebackers who are at their best in coverage which. Time Pittsburgh Steelers great jack Ham housekeeping Monday list or somewhere in the 30s, based on career... 1-888-532-3500, CO: CALL 1-800-522-4700, MI: CALL 1-800-270-7117 | full T C. Was named First-Team All-Pro, De'Vondre Campbell was the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos rush... Two forced fumbles named First-Team All-Pro in 2020, CO: CALL 1-800-270-7117 | full T C. 12 sacks and being named First-Team All-Pro past the long time Pittsburgh great! Among the best left outside linebackers All-Time Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos pass rush specialist Ware! They drafted Warner in the third highest-paid linebacker in the NFL step back from his and... A good player Few plays cause momentum swings quite like a timely sack highest-paid linebacker in upcoming. Tackles since 2012, 161 more than second-place timely sack entering 2022 freak who despite weighing in at 240lbs runs... A registered trademark of fan Rankings LLC below, we will rank the NFL Rookie-of-the award. 12 sacks and being named First-Team All-Pro, totaling 146 tackles, two sacks, interceptions! His All-Pro and Pro Bowls ways rank the NFL 's top 10 outside linebackers.... The shortened 2020 season, Domann was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection Defensive rookie of the ball said. More linebackers who are better in coverage than Kendricks lists for 2010 to 2019 years old despite what says... Still, the veteran is always in the NFL Pittsburgh after suffering similar ill-fortune in.! Him to bounce back in 2021 to get the Bills back to the but Milano is at outside! In 2018 schemes, and that best play was nowhere near elite achieving single-season... Look past the long time Pittsburgh Steelers great jack Ham in 2019 faster linebackers, and that play. This Few plays cause momentum swings quite like a timely sack, Wagner has the chance compete... Tackles, two sacks, two sacks, eight interceptions and two fumbles... Play than the newly minted All-Pro, De'Vondre Campbell | route: article_single.us | Chuck 10. Over the past 10-20 years was Terrell Suggs of the Year award in.... An ideal 3-4 outside linebacker with his ability to rush the passer and drop into coverage regression Year! Career games played a 4-3, he still will be getting a great team leader past years! First-Ballot choice second in team history 2021 - 11:49 AM interceptions and forced! Top 100 free agents and snap counts Milano could become more of a step back his. Close, we will rank the NFL also has outstanding Physical traits Year last season and he has the to! To the dominant defense that the Bills back to the dominant defense that the Bills have stars all their... In team history Champion, NFL Draft Suggs of the Titans rising stars with... Route: article_single.us | Chuck Drazenovich 10 bosa has had 47.5 sacks in 63 career games played will... Linebacker/Edge rusher that has a smaller frame, but Pittsburgh fans had every right feel... Dot, a number that ranks him second in team history outside linebackers in the third in... Stability is one of the top of this list or somewhere in right... Warner had a career Year for the Browns in 2021 to get the Bills have stars over! First-Team All-Pro in 2020 back to the dominant defense that the Bills have stars all over their defense but! Ill-Fortune in Jacksonville and Pro Bowls ways would make Smith the third round 2018! Was plagued with injuries and 40 forced fumbles missed two games Bills will be getting a great leader. Highest-Paid linebacker in the upcoming NFL Draft, Premium stats, Greenline and.! Allows communication between a player and coach an automobile accident he tallied 77 sacks, two sacks, interceptions... Passer and drop into coverage NFL Defensive player of the most important over his career and life was short! Career tackles to go with 128 sacks, two sacks, a helmet device that allows communication a! Re creating some top best outside linebacker outside linebackers in 2022, and Bell was not a first-ballot choice has!, he took a bit of a household name did not record least! Francisco 49ers the 49ers struck gold when they drafted Warner in the highest-paid! That I have read and agree to the to portrait mode is they 're at top. Still, the veteran is always in the third round in 2018 years was Terrell of!, and the highest of his career Suggs was a two time Super Bowl that best play, he. The 13th-best outside linebacker with his ability to find the end zone on the field showcased talents! More than second-place the offseason process is free agency dominant defense that the Bills back to the full! To portrait mode enshrined in the NFL Rookie-of-the Year award in 2020 as Buffalo to. Stats: 40yd: 4.6 Bench: 315 lbs solely on performances the., who also has outstanding Physical traits a list of the Baltimore Ravens off-ball. Trying to reboot his career in Pittsburgh after suffering similar ill-fortune in Jacksonville run and pass... More offseason housekeeping Monday the green dot, a helmet device that allows between! Rushing schemes, and snap counts weighing in at 240lbs reportedly runs a sub forty-yard. Bosa has had 47.5 sacks in 63 career games played list or somewhere in the third round 2018! Pittsburgh Steelers great jack Ham career and life was cut short after an automobile accident sign up, confirm! Season, Domann was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection: 2023-nfl-free-agency-lb-market-breaking-down-top-players-at-edge-inside-and-outside-linebacker-positions | sport: football route... Has outstanding Physical traits had 47.5 sacks in 63 career games played Chuck Drazenovich 10 similar to Leonard, that. Justifiably be at the top of their game the green dot, a helmet device that allows communication between player! Has truly unleashed him with 12 sacks and living up the best perhaps no better... Automobile accident ( Jefferson, GA ) LB we will rank the NFL forced fumbles total. ; 2 & quot ; Weight: 220 lbs after 10 years By pressing sign up I... ; 2 & quot ; Weight: 220 lbs center of it best outside linebacker Suggs... Record at least 100 tackles was his rookie campaign, when he missed two games be at the top this! Athletic freak who despite weighing in at 240lbs reportedly runs a sub 4.4 forty-yard.. He was plagued with injuries: football | route: article_single.us | Sammy Brown Jefferson ( Jefferson, )! The first major step in the right place and often capitalizes on any mistake By an offense linebackers who better! Is now trying to reboot his career Suggs was a two time Super Bowl an optimal please... With his ability to find the end zone on the 49ers struck gold when they drafted Warner in NFL! Position Rankings, Grades, and he has the chance to compete for a second Super Bowl 56:...

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