best outside linebacker

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. Parsons is very similar to Leonard, except that he can play anywhere in front seven. TGT Play! Odds Deals Podcasts US USA Arizona California Colorado Connecticut Florida Georgia Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Louisiana Maryland Michigan New Jersey New York North Carolina 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. Davis was a part of a defense that nearly single-handedly led their team to the playoffs with 10 tackles, three sacks and three sacks. Projected Round (2023): Top-5. He was unanimously awarded the NFL Rookie-of-the Year award this past season. 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. He was named First-Team All-Pro, totaling 146 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. For outside linebackers ratings like Finesse Moves, Power Moves, Block Shed, and Zone Coverage are the most important. Consistently getting between 120 to 130 total tackles and even registering a sack or two a season. UFA = Unrestricted Free Agent SFA = Street Free Agent Void = Voidable Year Contract. 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. 1. Linebackers are seen as the leaders of a defense. 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. 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. 20. One of those positions that are vital and play a key role in disrupting the flow of the offense is the outside linebacker position. Bradie James was one of the more productive defensive players of the Bill Parcells/Wade Phillips era. 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. 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. Dan Lanning, Georgia -- $1.4 million 4. Brooks, Taylor, and Ham are the only outside linebackers of the Super Bowl era to be first ballot Hall of Famers. Defensive coordinators who coach linebackers: 1. Campbells career season earned him a five-year, $50 million contract from Green Bay. 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. So, whos the best off-ball linebacker in the NFL today? He had some painful penalties against Texas, but he also has made some clutch plays for the Crimson Tide. , Smith remains one of the leagues top linebackers. Hendricks was a four time Super Bowl champion, eight time Pro Bowler and four time First Team All-Pro over his career. Despite not getting the contract extension he wanted, Smith remains one of the leagues top linebackers. 24. Top 13 Indiana High School Players of all Time, The 6 greatest Indiana Highschool pure Shooters, The 8 greatest IHSAA Championship Games in History. 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. He also registered an absurd pass-rushing grade of 93. Top 100 Right Outside Linebacks. 2024 High School Pos Rankings State Rankings. Vote up the best NFL linebackers in 2022, and . 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. Parsons was the No. 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. 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 . 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 signed a monster five-year, $95 million extension last July, and is worth it considering he's just 25. Tracking the status and signings of all 2023 NFL free agents. Here's a look at the top linebackers hitting the market, both edge rushers and traditional, inside linebackers. Campbell is a one-year wonder at the moment, but that year was All-Pro caliber and the most recent thing we have seen from him. His third year in he recorded 18 sacks and followed that season up with 16.5 sacks the next year. The Penn State product ranked No. The list of available free agents and snap count percentages are via overthecap.com. 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. Leighton Vander Esch isn't the same electrifying that he was during his lone Pro Bowl season as a rookie in 2018, but his ability to read and react against opposing offenses remains. Our exclusive database, featuring the most in-depth collection of NFL player performance data. He elevates every play, from creating impact in defending the pass to stopping the run. He allowed 81.0% of passes thrown his way to be caught and missed 17 tackles in all. And even though he hasnt quite been able to maintain an elite level of play every season, his impact on the field is obvious. Ken Harvey 6. FBS Power 5 Linebacker Physical Measurables: Height: 6'2" Weight: 220 lbs. Holcomb will be glad to have Chase Young, Montez Sweat and all of their health this season in Jack Del Rios defense. Landry is one of the Titans rising stars, with 12 sacks and living up the $75 million extension he signed last season. Landry was 25 when he made his first Pro Bowl appearance and is sure to continue making more. at When you think of the outside linebacker position, it is hard to look past the long time Pittsburgh Steelers great Jack Ham. The Rams have a great defense, and the 32-year-old Wagner could find himself rejuvenated in 2022. Tier 2: The Aging Elite 5. Despite the inconsistent offense, the Chicago Bears had the No. Von Miller finally showcased his dominance in the postseason, during the Rams' 2021 Super Bowl run. The defensive side of the football is built with a surrounding cast with the goal of slowing down opposing offenses. 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 12th pick overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. Rank below to be added in the Power Rankings and to have a chance to win a gift card to LAZADA, Amazon. 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. Get the latest NFL Draft prospect rankings from CBS Sports. The Minnesota Vikings did an outstanding job of drafting linebackers in 1974. Bobby Wagner. He finished with 22.5 sacks in 14 games last season -- tying Michael Strahan for the single-season sack record. Only four others have done that since individual sacks have been recorded, since 1982: three Hall of Famers (DeMarcus Ware, Derrick Thomas, Reggie White) and Los Angeles Rams defensive Aaron Donald, a future Hall of Famer. 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. 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. 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. He led the NFL in tackles as a rookie, which gave him First-Team All-Pro honors. Miller and Aaron Donald could not be blocked with Miller recording two sacks. At age 30, Kendricks should again be one of the best middle linebackers in the NFL in 2022. 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. Both Barr and Danielle Hunter are keys to a bounce-back season for the defense in Minnesota. 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 . He earned the same accolade again in 2020 and 2021. Clayton White, South Carolina -- $900,000 7. Follow. For 10 seasons, Gildon tormented quarterbacks at outside linebacker. 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. Its a shame that Jack has not been able to play in a Pro Bowl and was not an All-Pro Selection because of the shortcomings of the Jacksonville Jaguars. [10] 2 Prevent passes to running backs or fullbacks. In todays video I ranked the best right outside linebackers or rolb's in madden 23 ultimate team!Discord- https://discord.gg/4nEJYDZytbTwitch- https://www.tw. Furthermore, Watt's 111 quarterback hits are second only to Donald. 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. 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/reg/free/stories, By pressing sign up, I confirm that I have read and agree to the. The 5 Best Outside Linebackers in 2020 Chandler Jones - Arizona Cardinals Za'Darius Smith - Green Bay Packers Von Miller - Denver Broncos Khalil Mack - Chicago Bears T.J. Watt - Pittsburgh Steelers Barrett doesn't join my top-5 outside linebackers for 2020, but he's admittedly very close. Watt led the league in sacks in 2012 (20.5) and 2015 (17.5). Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports. Coach Keys: Shows the ability to take over a game defensively. He also had three fumble recoveryies. 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. Just 25, he's on his way. McShay ranked Thomas as the 13th-best outside linebacker in the upcoming NFL Draft. Thomas would go on to play 11 NFL seasons before his career and life was cut short after an automobile accident. 2. 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. 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. He tallied 77 sacks, a number that ranks him second in team history. 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. Thomas plays in a defensive back/linebacker hybrid role, which means he covers better than most linebackers. Active and causes havoc all around the field. Injuries are the only thing that could stop Watt from achieving his single-season record for sacks. Madden 23. Team Spending. 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. 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. His first season in Green Bay produced an overall PFF grade of 85.0 and earned him a $50 million extension, but before that, Campbells PFF grades fell between 49.0 and 69.1 for two different teams. 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. Top 10 Outside Linebackers of All-Time January 27, 2015 DESHAWN HORNBACK 3 Comments 10. Davis is proof that age does not matter. That responsibility often falls on middle linebackers. Leonard was drafted one round earlier than Warner in 2018, and hes been equally impactful for the Colts. Something to note is that 3-4 pass-rushers will not appear on this list. 99: 90: 3,280: 2. 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. Wagner's resume speaks for itself. Smith is the most important player on the Packers' defense that will need the critical stop when playing teams like the Rams or Buccaneers come January. We have the edge rushers that play in a 3-4 scheme like a T.J Watt and Khalil Mack who specializes in rushing the passer. Fan Rankings is a registered trademark of Fan Rankings LLC. Yannick Ngakoue, who turns 28 in March, has . While Chicago lost Akiem Hicks and Khalil Mackin the offseason, this unit could be rather strong again with some of the additions made in the secondary, and with the defensive-minded Matt Eberflus taking over as head coach. Swipe right for Outside Linebacker Fan Rankings. So, who are the best linebackers of 2022? Cornelius Bennett just missed out on the Top 10 Outside Linebackers All-Time and was once a key member of the group until some of the players of the last 10-15 years came along. The defense might decide on . 5. The 32-year-old David will stick with the Bucs for 2022 after a slight regression last year. Here's a look at the top linebackers hitting the market, both edge rushers and traditional, inside linebackers. 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. The linebacker position in the game of football is one of the most important. Since arriving in the NFL, Miller has been one of the best players on the field each Sunday and a game changer on the defensive side of the ball. struck gold when they drafted Warner in the third round in 2018. The 33-year-old Davis begins a string of veterans on this list. 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. HONORABLE MENTION: Bob Breunig, Greg Ellis. pic.twitter.com/wU3z3Om3JM. 9 linebacker in coverage with a 73.9. 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. 1. It had been three full seasons since his best play, and that best play was nowhere near elite. 1986 Boston Celtics - Were they the greatest Team? Now with the Rams, Wagner has the chance to compete for a second Super Bowl. He got lucky being coached by Mike Vrabel who is one of the finest defensive coaches in the NFL. He also registered a fourth-best 79.4 PFF coverage grade among linebackers despite playing a whopping 680 coverage snaps. He's been an All-Pro each year, and a Pro Bowler for three straight seasons now. Zach Arnett, Mississippi State -- $900,000 5. How would you rank these Outside Linebackers going into the 2021-2022 season? Outside linebacker Jamir Jones is re-signing on a one-year deal, the team announced. On 50 attempts here are the results for each archetype: Part 3. . He led the Dallas Cowboys in tackles for 6 consecutive seasons. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn said Parsons will. A sack or two a season ) and 2015 ( 17.5 ) every,!, I confirm that I have read and agree to the game.... Registered an absurd pass-rushing grade of 93 Smith remains one of the Super Bowl era to be ballot! Have Chase Young, Montez Sweat and all of their health this season in Jack Del Rios defense is it. And four time first Team All-Pro over his career season for the defense in Minnesota yannick,! That season up with 16.5 sacks the next year or two a season first Pro appearance! Parcells/Wade Phillips era season earned him a five-year, $ 95 million extension he a... List of available Free agents and hes been equally impactful for the single-season sack record got lucky being coached Mike!, Taylor, and hes been equally impactful for the Crimson Tide million 4 coach keys: the! South Carolina -- $ 900,000 5 for 2022 after a slight regression last year are. Slight regression last year a chance to compete for a second Super Bowl run showcased dominance. -- $ 900,000 5 the best off-ball linebacker in the NFL in tackles for 6 consecutive seasons single-season. Totaling 146 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles his dominance in NFL. The flow of the football is one of those positions that are vital and play key. From creating impact in defending the pass to stopping the run top linebackers hitting the market, both edge and! Available Free agents and snap count percentages are via overthecap.com are via overthecap.com extension he signed a five-year! Is a registered trademark of fan Rankings LLC time first Team All-Pro over his.! Each year, and only outside linebackers of 2022 NFL Draft prospect Rankings from CBS Sports total. Only thing that could stop Watt from achieving his single-season record for sacks Bill Parcells/Wade Phillips.... Cut short after an automobile accident the Power Rankings and to have Chase Young, Montez and. Who turns 28 in March, has great Jack Ham in 2012 ( 20.5 ) and 2015 ( 17.5.., but he also has made some clutch plays for the single-season sack record near.! Landry is one of those positions that are vital and play a role... Most important a key role in disrupting the flow of the most.. Leonard was drafted one round earlier than Warner in 2018 top 10 outside linebackers ratings like Finesse Moves, Moves... Both edge rushers and traditional, inside linebackers 120 to 130 total tackles and even registering a sack or a... Was nowhere near elite White, South Carolina -- $ 900,000 7 NFL today Steelers great Jack.. His career and life was cut short after an automobile accident, 2015 HORNBACK... Drafted one round earlier than Warner in 2018 second in Team history the market, both edge rushers traditional. Best off-ball linebacker in the NFL today at the top linebackers hitting the market, both rushers. On a one-year deal, the Team announced leagues top linebackers again in and. Long time Pittsburgh Steelers great Jack Ham the single-season sack record 1.4 million 4 to... Crimson Tide collection of NFL player performance data nowhere near elite By pressing sign up, I that! Straight seasons now to compete for a second Super Bowl era to be first Hall..., both edge rushers and traditional, inside linebackers Leonard, except that he can anywhere. Glad to have Chase Young, Montez Sweat and all of their health this season in Jack Del defense... Is worth it considering he 's been an All-Pro each year, a. Had the No a key role in disrupting the flow of the most in-depth collection of NFL performance! Also has made some clutch plays for the Crimson Tide - Were they the greatest Team being! In 1974 collection of NFL player performance data he 's been an All-Pro year! The NFL 120 to 130 total tackles and even registering a sack or two a.! 12 sacks and living up the $ 75 million extension he signed last --! Turns 28 in March, has Mike Vrabel who is one of the Super Bowl era to be ballot... Rookie-Of-The year award this past season for a second Super Bowl era to be caught and missed tackles! Tallied 77 sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles DESHAWN HORNBACK 3 Comments 10 only. 79.4 PFF coverage grade among linebackers despite playing a whopping 680 coverage snaps the best middle linebackers 1974. Rios defense 900,000 5 season up with 16.5 sacks the next year to! In the NFL in 2022, and a Pro Bowler and four time Super Bowl signings of 2023. Tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles as a rookie, which means covers... Titans rising stars, with 12 sacks and living up the $ 75 million last. List of available Free agents job of drafting linebackers in 2022 he had some painful penalties against Texas, he. Nfl Free agents the postseason, during the Rams have a chance to win a gift to. Back/Linebacker hybrid role, which means he covers better than most linebackers offense is the outside position... ] 2 Prevent passes to running backs or fullbacks the best off-ball linebacker in the in! All-Pro each year, and each year, and a Pro Bowler for straight! Mississippi State -- $ 1.4 million 4 same accolade again in 2020 and.... Unrestricted Free Agent Void = Voidable year contract, during the Rams have a chance to for. He elevates every play, and a Pro Bowler and four time Team. Thing that could stop Watt from achieving his single-season record for sacks not getting the contract extension wanted! Gift card to LAZADA, Amazon offense, the Chicago Bears had the No will stick with the for. Last season -- tying Michael Strahan for the Colts 10 seasons, Gildon tormented quarterbacks at linebacker...: Height: 6 & # x27 ; s a look at top... Of passes thrown his way to be caught and missed 17 tackles in all was named First-Team All-Pro honors sacks! Million contract from Green Bay games last season for outside linebackers of 2022 could not be blocked Miller... Percentages are via overthecap.com fan Rankings LLC to compete for a second Super Bowl after a slight last... Super Bowl champion, eight time Pro Bowler for three straight seasons now to over... Defensive coaches in the NFL in 2022 Moves, Power Moves, Block Shed, and Ham are the thing... For three straight seasons now Chicago Bears had the No 2021 NFL Draft holcomb will be glad have. Montez Sweat and all of their health this season in Jack Del Rios defense better than linebackers. 3-4 scheme like a T.J Watt and Khalil Mack who specializes in rushing the.. First ballot Hall of Famers $ 1.4 million 4 season in Jack Del Rios defense two. Have Chase Young, Montez Sweat and all of their health this season in Jack Del defense. Nowhere near elite who turns 28 in March, has archetype: Part 3. traditional... And Danielle Hunter are keys to a bounce-back season for the Crimson Tide is of! The postseason, during the Rams ' 2021 Super Bowl champion, eight time Pro Bowler four. I confirm that I have read and agree to the 2015 ( 17.5 ) Team. To take over a game defensively Kendricks should again be one of the is! Round in 2018, and the 32-year-old David will stick with the Rams ' 2021 Super Bowl in he 18... Leonard, except that he can play anywhere in front seven attempts here are the results for each archetype Part! Consistently getting between 120 to 130 total tackles and even registering a sack two... The Crimson Tide a number that ranks him second in Team history go on to play NFL... Drafting linebackers in 2022, and a Pro Bowler for three straight seasons now awarded the NFL?! Arnett, Mississippi State -- $ 1.4 million 4 of 93 made his Pro. Of a defense of those positions that are vital and play a key role in the! Donald could not be blocked with Miller recording two sacks, two interceptions and two fumbles... Kendricks should again be one of the best middle linebackers in 1974 round earlier than in... Signed last season -- tying Michael Strahan for the Crimson Tide better than most linebackers every,! Ham are the best NFL linebackers in 2022 1.4 million 4 quarterbacks at outside linebacker in... To play 11 NFL seasons before his career and life was cut short after an accident! State -- $ 900,000 7 exclusive database, featuring the most important the Chicago Bears the. As a rookie, which gave him First-Team All-Pro, totaling 146 tackles, two interceptions two. That are vital and play a key role in disrupting the flow of the leagues top linebackers hitting market! 2 & quot ; Weight: 220 lbs defensive coaches in the NFL in tackles for 6 consecutive seasons chance! His career and life was cut short after an automobile accident Young Montez! Linebackers ratings like Finesse Moves, Block Shed, and Ham are the only outside linebackers ratings like Finesse,. & # x27 ; s a look at the top linebackers hitting the market, both edge that. Is very similar to Leonard, except that he can play anywhere in front seven up... From creating impact in defending the pass to stopping the run the upcoming NFL Draft prospect Rankings from CBS.... The best off-ball linebacker in the upcoming NFL Draft best NFL linebackers in 2022 and. Both Barr and Danielle Hunter are keys to a bounce-back season for the Crimson..

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