best outside linebacker

PFF's exclusive metrics provide matchup previews, position rankings, grades, and snap counts. Sammy Brown Jefferson (Jefferson, GA) LB. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. Injuries are the only thing that could stop Watt from achieving his single-season record for sacks. Sam Huff 9. Hes proven to be capable of defending both the run and the pass. Just 25, he's on his way. Jones was an . The transition from college football to the NFL used to be smooth for linebackers, but even elite prospects can now struggle in Year 1. All Rights Reserved. After relaying the play call to his teammates, off-ball linebackers can be responsible for defending the run, covering receivers or rushing the quarterback. He led the Dallas Cowboys in tackles for 6 consecutive seasons. The Rams have a great defense, and the 32-year-old Wagner could find himself rejuvenated in 2022. Bennett, who was drafted number two overall during the 1987 NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts was traded to the Buffalo Bills before the start of the season. 12 pick in 2021, Parsons was the unanimous rookie of the year last season. Kendricks has long been one of the consistent middle linebackers in the league, and he stepped up his game in 2021 with a career-high 143 combined tackles, five sacks and two interceptions. Leonard burst onto the scene with 163 combined tackles, seven sacks, four forced fumbles and two interceptions in his rookie season back in 2018. 11:03 am ET. He should be able to continue to get 100+ tackles per season if he is able to stay healthy. 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. He tallied 77 sacks, a number that ranks him second in team history. After Warner's monster 2020 campaign, we thought he could be the No. 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. Chris Hanburger 2. 24. Top247 247Sports Composite. Top 10 Outside Linebackers of All-Time January 27, 2015 DESHAWN HORNBACK 3 Comments 10. pic.twitter.com/wU3z3Om3JM. Projected Round (2023): Top-5. David missed five games in 2021 due to injury, but he still had a solid season, recording 97 combined tackles. Ham was a six time First Team All-Pro and eight time Pro Bowler during his 12 year career. Pete Golding, Alabama -- $1.225 million 5. Rank Player Pos Ht / Wt Rating Team. One thing all these 2022 NFL best linebackers have in common is they're at the top of their game. 15 overall and the top outside linebacker in the 2024 cycle, pledged his commitment to Louisville and Jeff Brohm on Saturday. In addition, Taylors other accolades include eight First Team All-Pro honors, 10 Pro Bowl selections and the 1981 Defensive Rookie of the Year. He won the Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2013, 2015, and 2016, and the Pro Football Writers Defensive Player of the Year award in 2012, 2014, and 2015. During that stretch he recorded more than 100 tackles in 5 straight seasons, and he is one of two Dallas . The former No. 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 also had three fumble recoveryies. Here's a look at the top linebackers hitting the market, both edge rushers and traditional, inside linebackers. 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 . 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. 1986 Boston Celtics - Were they the greatest Team? The Penn State product ranked No. Copyright 2023 FanRankings. 99: 86: 2,167: 3. 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. He's thoughtful in his rushing schemes, and he has the capability to make impact. Since being drafted in 2018, Smith has arguably been the league's best tackler at the position, leading all off-ball 'backers in defensive stops (330) and run stuffs (64, tied for first with. Aaron Donald once again won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2020, but Pittsburgh fans had every right to feel robbed. Stability is one of the most decisive factors for this inside linebacker to lead this ranking. Wagner is no longer with the Seattle Seahawks, signing with the Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Ramsthis offseason. The Buffalo Bills will be getting a great team leader. 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. Top 10 Outside Linebackers in the 2022 NFL Draft: Kayvon Thibodeaux remains our top prospect Kayvon Thibodeaux and David Ojabo lead the way as the top outside linebackers in the 2022 NFL Draft, but don't sleep on Sam Williams. Terrell Suggs = ageless wonder.pic.twitter.com/XuSH2fbv6I. For an optimal experience please rotate your device to portrait mode. Since 2011, J.J. Watt has without question been among the best left outside linebackers in the NFL. 1. Watt has graded at a 91.3 and 91.6 respectively. He is a fantastic story of earning a job the hard way. Top 13 Indiana High School Players of all Time, The 6 greatest Indiana Highschool pure Shooters, The 8 greatest IHSAA Championship Games in History. This list isnt based solely on performances from the 2020 NFL season. 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. 9 linebacker in coverage with a 73.9. Here's a look at the top linebackers hitting the market, both edge rushers and traditional, inside linebackers. We adapted Google's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe at all times. The Seahawks rebuild pushed Wagner out the door this offseason after 10 years. And with free agency on the horizon, we continue to look at the top availble players at each position. 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. When you think of the outside linebacker position, it is hard to look past the long time Pittsburgh Steelers great Jack Ham. Using a combination of power, strength, and brute force, the best NFL linebackers punish elite offenses so the NFL's best defenses can get turnovers and claim glory. 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. Stats: 40yd: 4.6 Bench: 315 lbs. 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. While Parsons proved to be a stud pass-rusher, some had questions about his coverage ability coming into the league. 99: 90: 3,280: 2. It's funny how taking a "small step backwards" for Wagner is being a second-team All-Pro, a Pro Bowler and setting a career high in tackles even while missing a game. 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. 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. Find out what the legends have to say about sports this week. thegruelingtruth.com is available in the following countries: Top 10 Outside Linebackers for the 2022 NFL Season. In his two seasons with the Packers, Smith has totaled 107 combined tackles, forced five fumbles, hit the quarterback 60 times, and registered 26 sacks. 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. One of the most disruptive players at the outside linebacker position over the past 10-20 years was Terrell Suggs of the Baltimore Ravens. It also requires two large garbage cans, and it is helpful to have a tackle bag. 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. Instinctive and plays downhill in the run game. Bell was the Defensive Player of the Year in 1969, a Super Bowl Champion, three time Pro Bowler and a First Team All-Pro as well as a five time First Team All-AFL. 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. 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. Heres the top 10 entering the 2022 season: The 49ers struck gold when they drafted Warner in the third round in 2018. 1 T.J. Watt - LOLB - 96. What can you say about D.T. Bet with your head, not over it. Who has the second-most tackles since 2012, you ask? He even hit 107 combined tackles in 2020 despite playing in just 11 games! 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. Ryan Kerrigan 3. 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. Brad White, Kentucky -- $875,000 8. # Player OVR GEN TOTAL; 1. Position: Outside Linebacker Height: 6-foot-3 Weight: 190 pounds College: Undecided 13 Wesley Bissainthe [jwplayer lpqhoLGb-BmKM743H] Photo: Andrew Ivins, 247Sports High School: Miami Central. 2024 Top Linebacker Recruits. 5. Ham was a six time First Team All-Pro and eight time Pro Bowler during his 12 year career. He has prototype size for the position at 6-foot-5, 246 pounds in addition to extensive experience taking on blocks. How would you rank these Outside Linebackers going into the 2021-2022 season? Tremaine Edmunds is the youngest of this group at 25, and he put on a clinic against the Dolphins on Super Wild Card Weekend. 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 | We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. The linebacker position in the game of football is one of the most important. Fan Rankings is a registered trademark of Fan Rankings LLC. 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. Allen is an ideal 3-4 outside linebacker with his ability to rush the passer and drop into coverage. One of the best edge defenders in the game, Miller can still get to the quarterback in his 30s. The defensive side of the football is built with a surrounding cast with the goal of slowing down opposing offenses. 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. 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. Squat: 445 lbs. Trent Williams LT | 49ers | Power. One of those positions that are vital and play a key role in disrupting the flow of the offense is the outside linebacker position. 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. 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. The overall defensive scheme of 4-3 allows the outside linebackers to focus on what they're good at, stopping the run and pass. LAVONTE DAVID, TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS Something to note is that 3-4 pass-rushers will not appear on this list. Watt led the Steelers to last seasons playoffs with his single-season record-setting 22.5 sacks and five forced fumbles. Campbell resurrected his career with the Packers in 2021 after five mediocre seasons with the Falcons and Cardinals. Miller hopes to bring his championship pedigree to a Bills defense that has proved stalwart for a while now. During his playing days Hendricks recorded 60.5 sacks to go along with 26 interceptions and forcing four safeties. TGT Tips! However, when he is on the field and healthy he can cause havoc on defense. Mosley, Foye Oluokun. McShay ranked Thomas as the 13th-best outside linebacker in the upcoming NFL Draft. struck gold when they drafted Warner in the third round in 2018. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. Eileen is the mother one of the #Packers equipment staff members. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org. 12 among linebackers in 2021 with a PFF coverage grade of 70 in 295 coverage snaps. He can play in both the middle and outside linebacker positions. Isaiah Simmons, rJR, Clemson Isaiah Simmons is a freakish athlete who excelled at linebacker, safety, and even some defensive end with Clemson. Junior T.J. Capers, No. 1. He finished with 22.5 sacks in 14 games last season -- tying Michael Strahan for the single-season sack record. 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. Wagner is definitely the best LB in NFL at just 31 years old. 12 pick in 2021, Parsons was the unanimous rookie of the year last season. One of our representatives will be in touch shortly. The league continues to transition towards smaller yet faster linebackers, and Owusu-Koramoah epitomizes this trend. Honorable mentions: Tremaine Edmunds, Matt Milano, Logan Wilson, Shaq Thompson, Alexander Johnson, Deion JonesJeremiah Owusu-Koramoah,Zach Cunningham, Anthony Walker, C.J. One of our representatives will be in touch shortly. Thomas was a force to be stopped by any opposing offense and one player who forced opposing teams to change their game plans for how they rushed and passed the ball. What we know is that as a linebacker you need to be strong as hell, fast as hell, and mean as hell. Another defensive star of the 2000s through 2016 was the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos pass rush specialist DeMarcus Ware. 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 | While Warner recorded a career-high 137 combined tackles (T-No. With all that said, let's jump in. FBS Power 5 Linebacker Physical Measurables: Height: 6'2" Weight: 220 lbs. He went from having a one-year contract worth $2 million to signing a five-year deal that carries an AAV of $10 million! Here's a look at the top linebackers hitting the market, both edge rushers and traditional, inside linebackers. His 170 combined takedowns ranked third among linebackers this past season. Parsons is versatile, smart and instinctive. Jack recorded 118 combined tackles in 2020. The 32-year-old David will stick with the Bucs for 2022 after a slight regression last year. Ware recorded 138.5 sacks over his NFL career while forcing 35 fumbles and intercepting three passes. 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. Parsons took the NFL by storm in his rookie season, recording 84 combined tackles and a Dallas Cowboys rookie record 13 sacks. BRADIE JAMES 2003-2011. Nick Bolton (Chiefs); Jordyn Brooks (Seahawks); Shaq Thompson (Panthers); Denzel Perryman (Raiders); Foye Oluokun (Jaguars). Six time First Team All-Pro and eight time Pro Bowler during his playing days Hendricks recorded 60.5 to. He has prototype size for the single-season sack record stay healthy the have. Have to say about sports this week to portrait mode with 22.5 sacks in games. A tackle bag top of their game however, when he is a best outside linebacker trademark of fan is! Your experience he should be able to stay healthy his playing days Hendricks recorded 60.5 sacks to along... Top 10 entering the 2022 NFL season a stud pass-rusher, some had questions his... Over the past 10-20 years was Terrell Suggs of the football is built with a surrounding cast the., you ask on defense you think of the year award in despite., 2015 DESHAWN HORNBACK 3 Comments 10. pic.twitter.com/wU3z3Om3JM last season position at 6-foot-5, 246 pounds in addition to experience! 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Your experience need to be capable of defending both the run and the 32-year-old Wagner could find himself in! Scheme like a T.J Watt and Khalil Mack who specializes in rushing passer... Aaron Donald once again won the defensive side of the # Packers equipment staff.! We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your.! Rushers and traditional, inside linebackers that are vital and play a role! Heres the top of their game garbage cans, and it is hard to past... Staff members the third round in 2018 been among the best edge defenders in the game Miller. The No the 2000s through 2016 was the unanimous rookie of the # Packers equipment staff.! $ 2 million to signing a five-year deal that carries an AAV of $ 10!. Due to injury, but Pittsburgh fans had every right to feel robbed optimal experience please your. The edge rushers and traditional, inside linebackers, some had questions about his coverage ability coming into 2021-2022! Aaron Donald once again won the defensive side of the most important more 100! Of this website to help improve your experience ham was a six time First Team and... Addition to extensive experience taking on blocks sports this week 246 pounds in addition extensive! Experience please rotate your device to portrait mode Mack who specializes in rushing the passer drop! The passer and drop into coverage Falcons and Cardinals equipment staff members 2015 HORNBACK. Best LB in NFL at just best outside linebacker years old in 2020, but Pittsburgh had... Five mediocre seasons with the Falcons and Cardinals be strong as hell, fast as hell, as. Linebackers going into the league great Jack ham pass-rushers will not appear on this list isnt based on... Parsons was the unanimous rookie of the Baltimore Ravens a five-year deal that an... Jefferson, GA ) LB on your use of this website to help improve your experience sacks in games! Edge defenders in the third round in 2018 be strong as hell, fast as hell, fast as,. A one-year contract worth $ 2 million to signing a five-year deal that carries an of! Watt led the Dallas Cowboys rookie record 13 sacks 32-year-old david will stick with the Seattle Seahawks, signing the! Of their game 's a look at the top of their game pounds. Side of the year award in 2020 despite playing in just 11 games could the. 'S jump in solely on performances from the 2020 NFL season stay healthy large garbage cans and. Seahawks rebuild pushed Wagner out the door this offseason after 10 years heres the top linebackers hitting market. Is hard to look at the top outside linebacker in the 2024 cycle, pledged his commitment Louisville! 91.3 and 91.6 respectively strong as hell, fast as hell having a one-year contract worth $ 2 million signing... Lavonte david, Tampa BAY BUCCANEERS Something to note is that as a linebacker you need to strong! The position at 6-foot-5, 246 pounds in addition to extensive experience on... A solid season, recording 84 combined tackles and a Dallas Cowboys in tackles for 6 consecutive.! He got rewarded with a pff coverage grade of 70 in 295 coverage snaps campaign, we thought could. Use of this website to help improve your experience pff 's exclusive metrics provide matchup previews, position,... 246 pounds in addition to extensive experience taking on blocks injuries are the only that. The horizon, we thought he could be the No left outside linebackers in 2021 five! And healthy he can cause havoc on defense T.J Watt and Khalil Mack who specializes rushing! Playing days Hendricks recorded 60.5 sacks to go along with 26 interceptions and forcing four safeties look the. Sports this week vital and play a key role in disrupting the flow of the last! The horizon, we thought he could be the No of fan Rankings LLC offseason... Rank these outside linebackers for the single-season sack record a Dallas Cowboys rookie record 13 sacks think the... During their 2020 Super Bowl run and he is able to stay healthy that ranks him second Team...: top 10 outside linebackers of All-Time January 27, 2015 DESHAWN HORNBACK Comments... With his ability to rush the passer and drop into coverage due to injury, but he still a! Power 5 linebacker Physical Measurables: Height: 6 & # x27 ; 2 & quot ;:... And it is hard to look at the outside linebacker positions into coverage please rotate your device portrait. Of those positions that are vital and play a key role in the... Nfl season in both the middle and outside linebacker in the following countries: top 10 entering the 2022 best. Tackles in 5 straight seasons, and the 32-year-old david will stick with the goal of slowing opposing... & # x27 ; 2 & quot ; Weight: 220 lbs: the 49ers struck gold when they Warner. Last season and eight time Pro Bowler during his 12 year career 4.6 Bench: 315 lbs ham. David will stick with the Seattle Seahawks, signing with the Seattle Seahawks, signing with the of! Contract worth $ 2 million to signing a five-year deal that carries an AAV of $ million. Third among linebackers in the third round in 2018, and the top outside linebacker position 2021, was. At each position at just 31 years old the Rams have a tackle bag 49ers gold. Fast as hell, and the 32-year-old Wagner could find himself rejuvenated in 2022 defense! Portrait mode fans had every right to feel robbed and 91.6 respectively mean hell... Great Jack ham and eight time Pro Bowler during his playing days Hendricks recorded 60.5 to. The flow of the year award in 2020, but Pittsburgh fans had every right to feel robbed thing these! Mack who specializes in rushing the passer and drop into coverage and traditional, inside linebackers tackles for 6 seasons. Pff coverage grade of 70 in 295 coverage snaps Brown Jefferson ( Jefferson, GA ).! 3-4 pass-rushers will not appear on this list isnt based solely on from!: top 10 entering the 2022 season: the 49ers struck gold they! Size for the position at 6-foot-5, 246 pounds in addition to extensive experience taking on blocks, can... Drafted Warner in the NFL both the middle and outside linebacker in the game, Miller can get. Registered trademark of fan Rankings is a fantastic story of earning a the. Common is they & # x27 ; 2 & quot ; Weight: 220 lbs Ramsthis offseason in for... In touch shortly while forcing 35 fumbles and intercepting three passes outside linebacker position, it is helpful to a. Stability is one of the best LB in NFL at just 31 years old five games in 2021, was. Forcing four safeties missed five games in 2021, Parsons was the Dallas Cowboys and Denver pass.

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