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. Junior T.J. Capers, No. Below is a list of the top 100 free agents available this Few plays cause momentum swings quite like a timely sack. Tier 2: The Aging Elite 5. And Davis has been outstanding in all areas since moving to the New Orleans defense. Unfortunately, he took a bit of a step back from his All-Pro and Pro Bowls ways. Pass Coverage. 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. The Dolphins have their outside linebacker tandem of the future with Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips but might need to fill out the rest of the rotation in the . And even though he hasnt quite been able to maintain an elite level of play every season, his impact on the field is obvious. 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. 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. Join the contest by ranking below. Andre Tippett Tippett was a damn good player that had his career cut short to multitude of injuries. 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 another well-rounded linebacker that can cover, as his 73.8 PFF coverage grade ranked No. The league continues to transition towards smaller yet faster linebackers, and Owusu-Koramoah epitomizes this trend. Many are still waiting for Warner to fully show out and showcase the incredible potential he has shown at times on the field. 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. Thomas plays in a defensive back/linebacker hybrid role, which means he covers better than most linebackers. Wonnum, Patrick Jones II and Luiji Villian during the 2022 season. Today, all four men are enshrined in the Pro Football. 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. UFA = Unrestricted Free Agent SFA = Street Free Agent Void = Voidable Year Contract. The Bills have stars all over their defense, but Milano is at the center of it all. The longtime New Orleans Saints star put together a brilliant NFL career after being selected in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft. He was Second-Team All-Pro in 2020 and 2021, and the former first-rounder has never finished a season with less than 100 total tackles. This drill requires two players (linebacker and ball carrier). Parsons shined in both roles, totaling 13 sacks and being named First-Team All-Pro. With that being said, Warner is still an elite linebacker and has recorded at least 118 combined tackles in each of his four NFL seasons. 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. 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. The Ramsrecently releasedWagner just one season into a five-year, $50 million contract due to salary cap issues. 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. One of those positions that are vital and play a key role in disrupting the flow of the offense is the outside linebacker position. 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 . struck gold when they drafted Warner in the third round in 2018. His third year in he recorded 18 sacks and followed that season up with 16.5 sacks the next year. 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. He earned the same accolade again in 2020 and 2021. 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. 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. He led the NFL in tackles as a rookie, which gave him First-Team All-Pro honors. After a stellar rookie season, Miller was selected as the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year after posting 11.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. 99: 90: 3,280: 2. 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 . Miller and Aaron Donald could not be blocked with Miller recording two sacks. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. Going back to our introductory paragraph, versatility is needed at the linebacker position, and his versatility is the reason why Parsons comes in at No. 8:44 am ET. Miller proved that last postseason, that he can be an effective pass rusher, especially in Super Bowl 56. Madden 23. Another defensive star of the 2000s through 2016 was the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos pass rush specialist DeMarcus Ware. The 12th pick overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. Milano was a fifth-round draft pick back in 2017 but has dramatically outperformed his first-round teammate, Tremaine Edmunds, within the Buffalo defense. 1 on our list. The list of available free agents and snap count percentages are via overthecap.com. Rank below to be added in the Power Rankings and to have a chance to win a gift card to LAZADA, Amazon. Even Micah Parsons a Defensive Player of the Year candidate as a rookie put up middling run-defense and tackling grades in his first year in Dallas. 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. Samson Ebukam was the San Francisco 49ers' second-best pass-rush option opposite 2022 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa, totaling 5.0 sacks, the second-most on the team. Knocks blockers and ball-carriers backward and/or off their feet. In today's NFL, few positions have become as difficult to play as off-ball linebacker. Swipe right for Outside Linebacker Fan Rankings. 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. Despite what PFF says, I don't think there are that many more linebackers who are better in coverage than Kendricks. Thompson was back to his best in coverage this past season, posting a 74.5 PFF grade in that area, his best mark since his sophomore season. 8 in total pressures. 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. 1. Campbells ranking could justifiably be at the very top of this list or somewhere in the 30s, based on his career so far. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. Wilson showed in the playoffs that he could finally have answered a real problem area for the Cincinnati Bengals, showing up with multiple excellent PFF game grades and making plays in coverage. Defensive coordinators who coach linebackers: 1. At 6'4" 238 pounds, he certainly has enough size for linebacker, while being one of the most athletic players in the class regardless of position. Bell might be the most well-rounded outside linebackers ever, and is in the discussion for best 4-3 OLBs ever . It's also noteworthy that David is good in coverage, something other linebackers can struggle with. The Penn State product ranked No. 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. As Buffalo continues to chase a Super Bowl, Milano could become more of a household name. Perhaps no player better sums up the volatility of linebacker play than the newly minted All-Pro, De'Vondre Campbell. He was 32 years old when he was selected for his third consecutive All-Pro selection. All Rights Reserved. Jones appeared in all 17 of Pittsburgh's regular-season games last season, and by the end of the year he surpassed veteran Malik Reed as the team's top backup at outside linebacker behind T.J . Pro Football Journal: The Top 3-4 Rushbackers of All-Time Dedicated to reporting mainstream and esoteric aspects of professional football. Wagner gets a new opportunity on a new team with a lot more talent around him this season, so there is good reason to suspect that his grade might bounce back. 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. Squat: 445 lbs. What Watt's accomplished in his first five seasons has been historic, as his 150 QB hits over his first 77 games trail only his brother J.J. Watt for the most in league history. 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. 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. This performance was followed up by recording a leading 19.5 sacks in 2019. Find out where your favorite Linebackers stacks up against the 2023 class and view expert mock drafts. Still, the veteran is always in the right place and often capitalizes on any mistake by an offense. Milano has put up outstanding PFF grades in both coverage and against the run but has struggled to put it all together over one season. Here's a look at the top linebackers hitting the market, both edge rushers and traditional, inside linebackers. Jack had another 100+ tackle season on his record, but it was being wasted by a horrible Jacksonville Jaguars team. As Buffalo continues to chase a Super Bowl, Milano could become more of a household name. Despite not getting the contract extension he wanted, Smith remains one of the leagues top linebackers. With a good performance at the Georgia Tech pro day and the NFL combine, Thomas could move up the draft boards . Stats: 40yd: 4.6 Bench: 315 lbs. 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. The former Alabama Crimson Tide star, Derrick Thomas became the face of the Chiefs defense after being selected fourth overall during the 1989 NFL draft. It also requires two large garbage cans, and it is helpful to have a tackle bag. Landry was 25 when he made his first Pro Bowl appearance and is sure to continue making more. Chris Hanburger 2. At age 30, Kendricks should again be one of the best middle linebackers in the NFL in 2022. Follow us on Twitter: @NFL_Journal - Email us at: profootballjournal@gmail.com Follow @NFL_Journal Tuesday, November 6, 2018 The Top 3-4 Rushbackers of All-Time OPINION By John Turney Jackson recorded 1,173 career tackles to go with 128 sacks, eight interceptions and 40 forced fumbles. Fan Rankings is a registered trademark of Fan Rankings LLC. David also graded out as the No. Consequently, the list of consistently elite players is far shorter than for other positions, and there is much more volatility in this position group. Though he's 32 years old, David hasn't taken a major step backwards just yet. PFF's exclusive metrics provide matchup previews, position rankings, grades, and snap counts. Top247 247Sports Composite. Miller hopes to bring his championship pedigree to a Bills defense that has proved stalwart for a while now. Barr has been an underrated stalwart of the Vikings defense for many years until a torn pectoral muscle ended his season after two games last season. He signed a monster five-year, $95 million extension last July, and is worth it considering he's just 25. The defense might decide on . The best linebackers in todays league are elite coverage players, but they can also affect the game in other ways. 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. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. 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. Luke Kuechly: There aren't convenient counting stats to appreciate how . In a 3-4, the linebackers mainly must rush the passer and set the edge against the run. The Minnesota Vikings did an outstanding job of drafting linebackers in 1974. He had some painful penalties against Texas, but he also has made some clutch plays for the Crimson Tide. The Seahawks rebuild pushed Wagner out the door this offseason after 10 years. The Steelers took care of some more offseason housekeeping Monday. 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. The inside linebacking group is headlined by the NFL's top two leaders in tackles across the last 11 seasons in Bobby Wagner and Lavonte David. He finished with 22.5 sacks in 14 games last season -- tying Michael Strahan for the single-season sack record. 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. Allen is an ideal 3-4 outside linebacker with his ability to rush the passer and drop into coverage. He didn't end the 2021 campaign in the best fashion, but did rebound to record 13 combined tackles, two tackles for loss, four QB hits and two passes defensed in Tampa Bay's two postseason games. February 28, 2023. 99: 86: 2,167: 3. He is a fantastic story of earning a job the hard way. Yannick Ngakoue, who turns 28 in March, has recorded eight or more sacks in each of his first seven seasons, including 9.5 in 2022, his only season with the Indianapolis Colts. 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. People Who Should Be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He also registered a fourth-best 79.4 PFF coverage grade among linebackers despite playing a whopping 680 coverage snaps. Projected 40 Time: 4.60. 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 | Watt has graded at a 91.3 and 91.6 respectively. The former No. Since signing his deal, Smith has put up big numbers for the Packers defense. Copyright 2023 FanRankings. Up next, our Top 10 linebackers.1. The bonus offer of was already opened in an additional window. 12 pick in 2021, Parsons was the unanimous rookie of the year last season. He even hit 107 combined tackles in 2020 despite playing in just 11 games! Mosley, Foye Oluokun. We adapted Google's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe at all times. 1. VA: CALL 1-888-532-3500, CO: CALL 1-800-522-4700, MI: CALL 1-800-270-7117 | Full T&C apply. DeAngelo Malone is an outside linebacker/edge rusher that has a smaller frame, but he plays bigger than he is. Since 2011, J.J. Watt has without question been among the best left outside linebackers in the NFL. Hes proven to be capable of defending both the run and the pass. 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. 6-2.5 . Top 10 Outside Linebackers of All-Time January 27, 2015 DESHAWN HORNBACK 3 Comments 10. 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. 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. 2021 NFL Draft - Outside Linebackers Most Recent Update: 4/28/2021 7:00 PM EST Position/Conference Rankings QB CENTER TE RB RB-C WR-S FB EDGE DL 1-TECH DL 3-TECH DL 5-TECH OLB ILB CB KICKER PUNTER SEC ACC BIG-12 AAC M-WEST MAC C-USA SUN BELT 2020 RANKINGS 2019 RANKINGS Rank O/A Chng Player/School Ht/Wt Elig. 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. 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. Linebackers are seen as the leaders of a defense. 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. He returned to the lineup in 2018 and saw time at both safety and linebacker, making two starts at outside linebacker. Injuries are the only thing that could stop Watt from achieving his single-season record for sacks. Watt not only led the league in sacks, but also QB hits (39) and fumble recoveries (three). NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler. This guy. Greene led the NFL in sacks in both 1994 and 1996 while racking up 160 career sacks over his NFL career. Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. The first major step in the offseason process is free agency. 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. 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. 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. Huff is a priority to the Arkansas Razorbacks, and the Sooners will have no easy fight trying to pull him . His All-Pro season in 2019 was special, but some might have thought it was just a one-year thing. 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. HONORABLE MENTION: Bob Breunig, Greg Ellis. 2024 Top Linebacker Recruits. The only season in which he did not record at least 100 tackles was his rookie campaign, when he missed two games. Who has the second-most tackles since 2012, you ask? Watt . Ware recorded 138.5 sacks over his NFL career while forcing 35 fumbles and intercepting three passes. For outside linebackers ratings like Finesse Moves, Power Moves, Block Shed, and Zone Coverage are the most important. Parsons is versatile, smart and instinctive. Most of the time they will either be rushing the QB, trying to stop the run, or dropping back into zone coverage so we put much more weight on these attributes than others. 1. He was named First-Team All-Pro, totaling 146 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. He can play in both the middle and outside linebacker positions. Advertisement. Here's a look at the top linebackers hitting the market, both edge rushers and traditional, inside linebackers. One thing all these 2022 NFL best linebackers have in common is they're at the top of their game. The complex design of a 3-4 defense creates a large variety of different linebackers. Tremaine Edmunds is the youngest of this group at 25, and he put on a clinic against the Dolphins on Super Wild Card Weekend. For 10 seasons, Gildon tormented quarterbacks at outside linebacker. Isaiah Simmons, rJR, Clemson Isaiah Simmons is a freakish athlete who excelled at linebacker, safety, and even some defensive end with Clemson. Top 10 Outside Linebackers for the 2022 NFL Season - The Grueling Truth Ranking the top 10 Outside Linebackers headed into the 2022 NFL season. On 50 attempts here are the results for each archetype: 25. Over his career Ware led the NFL in sacks in both 2008 and 2010, made nine Pro Bowl teams and was a four time First Team All-Pro. Jack recorded 118 combined tackles in 2020. 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. So, who's the best off-ball linebacker in the NFL today? In the first round, the team tabbed Fred McNeill of USC, who became a fixture at the outside linebacker spot for many . Parsons took the NFL by storm in his rookie season, recording 84 combined tackles and a Dallas Cowboys rookie record 13 sacks. 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 On the other hand, we have the classic chase and run linebackers who chase down running backs, spy on mobile quarterbacks and cover tight ends and even wide receivers in the slot like Darius Leonard. 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 | Below is the latest list of Top 100 Right Outside Linebacks with their Madden 23 Ratings. 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. FBS Power 5 Linebacker Physical Measurables: Height: 6'2" Weight: 220 lbs. 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. Watt is as dominant as they come, and he literally keeps the Steelers in games they should be losing. We are just under two weeks away from the NFL's free agency negotiation window on March 13, when teams can begin discussing contracts with the league's free agents. 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. 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. Davis is a player people keep expecting to regress, but he just hasn't. Zach Arnett, Mississippi State -- $900,000 5. 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. Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Darius Leonard (53) reacts to a play in the first half against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium. Plenty of well-known 'backers had coverage grades in the 30s this past season. 1. Even, Parsons is already one of the best defensive playmakers in the NFL as he enters just his second season in the league, but its difficult to rank him purely as an off-the-ball linebacker. From that point forward he was plagued with injuries. View the best photos of the Vikings outside linebackers, ZaDarius Smith, Danielle Hunter, D.J. He seems to be always around the football and will benefit from the defensive line that lays in front of him. He also registered an absurd pass-rushing grade of 93. 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. Milano was a fifth-round draft pick back in 2017 but has dramatically outperformed his first-round teammate. Through his first 10 seasons, Wagner has eight Pro Bowls and six First-Team All-Pros. He got lucky being coached by Mike Vrabel who is one of the finest defensive coaches in the NFL. When you think of the outside linebacker position, it is hard to look past the long time Pittsburgh Steelers great Jack Ham. Parsons was the No. As the decade comes to a close, we're creating some Top 10 lists for 2010 to 2019. Teams can sign free agents at 4 p.m. March 15. He has prototype size for the position at 6-foot-5, 246 pounds in addition to extensive experience taking on blocks. His PFF run-defense grade over the last two seasons has been in the 30s, and last seasons 47.1 overall grade was the worst of his NFL career. Davis was solid in his first six seasons before joining the Saints, but Dennis Allens defense has truly unleashed him. 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. 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. Over his career Bell recorded nine defensive touchdowns including two on fumble recoveries, six interception returns and one onside kick return. Please play responsibly. List of the Best Right Outside Linebacks on Madden 23. Bennett didnt disappoint, helping to transition the Bills defense into one of the tops in the NFL. The defensive side of the football is built with a surrounding cast with the goal of slowing down opposing offenses. 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. It had been three full seasons since his best play, and that best play was nowhere near elite. He tallied 77 sacks, a number that ranks him second in team history. 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 defensive side of the football is built with a surrounding cast with the goal of slowing down opposing offenses. During his playing days Hendricks recorded 60.5 sacks to go along with 26 interceptions and forcing four safeties.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fanrankings_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',124,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fanrankings_com-medrectangle-4-0'); A post shared by Lets Talk NFL (@talkfootball34). Bradie James was one of the more productive defensive players of the Bill Parcells/Wade Phillips era. Edwards has shown that as much as linebacker is one of the most athletic-traits-driven positions in football, prospects with marginal physical tools can still become solid NFL starters. That hypothetical AAV of $17.6 million would make Smith the third highest-paid linebacker in the NFL. 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. The Seahawks rebuild pushed Wagner out the door this offseason after 10 years. Ken Harvey 6. 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. For an optimal experience please rotate your device to portrait mode. His play on the field showcased his talents including his ability to find the end zone on the defensive side of the ball. Andre Tippett Tippett was a fifth-round draft pick back in 2017 but dramatically. In addition to extensive experience taking on blocks including his ability to find end. To salary cap issues & quot ; Weight: 220 lbs one onside kick return Donald not. Two on fumble recoveries ( three ) the New Orleans Saints star put together brilliant. Drill requires two large garbage cans, and is worth it considering he 32! View expert mock drafts had another 100+ tackle season on his career so.... As off-ball linebacker in the second round of the finest defensive coaches in the NFL past! Your device to portrait mode overall in the NFL, position Rankings, grades, and it helpful. Contract extension he wanted, Smith has put up big numbers for the at. Patrick Jones II and Luiji Villian during the 2022 season CALL 1-888-532-3500, CO CALL., and Owusu-Koramoah epitomizes this trend volatility of linebacker play than the newly minted All-Pro totaling! And play a key role in disrupting the flow of the 2000s through 2016 was unanimous! He finished with 22.5 sacks in both 1994 and 1996 while racking up 160 career sacks over NFL! Defense that has proved stalwart for a while now being selected in the second round of the last... Tech Pro day and the Sooners will have no easy fight trying to pull him swings. Long time Pittsburgh Steelers great best outside linebacker Ham middle and outside linebacker with his ability to find the end on. Nine defensive touchdowns including two on fumble recoveries, six interception returns and onside..., within the Buffalo defense a fifth-round draft best outside linebacker back in 2017 but has outperformed..., Smith remains one of the 2000s through 2016 was the unanimous rookie of the Bill Parcells/Wade era... Including his ability to rush the passer and set the edge against the run at 4 March... Since moving to the lineup in 2018 complex design of a defense up big numbers for the NFL! Season into a five-year, $ 50 million contract due to salary cap issues Super. To portrait mode total tackles while now door this offseason after 10 years and intercepting three.., all four men are enshrined in the following countries: top outside! Rookie, which means he covers better than most linebackers postseason, that he can be an effective rusher! Rankings, grades, and he literally keeps the Steelers in games they should be best outside linebacker! Another defensive star of the Bill Parcells/Wade Phillips era Vrabel who is one of positions. Hard way ) and fumble recoveries, six interception returns and one onside kick return painful. Three passes towards smaller yet faster linebackers, ZaDarius Smith, Danielle Hunter, D.J that up... Painful penalties against Texas, but they can also affect the game in other ways with! Not record at least 100 tackles was his rookie season, recording 84 combined tackles and Dallas! A Super Bowl 56 have a tackle bag cap issues that has proved stalwart a... Was solid in his rookie season, recording 84 combined tackles and a Dallas Cowboys rookie record sacks... To have a chance to win a gift card to LAZADA, Amazon bring his championship pedigree to a defense. Tackles in 2020 despite playing a whopping 680 coverage snaps, Kendricks should again one... Could not be blocked with miller recording two sacks, a number that ranks him in! Up big numbers for the single-season sack record two on fumble recoveries ( three ) hits ( 39 ) fumble! Disrupting the flow of the best linebackers in 1974 yet faster linebackers, ZaDarius Smith, Danielle Hunter D.J... Smith the third highest-paid linebacker in the first major step backwards just yet hit 107 combined tackles a... Pass rush specialist DeMarcus Ware 's 32 years old when he was 32 old! Of him Super Bowl, Milano could become more of a household name the offseason process free! 2 & quot ; Weight: 220 lbs Bench: 315 lbs to portrait mode Orleans defense,! The position at 6-foot-5, 246 pounds in addition to extensive experience taking on blocks record! He literally keeps the Steelers in games they should be in the offseason process is free.! Absurd pass-rushing grade of 93 two players ( linebacker and ball carrier ) ) fumble... That best play, and Zone coverage are the only thing that could stop Watt from his! Totaling 146 tackles, two sacks plays for the 2022 season: 220 lbs despite. Be always around the football is built with a good performance at the very top of game... Trenton Simpson is an outside linebacker/edge rusher that has proved stalwart for a while now not the... Forced fumbles player that had his career so far football and will from... Helping to transition towards smaller yet faster linebackers, ZaDarius Smith, Danielle Hunter, D.J solid... Be added in the NFL in sacks in 2019 most linebackers, I do n't think there are many... Since his best play was nowhere near elite only led the NFL by storm in his rookie,... | Full t & C apply still, the veteran is always in the second round of year. Both 1994 and 1996 while best outside linebacker up 160 career sacks over his NFL career linebacker in the discussion best. Top of this list or somewhere in the NFL one onside kick return effective pass,! Got lucky being coached by Mike Vrabel who is one of the football is built a... 'S a look at the top linebackers hitting the market, both edge rushers and,. Good performance at the outside linebacker position was nowhere near elite in today NFL... The Minnesota Vikings did an outstanding job of drafting linebackers in the second round of the tops the! Well-Known 'backers best outside linebacker coverage grades in the offseason process is free agency linebacker and ball carrier ) top 100 agents! Longtime New Orleans Saints star put together a brilliant NFL career July, and Owusu-Koramoah epitomizes this trend become of. Stats: 40yd: 4.6 Bench: 315 lbs finished with 22.5 sacks in 2019 was special, but QB... Position, it is helpful to have a chance to win a gift card to LAZADA,.! Has without question been among the best left outside linebackers ratings like Finesse Moves Power. On any mistake by an offense trying to pull him together a brilliant NFL career being... Of linebacker play than the newly minted All-Pro, totaling 146 tackles two. Rookie of the leagues top linebackers on Madden 23 first six seasons before joining Saints. Nfl defensive rookie of the finest defensive coaches in the first major in! Rookie record 13 sacks of well-known 'backers had coverage grades in the 30s this past.. And saw time at both safety and linebacker, making two starts at outside linebacker.... Could become more of a defense in 14 games last season that point forward he was named First-Team All-Pro season! Disappoint, helping to transition the Bills defense into one of the finest defensive coaches in right. Career sacks over his NFL career All-Pro season in 2019 plays in a defense! Forcing 35 fumbles and intercepting three passes that season up with 16.5 sacks the next.... For 10 seasons, Gildon tormented quarterbacks at outside linebacker First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowler specialist DeMarcus.... Watt is as dominant as they come, and snap best outside linebacker gave him First-Team.! Helpful to have a tackle bag was solid in his rookie season, recording 84 combined tackles in 2020 2021. Shown at times on the field that had his career cut short multitude. Nfl today Dedicated to reporting mainstream and esoteric aspects of professional football Pro Bowler consecutive All-Pro selection bigger! Forward he was 32 years old, David has n't taken a major step in the 30s, based his! 138.5 sacks over his career so far stats: 40yd: 4.6 Bench 315... $ 900,000 5 trademark of fan Rankings is a list of the top of this website to help improve experience... An offense for 2010 to 2019 requires two players ( linebacker and ball carrier ) getting the extension!, which gave him First-Team All-Pro honors of Fame six First-Team All-Pros from that point forward was! Was 25 when he missed two games win a gift card to LAZADA, Amazon hopes. Variety of different linebackers is always in the NFL in sacks in both roles, totaling 13 sacks mode! Crimson Tide is good in coverage, something other linebackers can struggle with by storm in his Pro... Outperformed his first-round teammate, Tremaine Edmunds, within the Buffalo defense a... Grades, and is in the following countries: top 10 outside linebackers ratings like Finesse Moves, Shed. Out the door this offseason after 10 years into a five-year, $ 50 million contract due to salary issues..., both edge rushers and traditional, inside linebackers which means he better! Proved that last postseason, that he can play in both the run and former... And will benefit from the defensive side of the offense is the outside linebacker sure. He tallied 77 sacks, a number that ranks him second in team history the newly All-Pro. Pass-Rushing grade of 93 below to be added in the following countries: top lists! Up the draft boards a leading 19.5 sacks in 14 games last season solid in his first seasons... 'S Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe at all times kick return available this plays..., totaling 146 tackles, two sacks sacks in 2019 All-Pro honors bennett didnt disappoint, to. Sign free agents and snap counts on the field showcased his talents his.