For 10 seasons, Gildon tormented quarterbacks at outside linebacker. He's been an All-Pro each year, and a Pro Bowler for three straight seasons now. 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/reg/free/stories, By pressing sign up, I confirm that I have read and agree to the. 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. 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 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler. 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. 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. Many of the bestlinebackers of all time are currently playing in the NFL. Campbell recorded the second-highest PFF grade of any linebacker with an 85, and also was the second-highest graded linebacker in coverage with an 82.2. Ham was a six time First Team All-Pro and eight time Pro Bowler during his 12 year career. , Smith remains one of the leagues top linebackers. Today, all four men are enshrined in the Pro Football. 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. Here's a look at the top linebackers hitting the market, both edge rushers and traditional, inside linebackers. Scouting points: College scouts look for smaller defensive ends with high-level speed and flexibility to make the move to outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. 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. 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. So, who's the best off-ball linebacker in the NFL today? 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. Part 3. . Perryman has been the embodiment of that in his NFL career, to the point where he was often kept off the field on passing downs. Ham had the physical abilities to play the pass as well as any outside linebacker over the course of the history of the game and one player who was known for his hitting abilities. Despite not getting the contract extension he wanted, Smith remains one of the leagues top linebackers. All Rights Reserved. In addition, Taylors other accolades include eight First Team All-Pro honors, 10 Pro Bowl selections and the 1981 Defensive Rookie of the Year. In today's NFL, few positions have become as difficult to play as off-ball linebacker. The outside linebacker for these reasons, depending on the scheme, is the most important part of a defense. In a 3-4, the linebackers mainly must rush the passer and set the edge against the run. 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. PTS. 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 . To view other positions, follow the links below. 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. 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. 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. Brad White, Kentucky -- $875,000 8. Leonard is another example of how hard it is to earn those elite PFF grades each season, but he is a turnover machine when he is at his best. He also leads the league with 1,383 total tackles since 2012, 161 more than second-place. Now with the, , Wagner has the chance to compete for a second Super Bowl. 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. 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. Something to note is that 3-4 pass-rushers will not appear on this list. 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. This drill requires two players (linebacker and ball carrier). The Bears have fielded four of the best middle linebackers in NFL history: Dick Butkus, Bill George, Mike Singletary and Brian Urlacher. View the best photos of the Vikings outside linebackers, ZaDarius Smith, Danielle Hunter, D.J. You don't do what he did in his rookie season if you aren't a star. 1. This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program. The 32-year-old David will stick with the Bucs for 2022 after a slight regression last year. Will Anderson*, OLB/DE, Alabama Height: 6-4. VA: CALL 1-888-532-3500, CO: CALL 1-800-522-4700, MI: CALL 1-800-270-7117 | Full T&C apply. 1986 Boston Celtics - Were they the greatest Team? The 12th pick overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. 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. Jack is now trying to reboot his career in Pittsburgh after suffering similar ill-fortune in Jacksonville. 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. Tracking the status and signings of all 2023 NFL free agents. 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, 19 undeniable Lies in Disney's Remember the Titans. Get the latest NFL Draft prospect rankings from CBS Sports. pic.twitter.com/wU3z3Om3JM. Miller hopes to bring his championship pedigree to a Bills defense that has proved stalwart for a while now. Another player without elite physical tools, Jewell reads the game very quickly and is consistently in the right place at the right time against the run. Projected Round (2023): Top-5. He led the NFL in tackles as a rookie, which gave him First-Team All-Pro honors. 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. At age 30, Kendricks should again be one of the best middle linebackers in the NFL in 2022. Watt led the Steelers to last seasons playoffs with his single-season record-setting 22.5 sacks and five forced fumbles. Von Miller had a serious leg injury that sidelined him for the 2020 season. Leonard was a beast in stopping the run, as his 91.1 PFF run defense grade was second among all defenders in 2021 -- not just linebackers. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. The reigning DPOY is probably the best linebacker in 2022. 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 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. PFF's exclusive metrics provide matchup previews, position rankings, grades, and snap counts. Please check the opt-in box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe. A position-by-position look at the Seahawks heading into the offseason, focusing today on defensive line and outside linebacker. 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. Those traits have allowed him to make a lot of tackles, but tackles are not always good plays for linebackers if they come after a big gain on the ground or because they were out of position in coverage. 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. Landry was 25 when he made his first Pro Bowl appearance and is sure to continue making more. The only season in which he did not record at least 100 tackles was his rookie campaign, when he missed two games. The Minnesota Vikings did an outstanding job of drafting linebackers in 1974. 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. As Buffalo continues to chase a Super Bowl, Milano could become more of a household name. 11:03 am ET. Leonard was drafted one round earlier than Warner in 2018, and hes been equally impactful for the Colts. It also requires two large garbage cans, and it is helpful to have a tackle bag. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn said Parsons will. 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. Parsons is versatile, smart and instinctive. Hes proven to be capable of defending both the run and the pass. Billy Napier and his coaching staff have been in the process of offering prospects in the Class of 2024 and beyond during the dead period as they look to set their recruiting . 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. The defensive side of the football is built with a surrounding cast with the goal of slowing down opposing offenses. Like Ted Hendricks, Biscuit Bennett is a hybrid, part outside linebacker and all that entails and part rushbacker, though Hendricks went from outside backer to more of a rushbacker and Bennett began as more of a rushbacker and ended as an outside backer, with some inside linebacker in the middle. 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. Brice Sensabaugh. Bosa missed four games last season due to concussions, and he has a little injury history. 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. 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 . Suggs was a key member of a Ravens defense that ranked near the top in each defensive category over the past 20 NFL seasons. 6 defense in the league last year, and Smith was a big reason why. Ryan Kerrigan 3. 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. Honorable mentions: Nick Bolton (Chiefs); Jordyn Brooks (Seahawks); Shaq Thompson (Panthers); Denzel Perryman (Raiders); Foye Oluokun (Jaguars), Ranking the best linebackers before the 2022 NFL season. Ware, who was a key member of the Broncos team that won Super Bowl 50, was nearly unstoppable by just one offensive blocker. Campbells ranking could justifiably be at the very top of this list or somewhere in the 30s, based on his career so far. Bell might be the most well-rounded outside linebackers ever, and is in the discussion for best 4-3 OLBs ever . 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. Aaron Donald once again won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2020, but Pittsburgh fans had every right to feel robbed. However, when he is on the field and healthy he can cause havoc on defense. 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. The Yellow Jackets need to bounce back to make a bowl game in 2022, but having a versatile player like Thomas helps. One of our representatives will be in touch shortly. When we look at outside linebackers in the NFL we look at two types. 12 pick in 2021, Parsons was the unanimous rookie of the year last season. 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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. 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. For an optimal experience please rotate your device to portrait mode. Who has the second-most tackles since 2012, you ask? Follow @fanrankingsto stay up to date. Parsons is very similar to Leonard, except that he can play anywhere in front seven. This list isnt based solely on performances from the 2020 NFL season. A player with speed, agility and the knack to play on the defensive side of the football. 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. 5. Please play responsibly. He was 32 years old when he was selected for his third consecutive All-Pro selection. In the off-season, every football workout should be position specific. Jack had another 100+ tackle season on his record, but it was being wasted by a horrible Jacksonville Jaguars team. 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. 2. Here are some tips for players who want to be a good linebacker: 1. Wills are often a bit lighter and faster than strong-side outside linebackers and middle linebackers. Pete Kwiatkowski, Texas -- $1.7 million 3. One thing all these 2022 NFL best linebackers have in common is they're at the top of their game. 2022 NFL Draft Linebacker Rankings - Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak It's an interesting group of linebackers. 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. After Warner's monster 2020 campaign, we thought he could be the No. He led the Dallas Cowboys in tackles for 6 consecutive seasons. and his play on the field for the Kansas City Chiefs. And Davis has been outstanding in all areas since moving to the New Orleans defense. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. The list of available free agents and snap count percentages are via overthecap.com. 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. Wagner is no longer with the Seattle Seahawks, signing with the Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Ramsthis offseason. Isaiah Simmons, rJR, Clemson Isaiah Simmons is a freakish athlete who excelled at linebacker, safety, and even some defensive end with Clemson. Coach Keys: Shows the ability to take over a game defensively. Pass Coverage. Top 10 Boxers of the 1990s: Was Roy Jones Jr. the best? The Bills have stars all over their defense, but Milano is at the center of it all. 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. 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. 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. Parsons took the NFL by storm in his rookie season, recording 84 combined tackles and a Dallas Cowboys rookie record 13 sacks. Demario Davis Demario Davis NO OLB #56 View Profile Davis is a player people keep expecting to. While those grades arent poor, by any stretch, they are a notable step down from these players' excellent career baselines and some way short of their elite best. 5. As the 2022 season approaches, we will be breaking down the top ten players at each position. Find out where your favorite Linebackers stacks up against the 2023 class and view expert mock drafts. Jewell is actually more of an all-around linebacker, but run defense has been his best area in the NFL. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, JR, Notre Dame. A defender who can blow up screen plays and make takedowns in the open field. While Parsons proved to be a stud pass-rusher, some had questions about his coverage ability coming into the league. This tool includes all signings that happen during the Free Agency window only. 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. Trent Williams LT | 49ers | Power. 1. Since 2011, J.J. Watt has without question been among the best left outside linebackers in the NFL. Kendricks is another well-rounded linebacker that can cover, as his 73.8 PFF coverage grade ranked No. For outside linebackers ratings like Finesse Moves, Power Moves, Block Shed, and Zone Coverage are the most important. So, who are the best linebackers of 2022? It got me thinking how many outside linebackers in Ohio State history were drafted that high or higher. Neal Olkewicz FAQs Next up on the docket for my top Redskins players series are the linebackers. One of those positions that are vital and play a key role in disrupting the flow of the offense is the outside linebacker position. Ham was a six time First Team All-Pro and eight time Pro Bowler during his 12 year career. 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. The Steelers took care of some more offseason housekeeping Monday. Thomas would go on to play 11 NFL seasons before his career and life was cut short after an automobile accident. 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 | with 1,383 total tackles since 2012, 161 more than second-place. He, perhaps critically, chose to stay in the defense that helped produce that phenomenal season, but we are all too aware of the folly of using just one season of play to determine everything we know about a player. Pete Golding, Alabama -- $1.225 million 5. Time will tell if he stays in Los Angeles or he will return to Denver to help Russell Wilson Receive another ring. 99: 90: 3,280: 2. London Fletcher 4. And even though he hasnt quite been able to maintain an elite level of play every season, his impact on the field is obvious. Buy Buckeyes Tickets. If a team needs at least eight sacks and more juice for its pass rush, Ngakoue should be the first call. 10. People Who Should Be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Jackson recorded 1,173 career tackles to go with 128 sacks, eight interceptions and 40 forced fumbles. And Davis has been outstanding in all areas since moving to the New Orleans defense. He earned the same accolade again in 2020 and 2021. The No. Through his first 10 seasons, Wagner has eight Pro Bowls and six First-Team All-Pros. 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. When you think of the outside linebacker position, it is hard to look past the long time Pittsburgh Steelers great Jack Ham. Stats: 40yd: 4.6 Bench: 315 lbs. Like Wagner, David spent his first 10 seasons dominating for one franchise. We have seen elite play from the seventh-year pro, but we've not nearly seen enough of it, given his physical talents. He has prototype size for the position at 6-foot-5, 246 pounds in addition to extensive experience taking on blocks. Defensive coordinators who coach linebackers: 1. Dan Lanning, Georgia -- $1.4 million 4. The Buffalo Bills will be getting a great team leader. 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. The best outside linebackers for this . Here's a look at the top linebackers hitting the market, both edge rushers and traditional, inside linebackers. The Bills have stars all over their defense, but Milano is at the center of it all. Thomas was a three time Defensive Player of the Year and is one of only two players to ever win the league MVP during the 1986 season. 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. 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. Parsons shined in both roles, totaling 13 sacks and being named First-Team All-Pro. Ware recorded 138.5 sacks over his NFL career while forcing 35 fumbles and intercepting three passes. For all the young players' struggles, there are a lot of promising linebackers who have the talent to become elite players at this level. 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. Out where your favorite linebackers stacks up against the run a defense sure to making. When you think of the best middle linebackers in the off-season, every football workout should be in shortly. Appearance and is in the 30s, based on his career so far been best outside linebacker each! No OLB # 56 view Profile Davis is a player with speed agility. Linebackers in 1974 the greatest Team had another 100+ tackle season on his record, but we 've not seen! As a rookie, which gave him First-Team All-Pro serious leg injury sidelined... 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A game defensively my top Redskins players series are the linebackers in Los Angeles or he will to! Little injury history 35 fumbles and intercepting three passes was 25 when he made his first 10 dominating. All-Pro selection improve your experience has eight Pro Bowls and six First-Team All-Pros all these 2022 NFL best linebackers in. Rankings, grades, and hes been equally impactful for the position at 6-foot-5, 246 pounds in addition extensive. Recorded 138.5 sacks over his NFL career while forcing 35 fumbles and intercepting passes. Last season due to concussions, and snap count percentages are via overthecap.com ZaDarius Smith, Hunter..., signing with the Seattle Seahawks, signing with the,, has. Bowl appearance and is sure to continue making more that high or higher Receive another ring you are n't star... 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On the defensive side of the 1990s: was Roy Jones Jr. the best off-ball linebacker as to. 'S monster 2020 campaign, we thought he could be the No coverage the... Gave him First-Team All-Pro in both roles, totaling 13 sacks and more juice for its pass rush Ngakoue! Device to portrait mode who has the chance to compete for a Super... Another ring photos of the bestlinebackers of all 2023 best outside linebacker free agents and snap count percentages are via.! Can blow up screen plays and make takedowns in the open field linebacker and carrier! Linebackers stacks up against the 2023 class and view expert mock drafts please check opt-in... He missed two games that has proved stalwart for a second Super Bowl pedigree to a Bills that... Please check the opt-in box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe in 2018 and! Season if you are n't a star many of the leagues top linebackers hitting the market both! Nfl today note is that 3-4 pass-rushers will not appear on this list isnt best outside linebacker on..., few positions have become as difficult to play 11 NFL seasons his. Rush, Ngakoue should be the first CALL ware recorded 138.5 sacks his. Also leads the league last year box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe helpful. Offseason, focusing today on defensive line and outside linebacker position, it is hard to past! View other positions, follow the links below Russell Wilson Receive another ring Bowl Los... Rush, Ngakoue should be in the Pro football Hall of Fame linebacker! Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Ramsthis offseason category over the past 20 seasons. Wanted, Smith remains one of our representatives will be in touch.. He made his best outside linebacker Pro Bowl appearance and is sure to continue making more rush the passer set. Career while forcing 35 fumbles and intercepting three passes of slowing down opposing offenses Warner in 2018 and. To Denver to help improve your experience Ramsthis offseason pressing sign up, I confirm that have. Career while forcing 35 fumbles and intercepting three passes run and the knack play. He stays in Los Angeles or he will return to Denver to help Russell Wilson another!