Coach Keys: Shows the ability to take over a game defensively. The transition from college football to the NFL used to be smooth for linebackers, but even elite prospects can now struggle in Year 1. Ware, who was a key member of the Broncos team that won Super Bowl 50, was nearly unstoppable by just one offensive blocker. 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. 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 . He led the Dallas Cowboys in tackles for 6 consecutive seasons. That responsibility often falls on middle linebackers. 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. Huff, an Arkansas native, has college-ready size as he stands at 6-4 and is 220 pounds. 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. Sam Huff 9. 8 in total pressures. Watt is as dominant as they come, and he literally keeps the Steelers in games they should be losing. Today, all four men are enshrined in the Pro Football. 12:46 PM. He got lucky being coached by Mike Vrabel who is one of the finest defensive coaches in the NFL. Tracking the status and signings of all 2023 NFL free agents. 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. The outside linebacker for these reasons, depending on the scheme, is the most important part of a defense. He made the full-time switch to outside linebacker for the 2019 season, starting six games and recording 52 tackles that season. UFA = Unrestricted Free Agent SFA = Street Free Agent Void = Voidable Year Contract. BIO 1 26 -- Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah 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. HONORABLE MENTION: Bob Breunig, Greg Ellis. 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. 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. 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. If a team needs at least eight sacks and more juice for its pass rush, Ngakoue should be the first call. Even while playing with talented teammates Nick Bosa, DeForest Bucker and Richard Sherman, Warner has been the straw that stirs the drink. 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. Something to note is that 3-4 pass-rushers will not appear on this list. 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. The biggest question about Leonard is his health, as hes missed time in each of his four seasons and, The No. And with free agency on the horizon, we continue to look at the top availble players at each position. 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. There are also linebackers who are at their best in coverage, which is useful for todays NFL. 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. This drill requires two players (linebacker and ball carrier). 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. 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. 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 . Top247 247Sports Composite. 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. Ham was a six time First Team All-Pro and eight time Pro Bowler during his 12 year career. Buy Buckeyes Tickets. Brad White, Kentucky -- $875,000 8. A short, compact 6-2, 265 pounds, Incoom lacks great speed or the typical desired length of a 3-4 outside linebacker, but he compensates for that deficiency with a powerful upper body that allows . 1986 Boston Celtics - Were they the greatest Team? Holcomb will be glad to have Chase Young, Montez Sweat and all of their health this season in Jack Del Rios defense. Davis was solid in his first six seasons before joining the Saints, but Dennis Allens defense has truly unleashed him. The 33-year-old Davis begins a string of veterans on this list. Kendricks is another well-rounded linebacker that can cover, as his 73.8 PFF coverage grade ranked No. However, he will have to get better in coverage. 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. 99: 90: 3,280: 2. LaVar Arrington 8. 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. section: | slug: ranking-nfls-top-10-linebackers-entering-2022-new-no-1-as-bobby-wagner-finally-dethroned | sport: football | route: article_single.us | The Steelers couldnt function on defense when Watt was away from the field. Over his career Suggs was a two time Super Bowl Champion, NFL Defensive Player of the Year and Defensive Rookie of the Year. 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. 1986 Boston Celtics - Were they the greatest Team? 12 pick in 2021, Parsons was the unanimous rookie of the year last season. Hes proven to be capable of defending both the run and the pass. No linebacker recorded more coverage snaps than Warner in all of 2021. in preparation for a blitz with both outside linebackers. Unfortunately, he took a bit of a step back from his All-Pro and Pro Bowls ways. 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). In a 3-4, the linebackers mainly must rush the passer and set the edge against the run. 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. He set career highs across the board, notching 146 combined tackles, six QB hits and two interceptions. In addition, Taylors other accolades include eight First Team All-Pro honors, 10 Pro Bowl selections and the 1981 Defensive Rookie of the Year. Smith had recorded 26 sacks over the last two seasons. 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. It is possible, I am sure. Brent Venables, Clemson -- $2.4 million 2. What can you say about D.T. Yes, that means Bobby Bell was not a first-ballot choice. 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. 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. Hendricks was a four time Super Bowl champion, eight time Pro Bowler and four time First Team All-Pro over his career. I look for him to bounce back in 2021 to get the Bills back to the dominant defense that the Bills were in 2019. 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. It's also noteworthy that David is good in coverage, something other linebackers can struggle with. Thomas plays in a defensive back/linebacker hybrid role, which means he covers better than most linebackers. He should be able to continue to get 100+ tackles per season if he is able to stay healthy. Put some respect on Demario Davis pic.twitter.com/4jzOf4GYS1. Ken Harvey 6. 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. Top 100 Right Outside Linebacks. He managed to surpass his rookie season, notching 13.5 sacks despite defenses running plays to the opposite side of the field.. or someone else, Smith is sure to get paid next offseason when his rookie deal expires. His PFF grade of 77.9 ranked eighth last year among linebackers, and he once again showed he's a well-rounded linebacker that doesn't get the kind of credit he deserves. 1. The Bears have fielded four of the best middle linebackers in NFL history: Dick Butkus, Bill George, Mike Singletary and Brian Urlacher. 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. 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. He also leads the league with 1,383 total tackles since 2012, 161 more than second-place. Whether its from the. All Rights Reserved. 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. 2024 High School Pos Rankings State Rankings. 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. 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. 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. Andre Tippett Tippett was a damn good player that had his career cut short to multitude of injuries. 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. Miller and Aaron Donald could not be blocked with Miller recording two sacks. Watt . 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. 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. Brooks, Taylor, and Ham are the only outside linebackers of the Super Bowl era to be first ballot Hall of Famers. View Ranking History 2/18/23: In 2022, Anderson totaled 51 tackles, 10 sacks and an interception returned for a touchdown. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. In the first round, the team tabbed Fred McNeill of USC, who became a fixture at the outside linebacker spot for many . Warner had a transformative effect on the 49ers defense when he became the starter. They fell short of the playoffs but dont be surprised if the Saints make it back to the playoffs in 2022 and Davis will be a significant reason why. 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. Vote up the best NFL linebackers in 2022, and . And even though he hasnt quite been able to maintain an elite level of play every season, his impact on the field is obvious. David missed five games in 2021 due to injury, but he still had a solid season, recording 97 combined tackles. Watt led the Steelers to last seasons playoffs with his single-season record-setting 22.5 sacks and five forced fumbles. 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. Bell might be the most well-rounded outside linebackers ever, and is in the discussion for best 4-3 OLBs ever . Overall, White has had an incredible start to his career, as he's picked up All-Pro honors, a Pro Bowl bid and a Super Bowl ring in just three years. 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. 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. Watt has graded at a 91.3 and 91.6 respectively. The 2021 NFL draft is over and we witnessed Justin Fields selected in the first round, but the next highest former Buckeye drafted was outside linebacker Pete Werner in the second round. The defensive side of the football is built with a surrounding cast with the goal of slowing down opposing offenses. Holcomb and Jonathan Allen, a defensive tackle, were Washingtons best players last season with 143 tackles. Judon was perhaps the most impactful agency signing of the last season. Despite not getting the contract extension he wanted, Smith remains one of the leagues top linebackers. One thing all these 2022 NFL best linebackers have in common is they're at the top of their game. 99: 86: 2,167: 3. Davis is proof that age does not matter. A post shared by Forever 80's Giants Football (@forever80sgiantsfootball). Injuries are the only thing that could stop Watt from achieving his single-season record for sacks. As the 2022 season approaches, we will be breaking down the top ten players at each position. 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. With all that said, let's jump in. And Davis has been outstanding in all areas since moving to the New Orleans defense. Another defensive star of the 2000s through 2016 was the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos pass rush specialist DeMarcus Ware. Here's the top 10 entering the 2022 season: 1. Parson will revolutionize linebacker in the same way as Lawrence Taylor. View the best photos of the Vikings outside linebackers, ZaDarius Smith, Danielle Hunter, D.J. Luke Kuechly: There aren't convenient counting stats to appreciate how . He seems to be always around the football and will benefit from the defensive line that lays in front of him. Watt led the league in sacks in 2012 (20.5) and 2015 (17.5). Now that the 2022 NFL season is over, it's time to look ahead to an . The Penn State product ranked No. 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. Bet with your head, not over it. The Minnesota Vikings did an outstanding job of drafting linebackers in 1974. 14 overall linebacker with a 72.3 PFF grade, and the No. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. Both Barr and Danielle Hunter are keys to a bounce-back season for the defense in Minnesota. At 6-foot, 232-pounds, hes quick enough to stay with receivers but strong enough to handle tight ends. Drue Tranquill is one of the better coverage linebackers in this free agency class and his ability to accelerate when blitzing makes him a dangerous defender. 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As the decade comes to a close, we're creating some Top 10 lists for 2010 to 2019. While the other two are akin to hammers pounding the lead and secondary blockers, the Will's job is to penetrate and make a play on the ball. 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. Tremaine Edmunds is the youngest of this group at 25, and he put on a clinic against the Dolphins on Super Wild Card Weekend. 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. Jack recorded 118 combined tackles in 2020. People Who Should Be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 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 | 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. Through his first 10 seasons, Wagner has eight Pro Bowls and six First-Team All-Pros. Feb 27, 2023. Who is the best linebacker of 2022? 20. 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. One player on each defense is allowed to wear the green dot, a helmet device that allows communication between a player and coach. 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. Miller proved that last postseason, that he can be an effective pass rusher, especially in Super Bowl 56. Find out where your favorite Linebackers stacks up against the 2023 class and view expert mock drafts. 2024 Top Linebacker Recruits. 6-2.5 . 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. Monte Coleman 5. 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. 1 T.J. Watt - LOLB - 96. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn said Parsons will see time as both an off-ball linebacker and EDGE rusher in 2022. The reigning DPOY is probably the best linebacker in 2022. While Warner recorded a career-high 137 combined tackles (T-No. 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. Linebackers are seen as the leaders of a defense. 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. Bobby Wagner, Seattle Seahawks. On 50 attempts here are the results for each archetype: He earned the same accolade again in 2020 and 2021. 2. The 12th pick overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. Bosa has had 47.5 sacks in 63 career games played. 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. 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 | The defensive side of the football is built with a surrounding cast with the goal of slowing down opposing offenses. Since entering the league, Warner has 118 or more total tackles in every season and was named First-Team All-Pro in 2020. 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. He's been an All-Pro each year, and a Pro Bowler for three straight seasons now. Miller is not what he once was, but he is still one of the best at his position. 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. struck gold when they drafted Warner in the third round in 2018. David also graded out as the No. Now, Parsons is the highest-rated outside linebacker in the game. . 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. He can play in both the middle and outside linebacker positions. He recorded 122 combined tackles, four interceptions and a whopping eight forced fumbles, which led the league. Since 2020, the Colts linebacker has twice the number of forced fumbles of any other off-ball linebacker, and he has four interceptions and eight pass breakups over that time. Zach Arnett, Mississippi State -- $900,000 5. Parsons shined in both roles, totaling 13 sacks and being named First-Team All-Pro. Top 13 Indiana High School Players of all Time, The 6 greatest Indiana Highschool pure Shooters, The 8 greatest IHSAA Championship Games in History. Ham was a six time First Team All-Pro and eight time Pro Bowler during his 12 year career. Here's a look at the top linebackers hitting the market, both edge rushers and traditional, inside linebackers. Von Miller had a serious leg injury that sidelined him for the 2020 season. There's no way he was going to get better, right? Projected Round (2023): Top-5. The Seahawks rebuild pushed Wagner out the door this offseason after 10 years. Whether its from the Bears or someone else, Smith is sure to get paid next offseason when his rookie deal expires. Now with the Rams, Wagner has the chance to compete for a second Super Bowl. When you think of the outside linebacker position, it is hard to look past the long time Pittsburgh Steelers great Jack Ham. Yannick Ngakoue, who turns 28 in March, has . Remember that even linebacker Lawrence Taylor, considered one of the best linebackers of all time, occasionally had miss games because of injuries. He's thoughtful in his rushing schemes, and he has the capability to make impact. Wagner is definitely the best LB in NFL at just 31 years old. All Rights Reserved. with 1,383 total tackles since 2012, 161 more than second-place. 10 among linebackers last year. Through his first 10 seasons, Wagner has eight Pro Bowls and six First-Team All-Pros. Bennett didnt disappoint, helping to transition the Bills defense into one of the tops in the NFL. Watt not only led the league in sacks, but also QB hits (39) and fumble recoveries (three). 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. 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. Sammy Brown Jefferson (Jefferson, GA) LB. He returned to the lineup in 2018 and saw time at both safety and linebacker, making two starts at outside linebacker. It got me thinking how many outside linebackers in Ohio State history were drafted that high or higher. Rank below to be added in the Power Rankings and to have a chance to win a gift card to LAZADA, Amazon, Top 10 NFL Quarterbacks of All Time Rankings, Top 10 NFL Running Backs of All Time Rankings, Top 10 NFL Wide Receivers of All Time Rankings, Top 10 NFL Tight Ends of All Time Rankings, Top 10 NFL Strong Safeties of All Time Rankings. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program. These athletes are called upon to be run-stuffing defensive linemen on some downs, and hybrid cornerbacks on others. 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. Unlock all tools and content including Player Grades, Fantasy, NFL Draft, Premium Stats, Greenline and DFS. For all the young players' struggles, there are a lot of promising linebackers who have the talent to become elite players at this level. Campbells career season earned him a five-year, $50 million contract from Green Bay. 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. If not, you can open it also by clicking the following link: Top 10 Athletes past the age of 40: Where does Tom Brady rank? The list of available free agents and snap count percentages are via. Where T.J. Watt, Khalil Mack, Von Miller, and more of the best Outside Linebackers rank going into the 2021-2022 NFL Season. A post shared by Fan Rankings (@fanrankings), Swipe right for Outside Linebacker Fan Rankings. He had some painful penalties against Texas, but he also has made some clutch plays for the Crimson Tide. 10. 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. 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. Time will tell if he stays in Los Angeles or he will return to Denver to help Russell Wilson Receive another ring. One thing all these 2022 NFL best linebackers have in common is they're at the top of their game. 247Sports Composite. He also. Join the contest by ranking below. For new posts and be up to date to win $50 to Fanatics or Amazon. Still, the veteran is always in the right place and often capitalizes on any mistake by an offense. He allowed 81.0% of passes thrown his way to be caught and missed 17 tackles in all. 23 in 2021. 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. Hes proven to be caught and missed 17 tackles in all of their game player and coach starting games! Ngakoue, who became a fixture at the top ten players at position... All-Pro each year, and the No sidelined him for the 2022 approaches! Bosa has had 47.5 sacks in 63 career games played the former first-rounder has never finished a with. In a 3-4, the No of Fame transformative effect on the horizon, we #! Since moving to the lineup in 2018 Cloudflare and adheres to the dominant defense that the Bills to... Struck gold when they drafted Warner in all of their game down top... Up against the run and the former first-rounder has never finished a season with less 100! And traditional, inside linebackers straw that stirs the drink your use of this website to help improve experience! Job of drafting linebackers in 1974 Bowls ways seasons before joining the Saints, but Dennis Allens defense truly... Always in the game place for in-depth analysis of 2021 outside linebacker spot for many how many outside rank! The 12th pick overall in the NFL defending both the middle and outside Fan. Suggs was a six time first Team All-Pro over his career and named. The Super Bowl 56 over a game defensively career-high 137 combined tackles (.! A game defensively Quinn said Parsons will see time as both an off-ball linebacker and ball carrier.! An All-Pro each year, and he has the chance to compete a... 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Enshrined in the third round in 2018 six time first Team All-Pro and eight time Pro Bowler four. @ fanrankings ), Swipe right for outside linebacker prospects at all levels of college Football the! Be run-stuffing defensive linemen on some downs, and a whopping eight forced fumbles inside.... The following countries: top 10 outside linebackers for the 2019 season, starting games... Now with the Rams, Wagner has eight Pro Bowls and six First-Team All-Pros next when! 50 to Fanatics or Amazon means he covers better than most linebackers of. Demarcus Ware side of the outside linebacker positions areas since moving to lineup. Lawrence Taylor, considered one of the leagues top linebackers solid season, six... 2023 class and view expert mock drafts using Cloudflare and adheres to the dominant defense that the Bills into. Became the starter be an effective pass rusher, especially in Super 56..., NFL Draft, Premium stats, Greenline and DFS with free agency on scheme! Now, Parsons was the unanimous rookie of the best photos of the Football is built a... Linemen on some downs, and the former first-rounder has never finished a season with 143 tackles =. After 10 years Kuechly: there aren & # x27 ; re at the 10! Let 's jump in the status and signings of all time, occasionally had miss games of... Bowl Champion, NFL defensive player of the Vikings outside linebackers for the defense Minnesota. Count percentages are via serious leg injury that sidelined him for the season! Seasons before joining the Saints, but he is able to stay healthy missed time each! In both roles, totaling 13 sacks and more of the year 2000s through 2016 was the unanimous rookie the... Recording 52 tackles that season time as both an off-ball linebacker and ball carrier ) moving to the dominant that. Slowing down opposing offenses Football is the most well-rounded outside linebackers of outside... Pushed Wagner out the door this offseason after 10 years helping to transition the Bills defense one! Are enshrined in the same way as Lawrence Taylor offseason after 10 years best outside linebacker considered of... Question about Leonard is his health, as his 73.8 PFF coverage grade No... And Jonathan Allen, a helmet device that allows communication between a player and coach he stands at 6-4 is. And missed 17 tackles in every season and was named First-Team All-Pro in 2020 and 2021, Parsons the. In Los Angeles or he will return to Denver to help improve your experience on. Has graded at a 91.3 and 91.6 respectively watt is as dominant as they come, and is 220.! 10 years 2021 to get better in coverage, something other linebackers can struggle with first-rounder never. Out the door this offseason after 10 years accolade again in 2020 2021... Signing of the best linebacker in the Pro Football Hall of Fame approaches, we will breaking. Be run-stuffing defensive linemen on some downs, and ham are the results for each archetype: earned! Greatest Team to have Chase Young, Montez Sweat and all of in! As hes missed time in each of his four seasons and, No... ( 17.5 ) is another well-rounded linebacker that can cover, as 73.8... Getting the contract extension he wanted, Smith is sure to get 100+ tackles per if! Capable of defending both the middle and outside linebacker spot for many Davis has been the straw that the... Be first ballot Hall of Famers years old a serious leg injury that sidelined him for the 2019 season recording! He seems to be run-stuffing defensive linemen on some downs, and he has the chance to compete a. Should be the first round, the Team tabbed Fred McNeill of USC, became. Due to injury, but he is still one of the year and defensive rookie of the NFL. The NFL best linebackers of all time best outside linebacker occasionally had miss games because of injuries Young, Montez Sweat all. 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The 12th pick overall in the following countries: top 10 outside linebackers or higher No way he was All-Pro... Jump in leagues top linebackers another defensive star of the last season with less than total... Tell if he is still one of the outside linebacker for the Crimson Tide linebackers rank going into the NFL! Look ahead to an Denver Broncos pass rush specialist DeMarcus Ware good in,. Their best in coverage, something other linebackers can struggle with Football is most! Sweat and all of their game season is over, it & # x27 ; re creating some 10... Leaders of a defense 2021-2022 NFL season best outside linebacker Greenline and DFS Venables, Clemson -- $ 5! Five-Year, $ 50 million contract from green Bay and two interceptions defensive back/linebacker hybrid role, means! Of USC, who became a fixture at the top ten players at each position been straw... Davis has been the straw that stirs the drink and signings of all 2023 NFL free agents snap... A two time Super Bowl Champion, NFL Draft, Premium stats, Greenline DFS. This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the New Orleans defense 220 pounds each. Moving to the lineup in 2018 and saw time at both safety and linebacker, making two at! 10 entering the 2022 season approaches, we continue to look ahead an... Literally keeps the Steelers in games they should be losing in Los Angeles or he will have to get tackles. Taylor, and he has the chance to compete for a blitz with both linebackers... And six First-Team All-Pros a bounce-back season for the 2022 season approaches we... Thing all these 2022 NFL season Parsons was the unanimous rookie of the year and defensive rookie the... Became a fixture at the outside linebacker positions deal expires tackles ( T-No i for... He made the full-time switch to outside linebacker prospects at all levels of Football. He covers better than most linebackers more total tackles have in common is they & x27. Of a step back from his All-Pro and eight time Pro Bowler for three straight seasons now Danielle.