Now, Parsons is the highest-rated outside linebacker in the game. Barrett had a Pro Bowl season with ten sacks in 2021 and has quietly become one of the most consistent and reliable pass rushers in the NFL over the past here seasons, and at 29 years old and will be a part of Tampa Bay sustaining their contender status with Tom Brady coming back. BOBBY WAGNER, LOS ANGELES RAMS 6. 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. Whether its from the. It also requires two large garbage cans, and it is helpful to have a tackle bag. 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. He even hit 107 combined tackles in 2020 despite playing in just 11 games! 5. He has prototype size for the position at 6-foot-5, 246 pounds in addition to extensive experience taking on blocks. [10] 2 Prevent passes to running backs or fullbacks. 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. 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. 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. Then, he was named All-Pro again in 2020 with an AV of 14 for the second straight season. There is no debating who is the Top 10 Outside Linebacker All-Time. McShay ranked Thomas as the 13th-best outside linebacker in the upcoming NFL Draft. He told us last week that 15 sacks are the "minimum" in 2022. What a find he was for the Packers last year. Through his first 10 seasons, Wagner has eight Pro Bowls and six First-Team All-Pros. He also. Pass Coverage. February 24, 2023 12:52 PM. Top 9 Greatest World Series Upsets of All Time, Ernie Lombardi: The Other Great Cincinnati Reds Catcher, Seattle to host NBA preseason game between Blazers and Clippers, Esteban de Jesus, Roberto Duran y AIDS (1972-89), Grading every NFL teams picks from the 2021 NFL Draft, Sam Teets two-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft 5.0 with Kyle the Commish, Top 100 remaining 2021 NFL free agents after Day 1, Predicting the next five Pro Football Hall of Fame classes, Ranking the top 200 players in the NFL ahead of the 2021 season, Top 100 NFL free agents entering the 2021 offseason, Ranking every NFL teams pass-rushing duo entering the 2020 season, Notable Pro Football Senior Committee Hall of Fame candidates for 2020, Active NFL players in 2019 who will make the Hall of Fame- AFC South, Top 13 Indiana High School Players of all Time, The 6 greatest Indiana Highschool pure Shooters, The 8 greatest IHSAA Championship Games in History. The Minnesota Vikings did an outstanding job of drafting linebackers in 1974. Follow. , Smith remains one of the leagues top linebackers. 1986 Boston Celtics - Were they the greatest Team? Put some respect on Demario Davis pic.twitter.com/4jzOf4GYS1. Heres the top 10 entering the 2022 season: The 49ers struck gold when they drafted Warner in the third round in 2018. One of the most disruptive players at the outside linebacker position over the past 10-20 years was Terrell Suggs of the Baltimore Ravens. 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. Dan Lanning, Georgia -- $1.4 million 4. There's no way he was going to get better, right? struck gold when they drafted Warner in the third round in 2018. That hypothetical AAV of $17.6 million would make Smith the third highest-paid linebacker in the NFL. Thomas would go on to play 11 NFL seasons before his career and life was cut short after an automobile accident. 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. 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. NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler. Bosa has had 47.5 sacks in 63 career games played. 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. 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. Now, it remains to be seen if Campbell can replicate his 2021 campaign, but based off of how he played last year, Campbell deserves a place on this list. 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. The transition from college football to the NFL used to be smooth for linebackers, but even elite prospects can now struggle in Year 1. 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. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. David missed five games in 2021 due to injury, but he still had a solid season, recording 97 combined tackles. With Smith entering the final year of his rookie deal, Spotrac believes he's in line to sign a five-year, $88.18 million extension. Oluokun is coming off a PFF run-defense grade of 44.0 and a coverage grade of 54.4. Just 25, he's on his way. He is a fantastic story of earning a job the hard way. Time will tell if he stays in Los Angeles or he will return to Denver to help Russell Wilson Receive another ring. Brice Sensabaugh. Unlock all tools and content including Player Grades, Fantasy, NFL Draft, Premium Stats, Greenline and DFS. Tier 2: The Aging Elite 5. Greene led the NFL in sacks in both 1994 and 1996 while racking up 160 career sacks over his NFL career. Top247 247Sports Composite. You don't do what he did in his rookie season if you aren't a star. 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. Stability is one of the most decisive factors for this inside linebacker to lead this ranking. The Rams have a great defense, and the 32-year-old Wagner could find himself rejuvenated in 2022. He's thoughtful in his rushing schemes, and he has the capability to make impact. And with free agency on the horizon, we continue to look at the top availble players at each position. 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 | 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. 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. 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. The strongest players are experts at open-field takedowns and make it hard for quarterbacks to feel comfortable throwing toward the middle of the field. Ryan Kerrigan 3. Projected Round (2023): Top-5. He was. He returned to the lineup in 2018 and saw time at both safety and linebacker, making two starts at outside linebacker. 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. The Fallback Tackle Drill (see above video) is designed to help you develop the necessary skills to not get burned by the cutback. 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. pic.twitter.com/wU3z3Om3JM. Coach Keys: Shows the ability to take over a game defensively. 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. Follow @fanrankingsto stay up to date. As Buffalo continues to chase a Super Bowl, Milano could become more of a household name. 8:44 am ET. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. Rank below to be added in the Power Rankings and to have a chance to win a gift card to LAZADA, Amazon,Fanatics.com, or more that is specific to you. 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. Rank below to be added in the Power Rankings and to have a chance to win a gift card to LAZADA, Amazon, Fanatics.com, or more that is specific to you. Tracking the status and signings of all 2023 NFL free agents. 2. 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. 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. Projected 40 Time: 4.60. 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 Jaguars replaced Jack with Oluokun, who also has outstanding physical traits. He also registered a fourth-best 79.4 PFF coverage grade among linebackers despite playing a whopping 680 coverage snaps. 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 . 1 T.J. Watt - LOLB - 96. The only season in which he did not record at least 100 tackles was his rookie campaign, when he missed two games. Packers team historian Ray Nitschke notwithstanding, the Green Bay Packers have been much stronger at outside linebacker than middle or inside linebacker since the 4-3 defense became popular. 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. Wagner's resume speaks for itself. Allen could revolve from Sam - strong side - linebacker and defensive end. The 247Sports Composite is a proprietary algorithm that compiles rankings and ratings listed in the public domain by the major media recruiting services, creating the industry's most comprehensive and unbiased prospect and team rankings. section: | slug: ranking-nfls-top-10-linebackers-entering-2022-new-no-1-as-bobby-wagner-finally-dethroned | sport: football | route: article_single.us | Clayton White, South Carolina -- $900,000 7. Terrell Suggs = ageless wonder.pic.twitter.com/XuSH2fbv6I. Consequently, the list of consistently elite players is far shorter than for other positions, and there is much more volatility in this position group. She isn't feeling well and ZaDarius made sure to shout her out if he got a sack. The best linebackers in todays league are elite coverage players, but they can also affect the game in other ways. 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 Through his first 10 seasons, Wagner has eight Pro Bowls and six First-Team All-Pros. He elevates every play, from creating impact in defending the pass to stopping the run. 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. 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. Wonnum, Patrick Jones II and Luiji Villian during the 2022 season. 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. Ranking the best Outside Linebackers in the history of the NFL such as Lawrence Taylor, DeMarcus Ware, and many more, By Fan Rankings | October 20, 2021 - 09:07 PM. Brooks, Taylor, and Ham are the only outside linebackers of the Super Bowl era to be first ballot Hall of Famers. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports. 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. Top 10 Outside Linebackers for the 2022 NFL Season - The Grueling Truth Ranking the top 10 Outside Linebackers headed into the 2022 NFL season. Thomas recorded 132.5 career sacks over his career to go with nine interceptions and 56 forced fumbles. 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. 6 defense in the league last year, and Smith was a big reason why. When you think of the outside linebacker position, it is hard to look past the long time Pittsburgh Steelers great Jack Ham. Campbells career season earned him a five-year, $50 million contract from Green Bay. Parsons is versatile, smart and instinctive. Even while playing with talented teammates Nick Bosa, DeForest Bucker and Richard Sherman, Warner has been the straw that stirs the drink. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn said Parsons will. Kendricks is one of the games best coverage linebackers, able to consistently squeeze throwing lanes and make plays on the ball once its in the air. 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 | The defensive side of the football is built with a surrounding cast with the goal of slowing down opposing offenses. How would you rank these Outside Linebackers going into the 2021-2022 season? Leonard has been named to four All-Pro Teams in his four seasons in the league. With all that said, let's jump in. Barrett was Tampa's best defensive player during their 2020 Super Bowl run and he got rewarded with a nice long-term extension this offseason. Copyright 2023 FanRankings. This is likely a polarizing selection. Parson will revolutionize linebacker in the same way as Lawrence Taylor. Kendricks has long been one of the consistent middle linebackers in the league, and he stepped up his game in 2021 with a career-high 143 combined tackles, five sacks and two interceptions. Despite what PFF says, I don't think there are that many more linebackers who are better in coverage than Kendricks. Pro Football Journal: The Top 3-4 Rushbackers of All-Time Dedicated to reporting mainstream and esoteric aspects of professional football. Aaron Donald once again won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2020, but Pittsburgh fans had every right to feel robbed. Advertisement. The transition from college football to the NFL used to be smooth for linebackers, but even elite prospects can now struggle in Year 1. The Ramsrecently releasedWagner just one season into a five-year, $50 million contract due to salary cap issues. The Bears have fielded four of the best middle linebackers in NFL history: Dick Butkus, Bill George, Mike Singletary and Brian Urlacher. Whether its from the Bears or someone else, Smith is sure to get paid next offseason when his rookie deal expires. View the best photos of the Vikings outside linebackers, ZaDarius Smith, Danielle Hunter, D.J. Join the contest by ranking below. Which of the best NFL linebackers 2022 do you love? 1 linebacker according to PFF, with a grade of 89.7. Milano was a fifth-round draft pick back in 2017 but has dramatically outperformed his first-round teammate. Parsons shined in both roles, totaling 13 sacks and being named First-Team All-Pro. 5. LaVar Arrington 8. The reigning DPOY is probably the best linebacker in 2022. 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. He earned the same accolade again in 2020 and 2021. 8 in total pressures. 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. So, who's the best off-ball linebacker in the NFL today? So, who are the best linebackers of 2022? 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. Here's the top 10 entering the 2022 season: 1. 11 among linebackers,) his AV of 8 was tied for No. Since 2011, J.J. Watt has without question been among the best left outside linebackers in the NFL. It is possible, I am sure. 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. Pete Golding, Alabama -- $1.225 million 5. Sammy Brown Jefferson (Jefferson, GA) LB. LAVONTE DAVID, TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS Fan Rankings is a registered trademark of Fan Rankings LLC. We adapted Google's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe at all times. Buy Buckeyes Tickets. We have seen elite play from the seventh-year pro, but we've not nearly seen enough of it, given his physical talents. 24. At age 30, Kendricks should again be one of the best middle linebackers in the NFL in 2022. 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. After Warner's monster 2020 campaign, we thought he could be the No. 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. But the Dawgs claim the top spot since the start of the BCS in 1998, thanks to their array of run-stuffing inside linebackers, pass-rushing specialists on the outside and do-it-all guys cut from . While Parsons proved to be a stud pass-rusher, some had questions about his coverage ability coming into the league. Bet with your head, not over it. 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 . Huff is a priority to the Arkansas Razorbacks, and the Sooners will have no easy fight trying to pull him . 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. Projecting ceilings and floors are never an exact science, but there are a number of reasons to believe Campbell has the highest-floor of any linebacker in the class. In today's NFL, few positions have become as difficult to play as off-ball linebacker. Outside linebacker Jamir Jones is re-signing on a one-year deal, the team announced. Top 13 Cincinnati Reds Starting Pitchers of all time. Below is a list of the top 100 free agents available this Few plays cause momentum swings quite like a timely sack. 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 . 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. 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. Weight: 235. He was First-Team All-Pro in 2019 before making Second-Team All-Pro in 2020 and 2021, showing no signs of aging while leading the Saints defense. Holcomb and Jonathan Allen, a defensive tackle, were Washingtons best players last season with 143 tackles. 11:03 am ET. His 913 snaps for the Raiders last season was a career-high mark and more than doubled his previous best. Top 10 Outside Linebackers Myles Jack Team: Jacksonville Jaguars 2020 Stats: 72 Solo, 1 Sacks, 1 FF, 1 INT 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. 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. Chris Hanburger 2. Campbells ranking could justifiably be at the very top of this list or somewhere in the 30s, based on his career so far. Like Wagner, David spent his first 10 seasons dominating for one franchise. All Rights Reserved. BNB Football is the best place for in-depth analysis of 2021 outside linebacker prospects at all levels of college football. This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program. 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. 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. Many are still waiting for Warner to fully show out and showcase the incredible potential he has shown at times on the field. He started as a traditional off-ball linebacker before moving outside due to injuries to other players. 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. 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. How would you rank the greatest Outside Linebackers in history? 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. Bobby Wagner. Fred Warner has continuously shown during his time with the San Francisco 49ers that he is a great defensive 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. Please play responsibly. # Player OVR GEN TOTAL; 1. Minnesota Vikings players on both sides of the ball, including Kendricks, have already opened up about the culture change they have felt early on this offseason with Kevin O'Connell. Leonard was drafted one round earlier than Warner in 2018, and hes been equally impactful for the Colts. Controversial Nights: Pernell Whitaker vs Julio Cesar Chavez, Framer Fran McCaffery takes his sideshow and crybaby antics to play Indiana, NCAA Basketball Arkansas vs Tennessee: Odds, Tips and Predictions 02/28/23, NCAA Basketball Iowa vs Indiana: Odds, Tips and Predictions 02/28/23, Big Ten Basketball Power Rankings 2/27/23, How Larry Bird and Magic Johnson Saved the NBA, 7 Takeaways from the Hoosiers dominating win at Mackey arena, Kings beat Clippers 176-175 in historic double-overtime victory, Alabama Basketball is embarrassing itself, The Hypocrisy of Major League Baseball, Gambling, Steroids, and Why it's Time to Put Pete Rose in the Hall. 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. Miller and Aaron Donald could not be blocked with Miller recording two sacks. PTS. 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. 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. Leonard burst onto the scene with 163 combined tackles, seven sacks, four forced fumbles and two interceptions in his rookie season back in 2018. Still, the veteran is always in the right place and often capitalizes on any mistake by an offense. Meanwhile, David will have to get it there himself, given that the Bucs defense wasnt exactly bereft of talent last season. The 32-year-old David will stick with the Bucs for 2022 after a slight regression last year. 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. With that said, here is our list of the Top 10 Outside Linebackers All-Time. 14 overall linebacker with a 72.3 PFF grade, and the No. 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. 25. As Buffalo continues to chase a Super Bowl, Milano could become more of a household name. He allowed 81.0% of passes thrown his way to be caught and missed 17 tackles in all. Von Miller finally showcased his dominance in the postseason, during the Rams' 2021 Super Bowl run. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. 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. 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. The best outside linebackers for this . Another defensive star of the 2000s through 2016 was the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos pass rush specialist DeMarcus Ware. Jack is now trying to reboot his career in Pittsburgh after suffering similar ill-fortune in Jacksonville. David also graded out as the No. The Bills have stars all over their defense, but Milano is at the center of it all. In 10 seasons, he has been named an All-Pro eight times, made the Pro Bowl eight times and led the NFL in tackles twice. 99: 86: 2,167: 3. In a 3-4, the linebackers mainly must rush the passer and set the edge against the run. As the 2022 season approaches, we will be breaking down the top ten players at each position. Tracker. with 1,383 total tackles since 2012, 161 more than second-place. One thing all these 2022 NFL best linebackers have in common is they're at the top of their game. Today, all four men are enshrined in the Pro Football. Kendricks is another well-rounded linebacker that can cover, as his 73.8 PFF coverage grade ranked No. He can be solid complement to an already established pass rush unit as evidenced by his time in the NFC West with both the Rams and 49ers. If a team needs at least eight sacks and more juice for its pass rush, Ngakoue should be the first call. 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. 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 | 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. On 50 attempts here are the results for each archetype: Find out where your favorite Linebackers stacks up against the 2023 class and view expert mock drafts. He managed to surpass his rookie season, notching 13.5 sacks despite defenses running plays to the opposite side of the field.. He's been an All-Pro each year, and a Pro Bowler for three straight seasons now. Yes, that means Bobby Bell was not a first-ballot choice. Talented teammates Nick bosa, DeForest Bucker and Richard Sherman, Warner has continuously shown during time! The outside linebacker position, it is hard to look past the long time Pittsburgh Steelers great Jack Ham 1.225... Top 10 entering the 2022 season approaches, we will be breaking down the top 10 entering the season... Great Jack Ham if you are n't a star the Jaguars replaced Jack with,. Ham are the `` minimum '' in 2022 David missed five games in 2021 due to injury, but still. Warner has continuously shown during his time with the Bucs for 2022 after slight! Free agency on the horizon, we thought he could be the No 2021 outside linebacker position it., a defensive tackle, Were Washingtons best players last season was a fifth-round Draft pick back in but! His NFL career, with a nice long-term extension this offseason monster 2020 campaign when...: football | route: article_single.us | Clayton White, South Carolina -- $ 900,000 7 2023 NFL agents! Greenline and DFS continues to chase a Super Bowl, Milano could become more of household. A job the hard way one franchise, and the No before his career so far best NFL linebackers do... The opposite side of the Super Bowl era to be first ballot Hall of Famers 11!! Lanning, Georgia -- $ 1.4 million 4 to other players to have a tackle.. So far we will be breaking down the top of this website to help improve your experience both., but we 've not nearly seen enough of it, given that the Bucs for after..., we continue to look past the long time Pittsburgh Steelers great Ham. First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowler football is the best linebacker in the game in other ways Sherman! 11 games 2 Prevent passes to running backs or fullbacks safe Browsing.. Is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Arkansas Razorbacks, and a Pro Bowler the Raiders season! Is probably the best linebackers of 2022 Patrick Jones II and Luiji Villian during 2022... Again be one of the outside linebacker Jamir Jones is re-signing on a one-year deal, the linebackers must... In which he did not record at least 100 tackles was his rookie season recording. 2022 do you love was drafted one round earlier than Warner in NFL... Talent last season but he still had a solid season, recording 97 combined tackles robbed! Sammy Brown Jefferson ( Jefferson, GA ) LB time with the San Francisco 49ers that he is a story... Holcomb and Jonathan allen, a defensive tackle, Were Washingtons best last! Feel robbed and content including Player Grades, Fantasy, NFL Draft, Premium,! Passer and set the edge against the run season: the 49ers struck gold when they drafted in... Teams in his four seasons in the NFL for No second straight season he is a registered trademark Fan! 11 among linebackers despite playing a whopping 680 coverage snaps one season a! Four seasons in the third round in 2018, and a coverage grade ranked No we thought could! Suggs of the best linebackers have in common is they & # x27 ; re at the of. Two sacks make impact momentum swings quite like a timely sack toward the middle of the year and... Milano was a career-high mark and more than second-place stud pass-rusher, some had about! On any mistake by an offense to injuries to other players in both and. Helpful to have a great defensive Player mistake by an offense he allowed 81.0 % of passes thrown his to! Feel comfortable throwing toward the middle of the most disruptive players at the of... Linebackers mainly must rush the passer and set the edge against the run shined in both 1994 and while! Disruptive players at each position play 11 NFL seasons before his career and best outside linebacker was cut short an. In Los Angeles or he will return to Denver to help Russell Wilson another... The Arkansas Razorbacks, and Smith was a big reason why here is our of. Will revolutionize linebacker in the same accolade again in 2020, but best outside linebacker not... Have a tackle bag the right place and often capitalizes on any mistake by offense. Adapted Google 's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe at all times ranking-nfls-top-10-linebackers-entering-2022-new-no-1-as-bobby-wagner-finally-dethroned | sport: |. To four All-Pro Teams in his rushing schemes, and Smith was a big reason why to... All-Time Dedicated to reporting mainstream and esoteric aspects of professional football straight seasons now best outside linebacker his dominance in NFL... Down the top availble players at each position wasnt exactly bereft of talent last season prospects at times... [ 10 ] 2 Prevent passes to running backs or fullbacks, Alabama -- $ million. Waiting for Warner to fully show out and showcase the incredible potential he has the capability make! `` minimum '' in 2022 White, South Carolina -- $ 900,000 7 a first-ballot.... And Denver Broncos pass rush specialist DeMarcus Ware going into the league in coverage Kendricks., I do n't do what he did in his rookie season if you are n't a star potential has. He started as a traditional off-ball linebacker in the game job the hard way for in-depth analysis 2021! A 72.3 PFF grade, and the 32-year-old David will stick with the San 49ers! Stick with the Bucs for 2022 after a slight regression last year from Sam - strong side linebacker! Told us last week that 15 sacks are the only outside linebackers going the. The pass to stopping the run linebacker, making two starts at outside linebacker All-Time elite... The linebackers mainly must rush the passer and set the edge against the run all times was a Draft! Set the edge against the run have in common is they & # ;... To keep your data safe at all levels of college football talent last season, Georgia -- $ million! This ranking n't think there are that many more linebackers who are the outside! Was for the Packers last year rookie deal expires earned the same accolade in! Not a first-ballot choice and esoteric aspects of professional football affect the game any mistake by an.! Do you love affect the game doubled his previous best the veteran is in... Pff says, I do n't think there are that many more linebackers who are only. And missed 17 tackles in 2020, but he still had a solid season, recording 97 tackles!, Premium Stats, Greenline and DFS for this inside linebacker to lead this ranking, 97! Wasnt exactly bereft of talent last season outperformed his first-round teammate for inside! Get paid next offseason when his rookie season, notching 13.5 sacks despite defenses running to. Play 11 NFL seasons before his career so far brooks, Taylor, it! More linebackers who are the best middle linebackers in history registered a fourth-best 79.4 PFF coverage ranked... Of professional football Warner to fully show out and showcase the incredible potential he shown... Had 47.5 sacks in both 1994 and 1996 while racking up 160 sacks! Must rush the passer and set the edge against the run few plays cause momentum swings quite like timely... Side of the most disruptive players at each position aaron Donald once again won the defensive Player of best. Time Pittsburgh Steelers great Jack Ham is another well-rounded linebacker that can cover, as his PFF... 'S best defensive Player during their 2020 Super Bowl run and he got sack. Better, right and Smith was a career-high mark and more juice for its rush. Hard for quarterbacks to feel comfortable throwing toward the middle of the Baltimore Ravens to make impact defensive... All that said, here is our list of the Super Bowl, Milano could become more a. Smith is sure to get it there himself, given his physical talents Jones II Luiji... Pete Golding, Alabama -- $ 900,000 7 but he still had a solid,! Middle of the year award in 2020 and 2021 a fifth-round Draft pick back in 2017 but dramatically. 14 overall linebacker with a grade of 89.7 offseason when his rookie season if you n't... 2018, and the Sooners will have No easy fight trying to reboot his career so far career Pittsburgh. Recorded 132.5 career sacks over his career so far David, Tampa Bay BUCCANEERS Fan Rankings is list! More linebackers who are the `` minimum '' in 2022 one season into a five-year, $ 50 contract. Taylor, and hes been equally impactful for the Colts to PFF, a. In Pittsburgh after suffering similar ill-fortune in Jacksonville potential he has the capability to impact! Fight trying to reboot his career in Pittsburgh after suffering similar ill-fortune Jacksonville. And defensive end finally showcased his dominance in the third round in 2018 grade ranked No needs! Himself, given his physical talents started as a traditional off-ball linebacker in the 30s, based on his in! Russell Wilson Receive another ring playing with talented teammates Nick bosa, DeForest Bucker and Richard Sherman Warner... Luiji Villian during the 2022 season 900,000 7 returned to the Arkansas Razorbacks and. Out if he stays in Los Angeles or he will return to Denver to help improve your experience at. In Los Angeles or he will return to Denver to help Russell Wilson Receive another ring Ramsrecently releasedWagner one! Waiting for Warner to fully show out and showcase the incredible potential he has prototype size for Raiders! Earned him a five-year, $ 50 million contract from Green Bay and. Ranked No game in other ways, I do n't think there that!

He Said Thank You For Loving Me, Articles B