best outside linebacker
He allowed 81.0% of passes thrown his way to be caught and missed 17 tackles in all. Van Noy has now had stints in Detroit and Miami, but his good PFF grades are almost exclusively reserved for his time in the Patriots defense. Parsons actually finished No. He also had three fumble recoveryies. Fred Warner has continuously shown during his time with the San Francisco 49ers that he is a great defensive player. He also. Our exclusive database, featuring the most in-depth collection of NFL player performance data. 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. Pete Kwiatkowski, Texas -- $1.7 million 3. The Buffalo Bills will be getting a great team leader. Perhaps no player better sums up the volatility of linebacker play than the newly minted All-Pro, De'Vondre Campbell. Hendricks was a four time Super Bowl champion, eight time Pro Bowler and four time First Team All-Pro over his career. 11 among linebackers,) his AV of 8 was tied for No. Parsons is versatile, smart and instinctive. Injuries are the only thing that could stop Watt from achieving his single-season record for sacks. David also graded out as the No. Instinctive and plays downhill in the run game. 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. 23 in 2021. Teams can sign free agents at 4 p.m. March 15. Jackson recorded 1,173 career tackles to go with 128 sacks, eight interceptions and 40 forced fumbles. 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. Bobby Wagner. 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. Chuck Drazenovich 10. Only Donald and Chandler Jones have topped J.J. Watt's younger brother has 47.5 sacks since 2017. Just 25, he's on his way. Jones was an . For new posts and be up to date to win $50 to Fanatics or Amazon. His 170 combined takedowns ranked third among linebackers this past season. 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. 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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. Out of that group of four, outside linebacker Za'Darius Smith has turned out to be the best. From that point forward he was plagued with injuries. Projected Round (2023): Top-5. 2024 High School Pos Rankings State Rankings. src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=674090812743125&ev=PageView&noscript=1"/>. The best linebackers in todays league are elite coverage players, but they can also affect the game in other ways. Holcomb will be glad to have Chase Young, Montez Sweat and all of their health this season in Jack Del Rios defense. 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. This guy. Remember that even linebacker Lawrence Taylor, considered one of the best linebackers of all time, occasionally had miss games because of injuries. Parsons took the NFL by storm in his rookie season, recording 84 combined tackles and a Dallas Cowboys rookie record 13 sacks. 1. Below, we will rank the NFL's top 10 linebackers entering 2022. Thomas recorded 132.5 career sacks over his career to go with nine interceptions and 56 forced fumbles. 1. How would you rank these Outside Linebackers going into the 2021-2022 season? When you think of the outside linebacker position, it is hard to look past the long time Pittsburgh Steelers great Jack Ham. 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. 1. That hypothetical AAV of $17.6 million would make Smith the third highest-paid linebacker in the NFL. One of our representatives will be in touch shortly. So, whos the best off-ball linebacker in the NFL today? Parsons is very similar to Leonard, except that he can play anywhere in front seven. 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. He had 70 tackles in 2021 as well. The Steelers took care of some more offseason housekeeping Monday. All Rights Reserved. We adapted Google's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe at all times. 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. Another defensive star of the 2000s through 2016 was the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos pass rush specialist DeMarcus Ware. 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. Chris Hanburger 2. 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. 1. Wagner's resume speaks for itself. 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. 11:03 am ET. Time will tell if he stays in Los Angeles or he will return to Denver to help Russell Wilson Receive another ring. 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. 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. UFA = Unrestricted Free Agent SFA = Street Free Agent Void = Voidable Year Contract. If you go back and watch him play throughout his rookie season, you'll not only see a talented pass-rusher, but a good linebacker that can read and react quickly. Put some respect on Demario Davis pic.twitter.com/4jzOf4GYS1. Advertisement. Stability is one of the most decisive factors for this inside linebacker to lead this ranking. 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. In contrast to Parsons, Kendricks thrives in pass coverage. Something to note is that 3-4 pass-rushers will not appear on this list. 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. Thomas plays in a defensive back/linebacker hybrid role, which means he covers better than most linebackers. All Rights Reserved. He's thoughtful in his rushing schemes, and he has the capability to make impact. Miller is not what he once was, but he is still one of the best at his position. He signed a monster five-year, $95 million extension last July, and is worth it considering he's just 25. Outside linebacker Jamir Jones is re-signing on a one-year deal, the team announced. Demario Davis Demario Davis NO OLB #56 View Profile Davis is a player people keep expecting to. FBS Power 5 Linebacker Physical Measurables: Height: 6'2" Weight: 220 lbs. In addition, Taylors other accolades include eight First Team All-Pro honors, 10 Pro Bowl selections and the 1981 Defensive Rookie of the Year. at 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. Buy Buckeyes Tickets. The Rams have a great defense, and the 32-year-old Wagner could find himself rejuvenated in 2022. Von Miller had a serious leg injury that sidelined him for the 2020 season. Wagner is no longer with the Seattle Seahawks, signing with the Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Ramsthis offseason. David missed five games in 2021 due to injury, but he still had a solid season, recording 97 combined tackles. He has prototype size for the position at 6-foot-5, 246 pounds in addition to extensive experience taking on blocks. 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. 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? Here's the top 10 entering the 2022 season: 1. The league continues to transition towards smaller yet faster linebackers, and Owusu-Koramoah epitomizes this trend. Wagner is definitely the best LB in NFL at just 31 years old. Brice Sensabaugh. Find out where your favorite Linebackers stacks up against the 2023 class and view expert mock drafts. 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. Watt led the Steelers to last seasons playoffs with his single-season record-setting 22.5 sacks and five forced fumbles. 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. 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. in preparation for a blitz with both outside linebackers. 99: 90: 3,280: 2. 8:44 am ET. He even hit 107 combined tackles in 2020 despite playing in just 11 games! That's what the Sooners seemed to be aiming for as they made the trip over eastern border to offer 2024 linebacker Brian Huff. 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. 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. One thing all these 2022 NFL best linebackers have in common is they're at the top of their game. Charlie Thomas, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. One of the best edge defenders in the game, Miller can still get to the quarterback in his 30s. 1. 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. Kendricks is another well-rounded linebacker that can cover, as his 73.8 PFF coverage grade ranked No. According to Stathead's AV tool, Leonard was tied in having the second-best season of any linebacker last year. Whether its from the Bears or someone else, Smith is sure to get paid next offseason when his rookie deal expires. 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. The Jaguars replaced Jack with Oluokun, who also has outstanding physical traits. Heres the top 10 entering the 2022 season: The 49ers struck gold when they drafted Warner in the third round in 2018. Who has the second-most tackles since 2012, you ask? He should be able to continue to get 100+ tackles per season if he is able to stay healthy. 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. You don't do what he did in his rookie season if you aren't a star. Allen is an ideal 3-4 outside linebacker with his ability to rush the passer and drop into coverage. Hes proven to be capable of defending both the run and the pass. Below is the latest list of Top 100 Right Outside Linebacks with their Madden 23 Ratings. We have the edge rushers that play in a 3-4 scheme like a T.J Watt and Khalil Mack who specializes in rushing the passer. If he is drafted to play in a 4-3, he still will be a good player. 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. Pass Coverage. 10. Miller hopes to bring his championship pedigree to a Bills defense that has proved stalwart for a while now. How would you rank the greatest Outside Linebackers in history? 1. 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 . 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. Watts feat of tying the sack records is remarkable because he missed two games through injuries and was absent in two other games. 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 . This drill requires two players (linebacker and ball carrier). 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. Davis was solid in his first six seasons before joining the Saints, but Dennis Allens defense has truly unleashed him. 1 linebacker according to PFF, with a grade of 89.7. Some of the players in this group have been All-Pro caliber linebackers in the past, but Jones is coming off a PFF grade in the 30s after once looking like the next great young linebacker in the league. Team Spending. The Bills have stars all over their defense, but Milano is at the center of it all. Since entering the league, Warner has 118 or more total tackles in every season and was named First-Team All-Pro in 2020. 15 overall and the top outside linebacker in the 2024 cycle, pledged his commitment to Louisville and Jeff Brohm on Saturday. 2022 NFL Draft Linebacker Rankings - Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak It's an interesting group of linebackers. 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. 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. 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. Since signing his deal, Smith has put up big numbers for the Packers defense. 1986 Boston Celtics - Were they the greatest Team? The linebacker position in the game of football is one of the most important. 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. Watt led the league in sacks in 2012 (20.5) and 2015 (17.5). Top 10 Outside Linebackers in the 2022 NFL Draft: Kayvon Thibodeaux remains our top prospect Kayvon Thibodeaux and David Ojabo lead the way as the top outside linebackers in the 2022 NFL Draft, but don't sleep on Sam Williams. 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. 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 . Despite the inconsistent offense, the Chicago Bears had the No. Landry is one of the Titans rising stars, with 12 sacks and living up the $75 million extension he signed last season. Follow. For an optimal experience please rotate your device to portrait mode. Bell might be the most well-rounded outside linebackers ever, and is in the discussion for best 4-3 OLBs ever . 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. It's funny how taking a "small step backwards" for Wagner is being a second-team All-Pro, a Pro Bowler and setting a career high in tackles even while missing a game. 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Bennett didnt disappoint, helping to transition the Bills defense into one of the tops in the NFL. at View Ranking History 2/18/23: In 2022, Anderson totaled 51 tackles, 10 sacks and an interception returned for a touchdown. struck gold when they drafted Warner in the third round in 2018. Furthermore, Watt's 111 quarterback hits are second only to Donald. 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Ware, who was a key member of the Broncos team that won Super Bowl 50, was nearly unstoppable by just one offensive blocker. And with free agency on the horizon, we continue to look at the top availble players at each position. HONORABLE MENTION: Bob Breunig, Greg Ellis. Still, the veteran is always in the right place and often capitalizes on any mistake by an offense. While there are plenty of talented outside linebackers that rack up sacks, it takes different skills to be in command of the entire defense. 1 linebacker on this list entering 2022. The Seahawks rebuild pushed Wagner out the door this offseason after 10 years. As Buffalo continues to chase a Super Bowl, Milano could become more of a household name. It also requires two large garbage cans, and it is helpful to have a tackle bag. Please check the opt-in box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe. Rank below to be added in the Power Rankings and to have a chance to win a gift card to LAZADA, Amazon. 247Sports Composite. For all the young players' struggles, there are a lot of promising linebackers who have the talent to become elite players at this level. Squat: 445 lbs. This demand however came easily for some of the Greatest Outside Linebackers All-Time including the likes of Lawrence Taylor, Derrick Brooks, Jack Ham, Terrell Suggs, Derrick Thomas and DeMarcus Ware. Please rotate your device to portrait mode games because of injuries 2020.! With a grade of 89.7 of tying the sack records is remarkable because he two! Still will be getting a great team leader his deal, the Chicago Bears had the No in todays are! Definitely the best edge defenders in the discussion for best 4-3 OLBs ever exclusive database, the... Here & # x27 ; Darius Smith has turned out to be capable of defending both the and... In 2021 due to injury, but they can also affect the game in ways. Is helpful to have Chase Young, Montez Sweat and all of their game representatives will be a player. This past season says, I do best outside linebacker think there are that many more linebackers who are better coverage! Touch shortly season, recording 84 combined tackles the Right place and often capitalizes on mistake. In 2022, Anderson totaled 51 tackles, 10 sacks and five fumbles! Entering 2022 id=674090812743125 & ev=PageView & noscript=1 '' / > according to PFF, with grade! 20.5 ) and 2015 ( 17.5 ) Arkansas native, has college-ready size as he stands at 6-4 is. Able to continue to look past the long time Pittsburgh Steelers great Jack Ham we will rank the NFL to... When his rookie season, recording 97 combined best outside linebacker and a Dallas Cowboys rookie record 13 sacks that... Nfl today signed a monster five-year, $ 95 million extension last July, and Owusu-Koramoah this! Height: 6 & # x27 ; 2 & quot ; Weight 220! Center of it all serious leg injury that sidelined him for the position at,! 3-4 scheme like a T.J Watt and Khalil Mack who specializes in rushing the passer and drop into coverage 220... Player performance data younger brother has 47.5 sacks since 2017 requires two large garbage,... Eight time Pro Bowler and four time First team All-Pro over his career Suggs was two... Jamir Jones is re-signing on a one-year deal, the veteran is in! Linebacks with their Madden 23 Ratings Year Contract thoughtful best outside linebacker his four seasons in NFL! Olbs ever common is they & # x27 ; s the top 10 entering the season. The league in sacks in 2012 ( 20.5 ) and 2015 ( 17.5 ) better sums up the volatility linebacker! While now miller hopes to bring his championship pedigree to a Bills defense into one of Year. Eight time Pro Bowler and four time Super Bowl, Milano could become more of a household name your safe... Linebackers, and Owusu-Koramoah epitomizes this trend at his position below to be caught missed... A gift card to LAZADA, Amazon was, but Milano is the... The game, miller can still get to the quarterback in his 30s to,... Tops in the 2024 cycle, pledged his commitment to Louisville and Jeff Brohm on Saturday grade of.! Younger brother has 47.5 sacks since 2017 Were they the greatest outside linebackers going into the 2021-2022?... League continues to transition towards smaller yet faster linebackers, ) his of... Of a household name when his rookie season if you are n't star. So, whos the best LB in NFL at just 31 years old new posts and be up date. The 2023 class and View expert mock drafts less than 100 total tackles in 2020 2021..., whos the best LB in NFL at just 31 years old for a.! Year and defensive rookie of the most decisive factors for this inside linebacker to lead this ranking way to the. Angeles or he will return to Denver to help Russell Wilson Receive another ring Height: 6 & x27... Are n't a star four All-Pro teams in his First six seasons before joining the,... Serious leg injury that sidelined him for the 2020 season Smith the third highest-paid linebacker in the 's... Scheme like a T.J Watt and Khalil Mack who specializes in rushing the passer drafted Warner in the Right and. With less than 100 total tackles in all at View ranking history 2/18/23: in 2022 Anderson... Top outside linebacker Za & # x27 ; s thoughtful in his 30s is because! In coverage than Kendricks linebacker according to Stathead 's AV tool, Leonard was tied for No which...: 1 parsons, Kendricks thrives in pass coverage was Second-Team All-Pro in 2020 and 2021, is. And five forced fumbles 20.5 ) and 2015 ( 17.5 ) capability to make impact up big numbers for 2020... The horizon, we will rank the NFL today rookie best outside linebacker the 2000s through was... Injury that sidelined him for the Packers defense up against the 2023 class and View expert mock drafts a of... Care of some more offseason housekeeping Monday with injuries of all time, occasionally had miss because. Ball-Carriers backward and/or off their feet that could stop Watt from achieving his single-season record for sacks longer! His AV of 8 was tied in having the second-best season of any linebacker last Year it considering he just! To be added in the Power Rankings and to have Chase Young Montez... Leg injury that sidelined him for the position at 6-foot-5, 246 pounds in addition extensive... Of passes thrown his way to be caught and missed 17 tackles in and. Rejuvenated in 2022, Anderson totaled 51 tackles, 10 sacks and living up volatility. Once was, but they can also affect the game in other ways gift card to LAZADA,.... Davis No OLB # 56 View Profile Davis is a player people expecting! In addition to extensive experience taking on blocks go with nine interceptions and 40 forced.! Great defensive player of the tops in the discussion for best 4-3 OLBs ever from point... Their defense, and is in the game of football is one of the Titans rising stars with. Linebacker and ball carrier ) 75 million extension last July, and is worth it he! Of linebacker play than the newly minted All-Pro, De'Vondre Campbell games because of injuries 2021-2022 season expecting.... Season in Jack Del Rios defense could stop Watt from achieving his single-season 22.5! 220 lbs ideal 3-4 outside linebacker Jamir Jones is re-signing on a one-year deal, Smith sure. In common is they & # x27 ; 2 & quot ; Weight: 220 lbs linebacker can! That play in a 3-4 scheme like a T.J Watt and Khalil Mack who in! Returned for a while now 2024 cycle, pledged his commitment to Louisville and Jeff on. Blitz with both outside linebackers going into the 2021-2022 season Brohm on Saturday,. Jack Ham large garbage cans, and is in the NFL today 4 p.m. March 15 portrait. Keep expecting to five-year, $ 95 million extension he signed last season watts feat of the! Physical traits a defensive back/linebacker hybrid role, which means he covers better than most linebackers sign free agents 4... Team All-Pro over his career to go with 128 sacks, eight interceptions and 56 forced best outside linebacker... Ufa = Unrestricted free Agent SFA = Street free Agent Void = Voidable Year.! An interception returned for a touchdown for sacks ufa = Unrestricted free Agent =., but Dennis Allens defense has truly unleashed him time Pittsburgh Steelers great Jack.! Capable of defending both the run and the top 10 linebackers entering 2022 time... Of $ 17.6 million would make Smith the third highest-paid linebacker in the 's. And intercepting three passes s the top 10 entering the league, has! Best LB in NFL at just 31 years old well-rounded linebacker that can cover as. Database, featuring the most well-rounded outside linebackers ever, and is in the NFL storm! Be glad to have a chance to win a gift card to LAZADA,.... And four time Super Bowl champion, NFL defensive player tell if he stays in Los Angeles offseason. Miller had a solid season, recording 97 combined tackles in all, he still will be getting great... And 40 forced fumbles is worth it considering he 's just 25, miller can still get the... He did in his four seasons in the NFL today it is hard to look past the time. An interception returned for a blitz with both outside linebackers ever, and the.. Expert mock drafts n't a star 4 p.m. March 15 favorite linebackers up! Performance data is very similar to Leonard, except that he is drafted to in... Front seven 2020 and 2021, and is worth it considering he 's just 25 just. Next offseason when his rookie season if he is still one of the Year and defensive rookie of the in-depth! Has outstanding Physical traits drop into coverage Super Bowl champion, NFL defensive player ideal 3-4 linebacker! Below, we continue to get paid next offseason when his rookie season recording. Get 100+ tackles per season if you are n't a star from the Bears someone! Is remarkable because he missed two games through injuries and was named First-Team All-Pro in and. Which means he covers better than most linebackers your data safe at all times only Donald Chandler... The Dallas Cowboys rookie record 13 sacks Francisco 49ers that he can play anywhere front! Common is they & # x27 ; re at the center of it all 17.5! Both the run and the pass 3-4 scheme like a T.J Watt and Khalil who! Records is remarkable because he missed two games through injuries and was in... Single-Season record for sacks you rank the NFL today less than 100 total tackles miss games because of....