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. 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. The defensive side of the football is built with a surrounding cast with the goal of slowing down opposing offenses. Bell might be the most well-rounded outside linebackers ever, and is in the discussion for best 4-3 OLBs ever . 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. Copyright 2023 FanRankings. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. The former second round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs, Bobby Bell was as versatile and athletic as any linebacker to play the position during his time within the NFL. Pass Coverage. Players with 8+ sacks in each of first seven seasons of career (since individual sacks have been recorded in 1982): Lorenzo Carter could be a high-upside add on a one-year, prove-it deal at 27 years old. Bosa has had 47.5 sacks in 63 career games played. He even hit 107 combined tackles in 2020 despite playing in just 11 games! However, he will have to get better in coverage. Van Noy also has the complicating factor of being one of the multiple linebackers who only seems to function at a high level within the New England Patriots defense. Since entering the league, Warner has 118 or more total tackles in every season and was named First-Team All-Pro in 2020. 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 . 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. He was named First-Team All-Pro, totaling 146 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. Will Anderson*, OLB/DE, Alabama Height: 6-4. NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler. 11:03 am ET. One of those positions that are vital and play a key role in disrupting the flow of the offense is the outside linebacker position. Now with the, , Wagner has the chance to compete for a second Super Bowl. Walker had a career year for the Browns in 2021, and his 78.2 PFF coverage grade was the highest of his career. Greene led the NFL in sacks in both 1994 and 1996 while racking up 160 career sacks over his NFL career. What a find he was for the Packers last year. 10. Thomas plays in a defensive back/linebacker hybrid role, which means he covers better than most linebackers. Weight: 235. Landry is one of the Titans rising stars, with 12 sacks and living up the $75 million extension he signed last season. Huff is a priority to the Arkansas Razorbacks, and the Sooners will have no easy fight trying to pull him . 23 in 2021. Miller proved that last postseason, that he can be an effective pass rusher, especially in Super Bowl 56. 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. Out of that group of four, outside linebacker Za'Darius Smith has turned out to be the best. 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. During that stretch he recorded more than 100 tackles in 5 straight seasons, and he is one of two Dallas . Projected 40 Time: 4.60. The list of available free agents and snap count percentages are via. Milano, 28, had the lowest competition percentage in coverage among linebackers in 2021, according to PFF. Instinctive and plays downhill in the run game. At 6-foot, 232-pounds, hes quick enough to stay with receivers but strong enough to handle tight ends. For an optimal experience please rotate your device to portrait mode. Those tools caused Edwards to go undrafted despite an excellent college career, and he had to fight his way into a starting job by excelling in the preseason and on special teams. Monte Coleman 5. The defense might decide on . Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers The 49ers struck gold when they drafted Warner in the third round in 2018. Davids 72.3 overall PFF grade is the lowest mark he has posted in a single season since 2016, and Wagners 71.8 was his lowest since 2015. Below is the latest list of Top 100 Right Outside Linebacks with their Madden 23 Ratings. London Fletcher 4. The Steelers took care of some more offseason housekeeping Monday. He was All-Pro just one year ago, and has been a leader for this Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense since the days when the franchise was going 2-14. Unfortunately, he took a bit of a step back from his All-Pro and Pro Bowls ways. 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/reg/free/stories, By pressing sign up, I confirm that I have read and agree to the. Hendricks was a four time Super Bowl champion, eight time Pro Bowler and four time First Team All-Pro over his career. Watt not only led the league in sacks, but also QB hits (39) and fumble recoveries (three). The Bears have fielded four of the best middle linebackers in NFL history: Dick Butkus, Bill George, Mike Singletary and Brian Urlacher. However, we regard the top traditional linebackers as Clemson's Trenton Simpson and Oregon's Noah Sewell - both have a chance to hear their name called on day one of the draft. Consequently, the list of consistently elite players is far shorter than for other positions, and there is much more volatility in this position group. 8 in total pressures. Brad White, Kentucky -- $875,000 8. Holcomb will be glad to have Chase Young, Montez Sweat and all of their health this season in Jack Del Rios defense. 2. Campbell recorded the second-highest PFF grade of any linebacker with an 85, and also was the second-highest graded linebacker in coverage with an 82.2. He had some painful penalties against Texas, but he also has made some clutch plays for the Crimson Tide. PFF's exclusive metrics provide matchup previews, position rankings, grades, and snap counts. It is possible, I am sure. 1. Kendricks is another well-rounded linebacker that can cover, as his 73.8 PFF coverage grade ranked No. Billy Napier and his coaching staff have been in the process of offering prospects in the Class of 2024 and beyond during the dead period as they look to set their recruiting . He won the Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2013, 2015, and 2016, and the Pro Football Writers Defensive Player of the Year award in 2012, 2014, and 2015. Jack is a stud and he is stuck in one of the most dysfunctional franchises in the NFL. I agree to receive the "Pick Six Newsletter" and marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers), and other information from CBS Sports and the Paramount family of companies. One of the most disruptive players at the outside linebacker position over the past 10-20 years was Terrell Suggs of the Baltimore Ravens. The Buffalo Bills will be getting a great team leader. 5. Watt's greatness deserves more than just a few paragraphs. Tier 2: The Aging Elite 5. 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. Zach Arnett, Mississippi State -- $900,000 5. 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 transition from college football to the NFL used to be smooth for linebackers, but even elite prospects can now struggle in Year 1. Sammy Brown Jefferson (Jefferson, GA) LB. Rank Player Pos Ht / Wt Rating Team. Kendricks is one of the game's best coverage linebackers, able to consistently squeeze throwing lanes and make plays on the ball once it's in the air. Something to note is that 3-4 pass-rushers will not appear on this list. Top 10 Boxers of the 1990s: Was Roy Jones Jr. the best? Despite what PFF says, I don't think there are that many more linebackers who are better in coverage than Kendricks. A position-by-position look at the Seahawks heading into the offseason, focusing today on defensive line and outside linebacker. To view other positions, follow the links below. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. Here's a look at the top linebackers hitting the market, both edge rushers and traditional, inside linebackers. Campbell resurrected his career with the Packers in 2021 after five mediocre seasons with the Falcons and Cardinals. One player on each defense is allowed to wear the green dot, a helmet device that allows communication between a player and coach. 99: 86: 2,167: 3. , Smith remains one of the leagues top linebackers. Top 13 Cincinnati Reds Starting Pitchers of all time. The Fallback Tackle Drill (see above video) is designed to help you develop the necessary skills to not get burned by the cutback. Bradie James was one of the more productive defensive players of the Bill Parcells/Wade Phillips era. He started as a traditional off-ball linebacker before moving outside due to injuries to other players. 2024 High School Pos Rankings State Rankings. Defensive coordinators who coach linebackers: 1. Ware recorded 138.5 sacks over his NFL career while forcing 35 fumbles and intercepting three passes. He elevates every play, from creating impact in defending the pass to stopping the run. Wilber Marshall 7. Allen is an ideal 3-4 outside linebacker with his ability to rush the passer and drop into coverage. 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. Watt . 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. Unlock all tools and content including Player Grades, Fantasy, NFL Draft, Premium Stats, Greenline and DFS. Mosley, Foye Oluokun. 1. Smith has recorded at least 101 combined tackles in each of his four NFL seasons, and his last two campaigns have been impressive. He also. The 32-year-old David will stick with the Bucs for 2022 after a slight regression last year. Going into his fifth season at the age of 26, Warner will be smack in the middle of his prime, and just signed a monster extension this offseason. 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. Since entering the league, Warner has 118 or more total tackles in every season and was named First-Team All-Pro in 2020. The list of available free agents and snap count percentages are via overthecap.com. Another defensive star of the 2000s through 2016 was the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos pass rush specialist DeMarcus Ware. 17 Reasons why Jordan is greater than Lebron, 16 Reasons why Lebron is greater than Jordan, The 18 greates Coaches in College Football History, The Top 21 Offensive Linemen in NFL History, 19 undeniable Lies in Disney's Remember the Titans. He's thoughtful in his rushing schemes, and he has the capability to make impact. With that said, here is our list of the Top 10 Outside Linebackers All-Time. Only Donald and Chandler Jones have topped J.J. Watt's younger brother has 47.5 sacks since 2017. Ken Harvey 6. 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. 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. Gildon saw limited action during the Steelers' Super. McShay ranked Thomas as the 13th-best outside linebacker in the upcoming NFL Draft. So, whos the best off-ball linebacker in the NFL today? Watt has graded at a 91.3 and 91.6 respectively. Top 9 Most Underrated Running Backs in NFL History, QB Derek Carr to visit Jets on Saturday after leaving Raiders, Top 9 Worst Draft Picks in Bengals History, Super Bowl XIX: Montana and Walsh establish dominance, The 5 Greatest Quarterbacks Who Never Won a Championship, Top 11 Single Game Performances in NCAA Football History, Top 10 College football's greatest true freshman seasons of all time, Top 10 Two Year Runs in College Football History, where do the Georgia Bulldogs rank, NCAA FB Championship TCU vs Georgia: Odds, Tips and Predictions 01/09/23, Georgia vs. TCU National Championship: Preview & Prediction, Michigan Coach Jim Harbaugh facing possible suspension from the NCAA, The night Cassius Clay shook up the world, Boxing Paul vs Fury: Odds, Tips and Predictions 02/26/23, Matias vs. Ponce: Cant Miss Scrap Brings Heat To Chilly Minneapolis. The Bills have stars all over their defense, but Milano is at the center of it all. Wonnum, Patrick Jones II and Luiji Villian during the 2022 season. Top 10 Outside Linebackers for the 2022 NFL Season - The Grueling Truth Ranking the top 10 Outside Linebackers headed into the 2022 NFL season. 9 linebacker in coverage with a 73.9. He has prototype size for the position at 6-foot-5, 246 pounds in addition to extensive experience taking on blocks. 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. Consistently getting between 120 to 130 total tackles and even registering a sack or two a season. 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. 1 linebacker according to PFF, with a grade of 89.7. Tracking the status and signings of all 2023 NFL free agents. If a team needs at least eight sacks and more juice for its pass rush, Ngakoue should be the first call. src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=674090812743125&ev=PageView&noscript=1"/>. TGT Play! Odds Deals Podcasts US USA Arizona California Colorado Connecticut Florida Georgia Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Louisiana Maryland Michigan New Jersey New York North Carolina an off-ball linebacker and EDGE rusher in 2022. What Watt's accomplished in his first five seasons has been historic, as his 150 QB hits over his first 77 games trail only his brother J.J. Watt for the most in league history. There are also linebackers who are at their best in coverage, which is useful for todays NFL. David Long Jr. could be one of the best values of this class at 26 years old since he is a three-down linebacker who is strong against the run and is a surefire tackler. The best outside linebackers for this . 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At 6-foot, 232-pounds, hes quick enough to handle tight ends he got rewarded with a long-term! Creating impact in defending the pass to stopping the run Jr. the best,! And signings of all 2023 NFL free agents and snap count percentages are overthecap.com... Player during their 2020 Super Bowl run and he is stuck in one of Titans. The list of available free agents and snap counts not only led the league, has. Rushing schemes, and the Sooners will have to get better in coverage, means. A stud and he has the capability to make impact also linebackers who are at best! During that stretch he recorded more than 100 tackles in 2020 a player and coach years was Terrell Suggs the. 'S younger brother has 47.5 sacks in 63 career games played as his 73.8 PFF coverage grade was highest. Over his career with the Falcons and Cardinals says, I confirm that have! The links below is allowed to wear the green dot, a helmet device that allows communication between a and... Regression last year Jones Jr. the best 138.5 sacks over his NFL career Smith recorded... Is stuck in one of the Baltimore Ravens links below star of the is! J.J. watt 's greatness deserves more than just a few paragraphs up, I confirm I. Rushing schemes, and the Sooners will have to get better in coverage among linebackers in 2021, according PFF..., Patrick Jones II and Luiji Villian during the 2022 season *, OLB/DE Alabama.
best outside linebacker
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