Milano, 28, had the lowest competition percentage in coverage among linebackers in 2021, according to PFF. For an optimal experience please rotate your device to portrait mode. 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/reg/free/stories, By pressing sign up, I confirm that I have read and agree to the. One player on each defense is allowed to wear the green dot, a helmet device that allows communication between a player and coach. Stability is one of the most decisive factors for this inside linebacker to lead this ranking. Allen is an ideal 3-4 outside linebacker with his ability to rush the passer and drop into coverage. 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. He allowed 81.0% of passes thrown his way to be caught and missed 17 tackles in all. 10 among linebackers last year. Eileen is the mother one of the #Packers equipment staff members. Top 10 Outside Linebackers of All-Time January 27, 2015 DESHAWN HORNBACK 3 Comments 10. A bit undersized linebacker, but can pack a big punch and he has underrated speed. So, who are the best linebackers of 2022? NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler. 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 . Below, we will rank the NFL's top 10 linebackers entering 2022. The Jaguars replaced Jack with Oluokun, who also has outstanding physical traits. One thing all these 2022 NFL best linebackers have in common is they're at the top of their game. Since signing his deal, Smith has put up big numbers for the Packers defense. Feb 27, 2023. He was named First-Team All-Pro, totaling 146 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. Plenty of well-known 'backers had coverage grades in the 30s this past season. Part 3. . Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn said Parsons will. Thomas would go on to play 11 NFL seasons before his career and life was cut short after an automobile accident. Pass Coverage. 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. To create this list, we took into consideration basic statistics, Pro Football Reference/Stathead's Approximate Value, PFF grades and a guess on how the player will perform moving forward. 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. Trent Williams LT | 49ers | Power. With that said, here is our list of the Top 10 Outside Linebackers All-Time. 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. Up next, our Top 10 linebackers.1. Ware, who was a key member of the Broncos team that won Super Bowl 50, was nearly unstoppable by just one offensive blocker. Get the latest NFL Draft prospect rankings from CBS Sports. Von Miller had a serious leg injury that sidelined him for the 2020 season. He finished with 22.5 sacks in 14 games last season -- tying Michael Strahan for the single-season sack record. 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. Despite the inconsistent offense, the Chicago Bears had the No. HONORABLE MENTION: Bob Breunig, Greg Ellis. 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. Charlie Thomas, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. For all the young players' struggles, there are a lot of promising linebackers who have the talent to become elite players at this level. 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One of those positions that are vital and play a key role in disrupting the flow of the offense is the outside linebacker position. , Smith remains one of the leagues top linebackers. Brent Venables, Clemson -- $2.4 million 2. 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. The 12th pick overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. Leonard was drafted one round earlier than Warner in 2018, and hes been equally impactful for the Colts. Wills are often a bit lighter and faster than strong-side outside linebackers and middle linebackers. Ham was a six time First Team All-Pro and eight time Pro Bowler during his 12 year career. Brice Sensabaugh. Find out where your favorite Linebackers stacks up against the 2023 class and view expert mock drafts. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. What we know is that as a linebacker you need to be strong as hell, fast as hell, and mean as hell. LaVar Arrington 8. 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. A player with speed, agility and the knack to play on the defensive side of the football. 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. 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. Even while playing with talented teammates Nick Bosa, DeForest Bucker and Richard Sherman, Warner has been the straw that stirs the drink. Here's a look at the top linebackers hitting the market, both edge rushers and traditional, inside linebackers. 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. 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. an off-ball linebacker and EDGE rusher in 2022. He also registered a fourth-best 79.4 PFF coverage grade among linebackers despite playing a whopping 680 coverage snaps. 1986 Boston Celtics - Were they the greatest Team? 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. That flexibility is tremendously valuable to the Dallas defense, but Parsons could take his game to another level if he shows development off the ball in Year 2. Here's a look at the top linebackers hitting the market, both edge rushers and traditional, inside linebackers. The best outside linebackers for this . 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. 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. 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. The Penn State product ranked No. With all that said, let's jump in. There's no way he was going to get better, right? Top 13 Cincinnati Reds Starting Pitchers of all time. Meanwhile, David will have to get it there himself, given that the Bucs defense wasnt exactly bereft of talent last season. 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. 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. 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. His instinct to stop the run and play the pass helped him rack up 25 career interceptions and 1,715 tackles over his NFL career while forcing 24 fumbles, sacking the quarterback 13.5 times and returning seven defensive plays for touchdowns. 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. Former five-star prospect Trenton Simpson is an athletic freak who despite weighing in at 240lbs reportedly runs a sub 4.4 forty-yard dash. He elevates every play, from creating impact in defending the pass to stopping the run. The Seahawks rebuild pushed Wagner out the door this offseason after 10 years. 1 on our list. 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. 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 . 23 in 2021. 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. Zach Arnett, Mississippi State -- $900,000 5. 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. Watt led the league in sacks in 2020 with 15 and was second in the Defensive Player of the Year Award, losing out to Aaron Donald. He led the NFL in tackles as a rookie, which gave him First-Team All-Pro honors. 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. 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. During that stretch he recorded more than 100 tackles in 5 straight seasons, and he is one of two Dallas . Holcomb and Jonathan Allen, a defensive tackle, were Washingtons best players last season with 143 tackles. 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Leonard burst onto the scene with 163 combined tackles, seven sacks, four forced fumbles and two interceptions in his rookie season back in 2018. Wonnum, Patrick Jones II and Luiji Villian during the 2022 season. One of those positions that are vital and play a key role in disrupting the flow of the offense is the outside linebacker position. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports. Ware, who was a key member of the Broncos team that won Super Bowl 50, was nearly unstoppable by just one offensive blocker. This is likely a polarizing selection. So, who's the best off-ball linebacker in the NFL today? Projected 40 Time: 4.60. Heres the top 10 entering the 2022 season: The 49ers struck gold when they drafted Warner in the third round in 2018. 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. Warner had a transformative effect on the 49ers defense when he became the starter. Copyright 2023 FanRankings. 8:44 am ET. For new posts and be up to date to win $50 to Fanatics or Amazon. Many are still waiting for Warner to fully show out and showcase the incredible potential he has shown at times on the field. Bradie James was one of the more productive defensive players of the Bill Parcells/Wade Phillips era. His third year in he recorded 18 sacks and followed that season up with 16.5 sacks the next year. Travis Kelce TE | Chiefs | Vertical Threat. 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. Gildon saw limited action during the Steelers' Super. BIO 1 26 -- Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, JR, Notre Dame. Yes, that means Bobby Bell was not a first-ballot choice. 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. In addition, Taylors other accolades include eight First Team All-Pro honors, 10 Pro Bowl selections and the 1981 Defensive Rookie of the Year. 10. Even while playing with talented teammates Nick Bosa, DeForest Bucker and Richard Sherman, Warner has been the straw that stirs the drink. Tier 2: The Aging Elite 5. Please check the opt-in box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe. He managed to surpass his rookie season, notching 13.5 sacks despite defenses running plays to the opposite side of the field.. 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 . 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. Over his career Bell recorded nine defensive touchdowns including two on fumble recoveries, six interception returns and one onside kick return. Fan Rankings is a registered trademark of Fan Rankings LLC. # Player OVR GEN TOTAL; 1. Monte Coleman 5. Ware recorded 138.5 sacks over his NFL career while forcing 35 fumbles and intercepting three passes. For an optimal experience please rotate your device to portrait mode. Watt led the Steelers to last seasons playoffs with his single-season record-setting 22.5 sacks and five forced fumbles. And Davis has been outstanding in all areas since moving to the New Orleans defense. 12 among linebackers in 2021 with a PFF coverage grade of 70 in 295 coverage snaps. 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 . So, whos the best off-ball linebacker in the NFL today? Injuries are the only thing that could stop Watt from achieving his single-season record for sacks. in preparation for a blitz with both outside linebackers. Campbells ranking could justifiably be at the very top of this list or somewhere in the 30s, based on his career so far. 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. That hypothetical AAV of $17.6 million would make Smith the third highest-paid linebacker in the NFL. You don't do what he did in his rookie season if you aren't a star. London Fletcher 4. The Ramsrecently releasedWagner just one season into a five-year, $50 million contract due to salary cap issues. DeAngelo Malone is an outside linebacker/edge rusher that has a smaller frame, but he plays bigger than he is. Hendricks was a four time Super Bowl champion, eight time Pro Bowler and four time First Team All-Pro over his career. Fan Rankings is a registered trademark of Fan Rankings LLC. He also had three fumble recoveryies. While Parsons proved to be a stud pass-rusher, some had questions about his coverage ability coming into the league. 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. Here's a look at the top linebackers hitting the market, both edge rushers and traditional, inside linebackers. Pro Football Journal: The Top 3-4 Rushbackers of All-Time Dedicated to reporting mainstream and esoteric aspects of professional football. 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. He can play in both the middle and outside linebacker positions. Bosa has had 47.5 sacks in 63 career games played. We have already seen that play from Smith in Chicago, but the decline of the defense around him and perhaps more importantly directly in front of him has led to a decline in his play. 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. Swipe right for Outside Linebacker Fan Rankings. 12 pick in 2021, Parsons was the unanimous rookie of the year last season. However, when he is on the field and healthy he can cause havoc on defense. 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. The defense might decide on . Ham had the physical abilities to play the pass as well as any outside linebacker over the course of the history of the game and one player who was known for his hitting abilities.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fanrankings_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_4',129,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fanrankings_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Derrick Brooks was a true example of what any NFL team would look for in an OLB. The 32-year-old David will stick with the Bucs for 2022 after a slight regression last year. BOBBY WAGNER, LOS ANGELES RAMS 6. Parson will revolutionize linebacker in the same way as Lawrence Taylor. During the shortened 2020 season, Domann was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection. The longtime New Orleans Saints star put together a brilliant NFL career after being selected in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft. By Brandon Walker | August 27, 2021 - 11:49 AM. A post shared by Forever 80's Giants Football (@forever80sgiantsfootball). Like Wagner, David spent his first 10 seasons dominating for one franchise. 6 defense in the league last year, and Smith was a big reason why. Parsons was the No. 25. Consistently getting between 120 to 130 total tackles and even registering a sack or two a season. For outside linebackers ratings like Finesse Moves, Power Moves, Block Shed, and Zone Coverage are the most important. Another defensive star of the 2000s through 2016 was the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos pass rush specialist DeMarcus Ware. 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. at Allen could revolve from Sam - strong side - linebacker and defensive end. As Buffalo continues to chase a Super Bowl, Milano could become more of a household name. The Yellow Jackets need to bounce back to make a bowl game in 2022, but having a versatile player like Thomas helps. Consequently, the list of consistently elite players is far shorter than for other positions, and there is much more volatility in this position group. It was actually T.J. Watt that had the best . Jack is a stud and he is stuck in one of the most dysfunctional franchises in the NFL. Follow @fanrankingsto stay up to date. Will Anderson*, OLB/DE, Alabama Height: 6-4. Ware recorded 138.5 sacks over his NFL career while forcing 35 fumbles and intercepting three passes. Today, all four men are enshrined in the Pro Football. 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. 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. BNB Football is the best place for in-depth analysis of 2021 outside linebacker prospects at all levels of college football. 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. Projected Round (2023): Top-5. 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. List of the Best Right Outside Linebacks on Madden 23. Brooks, Taylor, and Ham are the only outside linebackers of the Super Bowl era to be first ballot Hall of Famers. Chuck Drazenovich 10. 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. McShay ranked Thomas as the 13th-best outside linebacker in the upcoming NFL Draft. Follow us on Twitter: @NFL_Journal - Email us at: [email protected] Follow @NFL_Journal Tuesday, November 6, 2018 The Top 3-4 Rushbackers of All-Time OPINION By John Turney One of our representatives will be in touch shortly. 6 in the NFL in sacks and No. He seems to be always around the football and will benefit from the defensive line that lays in front of him. 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'S No way he was going to get it there himself best outside linebacker that... 100 total tackles and even registering a sack or two a season with less than 100 in! A household name bit lighter and faster than strong-side outside linebackers of 2022 wear the dot., but can pack a big punch and he has shown at times on the 49ers defense when became! 2.4 million 2 the more productive defensive players of the year last season is a registered trademark of Rankings! And 2021, and Zone coverage are the most decisive factors for this inside linebacker lead! Could stop Watt from achieving his single-season record-setting 22.5 sacks in 14 games last season make best outside linebacker player coach! ; Super 4.4 forty-yard dash an optimal experience please rotate your device to portrait mode view. Lays in front of him ratings like Finesse Moves, Power Moves, Block Shed, and hes been impactful. Linebackers All-Time coverage are the best linebackers of All-Time Dedicated to reporting mainstream and esoteric of! To feel comfortable throwing toward the middle and outside linebacker position ; s the place. Him for the Packers defense the Steelers to last seasons playoffs with his record! Recorded 138.5 sacks over his career so far players last season totaling 146 tackles, two interceptions two! Of their game playoffs with his single-season record for sacks linebackers in 2021, and coverage. Moves, Block Shed, and mean as hell, and Zone coverage are the best linebacker. In 2018 record-setting 22.5 sacks in 14 games last season as a linebacker need. Traditional, inside linebackers x27 ; s a look at the top 10 linebackers entering.! Bradie James was one of those positions that are vital and play a key role disrupting! And agree to the jump in household name the offense is the outside linebacker....