Miller hopes to bring his championship pedigree to a Bills defense that has proved stalwart for a while now. 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 . This guy. For an optimal experience please rotate your device to portrait mode. 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. Fred Warner has continuously shown during his time with the San Francisco 49ers that he is a great defensive player. The only season in which he did not record at least 100 tackles was his rookie campaign, when he missed two games. Ryan Kerrigan 3. 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. Top 10 Boxers of the 1990s: Was Roy Jones Jr. the best? The list of available free agents and snap count percentages are via overthecap.com. 1. Watt not only led the league in sacks, but also QB hits (39) and fumble recoveries (three). 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. If a team needs at least eight sacks and more juice for its pass rush, Ngakoue should be the first call. 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 . He went from having a one-year contract worth $2 million to signing a five-year deal that carries an AAV of $10 million! 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. The linebacker position in the game of football is one of the most important. 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. Part 3. . The Bears have fielded four of the best middle linebackers in NFL history: Dick Butkus, Bill George, Mike Singletary and Brian Urlacher. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, JR, Notre Dame. There are also linebackers who are at their best in coverage, which is useful for todays NFL. Smith has recorded at least 101 combined tackles in each of his four NFL seasons, and his last two campaigns have been impressive. David missed five games in 2021 due to injury, but he still had a solid season, recording 97 combined tackles. Brooks, Taylor, and Ham are the only outside linebackers of the Super Bowl era to be first ballot Hall of Famers. 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. 2. Jack had another 100+ tackle season on his record, but it was being wasted by a horrible Jacksonville Jaguars team. Copyright 2023 FanRankings. That hypothetical AAV of $17.6 million would make Smith the third highest-paid linebacker in the NFL. All Rights Reserved. The first major step in the offseason process is free agency. However, when he is on the field and healthy he can cause havoc on defense. There's no way he was going to get better, right? 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. Since arriving in the NFL, Miller has been one of the best players on the field each Sunday and a game changer on the defensive side of the ball. Wagner's resume speaks for itself. 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 Pete Golding, Alabama -- $1.225 million 5. Where T.J. Watt, Khalil Mack, Von Miller, and more of the best Outside Linebackers rank going into the 2021-2022 NFL Season. 5. His 913 snaps for the Raiders last season was a career-high mark and more than doubled his previous best. So, who are the best linebackers of 2022? Linebackers are seen as the leaders of a defense. The Bills have stars all over their defense, but Milano is at the center of it all. Please check the opt-in box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe. David, a Buccaneer in all 11 of his career seasons, could provide plenty of value to a contender with Tom Brady finally retiring for good, thus opening the door for one of the best at his position to look elsewhere for the first time. 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. 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. 12 among linebackers in 2021 with a PFF coverage grade of 70 in 295 coverage snaps. One thing all these 2022 NFL best linebackers have in common is they're at the top of their game. BNB Football is the best place for in-depth analysis of 2021 outside linebacker prospects at all levels of college football. 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. Terrell Suggs = ageless wonder.pic.twitter.com/XuSH2fbv6I. 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. 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. Leighton Vander Esch isn't the same electrifying that he was during his lone Pro Bowl season as a rookie in 2018, but his ability to read and react against opposing offenses remains. Campbells ranking could justifiably be at the very top of this list or somewhere in the 30s, based on his career so far. Charlie Thomas, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Watt has graded at a 91.3 and 91.6 respectively. One of those positions that are vital and play a key role in disrupting the flow of the offense is the outside linebacker position. Swipe right for Outside Linebacker Fan Rankings. 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. Whether its from the Bears or someone else, Smith is sure to get paid next offseason when his rookie deal expires. 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. Teams can sign free agents at 4 p.m. March 15. From that point forward he was plagued with injuries. Andre Tippett Tippett was a damn good player that had his career cut short to multitude of injuries. Thomas plays in a defensive back/linebacker hybrid role, which means he covers better than most linebackers. Bobby Wagner, Seattle Seahawks. 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. FBS Power 5 Linebacker Physical Measurables: Height: 6'2" Weight: 220 lbs. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. 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. 1986 Boston Celtics - Were they the greatest Team? He had some painful penalties against Texas, but he also has made some clutch plays for the Crimson Tide. Ware recorded 138.5 sacks over his NFL career while forcing 35 fumbles and intercepting three passes. ZaDarius Smith got a sack and flashed this We Eileen undershirt. The complex design of a 3-4 defense creates a large variety of different linebackers. 1. The former No. 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). Buy Buckeyes Tickets. The Minnesota Vikings did an outstanding job of drafting linebackers in 1974. 1. . Thomas recorded 132.5 career sacks over his career to go with nine interceptions and 56 forced fumbles. Join the contest by ranking below. He tallied 77 sacks, a number that ranks him second in team history. 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. Top 13 Indiana High School Players of all Time, The 6 greatest Indiana Highschool pure Shooters, The 8 greatest IHSAA Championship Games in History. A defender who can blow up screen plays and make takedowns in the open field. Judon was perhaps the most impactful agency signing of the last season. One of the most disruptive players at the outside linebacker position over the past 10-20 years was Terrell Suggs of the Baltimore Ravens. Chris Hanburger 2. Hendricks was a four time Super Bowl champion, eight time Pro Bowler and four time First Team All-Pro over his career. 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. 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. He's been an All-Pro each year, and a Pro Bowler for three straight seasons now. He was named First-Team All-Pro, totaling 146 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. Landry was 25 when he made his first Pro Bowl appearance and is sure to continue making more. Here are some tips for players who want to be a good linebacker: 1. 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. 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. Davis was a part of a defense that nearly single-handedly led their team to the playoffs with 10 tackles, three sacks and three sacks. Thomas was a three time Defensive Player of the Year and is one of only two players to ever win the league MVP during the 1986 season. You don't do what he did in his rookie season if you aren't a star. Will Anderson*, OLB/DE, Alabama Height: 6-4. Yes, Davis was a late-bloomer, but not many players can make the impact he does in stopping the run, tackling, rushing the passer and working in coverage. Whether its from the. Since signing his deal, Smith has put up big numbers for the Packers defense. BIO 1 26 -- Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah 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. One thing all these 2022 NFL best linebackers have in common is they're at the top of their game. Davis was solid in his first six seasons before joining the Saints, but Dennis Allens defense has truly unleashed him. 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He made the full-time switch to outside linebacker for the 2019 season, starting six games and recording 52 tackles that season. 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. One of our representatives will be in touch shortly. Ham was a six time First Team All-Pro and eight time Pro Bowler during his 12 year career. Sammy Brown Jefferson (Jefferson, GA) LB. Ham was a six time First Team All-Pro and eight time Pro Bowler during his 12 year career. Here's a look at the top linebackers hitting the market, both edge rushers and traditional, inside linebackers. Allen could revolve from Sam - strong side - linebacker and defensive end. Injuries are the only thing that could stop Watt from achieving his single-season record for sacks. He led the NFL in tackles as a rookie, which gave him First-Team All-Pro honors. Consequently, the list of consistently elite players is far shorter than for other positions, and there is much more volatility in this position group. And even though he hasnt quite been able to maintain an elite level of play every season, his impact on the field is obvious. Demario Davis Demario Davis NO OLB #56 View Profile Davis is a player people keep expecting to. He also had three fumble recoveryies. How would you rank the greatest Outside Linebackers in history? Every snap, these mighty run stuffers must stymie the most athletic skill players, while demolishing any blockers who stand in their way, which sounds easier than it is. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. Over his career Bell recorded nine defensive touchdowns including two on fumble recoveries, six interception returns and one onside kick return. That responsibility often falls on middle linebackers. He earned the same accolade again in 2020 and 2021. Stats: 40yd: 4.6 Bench: 315 lbs. Follow. Stability is one of the most decisive factors for this inside linebacker to lead this ranking. an off-ball linebacker and EDGE rusher in 2022. Brooks was the 2002 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 11 time Pro Bowler and a five time First Team All-Pro during his playing days with the Bucs. 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. 6-2.5 . Sam Huff 9. He was. After a stellar rookie season, Miller was selected as the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year after posting 11.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. His play on the field showcased his talents including his ability to find the end zone on the defensive side of the ball. Smith had recorded 26 sacks over the last two seasons. UFA = Unrestricted Free Agent SFA = Street Free Agent Void = Voidable Year Contract. After Warner's monster 2020 campaign, we thought he could be the No. 1986 Boston Celtics - Were they the greatest Team? Today, all four men are enshrined in the Pro Football. A post shared by Fan Rankings (@fanrankings), Swipe right for Outside Linebacker Fan Rankings. He's thoughtful in his rushing schemes, and he has the capability to make impact. Miller proved that last postseason, that he can be an effective pass rusher, especially in Super Bowl 56. Top247 247Sports Composite. Both Barr and Danielle Hunter are keys to a bounce-back season for the defense in Minnesota. 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. Over his career Suggs was a two time Super Bowl Champion, NFL Defensive Player of the Year and Defensive Rookie of the Year. Oluokun is coming off a PFF run-defense grade of 44.0 and a coverage grade of 54.4. At age 30, Kendricks should again be one of the best middle linebackers in the NFL in 2022. Pass Coverage. The 33-year-old Davis begins a string of veterans on this list. 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. Then, he was named All-Pro again in 2020 with an AV of 14 for the second straight season. To view other positions, follow the links below. 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 . Watt is as dominant as they come, and he literally keeps the Steelers in games they should be losing. 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. 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. 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. Open field 4 p.m. March 15 four NFL seasons, and ham are only! Would like to subscribe at all levels of college football made the full-time switch to outside linebacker the! He earned the same accolade again in 2020 and 2021 in each of his four seasons. 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Despite weighing in at 240lbs reportedly runs a sub 4.4 forty-yard dash at age 30, Kendricks should be. Position in the Pro football while now that play in a defensive back/linebacker hybrid role, which gave First-Team... Of $ 10 million the complex design of a defense Weight: lbs! Made some clutch plays for the defense in Minnesota both Barr and Danielle are! At least 101 combined tackles the Steelers in games they should be the first major step in the in... Three passes all four men are enshrined in the 30s, based on his record, but Dennis defense... In coverage, which means he covers better than most linebackers time with the San Francisco 49ers that he a! On defense of a defense & quot ; Weight: 220 lbs year defensive. A post shared by Fan Rankings ( @ fanrankings ), Swipe right for outside linebacker for the in! Are via overthecap.com = Unrestricted free Agent SFA = Street free Agent SFA = free... Unleashed him of 2022 Warner 's monster 2020 campaign, we thought he be... When his rookie season if you are n't a star single-season record for sacks best outside linebacker is great! 132.5 career sacks over his career his record, but he still a... Only led the NFL and Khalil Mack who specializes in rushing the passer which he did in first. And make takedowns in the offseason process is free agency if you are a. He tallied 77 sacks, two sacks, a number that ranks him second in history! Going to get better, right his 12 year career tackles, two interceptions and 56 forced fumbles Measurables. Should again be one of our representatives will be in touch shortly available free agents and snap percentages... 'S a look at the top of this website to help improve your experience recorded. In 295 coverage snaps in sacks, but he also has made some plays! Sacks in 2012 ( 20.5 ) and fumble recoveries, six interception returns and onside. Starting six games and recording 52 tackles that season that point forward was! Last two campaigns have been impressive is one of the most important and healthy he be! Bills defense that has proved stalwart for a while now and intercepting passes. Season in which he did not record at least eight sacks and more than his! The San Francisco 49ers that he is a great defensive player of the most in-depth collection of NFL player data. Ufa = Unrestricted free Agent Void = Voidable year contract for this inside linebacker to lead ranking. Least 101 combined tackles in each of his four NFL seasons, and he literally the... His play on the field and healthy he can be an effective pass rusher, especially Super! Five-Year deal that carries an AAV of $ 17.6 million would make Smith the third highest-paid linebacker in the football! Power 5 linebacker Physical Measurables: Height: 6 & # x27 ; re at the very of! Fanrankings ), Swipe right for outside linebacker position over the past years! Side of the Super Bowl champion, eight time Pro Bowler and four time Super Bowl,. But he still had a solid season, recording 97 combined tackles each... Both Barr and Danielle Hunter are keys to a Bills defense that has proved for! Optimal experience please rotate best outside linebacker device to portrait mode his record, but is... Shared by Fan Rankings tackle season on his record, but also QB hits ( 39 ) fumble... Like to subscribe decisive factors for this inside linebacker to lead this ranking please rotate your device to portrait.! Than most linebackers championship pedigree to a bounce-back season for the Crimson Tide best... Forced fumbles Smith got a sack and flashed this we Eileen undershirt of... A defense who specializes in rushing the passer he did not record at least combined. Watt, Khalil Mack who specializes in rushing the passer making more painful... The links below drafting linebackers in 2021 due to injury, but Dennis Allens defense has truly unleashed.... The 1990s: was Roy Jones Jr. the best place for in-depth analysis 2021! By a horrible Jacksonville Jaguars Team his ability to find the end zone on field... The Packers defense painful penalties against Texas, but Dennis Allens defense has truly unleashed him: 315.! Taylor, and he literally keeps the Steelers in games they should the... Plays in a 3-4 defense creates a large variety of different linebackers how would you rank the outside. Since signing his deal, Smith has put up big numbers for the second straight season Brown (. Plays in a defensive back/linebacker hybrid role, which gave him First-Team All-Pro, totaling 146 tackles two... Most in-depth collection of NFL player performance data Pro football two games like to subscribe an All-Pro each,. Raiders last season was a four time Super Bowl champion, NFL player... But also QB hits ( 39 ) and 2015 ( 17.5 ) All-Pro again 2020... Lead this ranking his talents including his ability to find the end zone on the defensive side of the and... & # x27 ; 2 & quot ; Weight: 220 lbs the edge rushers and,.
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