best outside linebacker

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 Yellow Jackets need to bounce back to make a bowl game in 2022, but having a versatile player like Thomas helps. On the other hand, we have the classic chase and run linebackers who chase down running backs, spy on mobile quarterbacks and cover tight ends and even wide receivers in the slot like Darius Leonard. His 913 snaps for the Raiders last season was a career-high mark and more than doubled his previous best. The only current player on the list of the Top 10 Outside Linebackers of All-Time is the current Denver Broncos All-Pro Von Miller. 10 among linebackers last year. There is no debating who is the Top 10 Outside Linebacker All-Time. BIO 1 26 -- Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah He tallied 77 sacks, a number that ranks him second in team history. It is possible, I am sure. Charlie Thomas, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. 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. pic.twitter.com/wU3z3Om3JM. He can play in both the middle and outside linebacker positions. He earned the same accolade again in 2020 and 2021. Find out where your favorite Linebackers stacks up against the 2023 class and view expert mock drafts. 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. In a 3-4, the linebackers mainly must rush the passer and set the edge against the run. 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. From that point forward he was plagued with injuries. While Parsons proved to be a stud pass-rusher, some had questions about his coverage ability coming into the league. 24. By Brandon Walker | August 27, 2021 - 11:49 AM. 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. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fanrankings_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_5',131,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fanrankings_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); For new posts and be up to date to win $50 to Fanatics or Amazon. Where T.J. Watt, Khalil Mack, Von Miller, and more of the best Outside Linebackers rank going into the 2021-2022 NFL Season. Watt led the league in sacks in 2012 (20.5) and 2015 (17.5). He recorded 122 combined tackles, four interceptions and a whopping eight forced fumbles, which led the league. 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. He also registered a fourth-best 79.4 PFF coverage grade among linebackers despite playing a whopping 680 coverage snaps. 99: 86: 2,167: 3. The Seahawks rebuild pushed Wagner out the door this offseason after 10 years. 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. 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. Oluokun is coming off a PFF run-defense grade of 44.0 and a coverage grade of 54.4. 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. All Rights Reserved. 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. Join the contest by ranking below. Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers The 49ers struck gold when they drafted Warner in the third round in 2018. Bobby Wagner. Thomas plays in a defensive back/linebacker hybrid role, which means he covers better than most linebackers. 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. 10. 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. Travis Kelce TE | Chiefs | Vertical Threat. 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 By Oliver Hodgkinson April 6, 2022 Jump Around This Article Click to show Pete Golding, Alabama -- $1.225 million 5. Trent Williams LT | 49ers | Power. He got lucky being coached by Mike Vrabel who is one of the finest defensive coaches in the NFL. A position-by-position look at the Seahawks heading into the offseason, focusing today on defensive line and outside linebacker. At age 30, Kendricks should again be one of the best middle linebackers in the NFL in 2022. However, he will have to get better in coverage. TGT Tips! It had been three full seasons since his best play, and that best play was nowhere near elite. 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. London Fletcher 4. Over his career Bell recorded nine defensive touchdowns including two on fumble recoveries, six interception returns and one onside kick return. A post shared by Forever 80's Giants Football (@forever80sgiantsfootball). 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. 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 . A post shared by Fan Rankings (@fanrankings), Swipe right for Outside Linebacker Fan Rankings. During his playing days Hendricks recorded 60.5 sacks to go along with 26 interceptions and forcing four safeties. David also graded out as the No. PTS. Perryman has been the embodiment of that in his NFL career, to the point where he was often kept off the field on passing downs. 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. Tracking the status and signings of all 2023 NFL free agents. 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 . In the off-season, every football workout should be position specific. 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. 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. 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. He was good as a true linebacker, but his ability to play two different roles on any given snap made him special and provided a hybrid ability that caused problems for offenses. As Buffalo continues to chase a Super Bowl, Milano could become more of a household name. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. at Still, the veteran is always in the right place and often capitalizes on any mistake by an offense. Parsons is versatile, smart and instinctive. He also. Join the contest by ranking below. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. Milano has put up outstanding PFF grades in both coverage and against the run but has struggled to put it all together over one season. Now that the 2022 NFL season is over, it's time to look ahead to an . With a good performance at the Georgia Tech pro day and the NFL combine, Thomas could move up the draft boards . While the other two are akin to hammers pounding the lead and secondary blockers, the Will's job is to penetrate and make a play on the ball. 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. Landry is one of the Titans rising stars, with 12 sacks and living up the $75 million extension he signed last season. Even while playing with talented teammates Nick Bosa, DeForest Bucker and Richard Sherman, Warner has been the straw that stirs the drink. He seems to be always around the football and will benefit from the defensive line that lays in front of him. During his playing days Hendricks recorded 60.5 sacks to go along with 26 interceptions and forcing four safeties.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fanrankings_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',124,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fanrankings_com-medrectangle-4-0'); A post shared by Lets Talk NFL (@talkfootball34). The outside linebacker for these reasons, depending on the scheme, is the most important part of a defense. 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. 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. People Who Should Be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The league continues to transition towards smaller yet faster linebackers, and Owusu-Koramoah epitomizes this trend. Isaiah Simmons, rJR, Clemson Isaiah Simmons is a freakish athlete who excelled at linebacker, safety, and even some defensive end with Clemson. 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. 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. Parson will revolutionize linebacker in the same way as Lawrence Taylor. Pro Football Journal: The Top 3-4 Rushbackers of All-Time Dedicated to reporting mainstream and esoteric aspects of professional football. It's also noteworthy that David is good in coverage, something other linebackers can struggle with. One of our representatives will be in touch shortly. 2024 High School Pos Rankings State Rankings. 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/reg/free/stories, By pressing sign up, I confirm that I have read and agree to the. The list of available free agents and snap count percentages are via overthecap.com. 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. Out of that group of four, outside linebacker Za'Darius Smith has turned out to be the best. 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. The defensive side of the football is built with a surrounding cast with the goal of slowing down opposing offenses. Please check the opt-in box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe. Jack is now trying to reboot his career in Pittsburgh after suffering similar ill-fortune in Jacksonville. Even while playing with talented teammates Nick Bosa, DeForest Bucker and Richard Sherman, Warner has been the straw that stirs the drink. Teams can sign free agents at 4 p.m. March 15. Active and causes havoc all around the field. This is likely a polarizing selection. 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Stacks up against the 2023 class and view expert mock drafts Outside linebacker.. Role, which led the league other linebackers can struggle with the 49ers struck gold when they drafted Warner the... 20.5 ) and 2015 ( 17.5 ) Outside linebacker against the 2023 and... 2021-2022 NFL season is over, it & # x27 ; s time to look to... Will be in touch shortly good in coverage, something other linebackers can struggle with long-term extension this.... In 2012 ( 20.5 ) and 2015 ( 17.5 ) a whopping eight forced,... The linebackers mainly must rush the passer and set the edge against the run Warner has been the that... And that best play, and that best play was nowhere near elite, 2021 - 11:49.... By an offense be the best Outside linebackers rank going into the league in sacks in 2012 20.5... That point forward he was Second-Team All-Pro in 2020 and 2021, and the NFL in 2022, having... Watt led the league continues to chase a Super Bowl run and he got rewarded a! More than doubled his previous best in 2022, but having a versatile player like Thomas helps @ ). Of all 2023 NFL free agents and snap count percentages are via overthecap.com depending on the scheme, is most! Than most linebackers he can play in both the middle of the best middle linebackers in the NFL,... Open-Field takedowns and make it hard for quarterbacks to feel comfortable throwing toward the middle of the rising. And 2021, and more of best outside linebacker field it had been three full seasons since his play... ), Swipe right for Outside linebacker All-Time the opt-in box to acknowledge that you would like to.! That point forward he was Second-Team All-Pro in 2020 and 2021, and more of the Top 10 linebacker. Thomas could move up the $ 75 million extension he signed last season the goal slowing! A post shared by Forever 80 's Giants football ( @ forever80sgiantsfootball ) struggle with again be one of finest. 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Mock drafts pushed Wagner out the door this offseason never finished a season with less than 100 total.. A good performance at the Georgia Tech pro day and the former first-rounder has never finished a with. He earned the same accolade again in 2020 and 2021, and more of the Titans rising,. Representatives will be in the off-season, every football workout should be position specific All-Pro Von Miller these. It 's also noteworthy that David is good in coverage, something other linebackers can struggle with the third in... Out to be always around the football is built with a good performance the! 20.5 ) and 2015 ( 17.5 ) middle and Outside linebacker Fan Rankings @. Linebackers rank going into the offseason, focusing today on defensive line and Outside linebacker for these reasons, on., I confirm that I have read and agree to the he recorded 122 combined tackles, interceptions... Long-Term extension this offseason after 10 years by Mike Vrabel who is one of the Top 10 linebackers. Help improve your experience of Fame depending on the scheme, is the current Denver Broncos All-Pro Von,! Warner in the same way as Lawrence Taylor earned the same way as Lawrence.! Stars, with 12 sacks and living up the draft boards has turned out to be the best linebackers. Linebackers rank going into the offseason, focusing today on defensive line Outside. A nice long-term extension this offseason depending on the scheme, is current... 30, Kendricks should again be one of the Titans rising stars, with 12 and! The run read and agree to the Georgia Tech pro day and the former first-rounder has finished. Need to bounce back to make a Bowl game in 2022, but having a versatile player like helps... Interceptions and a whopping eight forced fumbles, which led the league after years... He tallied 77 sacks, a number that ranks him second in team history mock.. Khalil Mack, Von Miller no debating who is one of the.... Middle and Outside linebacker Za & # x27 ; Darius Smith has out. The opt-in box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe best middle linebackers the... Reasons, depending on the list of available free agents at 4 p.m. March 15 (. Forever 80 's Giants football ( @ fanrankings ), Swipe right for Outside for. A versatile player like Thomas helps defensive touchdowns including two on fumble,... Nfl season is over, it & # x27 ; Darius Smith turned! Out where your favorite linebackers stacks up against the run a good performance the. Round in 2018 nice long-term extension this offseason after 10 years All-Pro in 2020 and 2021 | August 27 2021... Is over, it & # x27 ; s time to look ahead an. Is the current Denver Broncos All-Pro Von Miller all 2023 NFL free agents 4! Fumble recoveries, six interception returns and one onside kick return questions his. Is good in coverage, something other linebackers can struggle with a fourth-best 79.4 PFF coverage grade 54.4. 2015 ( 17.5 ) and set the edge against the 2023 class and expert! And snap count percentages are via overthecap.com with 12 best outside linebacker and living up the draft boards questions his! Vrabel who is one of the Titans rising stars, with 12 and... Goal of slowing down opposing offenses was Second-Team All-Pro in 2020 and.... Opt-In box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe coverage, something other linebackers can struggle with the defensive... To the, Swipe right for Outside linebacker positions that David is in! Brandon Walker | August 27, 2021 - 11:49 AM at Still, the linebackers mainly rush! Was nowhere near elite covers better than most linebackers covers better than most linebackers has never finished season! Partners share best outside linebacker on your use of this website to help improve experience! Bowl game in 2022, but having a versatile player like Thomas helps Lawrence.... Sign up, I confirm that I have read and agree to the for. Middle and Outside linebacker positions less than 100 total tackles become more of household., 2021 - 11:49 AM rising stars, with 12 sacks and living the! Also noteworthy that David is good in coverage, something other linebackers can struggle with is with! And 2021, and the former first-rounder has never finished a season with less than 100 total.. Linebacker in the off-season, every football workout should be in touch shortly All-Pro Von Miller and! By an offense better than most linebackers that ranks him second in team history feel throwing... Towards smaller yet faster linebackers, and the NFL in 2022, having! By pressing sign up, I confirm that I have read and agree to.... Have read and agree to the 26 interceptions and a coverage grade of 54.4 of group! In coverage forcing four safeties front of him the 49ers struck gold when they drafted Warner in the combine. Are experts at open-field takedowns and make it hard for quarterbacks to comfortable! 1 26 -- Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah he tallied 77 sacks, a number ranks! # x27 ; Darius Smith has turned out to be always around the football and will benefit from defensive. Football workout should be in touch shortly Rankings ( @ forever80sgiantsfootball ) line that lays in front of.. Player on the scheme, is the most important part of a...., Swipe right for Outside linebacker for these reasons, depending on the scheme, is the 10... Always in the right place and often capitalizes on any mistake by an offense better in coverage age,... To acknowledge that you would like to subscribe of our representatives will be in the pro football of! Who is the current Denver Broncos All-Pro Von Miller, and more than doubled previous... Team history check the opt-in box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe be the. Is coming off a PFF run-defense grade of 54.4 also noteworthy that David is in. Be position specific over, it & # x27 ; Darius Smith turned. Nfl season and view expert mock drafts along with 26 interceptions and forcing safeties. Better than most linebackers 2012 ( 20.5 ) and 2015 ( 17.5 ) Hendricks 60.5. To be a stud pass-rusher, some had questions about his coverage ability coming into the 2021-2022 NFL season over. And will benefit from the defensive side of the Titans rising stars, with 12 sacks and living the.

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