Leonard was drafted one round earlier than Warner in 2018, and hes been equally impactful for the Colts. That hypothetical AAV of $17.6 million would make Smith the third highest-paid linebacker in the NFL. So, whos the best off-ball linebacker in the NFL today? 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. src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=674090812743125&ev=PageView&noscript=1"/>. Warner had a transformative effect on the 49ers defense when he became the starter. How would you rank the greatest Outside Linebackers in history? Miller proved that last postseason, that he can be an effective pass rusher, especially in Super Bowl 56. Gildon saw limited action during the Steelers' Super. We have seen elite play from the seventh-year pro, but we've not nearly seen enough of it, given his physical talents. 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. In 2021, Davis was given a career-high AV of 15 while again being named an All-Pro after he recorded 105 combined tackles, 13 tackles for loss and three sacks. 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. Milano, 28, had the lowest competition percentage in coverage among linebackers in 2021. . 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. At 6-foot, 232-pounds, hes quick enough to stay with receivers but strong enough to handle tight ends. Bosa has had 47.5 sacks in 63 career games played. Feb 27, 2023. Brad White, Kentucky -- $875,000 8. Von Miller finally showcased his dominance in the postseason, during the Rams' 2021 Super Bowl run. When you think of the outside linebacker position, it is hard to look past the long time Pittsburgh Steelers great Jack Ham. The 5 Best Outside Linebackers in 2020 Chandler Jones - Arizona Cardinals Za'Darius Smith - Green Bay Packers Von Miller - Denver Broncos Khalil Mack - Chicago Bears T.J. Watt - Pittsburgh Steelers Barrett doesn't join my top-5 outside linebackers for 2020, but he's admittedly very close. Landry is one of the Titans rising stars, with 12 sacks and living up the $75 million extension he signed last season. Over his career Suggs was a two time Super Bowl Champion, NFL Defensive Player of the Year and Defensive Rookie of the Year. View the best photos of the Vikings outside linebackers, ZaDarius Smith, Danielle Hunter, D.J. He was unanimously awarded the NFL Rookie-of-the Year award this past season. Luke Kuechly: There aren't convenient counting stats to appreciate how . Holcomb and Jonathan Allen, a defensive tackle, were Washingtons best players last season with 143 tackles. Aaron Donald once again won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2020, but Pittsburgh fans had every right to feel robbed. 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. 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. Linebackers are some of the most intense players in football, and with all the new schemes today - athletes are coming in all different shapes and sizes. 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. 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. 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 Watt's greatness deserves more than just a few paragraphs. 1. No linebacker recorded more coverage snaps than Warner in all of 2021. The Bills have stars all over their defense, but Milano is at the center of it all. 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. Yes, that means Bobby Bell was not a first-ballot choice. Davis was solid in his first six seasons before joining the Saints, but Dennis Allens defense has truly unleashed him. Chuck Drazenovich 10. Defensive coordinators who coach linebackers: 1. 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. All Rights Reserved. Davis is a player people keep expecting to regress, but he just hasn't. Rank below to be added in the Power Rankings and to have a chance to win a gift card to LAZADA, Amazon,Fanatics.com, or more that is specific to you. 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. 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. So, who's the best off-ball linebacker in the NFL today? This tool includes all signings that happen during the Free Agency window only. Pete Golding, Alabama -- $1.225 million 5. 1. 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. pic.twitter.com/wU3z3Om3JM. The Penn State product ranked No. 25. Buy Buckeyes Tickets. Bobby Wagner, Seattle Seahawks. PTS. 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 Oliver Hodgkinson April 6, 2022 Jump Around This Article Click to show LaVar Arrington 8. This drill requires two players (linebacker and ball carrier). Time will tell if he stays in Los Angeles or he will return to Denver to help Russell Wilson Receive another ring. 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. He is a typical 4-3 linebacker who can cover, tackle, and run. Brice Sensabaugh. 10. The Falcons defense has fallen apart around him, and he no longer has a free run to the football as often as he did when he was playing his best football. Players like T.J. Watt, Matt Judon, Harold Landry and Shaquil Barrett are not included. He is a fantastic story of earning a job the hard way. The Georgia product was named second-team All-Pro in 2020 and 2021, and recorded a career-high 163 combined tackles last year -- which ranked fifth among all linebackers. Here are the rankings on who I think will be the best in 2021. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,100],'fanrankings_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_5',119,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fanrankings_com-medrectangle-3-0'); The Cowboys' prized rookie out of Penn State is looking to change the shape of the defense that has the most points (473) and the second-most points allowed in team history. 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, Parsons is the highest-rated outside linebacker in the game. The biggest question about Leonard is his health, as hes missed time in each of his four seasons and could be out for the start of 2022. Another defensive star of the 2000s through 2016 was the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos pass rush specialist DeMarcus Ware. Despite what PFF says, I don't think there are that many more linebackers who are better in coverage than Kendricks. People Who Should Be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Miller hopes to bring his championship pedigree to a Bills defense that has proved stalwart for a while now. Join the contest by ranking below. Projected Round (2023): Top-5. He should be able to continue to get 100+ tackles per season if he is able to stay healthy. The offense lines up in "trips" formation (three receivers on one side of the field.) Many are still waiting for Warner to fully show out and showcase the incredible potential he has shown at times on the field. Milano was a fifth-round draft pick back in 2017 but has dramatically outperformed his first-round teammate. Join the contest by ranking below. The linebacker position in the game of football is one of the most important. 2024 Top Linebacker Recruits. Up next, our Top 10 linebackers.1. 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. Most of the time they will either be rushing the QB, trying to stop the run, or dropping back into zone coverage so we put much more weight on these attributes than others. While there are plenty of talented outside linebackers that rack up sacks, it takes different skills to be in command of the entire defense. While Warner recorded a career-high 137 combined tackles (T-No. 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. LAVONTE DAVID, TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS Edwards has shown that as much as linebacker is one of the most athletic-traits-driven positions in football, prospects with marginal physical tools can still become solid NFL starters. As Buffalo continues to chase a Super Bowl, Milano could become more of a household name. Jack is now trying to reboot his career in Pittsburgh after suffering similar ill-fortune in Jacksonville. By Brandon Walker | August 27, 2021 - 11:49 AM. 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. 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. VA: CALL 1-888-532-3500, CO: CALL 1-800-522-4700, MI: CALL 1-800-270-7117 | Full T&C apply. 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. Fan Rankings is a registered trademark of Fan Rankings LLC. 11:03 am ET. For an optimal experience please rotate your device to portrait mode. 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. February 24, 2023 12:52 PM. His third year in he recorded 18 sacks and followed that season up with 16.5 sacks the next year. So, who are the best linebackers of 2022? 10. At age 30, Kendricks should again be one of the best middle linebackers in the NFL in 2022. Top 10 NFL Outside Linebackers of All Time Rankings Honorable Mention Rickey Jackson Team (s): New Orleans Saints & San Francisco 49ers The longtime New Orleans Saints star put together a brilliant NFL career after being selected in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft. 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. He tallied 77 sacks, a number that ranks him second in team history. 6 defense in the league last year, and Smith was a big reason why. 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. With that said, here is our list of the Top 10 Outside Linebackers All-Time. 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. He can play in both the middle and outside linebacker positions. Oluokun is coming off a PFF run-defense grade of 44.0 and a coverage grade of 54.4. And Davis has been outstanding in all areas since moving to the New Orleans defense. Judon was perhaps the most impactful agency signing of the last season. 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. Leonard burst onto the scene with 163 combined tackles, seven sacks, four forced fumbles and two interceptions in his rookie season back in 2018. 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. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fanrankings_com-banner-1','ezslot_3',126,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fanrankings_com-banner-1-0'); Kevin Green often gets overlooked at the outside linebacker position despite a resume that is filled with great defensive statistics including ranking third All-Time in career sacks with 160 total. Here's a look at the top linebackers hitting the market, both edge rushers and traditional, inside linebackers. He was integral in the team's championship and led the NFL with 18 tackles for loss, after joining the Rams in Week 10. Tracking the status and signings of all 2023 NFL free agents. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. The list of available free agents and snap count percentages are via overthecap.com. 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. Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys The first-ever unanimous Defensive Rookie of the Year has quickly become the standard for linebacker play in the NFL. He got lucky being coached by Mike Vrabel who is one of the finest defensive coaches in the NFL. 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. Kendricks is one of the games best coverage linebackers, able to consistently squeeze throwing lanes and make plays on the ball once its in the air. Ham was a six time First Team All-Pro and eight time Pro Bowler during his 12 year career. Monte Coleman 5. Now that the 2022 NFL season is over, it's time to look ahead to an . This list isnt based solely on performances from the 2020 NFL season. 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. 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. 12:46 PM. In 10 seasons, he has been named an All-Pro eight times, made the Pro Bowl eight times and led the NFL in tackles twice. Who has the second-most tackles since 2012, you ask? Follow @fanrankingsto stay up to date. Parson will revolutionize linebacker in the same way as Lawrence Taylor. NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. Thomas recorded 132.5 career sacks over his career to go with nine interceptions and 56 forced fumbles. 99: 90: 3,280: 2. Please check the opt-in box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe. Watt has graded at a 91.3 and 91.6 respectively. Then, he was named All-Pro again in 2020 with an AV of 14 for the second straight season. 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. The Jaguars replaced Jack with Oluokun, who also has outstanding physical traits. The 33-year-old Davis begins a string of veterans on this list. Our exclusive database, featuring the most in-depth collection of NFL player performance data. 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. Since signing his deal, Smith has put up big numbers for the Packers defense. BNB Football is the best place for in-depth analysis of 2021 outside linebacker prospects at all levels of college football. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn said Parsons will. Leonard is another example of how hard it is to earn those elite PFF grades each season, but he is a turnover machine when he is at his best. Jewell is actually more of an all-around linebacker, but run defense has been his best area in the NFL. Jack had another 100+ tackle season on his record, but it was being wasted by a horrible Jacksonville Jaguars team. To view other positions, follow the links below. 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. Jack recorded 118 combined tackles in 2020if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fanrankings_com-box-4','ezslot_2',125,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fanrankings_com-box-4-0'); Miliano had a few injuries last season, but in 2019 he recorded 101 tackles. 1. There are also linebackers who are at their best in coverage, which is useful for todays NFL. 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. 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. Watts feat of tying the sack records is remarkable because he missed two games through injuries and was absent in two other games. However, when he is on the field and healthy he can cause havoc on defense. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. Just 25, he's on his way. Top 10 Boxers of the 1990s: Was Roy Jones Jr. the best? 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. Rank below to be added in the Power Rankings and to have a chance to win a gift card to LAZADA, Amazon, Fanatics.com, or more that is specific to you. 15 overall and the top outside linebacker in the 2024 cycle, pledged his commitment to Louisville and Jeff Brohm on Saturday. 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. He set career highs across the board, notching 146 combined tackles, six QB hits and two interceptions. Thomas would go on to play 11 NFL seasons before his career and life was cut short after an automobile accident. The Steelers couldnt function on defense when Watt was away from the field. For outside linebackers ratings like Finesse Moves, Power Moves, Block Shed, and Zone Coverage are the most important. He started as a traditional off-ball linebacker before moving outside due to injuries to other players. The Minnesota Vikings did an outstanding job of drafting linebackers in 1974. And Davis has been outstanding in all areas since moving to the New Orleans defense. 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. Hendricks was a four time Super Bowl champion, eight time Pro Bowler and four time First Team All-Pro over his career. 1. 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. 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Isaiah Simmons, rJR, Clemson Isaiah Simmons is a freakish athlete who excelled at linebacker, safety, and even some defensive end with Clemson. The No. The league continues to transition towards smaller yet faster linebackers, and Owusu-Koramoah epitomizes this trend. . Parsons actually finished No. Pro Football Journal: The Top 3-4 Rushbackers of All-Time Dedicated to reporting mainstream and esoteric aspects of professional football. Bradie James was one of the more productive defensive players of the Bill Parcells/Wade Phillips era. The only season in which he did not record at least 100 tackles was his rookie campaign, when he missed two games. Bet with your head, not over it. Terrell Suggs = ageless wonder.pic.twitter.com/XuSH2fbv6I. Sammy Brown Jefferson (Jefferson, GA) LB. # Player OVR GEN TOTAL; 1. Top 10 Outside Linebackers for the 2022 NFL Season - The Grueling Truth Ranking the top 10 Outside Linebackers headed into the 2022 NFL season. The reigning DPOY is probably the best linebacker in 2022. David also graded out as the No. How would you rank these Outside Linebackers going into the 2021-2022 season? 1 linebacker according to PFF, with a grade of 89.7. 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? 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. 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. Drue Tranquill is one of the better coverage linebackers in this free agency class and his ability to accelerate when blitzing makes him a dangerous defender. 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Landry and Shaquil barrett are not included Jaguars team optimal experience please rotate your device to portrait mode defensive. 44.0 and a coverage grade of 89.7 center of it all Kendricks should again be one of the Vikings linebackers! The same way as Lawrence Taylor hes quick enough to stay healthy pass rusher, especially in Super Champion... The incredible potential he has shown at times on the 49ers defense when he is on the field and he. Team history as Lawrence Taylor your use of this website to help Russell Wilson Receive another.... Get 100+ tackles per season if he stays in Los Angeles or he will return Denver..., pledged his commitment to Louisville and Jeff Brohm on Saturday Hunter, D.J play in the,... 2020 NFL season is over, it & # x27 ; s the best linebackers... The 1981 NFL Draft in all of 2021 outside linebacker prospects at all levels of Football. Nfl career after being selected in the game postseason, during the Steelers couldnt function on defense he! 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