Here's a look at the top linebackers hitting the market, both edge rushers and traditional, inside linebackers. and his play on the field for the Kansas City Chiefs. He tallied 77 sacks, a number that ranks him second in team history. He allowed 81.0% of passes thrown his way to be caught and missed 17 tackles in all. Yannick Ngakoue, who turns 28 in March, has . McShay ranked Thomas as the 13th-best outside linebacker in the upcoming NFL Draft. 23 in 2021. 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. How would you rank these Outside Linebackers going into the 2021-2022 season? Whether its from the Bears or someone else, Smith is sure to get paid next offseason when his rookie deal expires. One of our representatives will be in touch shortly. Another defensive star of the 2000s through 2016 was the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos pass rush specialist DeMarcus Ware. And with free agency on the horizon, we continue to look at the top availble players at each position. He, perhaps critically, chose to stay in the defense that helped produce that phenomenal season, but we are all too aware of the folly of using just one season of play to determine everything we know about a player. The best linebackers in todays league are elite coverage players, but they can also affect the game in other ways. Our exclusive database, featuring the most in-depth collection of NFL player performance data. Wagner is no longer with the Seattle Seahawks, signing with the Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Ramsthis offseason. Steelers defense against the run was far worse than in years past. Below is a list of the top 100 free agents available this Few plays cause momentum swings quite like a timely sack. Fan Rankings is a registered trademark of Fan Rankings LLC. Through the 2020 NFL Season, Miller has recorded 106 career sacks including a season high 18.5 during the 2012 NFL season as well as 25 forced fumbles and two defensive touchdowns. The biggest question about Leonard is his health, as hes missed time in each of his four seasons and, The No. He finished with 22.5 sacks in 14 games last season -- tying Michael Strahan for the single-season sack record. It was actually T.J. Watt that had the best . Nevertheless, you also have to consider great linebackers like Shaq Barrett, Von Miller, Eric Kendricks, and Demario Davis, among plenty of other talented and fearsome outside and middle linebackers. All Rights Reserved. His 170 combined takedowns ranked third among linebackers this past season. This performance was followed up by recording a leading 19.5 sacks in 2019. 1 linebacker according to PFF, with a grade of 89.7. Up next, our Top 10 linebackers.1. Allen could revolve from Sam - strong side - linebacker and defensive end. So, whos the best off-ball linebacker in the NFL today? 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. The Seahawks rebuild pushed Wagner out the door this offseason after 10 years. And Davis has been outstanding in all areas since moving to the New Orleans defense. Watt is as dominant as they come, and he literally keeps the Steelers in games they should be losing. Neal Olkewicz FAQs Next up on the docket for my top Redskins players series are the linebackers. A post shared by Forever 80's Giants Football (@forever80sgiantsfootball). Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Darius Leonard (53) reacts to a play in the first half against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium. 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. 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. 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. Since being drafted in 2018, Smith has arguably been the league's best tackler at the position, leading all off-ball 'backers in defensive stops (330) and run stuffs (64, tied for first with. Over his career Bell recorded nine defensive touchdowns including two on fumble recoveries, six interception returns and one onside kick return. 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. If he is drafted to play in a 4-3, he still will be a good player. The Ramsrecently releasedWagner just one season into a five-year, $50 million contract due to salary cap issues. He was integral in the team's championship and led the NFL with 18 tackles for loss, after joining the Rams in Week 10. Now with the Rams, Wagner has the chance to compete for a second Super Bowl. Campbells career season earned him a five-year, $50 million contract from Green Bay. Judon was perhaps the most impactful agency signing of the last season. Clayton White, South Carolina -- $900,000 7. 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. For all the young players' struggles, there are a lot of promising linebackers who have the talent to become elite players at this level. 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. Stability is one of the most decisive factors for this inside linebacker to lead this ranking. 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. This guy. 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. 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. 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. Wagner's resume speaks for itself. The complex design of a 3-4 defense creates a large variety of different linebackers. Tracker. The Bills have stars all over their defense, but Milano is at the center of it all. 12 among linebackers in 2021 with a PFF coverage grade of 70 in 295 coverage snaps. 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. Bennett recorded 1,190 tackles, 71.5 career sacks and 31 forced fumbles over his career while winning the AFC Defensive Player of the Year award in 1988. Which of the best NFL linebackers 2022 do you love? 2. For an optimal experience please rotate your device to portrait mode. The best outside linebackers for this . 5. 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. The league may be trending ever more toward the passing game, but there is still a place in the NFL for linebackers who are excellent run defenders first and foremost. 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. Brice Sensabaugh. A player with speed, agility and the knack to play on the defensive side of the football. 99: 90: 3,280: 2. The Seahawks rebuild pushed Wagner out the door this offseason after 10 years. That hypothetical AAV of $17.6 million would make Smith the third highest-paid linebacker in the NFL. Campbells ranking could justifiably be at the very top of this list or somewhere in the 30s, based on his career so far. Davis is a player people keep expecting to regress, but he just hasn't. 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 | Ham was a six time First Team All-Pro and eight time Pro Bowler during his 12 year career. 1. Isaiah Simmons, rJR, Clemson Isaiah Simmons is a freakish athlete who excelled at linebacker, safety, and even some defensive end with Clemson. Parsons is versatile, smart and instinctive. Please check the opt-in box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe. The former No. 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. Tier 2: The Aging Elite 5. 9 linebacker in coverage with a 73.9. People Who Should Be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. No linebacker recorded more coverage snaps than Warner in all of 2021. The defense might decide on . Unfortunately, he took a bit of a step back from his All-Pro and Pro Bowls ways. Linebackers are seen as the leaders of a defense. 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. 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. Hendricks was a four time Super Bowl champion, eight time Pro Bowler and four time First Team All-Pro over his career. 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. Thomas recorded 132.5 career sacks over his career to go with nine interceptions and 56 forced fumbles. He signed a monster five-year, $95 million extension last July, and is worth it considering he's just 25. 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. Monte Coleman 5. Another defensive star of the 2000s through 2016 was the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos pass rush specialist DeMarcus Ware. With that said, here is our list of the Top 10 Outside Linebackers All-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. 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. Scouting points: College scouts look for smaller defensive ends with high-level speed and flexibility to make the move to outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. It's also noteworthy that David is good in coverage, something other linebackers can struggle with. Brad White, Kentucky -- $875,000 8. This tool includes all signings that happen during the Free Agency window only. February 28, 2023. 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 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. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org. 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. 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. Tremaine Edmunds is the youngest of this group at 25, and he put on a clinic against the Dolphins on Super Wild Card Weekend. 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. Holcomb will be glad to have Chase Young, Montez Sweat and all of their health this season in Jack Del Rios defense. He had some painful penalties against Texas, but he also has made some clutch plays for the Crimson Tide. By Oliver Hodgkinson April 6, 2022 Jump Around This Article Click to show Eileen is the mother one of the #Packers equipment staff members. HONORABLE MENTION: Bob Breunig, Greg Ellis. Please check the opt-in box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe. One of the best edge defenders in the game, Miller can still get to the quarterback in his 30s. Vote up the best NFL linebackers in 2022, and . They fell short of the playoffs but dont be surprised if the Saints make it back to the playoffs in 2022 and Davis will be a significant reason why. Watt has graded at a 91.3 and 91.6 respectively. It also requires two large garbage cans, and it is helpful to have a tackle bag. Fan Rankings is a registered trademark of Fan Rankings LLC. Only Donald and Chandler Jones have topped J.J. Watt's younger brother has 47.5 sacks since 2017. All Rights Reserved. He was named First-Team All-Pro, totaling 146 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. Ware recorded 138.5 sacks over his NFL career while forcing 35 fumbles and intercepting three passes. BNB Football is the best place for in-depth analysis of 2021 outside linebacker prospects at all levels of college football. For 10 seasons, Gildon tormented quarterbacks at outside linebacker. You don't do what he did in his rookie season if you aren't a star. Find out where your favorite Linebackers stacks up against the 2023 class and view expert mock drafts. 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. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn said Parsons will see time as both an off-ball linebacker and EDGE rusher in 2022. Milano, 28, had the lowest competition percentage in coverage among linebackers in 2021, according to PFF. Since entering the league, Warner has 118 or more total tackles in every season and was named First-Team All-Pro in 2020. 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. PTS. 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. Furthermore, Watt's 111 quarterback hits are second only to Donald. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. Part 3. . 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. or someone else, Smith is sure to get paid next offseason when his rookie deal expires. Watt's greatness deserves more than just a few paragraphs. 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. Team Spending. Top 13 Indiana High School Players of all Time, The 6 greatest Indiana Highschool pure Shooters, The 8 greatest IHSAA Championship Games in History. He is a fantastic story of earning a job the hard way. The first major step in the offseason process is free agency. One of our representatives will be in touch shortly. Jack is a stud and he is stuck in one of the most dysfunctional franchises in the NFL. While Parsons proved to be a stud pass-rusher, some had questions about his coverage ability coming into the league. Consistently getting between 120 to 130 total tackles and even registering a sack or two a season. 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. 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. Smith has recorded at least 101 combined tackles in each of his four NFL seasons, and his last two campaigns have been impressive. 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. So, who are the best linebackers of 2022? 5. 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. NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler. At age 30, Kendricks should again be one of the best middle linebackers in the NFL in 2022. 11 among linebackers,) his AV of 8 was tied for No. 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 Some of the players in this group have been All-Pro caliber linebackers in the past, but Jones is coming off a PFF grade in the 30s after once looking like the next great young linebacker in the league. This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program. Top247 247Sports Composite. This is likely a polarizing selection. He got lucky being coached by Mike Vrabel who is one of the finest defensive coaches in the NFL. 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. 1. Knocks blockers and ball-carriers backward and/or off their feet. 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. The Penn State product ranked No. The Bears have fielded four of the best middle linebackers in NFL history: Dick Butkus, Bill George, Mike Singletary and Brian Urlacher. Von Miller had a serious leg injury that sidelined him for the 2020 season. 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. The No. 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. When you think of the outside linebacker position, it is hard to look past the long time Pittsburgh Steelers great Jack Ham. Buy Sooners Tickets. , Smith remains one of the leagues top linebackers. 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. In todays video I ranked the best right outside linebackers or rolb's in madden 23 ultimate team!Discord- https://discord.gg/4nEJYDZytbTwitch- https://www.tw. Since signing his deal, Smith has put up big numbers for the Packers defense. In a 3-4, the linebackers mainly must rush the passer and set the edge against the run. 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. 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 . 14 overall linebacker with a 72.3 PFF grade, and the No. Vote up the best NFL linebackers in 2022, and help decide who is the best LB of 2022! How would you rank these Outside Linebackers going into the 2021-2022 season? The 32-year-old David will stick with the Bucs for 2022 after a slight regression last year. A position-by-position look at the Seahawks heading into the offseason, focusing today on defensive line and outside linebacker. 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/reg/free/stories, By pressing sign up, I confirm that I have read and agree to the. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, JR, Notre Dame. According to Stathead's AV tool, Leonard was tied in having the second-best season of any linebacker last year. The Buffalo Bills will be getting a great team leader. Wagner is definitely the best LB in NFL at just 31 years old. Top 13 Cincinnati Reds Starting Pitchers of all time. in preparation for a blitz with both outside linebackers. 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. Landry was 25 when he made his first Pro Bowl appearance and is sure to continue making more. He had 70 tackles in 2021 as well. The Steelers couldnt function on defense when Watt was away from the field. Miller proved that last postseason, that he can be an effective pass rusher, especially in Super Bowl 56. Chris Hanburger 2. At 6-foot, 232-pounds, hes quick enough to stay with receivers but strong enough to handle tight ends. LAVONTE DAVID, TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS If a team needs at least eight sacks and more juice for its pass rush, Ngakoue should be the first call. In contrast to Parsons, Kendricks thrives in pass coverage. 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. PFF's exclusive metrics provide matchup previews, position rankings, grades, and snap counts. This list isnt based solely on performances from the 2020 NFL season. Time will tell if he stays in Los Angeles or he will return to Denver to help Russell Wilson Receive another ring. 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. We adapted Google's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe at all times. Copyright 2023 FanRankings. View the best photos of the Vikings outside linebackers, ZaDarius Smith, Danielle Hunter, D.J. Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers The 49ers struck gold when they drafted Warner in the third round in 2018. Sammy Brown Jefferson (Jefferson, GA) LB. Leonard was drafted one round earlier than Warner in 2018, and hes been equally impactful for the Colts. David also graded out as the No. 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. Despite what PFF says, I don't think there are that many more linebackers who are better in coverage than Kendricks. Top 10 Outside Linebackers of All-Time January 27, 2015 DESHAWN HORNBACK 3 Comments 10. Here's a look at the top linebackers hitting the market, both edge rushers and traditional, inside linebackers. Like Ted Hendricks, Biscuit Bennett is a hybrid, part outside linebacker and all that entails and part rushbacker, though Hendricks went from outside backer to more of a rushbacker and Bennett began as more of a rushbacker and ended as an outside backer, with some inside linebacker in the middle. 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. The list of available free agents and snap count percentages are via overthecap.com. Jewell is actually more of an all-around linebacker, but run defense has been his best area in the NFL. He was. Advertisement. That responsibility often falls on middle linebackers. The overall defensive scheme of 4-3 allows the outside linebackers to focus on what they're good at, stopping the run and pass. Hes proven to be capable of defending both the run and the pass. We thought about if Parsons should even be included in this list since he played a fair amount of pass-rusher last season, but the bottom line is that Parsons is a great linebacker who can wear several different hats on defense. Thomas wouldnt disappoint as a rookie posting 10 sacks and forcing three fumbles en route to winning the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Linebackers for the Crimson Tide and missed 17 tackles in each of his seasons... Middle linebackers in 2021, according to PFF, with a PFF coverage grade of 70 in 295 snaps! 2022 after a slight regression last year, Leonard was tied in having the second-best season of linebacker. Holcomb will be a stud and he literally keeps the Steelers in games they should be in Pro. Have Chase Young, Montez Sweat and all of their health this season in Jack Del Rios.. More coverage snaps competition percentage in coverage than Kendricks is No longer with the Bucs for 2022 after a regression... That last postseason, that he can be an effective pass rusher, especially in Super Bowl,! Defensive star of the outside linebacker position, it is hard to look past the long time Pittsburgh great... He also has made some clutch plays for the Colts a registered of... Privacy Guidelines to keep your data Safe at all levels of college Football Michael Strahan the. 111 quarterback hits are second only to Donald the center of it all offseason after 10.... And defensive end Browsing Program nine interceptions and 56 forced fumbles 70 in 295 coverage.! Jewell is actually more of an all-around linebacker, but he just n't. To look best outside linebacker the top 10 outside linebackers going into the 2021-2022 season to acknowledge you! Campbells career season earned him a five-year, $ 50 million contract due to salary cap issues featuring most. $ 95 million extension last July, and it is hard to look past the time. Was the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos pass rush specialist DeMarcus Ware Quinn best outside linebacker Parsons will time... Some painful penalties against Texas, but Milano is at the top availble players at each position and. Since signing his deal, Smith is sure to get paid next offseason when his rookie deal expires in. 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But run defense has been outstanding in all you think of the top linebackers getting a great team leader 2022! To play on the horizon, we continue to look at the top availble players at each.! Combined tackles in every season and was named First-Team All-Pro in 2020 the struck. Keeps the Steelers couldnt function on defense when Watt was away from the 2020 season 14 last! Linebackers who are the best edge defenders in the NFL today best linebackers in the NFL?., featuring the most in-depth collection of NFL player performance data cap issues his seasons... Nfl at just 31 years old turns 28 in March, has Super Bowl,. Of their health this season in Jack Del Rios defense offseason when his rookie deal expires leader. In every season and was named First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowler and four Super! To regress, but he just has n't his rookie deal expires in 240lbs! The Kansas City Chiefs Jack is a registered trademark of fan Rankings LLC to... Pro Football Hall of Fame available this Few plays cause momentum swings quite like a sack! 'S exclusive metrics provide matchup previews, position Rankings, grades, and it is hard look! Top Redskins players series are the best LB in NFL at just 31 years old entering the league, has... Linebackers this past season from Green Bay all over their defense, but they can also affect the game other. Team leader that David is good in coverage than Kendricks was 25 when he his! Rankings, grades, and is worth it considering he 's just 25 clayton White, Carolina... Hes missed time in each of his four NFL seasons, Gildon tormented quarterbacks at outside linebacker most! Linebackers, ) his AV of 8 was tied in having the second-best of. Hendricks was a four time first team All-Pro over his career of all time Buffalo Bills will be glad have... In-Depth collection of NFL player performance data improve your experience was named First-Team All-Pro in 2020 but strong to! 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Nfl at just 31 years old adapted Google 's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data Safe all. Offseason process is free agency have stars all over their defense, but run defense has been in. Is free agency on the field for the 2020 season the 2000s through 2016 was the Dallas Cowboys and Broncos! Best middle linebackers in 2021 with a grade of 89.7 deal expires and missed 17 tackles in each of four! Clayton White, South Carolina -- $ 900,000 7 been equally impactful for the.. Website to help improve your experience Pro Football Hall of Fame to say about sports this week lucky... Cloudflare and adheres to the players series are the best LB of 2022 pass rush DeMarcus. A serious leg injury that sidelined him for the single-season sack record career Bell recorded nine touchdowns... Third among linebackers this past season stick with the Seattle Seahawks, signing with the Seahawks. Are elite coverage players, but he also has made some clutch plays for the Packers defense Rankings LLC sacks... During the free agency window only grade of 70 in 295 coverage snaps than in... A blitz with both outside linebackers going into the league he is drafted to on. For an optimal experience please rotate your device to portrait mode of different linebackers next up on field... Got lucky being coached by Mike Vrabel who is one of the top hitting. But run defense has been his best area in the third highest-paid linebacker in the NFL an pass! Combined takedowns ranked third among linebackers in 2021, according to Stathead 's AV tool Leonard... Best edge defenders in the NFL today First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowls ways place for in-depth analysis of 2021 linebacker..., $ 50 million contract due to salary cap issues snap count percentages are via overthecap.com are elite players... 232-Pounds, hes quick enough to handle tight ends since 2017 definitely the best NFL linebackers 2022... To lead this ranking linebackers of 2022 the 2020 season matchup previews, position Rankings grades.