Parsons actually finished No. Madden 23. This is likely a polarizing selection. Perhaps no player better sums up the volatility of linebacker play than the newly minted All-Pro, De'Vondre Campbell. The defense might decide on . Below is a list of the top 100 free agents available this Few plays cause momentum swings quite like a timely sack. He has prototype size for the position at 6-foot-5, 246 pounds in addition to extensive experience taking on blocks. 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. Furthermore, Watt's 111 quarterback hits are second only to Donald. Here's a look at the top linebackers hitting the market, both edge rushers and traditional, inside linebackers. Fred Warner has continuously shown during his time with the San Francisco 49ers that he is a great defensive player. He started as a traditional off-ball linebacker before moving outside due to injuries to other players. She isn't feeling well and ZaDarius made sure to shout her out if he got a sack. If you go back and watch him play throughout his rookie season, you'll not only see a talented pass-rusher, but a good linebacker that can read and react quickly. 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/reg/free/stories, By pressing sign up, I confirm that I have read and agree to the. February 28, 2023. Injuries are the only thing that could stop Watt from achieving his single-season record for sacks. The 12th pick overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. At age 30, Kendricks should again be one of the best middle linebackers in the NFL in 2022. Bosa has had 47.5 sacks in 63 career games played. 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? Ken Harvey 6. A short, compact 6-2, 265 pounds, Incoom lacks great speed or the typical desired length of a 3-4 outside linebacker, but he compensates for that deficiency with a powerful upper body that allows . When you think of the outside linebacker position, it is hard to look past the long time Pittsburgh Steelers great Jack Ham. He earned the same accolade again in 2020 and 2021. His 170 combined takedowns ranked third among linebackers 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. Judon was perhaps the most impactful agency signing of the last season. The reigning DPOY is probably the best linebacker in 2022. 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. Ware recorded 138.5 sacks over his NFL career while forcing 35 fumbles and intercepting three passes. 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 | He earned the same accolade again in 2020 and 2021. He was named First-Team All-Pro, totaling 146 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. Billy Napier and his coaching staff have been in the process of offering prospects in the Class of 2024 and beyond during the dead period as they look to set their recruiting . Brooks, Taylor, and Ham are the only outside linebackers of the Super Bowl era to be first ballot Hall of Famers. This performance was followed up by recording a leading 19.5 sacks in 2019. Unlock all tools and content including Player Grades, Fantasy, NFL Draft, Premium Stats, Greenline and DFS. 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. The best linebackers in todays league are elite coverage players, but they can also affect the game in other ways. This list isnt based solely on performances from the 2020 NFL season. 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. A player with speed, agility and the knack to play on the defensive side of the football. 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. The 2021 NFL draft is over and we witnessed Justin Fields selected in the first round, but the next highest former Buckeye drafted was outside linebacker Pete Werner in the second round. Holcomb will be glad to have Chase Young, Montez Sweat and all of their health this season in Jack Del Rios defense. The league continues to transition towards smaller yet faster linebackers, and Owusu-Koramoah epitomizes this trend. At age 30, Kendricks should again be one of the best middle linebackers in the NFL in 2022. Nick Bolton (Chiefs); Jordyn Brooks (Seahawks); Shaq Thompson (Panthers); Denzel Perryman (Raiders); Foye Oluokun (Jaguars). David also graded out as the No. LAVONTE DAVID, TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS The best outside linebackers for this . 8 in total pressures. 1 T.J. Watt - LOLB - 96. In a 3-4, the linebackers mainly must rush the passer and set the edge against the run. 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. 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. 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. Watt . He also leads the league with 1,383 total tackles since 2012, 161 more than second-place. For contending teams needing help on the cheap, there's a number of established veterans to choose from in this class, including Jason Pierre-Paul, Carlos Dunlap, Jadeveon Clowney, Melvin Ingram, Justin Houston, Robert Quinn and Bruce Irvin. Knocks blockers and ball-carriers backward and/or off their feet. 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. Will Anderson*, OLB/DE, Alabama Height: 6-4. Follow @fanrankingsto stay up to date. He was unanimously awarded the NFL Rookie-of-the Year award this past season. From that point forward he was plagued with injuries. There are also linebackers who are at their best in coverage, which is useful for todays NFL. The bonus offer of was already opened in an additional window. The former second round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs, Bobby Bell was as versatile and athletic as any linebacker to play the position during his time within the NFL. In contrast to Parsons, Kendricks thrives in pass coverage. During that stretch he recorded more than 100 tackles in 5 straight seasons, and he is one of two Dallas . Since entering the league, Warner has 118 or more total tackles in every season and was named First-Team All-Pro in 2020. Join the contest by ranking below. It got me thinking how many outside linebackers in Ohio State history were drafted that high or higher. People Who Should Be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Where T.J. Watt, Khalil Mack, Von Miller, and more of the best Outside Linebackers rank going into the 2021-2022 NFL Season. 25. He finished with 22.5 sacks in 14 games last season -- tying Michael Strahan for the single-season sack record. Swipe right for Outside Linebacker Fan Rankings. Brad White, Kentucky -- $875,000 8. 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. 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. Instinctive and plays downhill in the run game. Monte Coleman 5. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports. 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. Weight: 235. The former No. Both Barr and Danielle Hunter are keys to a bounce-back season for the defense in Minnesota. And even though he hasnt quite been able to maintain an elite level of play every season, his impact on the field is obvious. 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 Smith had recorded 26 sacks over the last two seasons. Hendricks was a four time Super Bowl champion, eight time Pro Bowler and four time First Team All-Pro over his career. Parsons took the NFL by storm in his rookie season, recording 84 combined tackles and a Dallas Cowboys rookie record 13 sacks. 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. The outside linebacker for these reasons, depending on the scheme, is the most important part of a defense. BOBBY WAGNER, LOS ANGELES RAMS 6. 1. A position-by-position look at the Seahawks heading into the offseason, focusing today on defensive line and outside linebacker. Plenty of well-known 'backers had coverage grades in the 30s this past season. Jack had another 100+ tackle season on his record, but it was being wasted by a horrible Jacksonville Jaguars team. Defensive coordinators who coach linebackers: 1. 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. Milano was a fifth-round draft pick back in 2017 but has dramatically outperformed his first-round teammate, Tremaine Edmunds, within the Buffalo defense. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. 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. Find out where your favorite Linebackers stacks up against the 2023 class and view expert mock drafts. The transition from college football to the NFL used to be smooth for linebackers, but even elite prospects can now struggle in Year 1. 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. 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. Even while playing with talented teammates Nick Bosa, DeForest Bucker and Richard Sherman, Warner has been the straw that stirs the drink. Steelers defense against the run was far worse than in years past. 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. Yes, that means Bobby Bell was not a first-ballot choice. To view other positions, follow the links below. Jack is a stud and he is stuck in one of the most dysfunctional franchises in the NFL. Chris Hanburger 2. 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. He signed a monster five-year, $95 million extension last July, and is worth it considering he's just 25. He led the NFL in tackles as a rookie, which gave him First-Team All-Pro honors. Travis Kelce TE | Chiefs | Vertical Threat. While Parsons proved to be a stud pass-rusher, some had questions about his coverage ability coming into the league. This guy. The Seahawks rebuild pushed Wagner out the door this offseason after 10 years. Please play responsibly. NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler. # Player OVR GEN TOTAL; 1. Consequently, the list of consistently elite players is far shorter than for other positions, and there is much more volatility in this position group. So, who are the best linebackers of 2022? All Rights Reserved. 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. For all the young players' struggles, there are a lot of promising linebackers who have the talent to become elite players at this level. Oluokun is coming off a PFF run-defense grade of 44.0 and a coverage grade of 54.4. 1986 Boston Celtics - Were they the greatest Team? 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. Our exclusive database, featuring the most in-depth collection of NFL player performance data. 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. 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. Clayton White, South Carolina -- $900,000 7. Charlie Thomas, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. He was integral in the team's championship and led the NFL with 18 tackles for loss, after joining the Rams in Week 10. The overall defensive scheme of 4-3 allows the outside linebackers to focus on what they're good at, stopping the run and pass. Parson will revolutionize linebacker in the same way as Lawrence Taylor. Huff is a priority to the Arkansas Razorbacks, and the Sooners will have no easy fight trying to pull him . Ware, who was a key member of the Broncos team that won Super Bowl 50, was nearly unstoppable by just one offensive blocker. 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. This drill requires two players (linebacker and ball carrier). Many are still waiting for Warner to fully show out and showcase the incredible potential he has shown at times 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. Consistently getting between 120 to 130 total tackles and even registering a sack or two a season. LaVar Arrington 8. Watts feat of tying the sack records is remarkable because he missed two games through injuries and was absent in two other games. All Rights Reserved. Forcing 35 fumbles and intercepting three passes coverage players, but they can also affect the game in ways... Pushed Wagner out the door this offseason after 10 years had 47.5 sacks 14. Player with speed, agility and the Sooners will have no best outside linebacker fight to! 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