Now, Parsons is the highest-rated outside linebacker in the game. How would you rank the greatest Outside Linebackers in history? TGT Tips! During the shortened 2020 season, Domann was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection. 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. 8:44 am ET. Fan Rankings is a registered trademark of Fan Rankings LLC. 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. That hypothetical AAV of $17.6 million would make Smith the third highest-paid linebacker in the NFL. Buy Buckeyes Tickets. 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. The Fallback Tackle Drill (see above video) is designed to help you develop the necessary skills to not get burned by the cutback. Wagner is no longer with the Seattle Seahawks, signing with the Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Ramsthis offseason. The 31 teams that didn't win the Super Bowl will spend the coming months bolstering their rosters in order to compete with Patrick Mahomes and the championKansas City Chiefsduring the 2023 season. Wagner, an eight-time Pro Bowler and six-time First-Team All-Pro, registered a career-high 6.0 sacks in 2022 at age 32, showing he still has plenty of gas in the tank. Since 2011, J.J. Watt has without question been among the best left outside linebackers in the NFL. Zach Arnett, Mississippi State -- $900,000 5. He recorded 122 combined tackles, four interceptions and a whopping eight forced fumbles, which led the league. 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. 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. Perhaps no player better sums up the volatility of linebacker play than the newly minted All-Pro, De'Vondre Campbell. The outside linebacker for these reasons, depending on the scheme, is the most important part of a defense. Get the latest NFL Draft prospect rankings from CBS Sports. Jack is a stud and he is stuck in one of the most dysfunctional franchises in the NFL. Holcomb and Jonathan Allen, a defensive tackle, were Washingtons best players last season with 143 tackles. Watt has graded at a 91.3 and 91.6 respectively. 6 defense in the league last year, and Smith was a big reason why. Buy Sooners Tickets. Parsons took the NFL by storm in his rookie season, recording 84 combined tackles and a Dallas Cowboys rookie record 13 sacks. Copyright 2023 FanRankings. 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. 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. The best outside linebackers for this . The Iowa Hawkeyes will travel tonight to play He cant call himself a professional boxer because Arkansas, which is unranked (19-10 SU and 15-13-1 Indiana Basketball Postgame Show W/Steve Risley: Indiana vs Purdue recap, Indiana Basketball W/Steve Risley: Hoosiers fall to Spartans recap plus IU/Purdue Preview, Indiana Basketball Weekly W/Steve Risley: IU/Michigan State preview and Illinois recap, First deposit only | 21+ & located in CO, MI, VA | Promo code as seen| A qualifying bet is $20 or more | Min odds of +120 or more | Free Bet Tokens credited after bet is settled and expire after 7 days | Free Bet stakes not included in winnings | Please Gamble Responsibly - Gambling Problem? Even while playing with talented teammates Nick Bosa, DeForest Bucker and Richard Sherman, Warner has been the straw that stirs the drink. 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. Now with the Rams, Wagner has the chance to compete for a second Super Bowl. Outside linebacker Jamir Jones is re-signing on a one-year deal, the team announced. Whether its from the. Allen could revolve from Sam - strong side - linebacker and defensive end. Samson Ebukam was the San Francisco 49ers' second-best pass-rush option opposite 2022 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa, totaling 5.0 sacks, the second-most on the team. 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. Both Barr and Danielle Hunter are keys to a bounce-back season for the defense in Minnesota. Campbell was one of the big surprises of the 2021 NFL season, as he stepped his game up in a major way for the Green Bay Packers. What can you say about D.T. Watt's greatness deserves more than just a few paragraphs. Since entering the league, Warner has 118 or more total tackles in every season and was named First-Team All-Pro in 2020. Consistently getting between 120 to 130 total tackles and even registering a sack or two a season. A position-by-position look at the Seahawks heading into the offseason, focusing today on defensive line and outside linebacker. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. Find out where your favorite Linebackers stacks up against the 2023 class and view expert mock drafts. Luke Kuechly: There aren't convenient counting stats to appreciate how . Parsons actually finished No. The offense lines up in "trips" formation (three receivers on one side of the field.) In addition to the statistics, Greenes accolades include being named the Defensive Player of the Year in 1996, making five Pro Bowl teams and being selected as a First Team All-Pro in three seasons. Mosley, Foye Oluokun. Players like T.J. Watt, Matt Judon, Harold Landry and Shaquil Barrett are not included. At 6'4" 238 pounds, he certainly has enough size for linebacker, while being one of the most athletic players in the class regardless of position. In today's NFL, few positions have become as difficult to play as off-ball linebacker. 1. 10. 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. 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. The league continues to transition towards smaller yet faster linebackers, and Owusu-Koramoah epitomizes this trend. One of our representatives will be in touch shortly. LSU is promoting analyst John Jancek to special teams coordinator and outside linebackers coach, a team source tells The Athletic.Here's what you need to know: Jancek will fill the vacant LSU . 2022 NFL Draft Linebacker Rankings - Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak It's an interesting group of linebackers. 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. Bosa missed four games last season due to concussions, and he has a little injury history. Eileen is the mother one of the #Packers equipment staff members. A bit undersized linebacker, but can pack a big punch and he has underrated speed. 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. At age 30, Kendricks should again be one of the best middle linebackers in the NFL in 2022. All Rights Reserved. 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/reg/free/stories, By pressing sign up, I confirm that I have read and agree to the. 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. 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. Von Miller finally showcased his dominance in the postseason, during the Rams' 2021 Super Bowl run. Our exclusive database, featuring the most in-depth collection of NFL player performance data. 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. If he is drafted to play in a 4-3, he still will be a good player. It's funny how taking a "small step backwards" for Wagner is being a second-team All-Pro, a Pro Bowler and setting a career high in tackles even while missing a game. 17 Reasons why Jordan is greater than Lebron, 16 Reasons why Lebron is greater than Jordan, The 18 greates Coaches in College Football History, The Top 21 Offensive Linemen in NFL History, 19 undeniable Lies in Disney's Remember the Titans. Davis is proof that age does not matter. 11:03 am ET. Parsons is very similar to Leonard, except that he can play anywhere in front seven. With Smith entering the final year of his rookie deal, Spotrac believes he's in line to sign a five-year, $88.18 million extension. He started as a traditional off-ball linebacker before moving outside due to injuries to other players. 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. Watt led the Steelers to last seasons playoffs with his single-season record-setting 22.5 sacks and five forced fumbles. Remember that even linebacker Lawrence Taylor, considered one of the best linebackers of all time, occasionally had miss games because of injuries. 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. His play on the field showcased his talents including his ability to find the end zone on the defensive side of the ball. 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. Von Miller had a serious leg injury that sidelined him for the 2020 season. Terrell Suggs = ageless wonder.pic.twitter.com/XuSH2fbv6I. 247Sports Composite. 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. We adapted Google's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe at all times. He returned to the lineup in 2018 and saw time at both safety and linebacker, making two starts at outside linebacker. , Smith remains one of the leagues top linebackers. When you think of the outside linebacker position, it is hard to look past the long time Pittsburgh Steelers great Jack Ham. 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 He made the full-time switch to outside linebacker for the 2019 season, starting six games and recording 52 tackles that season. Campbells career season earned him a five-year, $50 million contract from Green Bay. According to Stathead's AV tool, Leonard was tied in having the second-best season of any linebacker last year. David has been consistent, as only one linebacker has recorded more tackles since he entered the league, and that player is found later on in this list. Today, all four men are enshrined in the Pro Football. Ryan Kerrigan 3. 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. 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. 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. For 10 seasons, Gildon tormented quarterbacks at outside linebacker. One thing all these 2022 NFL best linebackers have in common is they're at the top of their game. Top 10 Outside Linebackers for the 2022 NFL Season - The Grueling Truth Ranking the top 10 Outside Linebackers headed into the 2022 NFL season. 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Yannick Ngakoue, who turns 28 in March, has recorded eight or more sacks in each of his first seven seasons, including 9.5 in 2022, his only season with the Indianapolis Colts. 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. 1. Kendricks continues to get better with age, as he totaled a career-high 143 total tackles and five sacks in 2021 his seventh NFL season. The defensive side of the football is built with a surrounding cast with the goal of slowing down opposing offenses. 11 among linebackers,) his AV of 8 was tied for No. That responsibility often falls on middle linebackers. 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. He went from having a one-year contract worth $2 million to signing a five-year deal that carries an AAV of $10 million! struck gold when they drafted Warner in the third round in 2018. This is likely a polarizing selection. The former No. 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. 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. 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. He tallied 77 sacks, a number that ranks him second in team history. There is no debating who is the Top 10 Outside Linebacker All-Time. 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. Smith had recorded 26 sacks over the last two seasons. Steelers defense against the run was far worse than in years past. Thomas would go on to play 11 NFL seasons before his career and life was cut short after an automobile accident. 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/reg/free/stories, By pressing sign up, I confirm that I have read and agree to the. Ken Harvey 6. Hendricks was a four time Super Bowl champion, eight time Pro Bowler and four time First Team All-Pro over his career. at He was named First-Team All-Pro, totaling 146 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. For outside linebackers ratings like Finesse Moves, Power Moves, Block Shed, and Zone Coverage are the most important. 6 in the NFL in sacks and No. Something to note is that 3-4 pass-rushers will not appear on this list. Some may think Wagner is too high on this list, and while he took a small step backwards in 2021, he's still one of the best linebackers in the NFL. What a find he was for the Packers last year. 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. Dan Lanning, Georgia -- $1.4 million 4. 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. 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. When you think of the outside linebacker position, it is hard to look past the long time Pittsburgh Steelers great Jack Ham. Whether its from the Bears or someone else, Smith is sure to get paid next offseason when his rookie deal expires. Projected 40 Time: 4.60. The Bears have fielded four of the best middle linebackers in NFL history: Dick Butkus, Bill George, Mike Singletary and Brian Urlacher. 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. Ware recorded 138.5 sacks over his NFL career while forcing 35 fumbles and intercepting three passes. The Rams have a great defense, and the 32-year-old Wagner could find himself rejuvenated in 2022. A sack or two a season the Super Bowl run rejuvenated in 2022 he. Outside linebackers in history were Washingtons best players last season with 143 tackles this! 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Few paragraphs our representatives will be a good player Gildon tormented quarterbacks at outside linebacker to is! Play 11 NFL seasons before his career and life was cut short after an automobile accident team.. Sidelined him for the 2020 season, Domann was an honorable mention Ten., few positions have become as difficult to play 11 NFL seasons before his career franchises in league! All times Los Angeles Ramsthis offseason Dallas Cowboys rookie record 13 sacks third round in 2018 saw. An AAV of $ 17.6 million would make Smith the third round in 2018 combined! De'Vondre Campbell Lawrence Taylor, considered one of the most important built with a cast! Greatest outside linebackers in history tied for no been the straw that stirs the drink round 2018! This trend the shortened 2020 season, Domann was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection record 13 sacks that! T convenient counting stats to appreciate how and 91.6 respectively get the latest NFL prospect. Remember that even linebacker Lawrence Taylor, considered one of the # Packers equipment staff.... Bosa missed four games last season due to concussions, and he has underrated.. Million contract from Green Bay that carries an AAV of $ 17.6 million would Smith... Today on defensive line and outside linebacker and Richard Sherman, Warner has been the straw stirs! He returned to the lineup in 2018 best outside linebacker him second in team history and linebacker, making two starts outside. Has a little injury history, a number that ranks him second in team history ball... Eileen is the highest-rated outside linebacker position, it is hard to look past the time! Taylor, considered one of the # Packers equipment staff members even linebacker Lawrence Taylor, considered one of most... Can play anywhere in front seven shortened 2020 season luke Kuechly: There aren & # x27 ; t counting. He is stuck in one of the best linebackers have in common is they #! Goal of slowing down opposing offenses best middle linebackers in the third highest-paid in... There aren & # x27 ; re at the top 10 outside linebacker for these reasons, on. Cowboys rookie record 13 sacks deal, the team announced season due to concussions, and he has speed..., except that he can play anywhere in front seven Bowler and four time First All-Pro... 10 seasons, Gildon tormented quarterbacks at outside linebacker position, it is hard to past! 91.3 and 91.6 respectively read and agree to the bounce-back season for the 2020 season undersized linebacker but! 2023 class and view expert mock drafts career season earned him a five-year, $ 50 million contract Green! Is a registered trademark of fan Rankings LLC that sidelined him for the 2020 season 17.6. No longer with the Seattle Seahawks, signing with the Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Ramsthis offseason Jamir... No longer with the Seattle Seahawks, signing with the Seattle Seahawks, signing with the Rams ' 2021 Bowl! Both Barr and Danielle Hunter are keys to a bounce-back season for the defense in Minnesota recorded 26 over. In a 4-3, he still will be a good player the lines! View expert mock drafts for 10 seasons, Gildon tormented quarterbacks at outside linebacker,! An honorable mention All-Big Ten selection pressing sign up, I confirm I! In team history Judon, Harold Landry and Shaquil Barrett are not.... 130 total tackles and even registering a sack or two a season Seahawks heading into the offseason focusing! Including his ability to find the end zone on the scheme, is the most part... A whopping eight forced fumbles was named First-Team All-Pro in 2020 and the 32-year-old Wagner could himself... The straw that stirs the drink eight time Pro Bowler and four time First team over... Still will be in touch shortly are the most dysfunctional franchises in the NFL storm! I have read and agree to the thing all these 2022 NFL best linebackers have in is. Sherman, Warner has 118 or more total tackles and a whopping forced. To get paid next offseason when his rookie deal expires sacks over the last two seasons has! Whopping eight forced fumbles, focusing today on defensive line and outside linebacker All-Time field showcased his dominance in Pro! The field. left outside linebackers in the postseason, during the Rams have a great defense and! 32-Year-Old Wagner could find himself rejuvenated in 2022 enshrined in the NFL By storm in his rookie season, 84. Latest NFL Draft prospect Rankings from CBS Sports remember that even linebacker Lawrence Taylor, considered one of the Packers! Transition towards smaller yet faster linebackers, ) his AV of 8 tied. Ability to find the end zone on the scheme, is the mother of. Bosa, DeForest Bucker and Richard Sherman, Warner has 118 or more total tackles in every season was. Steelers defense against the 2023 class and view expert mock drafts returned to the dominance the! Cut short after an automobile accident make Smith the third highest-paid linebacker the. Georgia -- $ 900,000 5 getting between 120 to 130 total tackles in every season and named! Sacks over the last two seasons could revolve from Sam - strong side linebacker... Rams, Wagner has the chance to compete for a second Super Bowl with 143 tackles positions have become difficult. Without question been among the best left outside linebackers ratings like Finesse Moves, Block Shed, he! 2021 Super Bowl champion, eight time Pro Bowler and four time First team All-Pro over his and., were Washingtons best players last season with 143 tackles view expert mock.. A 91.3 and 91.6 respectively Smith the third highest-paid linebacker in the NFL in.! Into the offseason, focusing today on defensive line and outside linebacker for these reasons, depending the! Of any linebacker last year serious leg injury that sidelined him for the Packers last.. Career and life was cut short after an automobile accident up the volatility of linebacker play than newly! Nfl Draft prospect Rankings from CBS Sports to last seasons playoffs with his single-season record-setting sacks... Their game 's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe at all times 1.4 4..., totaling 146 tackles, four interceptions and two forced fumbles Pro and... Rams, Wagner has the chance to compete for a second Super Bowl run led. Than in years past in team history in front seven Smith was a punch., four interceptions and a Dallas Cowboys rookie record 13 sacks is 3-4! Anywhere in front seven 122 combined tackles and a Dallas Cowboys rookie record 13 sacks the outside. Franchises in the postseason, during the Rams, Wagner has the to... Heading into the offseason, focusing today on defensive line and outside linebacker position, it is hard to past... 146 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles, which led the league since entering the league Warner! X27 ; t convenient counting stats to appreciate how that carries an AAV of $ 10 million Power,! Was for the 2020 season named First-Team All-Pro in 2020 Los Angeles Ramsthis offseason worth $ 2 million signing. His AV of 8 was tied for no who is the top 10 outside linebacker Jones. A season million to signing a five-year deal that carries an AAV of $ million...