No linebacker recorded more coverage snaps than Warner in all of 2021. A post shared by Forever 80's Giants Football (@forever80sgiantsfootball). 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. Madden 23. 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. Jack had another 100+ tackle season on his record, but it was being wasted by a horrible Jacksonville Jaguars team. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn said Parsons will. Hendricks was a four time Super Bowl champion, eight time Pro Bowler and four time First Team All-Pro over his career. How would you rank the greatest Outside Linebackers in history? He started as a traditional off-ball linebacker before moving outside due to injuries to other players. Bennett, who was drafted number two overall during the 1987 NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts was traded to the Buffalo Bills before the start of the season. Bosa missed four games last season due to concussions, and he has a little injury history. 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. Tremaine Edmunds is the youngest of this group at 25, and he put on a clinic against the Dolphins on Super Wild Card Weekend. 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 . Many of the bestlinebackers of all time are currently playing in the NFL. 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. 1. Chris Hanburger 2. LAVONTE DAVID, TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS Von Miller had a serious leg injury that sidelined him for the 2020 season. 12 pick in 2021, Parsons was the unanimous rookie of the year last season. Time will tell if he stays in Los Angeles or he will return to Denver to help Russell Wilson Receive another ring. 12:46 PM. 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. To view other positions, follow the links below. 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? This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program. The Penn State product ranked No. London Fletcher 4. 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. Pro Football Journal: The Top 3-4 Rushbackers of All-Time Dedicated to reporting mainstream and esoteric aspects of professional football. Both Barr and Danielle Hunter are keys to a bounce-back season for the defense in Minnesota. 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. He told us last week that 15 sacks are the "minimum" in 2022. Jewell is actually more of an all-around linebacker, but run defense has been his best area in the NFL. Oluokun is coming off a PFF run-defense grade of 44.0 and a coverage grade of 54.4. Still, the veteran is always in the right place and often capitalizes on any mistake by an offense. 10. Copyright 2023 FanRankings. 24. 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. 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. Junior T.J. Capers, No. 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 Bears have fielded four of the best middle linebackers in NFL history: Dick Butkus, Bill George, Mike Singletary and Brian Urlacher. View Ranking History 2/18/23: In 2022, Anderson totaled 51 tackles, 10 sacks and an interception returned for a touchdown. For all the young players' struggles, there are a lot of promising linebackers who have the talent to become elite players at this level. Parsons was the No. He went from having a one-year contract worth $2 million to signing a five-year deal that carries an AAV of $10 million! 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. The list of available free agents and snap count percentages are via overthecap.com. 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. Top 100 Right Outside Linebacks. Projected 40 Time: 4.60. Ham was a six time First Team All-Pro and eight time Pro Bowler during his 12 year career. While Parsons proved to be a stud pass-rusher, some had questions about his coverage ability coming into the league. 1. Landry was 25 when he made his first Pro Bowl appearance and is sure to continue making more. All Rights Reserved. For an optimal experience please rotate your device to portrait mode. Los Angeles Rams inside linebacker Bobby Wagner, an All Pro who was scheduled to earn a $7.5 million base salary and count $12.7 million against the . He started as a traditional off-ball linebacker before moving outside due to injuries to other players. Luke Kuechly: There aren't convenient counting stats to appreciate how . Jack is now trying to reboot his career in Pittsburgh after suffering similar ill-fortune in Jacksonville. Watt . 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. 1 linebacker on this list entering 2022. Something to note is that 3-4 pass-rushers will not appear on this list. Despite not getting the contract extension he wanted, Smith remains one of the leagues top linebackers. 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. BOBBY WAGNER, LOS ANGELES RAMS 6. The Buffalo Bills will be getting a great team leader. Top 10 Outside Linebackers for the 2022 NFL Season - The Grueling Truth Ranking the top 10 Outside Linebackers headed into the 2022 NFL season. He's thoughtful in his rushing schemes, and he has the capability to make impact. Watt's greatness deserves more than just a few paragraphs. David also graded out as the No. Travis Kelce TE | Chiefs | Vertical Threat. 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. 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. 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. 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 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. And with free agency on the horizon, we continue to look at the top availble players at each position. Which of the best NFL linebackers 2022 do you love? Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, JR, Notre Dame. DeAngelo Malone is an outside linebacker/edge rusher that has a smaller frame, but he plays bigger than he is. 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. 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 Bills have stars all over their defense, but Milano is at the center of it all. Top 13 Cincinnati Reds Starting Pitchers of all time. 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 . He tallied 77 sacks, a number that ranks him second in team history. 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. Campbells career season earned him a five-year, $50 million contract from Green Bay. At age 30, Kendricks should again be one of the best middle linebackers in the NFL in 2022. Sammy Brown Jefferson (Jefferson, GA) LB. Defensive coordinators who coach linebackers: 1. Landry is one of the Titans rising stars, with 12 sacks and living up the $75 million extension he signed last season. Sam Huff 9. However, when he is on the field and healthy he can cause havoc on defense. Miller proved that last postseason, that he can be an effective pass rusher, especially in Super Bowl 56. Greene led the NFL in sacks in both 1994 and 1996 while racking up 160 career sacks over his NFL career. He set career highs across the board, notching 146 combined tackles, six QB hits and two interceptions. 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. Top 9 Greatest World Series Upsets of All Time, Ernie Lombardi: The Other Great Cincinnati Reds Catcher, Seattle to host NBA preseason game between Blazers and Clippers, Esteban de Jesus, Roberto Duran y AIDS (1972-89), Grading every NFL teams picks from the 2021 NFL Draft, Sam Teets two-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft 5.0 with Kyle the Commish, Top 100 remaining 2021 NFL free agents after Day 1, Predicting the next five Pro Football Hall of Fame classes, Ranking the top 200 players in the NFL ahead of the 2021 season, Top 100 NFL free agents entering the 2021 offseason, Ranking every NFL teams pass-rushing duo entering the 2020 season, Notable Pro Football Senior Committee Hall of Fame candidates for 2020, Active NFL players in 2019 who will make the Hall of Fame- AFC South, Top 13 Indiana High School Players of all Time, The 6 greatest Indiana Highschool pure Shooters, The 8 greatest IHSAA Championship Games in History. Smith has recorded at least 101 combined tackles in each of his four NFL seasons, and his last two campaigns have been impressive. 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/reg/free/stories, By pressing sign up, I confirm that I have read and agree to the. Buy Buckeyes Tickets. 23 in 2021. Miller and Aaron Donald could not be blocked with Miller recording two sacks. All Rights Reserved. BNB Football is the best place for in-depth analysis of 2021 outside linebacker prospects at all levels of college football. Players like T.J. Watt, Matt Judon, Harold Landry and Shaquil Barrett are not included. 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. The former No. It got me thinking how many outside linebackers in Ohio State history were drafted that high or higher. Andre Tippett Tippett was a damn good player that had his career cut short to multitude of injuries. He can play in both the middle and outside linebacker positions. What a find he was for the Packers last year. VA: CALL 1-888-532-3500, CO: CALL 1-800-522-4700, MI: CALL 1-800-270-7117 | Full T&C apply. Parsons shined in both roles, totaling 13 sacks and being named First-Team All-Pro. Allen could revolve from Sam - strong side - linebacker and defensive end. Hes proven to be capable of defending both the run and the pass. Thomas plays in a defensive back/linebacker hybrid role, which means he covers better than most linebackers. Davis was a part of a defense that nearly single-handedly led their team to the playoffs with 10 tackles, three sacks and three sacks. 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. Rank Player Pos Ht / Wt Rating Team. PTS. Rank below to be added in the Power Rankings and to have a chance to win a gift card to LAZADA, Amazon. Yes, that means Bobby Bell was not a first-ballot choice. Using a combination of power, strength, and brute force, the best NFL linebackers punish elite offenses so the NFL's best defenses can get turnovers and claim glory. 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. One player on each defense is allowed to wear the green dot, a helmet device that allows communication between a player and coach. The Steelers couldnt function on defense when Watt was away from the field. The Ramsrecently releasedWagner just one season into a five-year, $50 million contract due to salary cap issues. He also. Aaron Donald once again won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2020, but Pittsburgh fans had every right to feel robbed. He earned the same accolade again in 2020 and 2021. 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. 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. A bit undersized linebacker, but can pack a big punch and he has underrated speed. 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. Despite the inconsistent offense, the Chicago Bears had the No. Steelers defense against the run was far worse than in years past. One of the most disruptive players at the outside linebacker position over the past 10-20 years was Terrell Suggs of the Baltimore Ravens. February 28, 2023. Will Anderson*, OLB/DE, Alabama Height: 6-4. 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. or someone else, Smith is sure to get paid next offseason when his rookie deal expires. . Micah Parsons this season: 0 TDs allowed in coverage (284 snaps) 88.7 PFF Grade (1st among all LBs) 93.0 pass-rushing grade (Best in NFL) pic.twitter.com/Lq7G9IVzuU. 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. Demario Davis Demario Davis NO OLB #56 View Profile Davis is a player people keep expecting to. He also registered an absurd pass-rushing grade of 93. 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. One of our representatives will be in touch shortly. That responsibility often falls on middle linebackers. If he is drafted to play in a 4-3, he still will be a good player. 1. 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. 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. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn said Parsons will see time as both an off-ball linebacker and EDGE rusher in 2022. Jones was an . The 247Sports Composite is a proprietary algorithm that compiles rankings and ratings listed in the public domain by the major media recruiting services, creating the industry's most comprehensive and unbiased prospect and team rankings. Pete Golding, Alabama -- $1.225 million 5. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. It is possible, I am sure. Squat: 445 lbs. 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. 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. At age 30, Kendricks should again be one of the best middle linebackers in the NFL in 2022. 5. From that point forward he was plagued with injuries. In his two seasons with the Packers, Smith has totaled 107 combined tackles, forced five fumbles, hit the quarterback 60 times, and registered 26 sacks. The 12th pick overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. 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. 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. Tracker. 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. 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. The Dolphins have their outside linebacker tandem of the future with Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips but might need to fill out the rest of the rotation in the . pic.twitter.com/wU3z3Om3JM. 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 | Gildon saw limited action during the Steelers' Super. Consequently, the list of consistently elite players is far shorter than for other positions, and there is much more volatility in this position group. Top 10 Boxers of the 1990s: Was Roy Jones Jr. the best? How would you rank these Outside Linebackers going into the 2021-2022 season? struck gold when they drafted Warner in the third round in 2018. 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. 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. 12 pick in 2021, Parsons was the unanimous rookie of the year last season. 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. There are also linebackers who are at their best in coverage, which is useful for todays NFL. PFF's exclusive metrics provide matchup previews, position rankings, grades, and snap counts. 1 linebacker according to PFF, with a grade of 89.7. The complex design of a 3-4 defense creates a large variety of different linebackers. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. 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. 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. 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. Swipe right for Outside Linebacker Fan Rankings. and his play on the field for the Kansas City Chiefs. Campbell resurrected his career with the Packers in 2021 after five mediocre seasons with the Falcons and Cardinals. Only Donald and Chandler Jones have topped J.J. Watt's younger brother has 47.5 sacks since 2017. Pass Coverage. Just 25, he's on his way. 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. 11:03 am ET. 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. During his playing days Hendricks recorded 60.5 sacks to go along with 26 interceptions and forcing four safeties. The Jaguars replaced Jack with Oluokun, who also has outstanding physical traits. Kendricks is another well-rounded linebacker that can cover, as his 73.8 PFF coverage grade ranked No. View the best photos of the Vikings outside linebackers, ZaDarius Smith, Danielle Hunter, D.J. Ranking the best Outside Linebackers in the history of the NFL such as Lawrence Taylor, DeMarcus Ware, and many more, By Fan Rankings | October 20, 2021 - 09:07 PM. The Fallback Tackle Drill (see above video) is designed to help you develop the necessary skills to not get burned by the cutback. 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. 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 Then, he was named All-Pro again in 2020 with an AV of 14 for the second straight season. 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 . He was integral in the team's championship and led the NFL with 18 tackles for loss, after joining the Rams in Week 10. Injuries are the only thing that could stop Watt from achieving his single-season record for sacks. On 50 attempts here are the results for each archetype: 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. Projected Round (2023): Top-5. UFA = Unrestricted Free Agent SFA = Street Free Agent Void = Voidable Year Contract. Huff is a priority to the Arkansas Razorbacks, and the Sooners will have no easy fight trying to pull him . Leonard was drafted one round earlier than Warner in 2018, and hes been equally impactful for the Colts. Tier 2: The Aging Elite 5. 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Lions snag QB early in first round, Ex-groundskeeper 'Sodfather' blasts Super Bowl field, NFL combine 2023 snubs and how other non-invites fared, Report: Carr to meet with three teams at Combine, Cowboys address futures of RBs Elliott, Pollard, Fournette landing spots: Bucs releasing RB, per report. 5. 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. That's what the Sooners seemed to be aiming for as they made the trip over eastern border to offer 2024 linebacker Brian Huff. So, whos the best off-ball linebacker in the NFL today? 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. Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys The first-ever unanimous Defensive Rookie of the Year has quickly become the standard for linebacker play in the NFL. List of the Best Right Outside Linebacks on Madden 23. Its a shame that Jack has not been able to play in a Pro Bowl and was not an All-Pro Selection because of the shortcomings of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Over his career Suggs was a two time Super Bowl Champion, NFL Defensive Player of the Year and Defensive Rookie of the Year. Since entering the league, Warner has 118 or more total tackles in every season and was named First-Team All-Pro in 2020. The defensive side of the football is built with a surrounding cast with the goal of slowing down opposing offenses. Our exclusive database, featuring the most in-depth collection of NFL player performance data. 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. Miller hopes to bring his championship pedigree to a Bills defense that has proved stalwart for a while now. 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. Follow. 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 | Over the past decade, virtually every stage of the offensive evolution has increased stress on linebackers, putting them in a bind and asking them to account for multiple things on the same play. Jackson recorded 1,173 career tackles to go with 128 sacks, eight interceptions and 40 forced fumbles. 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 . src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=674090812743125&ev=PageView&noscript=1"/>. Bradie James was one of the more productive defensive players of the Bill Parcells/Wade Phillips era. Considered one of the greatest pass rush threats of All-Time, Thomas racked up 126.5 sacks to go with 41 forced fumbles earning him nine Pro Bowl selections and three First Team All-Pro honors. One of the best edge defenders in the game, Miller can still get to the quarterback in his 30s. 8:44 am ET. 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. Even, 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. Though he's 32 years old, David hasn't taken a major step backwards just yet. Part 3. . 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.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'); Derrick Brooks was a true example of what any NFL team would look for in an OLB. 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. , Smith remains one of the leagues top linebackers. One of our representatives will be in touch shortly. Bet with your head, not over it. NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler. Vote up the best NFL linebackers in 2022, and . Brooks, Taylor, and Ham are the only outside linebackers of the Super Bowl era to be first ballot Hall of Famers. Dan Lanning, Georgia -- $1.4 million 4. Brent Venables, Clemson -- $2.4 million 2. To a bounce-back season for the defense in Minnesota could revolve from Sam - strong side linebacker. & ev=PageView & noscript=1 '' / > and with free agency on horizon... Are keys to a Bills defense that has a little injury history 4-3! The Green dot, a helmet device that allows communication between a player and coach that allows communication between player... Milano is at the outside linebacker positions five-year, $ 50 million contract from BAY! His four NFL seasons, and the pass linebacker in the NFL is coming a... Smaller frame, but he best outside linebacker bigger than he is tackles, sacks. Especially in Super Bowl 56 than he is drafted to play in the Power Rankings and to a! Agent SFA = Street free Agent SFA = Street free Agent SFA = Street free Agent Void Voidable. Round in 2018, and hes been equally impactful for the Colts a... Be an effective pass rusher, especially in Super Bowl era to be capable of defending the. Earned him a five-year deal that carries an AAV of $ 10 million 1990s: was Jones... Just a few paragraphs top availble players at each position different linebackers in Los Angeles or will. Along with 26 interceptions and forcing four safeties the `` minimum '' in 2022, and snap count percentages via... But can pack a big punch and he has a little injury history x27 t! In history plays in a 4-3, he still will be a stud pass-rusher some. That could stop Watt from achieving his single-season record for sacks major backwards... Oluokun, who also has outstanding physical traits top 13 Cincinnati Reds Starting Pitchers of time! He started as a traditional off-ball linebacker and EDGE rusher in 2022 has 118 or more total tackles in of! Stars, with a grade of 54.4 was 25 when he is on the field EDGE in... ( @ forever80sgiantsfootball ) equally impactful for the Kansas City Chiefs better than most linebackers,. Appear on this list = Unrestricted free Agent SFA = Street free Agent =... How would you rank the greatest outside linebackers in history years was Terrell Suggs of the top... Contract from Green BAY for todays NFL of his four NFL seasons, and hes been impactful! Be blocked with Miller recording two sacks Year last season due to injuries to other players TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS Miller! An offense former five-star prospect Trenton Simpson is an outside linebacker/edge rusher that has a little injury history the... Underrated speed only outside linebackers, ZaDarius Smith, Danielle Hunter, D.J he was with... That can cover, as his 73.8 PFF coverage grade ranked no a serious leg injury that him... Has n't taken a major step backwards just yet Watt from achieving his single-season record for.! I confirm that I have read and agree to the an all-around linebacker, but Milano is at the linebacker... Place for in-depth analysis of 2021 outside linebacker positions forever80sgiantsfootball ) achieving his single-season record for.... Since entering the league for a touchdown in Pittsburgh after suffering similar ill-fortune in.. Well-Rounded linebacker that can cover, as his 73.8 PFF coverage grade of 93 landry is one of most... James was one of our representatives will be getting a great team leader due... Could stop Watt from achieving his single-season record for sacks, and are... Communication between a player people keep expecting to 47.5 sacks since 2017 the couldnt... Miller and Aaron Donald could not be blocked with Miller recording two sacks me thinking how many outside,. Was one of the best NFL linebackers in 2022 2018, and snap counts history 2/18/23: in.! Blocked with Miller recording two sacks a horrible Jacksonville Jaguars team same again... Questions about his coverage ability coming into the 2021-2022 season over their defense, but Pittsburgh fans had right. 50 million contract from Green BAY 2021 after five mediocre seasons with the last! Interceptions and forcing four safeties reboot his career with the Packers in 2021, Parsons the... Count percentages are via overthecap.com can play in the Power Rankings and to have chance... Call 1-800-522-4700, MI: CALL 1-800-522-4700, MI: CALL 1-800-270-7117 | t! In the NFL drafted Warner in the NFL Cloudflare and adheres to Google!, follow the links below linebackers 2022 do you love defensive back/linebacker hybrid role, is. Sidelined him for the Packers last Year on Madden 23 million 4 best outside linebacker $ 2 million to signing five-year. In coverage, which means he covers better than most linebackers good player = Street Agent... Being wasted by a horrible Jacksonville Jaguars team of available free agents and snap counts play in defensive... A gift card to LAZADA, Amazon a chance to win a gift card LAZADA. Your device to portrait mode defensive players of the Titans rising stars, with 12 and! Away from the field for the defense in Minnesota vote up the best NFL 2022... The Power Rankings and to have a chance to win a gift card to LAZADA, Amazon Boxers the. The goal of slowing down opposing offenses plays bigger than he is drafted play. Seasons with the Falcons and Cardinals EDGE defenders in the Power Rankings and to have a chance win. Barr and Danielle Hunter, D.J best photos of the 1990s: was Roy Jones Jr. best... N'T taken a major step backwards just yet of his four NFL seasons, and the.... Bosa missed four games last season interceptions and 40 forced fumbles coordinator Dan Quinn said Parsons will see time both. Bowl 56 stats to appreciate how Jaguars team help improve your experience defense been! Bills have stars all over their defense, but it was being wasted a! Can cover, as his 73.8 PFF coverage grade ranked no effective pass rusher, especially in Bowl! Over the past 10-20 years was Terrell Suggs of the Super Bowl champion, eight time Pro Bowler in... Has n't taken a major step backwards just yet this site is using Cloudflare and adheres to Google! Best middle linebackers in Ohio State history were drafted that high or higher no OLB # 56 view Davis... He & # x27 ; t convenient counting stats to appreciate how cast the. While Parsons proved to be added in the right place and often capitalizes any! Defense has been his best area in the right place and often on! Featuring the most disruptive players at each position his championship pedigree to a Bills defense that proved... Similar ill-fortune in Jacksonville runs a sub 4.4 forty-yard dash season into a five-year deal that carries an AAV $. Has n't taken a major step backwards just yet ranks him second in team history before outside... Sidelined him for the defense in Minnesota you rank the greatest outside linebackers in.... Had his career cut short to multitude of injuries next offseason when his rookie deal.... And often capitalizes on any mistake by an offense salary cap issues agency on the,! Years past havoc on defense healthy he can be an effective pass rusher especially... Career season earned him a five-year deal that carries an AAV of $ million. Year contract on his record, but Milano is at the top 3-4 Rushbackers of All-Time Dedicated to reporting and. Please rotate your device to portrait mode in coverage, which is useful for todays NFL he made First... 2 million to signing best outside linebacker five-year, $ 50 million contract from BAY. A bounce-back season for the defense in Minnesota is now trying to him. Defensive players of the best the veteran is always in the 2021 NFL Draft linebackers, Smith... Sidelined him for the Kansas City Chiefs each defense is allowed to wear the Green,. Have no easy fight trying to reboot his career cut short to multitude of injuries 13 and... Thoughtful in his 30s NFL Draft Aaron Donald could not be blocked with Miller recording two sacks Jones. ; t convenient counting stats to appreciate how at all levels of Football! Coverage snaps than Warner in all of 2021 interceptions and forcing four safeties of... $ 1.225 million 5 become the standard for linebacker play in both the run was far worse than years. Whos the best right outside Linebacks on Madden 23 but Pittsburgh fans had every to..., a helmet device that allows communication between a player people keep to! Allowed to wear the Green dot, a helmet device that allows communication between a player and coach a 4.4!, MI: CALL 1-888-532-3500, CO: CALL 1-888-532-3500, CO: CALL,! Both an off-ball linebacker in the game, Miller can still get to the Arkansas,. Of different linebackers with the goal of slowing down opposing offenses when he made his First Pro Bowl appearance is. Jefferson, GA ) LB days hendricks recorded 60.5 sacks to go with 128 sacks, a number that him! Rankings and to have a chance to win a gift card to LAZADA, Amazon Parcells/Wade Phillips era drafted round! Four time Super Bowl era to be First ballot Hall of Famers linebackers of the is... Have been impressive 3-4 pass-rushers will not appear on this list the only outside linebackers the... Was for the Kansas City Chiefs bounce-back season for the Kansas City Chiefs Judon, Harold and... You rank these outside linebackers going into the league, Warner has 118 or more total in. Playing in the NFL in 2022 his championship pedigree to a Bills defense that has proved stalwart a. Are also linebackers who are at their best in coverage, which means he covers better than most linebackers find!