Like Wagner, David spent his first 10 seasons dominating for one franchise. 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. Ken Harvey 6. How would you rank the greatest Outside Linebackers in history? One player on each defense is allowed to wear the green dot, a helmet device that allows communication between a player and coach. Every snap, these mighty run stuffers must stymie the most athletic skill players, while demolishing any blockers who stand in their way, which sounds easier than it is. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. 10. David missed five games in 2021 due to injury, but he still had a solid season, recording 97 combined tackles. So, who are the best linebackers of 2022? BRADIE JAMES 2003-2011. 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. Many of the bestlinebackers of all time are currently playing in the NFL. 1. He's a Hall of Famer, no doubt, but the reason he's so high on this list is because he's not done just yet. Consequently, the list of consistently elite players is far shorter than for other positions, and there is much more volatility in this position group. Perhaps no player better sums up the volatility of linebacker play than the newly minted All-Pro, De'Vondre Campbell. Thomas was a three time Defensive Player of the Year and is one of only two players to ever win the league MVP during the 1986 season. Out of that group of four, outside linebacker Za'Darius Smith has turned out to be the best. Landry is one of the Titans rising stars, with 12 sacks and living up the $75 million extension he signed last season. In the off-season, every football workout should be position specific. For new posts and be up to date to win $50 to Fanatics or Amazon. Thomas recorded 132.5 career sacks over his career to go with nine interceptions and 56 forced fumbles. Weight: 235. 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. Here's a look at the top linebackers hitting the market, both edge rushers and traditional, inside linebackers. He also had three fumble recoveryies. Bennett didnt disappoint, helping to transition the Bills defense into one of the tops in the NFL. Plenty of well-known 'backers had coverage grades in the 30s this past season. 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. He signed a monster five-year, $95 million extension last July, and is worth it considering he's just 25. While those grades arent poor, by any stretch, they are a notable step down from these players' excellent career baselines and some way short of their elite best. Davis is proof that age does not matter. The list of available free agents and snap count percentages are via. The best outside linebackers for this . 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. Wagner is definitely the best LB in NFL at just 31 years old. Get the latest NFL Draft prospect rankings from CBS Sports. 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. Leonard burst onto the scene with 163 combined tackles, seven sacks, four forced fumbles and two interceptions in his rookie season back in 2018. Oluokun is coming off a PFF run-defense grade of 44.0 and a coverage grade of 54.4. What Watt's accomplished in his first five seasons has been historic, as his 150 QB hits over his first 77 games trail only his brother J.J. Watt for the most in league history. What can you say about D.T. Rank below to be added in the Power Rankings and to have a chance to win a gift card to LAZADA, Amazon, Fanatics.com, or more that is specific to you. Since 2011, J.J. Watt has without question been among the best left outside linebackers in the NFL. Coach Keys: Shows the ability to take over a game defensively. Rank below to be added in the Power Rankings and to have a chance to win a gift card to LAZADA, Amazon. 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. The defensive side of the football is built with a surrounding cast with the goal of slowing down opposing offenses. Honorable mentions: Tremaine Edmunds, Matt Milano, Logan Wilson, Shaq Thompson, Alexander Johnson, Deion JonesJeremiah Owusu-Koramoah,Zach Cunningham, Anthony Walker, C.J. For 10 seasons, Gildon tormented quarterbacks at outside linebacker. Smith has recorded at least 101 combined tackles in each of his four NFL seasons, and his last two campaigns have been impressive. So, whos the best off-ball linebacker in the NFL today? Thomas plays in a defensive back/linebacker hybrid role, which means he covers better than most linebackers. Miller and Aaron Donald could not be blocked with Miller recording two sacks. Davis was solid in his first six seasons before joining the Saints, but Dennis Allens defense has truly unleashed him. 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. 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. 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 One of the best edge defenders in the game, Miller can still get to the quarterback in his 30s. His third year in he recorded 18 sacks and followed that season up with 16.5 sacks the next year. Will Anderson*, OLB/DE, Alabama Height: 6-4. One of our representatives will be in touch shortly. 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. Through his first 10 seasons, Wagner has eight Pro Bowls and six First-Team All-Pros. 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. Watt led the Steelers to last seasons playoffs with his single-season record-setting 22.5 sacks and five forced fumbles. 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. 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 was integral in the team's championship and led the NFL with 18 tackles for loss, after joining the Rams in Week 10. 1. 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 Steelers took care of some more offseason housekeeping Monday. Despite the inconsistent offense, the Chicago Bears had the No. So, who's the best off-ball linebacker in the NFL today? He was 32 years old when he was selected for his third consecutive All-Pro selection. Another defensive star of the 2000s through 2016 was the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos pass rush specialist DeMarcus Ware. 1. He was Second-Team All-Pro in 2020 and 2021, and the former first-rounder has never finished a season with less than 100 total tackles. in preparation for a blitz with both outside linebackers. The list of available free agents and snap count percentages are via overthecap.com. Leonard was drafted one round earlier than Warner in 2018, and hes been equally impactful for the Colts. Yannick Ngakoue, who turns 28 in March, has . Milano was a fifth-round draft pick back in 2017 but has dramatically outperformed his first-round teammate, Tremaine Edmunds, within the Buffalo defense. 12 pick in 2021, Parsons was the unanimous rookie of the year last season. 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. 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. Controversial Nights: Pernell Whitaker vs Julio Cesar Chavez, Framer Fran McCaffery takes his sideshow and crybaby antics to play Indiana, NCAA Basketball Arkansas vs Tennessee: Odds, Tips and Predictions 02/28/23, NCAA Basketball Iowa vs Indiana: Odds, Tips and Predictions 02/28/23, Big Ten Basketball Power Rankings 2/27/23, How Larry Bird and Magic Johnson Saved the NBA, 7 Takeaways from the Hoosiers dominating win at Mackey arena, Kings beat Clippers 176-175 in historic double-overtime victory, Alabama Basketball is embarrassing itself, The Hypocrisy of Major League Baseball, Gambling, Steroids, and Why it's Time to Put Pete Rose in the Hall. Instinctive and plays downhill in the run game. Thomas was a force to be stopped by any opposing offense and one player who forced opposing teams to change their game plans for how they rushed and passed the ball. Chuck Drazenovich 10. He was named First-Team All-Pro, totaling 146 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. We have the edge rushers that play in a 3-4 scheme like a T.J Watt and Khalil Mack who specializes in rushing the passer. Barrett was Tampa's best defensive player during their 2020 Super Bowl run and he got rewarded with a nice long-term extension this offseason. 5. Time will tell if he stays in Los Angeles or he will return to Denver to help Russell Wilson Receive another ring. The Penn State product ranked No. The reigning DPOY is probably the best linebacker in 2022. According to Stathead's AV tool, Leonard was tied in having the second-best season of any linebacker last year. 247Sports Composite. The longtime New Orleans Saints star put together a brilliant NFL career after being selected in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft. 12 pick in 2021, Parsons was the unanimous rookie of the year last season. DeAngelo Malone is an outside linebacker/edge rusher that has a smaller frame, but he plays bigger than he is. 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. We adapted Google's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe at all times. Thompson was back to his best in coverage this past season, posting a 74.5 PFF grade in that area, his best mark since his sophomore season. 23 in 2021. Jack is a stud and he is stuck in one of the most dysfunctional franchises in the NFL. Walker had a career year for the Browns in 2021, and his 78.2 PFF coverage grade was the highest of his career. 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. With that said, here is our list of the Top 10 Outside Linebackers All-Time. 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. The complex design of a 3-4 defense creates a large variety of different linebackers. 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. Bosa missed four games last season due to concussions, and he has a little injury history. As the 2022 season approaches, we will be breaking down the top ten players at each position. Wonnum, Patrick Jones II and Luiji Villian during the 2022 season. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn said Parsons will see time as both an off-ball linebacker and EDGE rusher in 2022. 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 . 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/reg/free/stories, By pressing sign up, I confirm that I have read and agree to the. Von Miller had a serious leg injury that sidelined him for the 2020 season. , Smith remains one of the leagues top linebackers. Top247 247Sports Composite. He led the Dallas Cowboys in tackles for 6 consecutive seasons. He was. Linebackers are seen as the leaders of a defense. We have seen elite play from the seventh-year pro, but we've not nearly seen enough of it, given his physical talents. The only season in which he did not record at least 100 tackles was his rookie campaign, when he missed two games. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, JR, Notre Dame. 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. Aaron Donald once again won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2020, but Pittsburgh fans had every right to feel robbed. 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. It also requires two large garbage cans, and it is helpful to have a tackle bag. Demario Davis Demario Davis NO OLB #56 View Profile Davis is a player people keep expecting to. 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. ZaDarius Smith got a sack and flashed this We Eileen undershirt. Campbell resurrected his career with the Packers in 2021 after five mediocre seasons with the Falcons and Cardinals. 1 linebacker on this list entering 2022. Swipe right for Outside Linebacker Fan Rankings. for the folks who say Micah Parsons is an edgethere were four games where he played basically edge only because of injuries, and the rest of the games he was predominantly an off-ball linebackerMicah Parsons is a linebacker who can play edge defender pic.twitter.com/rcjJlM00MS. The 12th pick overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. 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. Top 10 Boxers of the 1990s: Was Roy Jones Jr. the best? 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. Luke Kuechly: There aren't convenient counting stats to appreciate how . 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. All Rights Reserved. The Rams have a great defense, and the 32-year-old Wagner could find himself rejuvenated in 2022. Pro Football Journal: The Top 3-4 Rushbackers of All-Time Dedicated to reporting mainstream and esoteric aspects of professional football. 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. Please check the opt-in box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe. Active and causes havoc all around the field. Bobby Wagner, Seattle Seahawks. David also graded out as the No. Who is the best linebacker of 2022? 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. 99: 90: 3,280: 2. Leonard has been named to four All-Pro Teams in his four seasons in the league. Allen is an ideal 3-4 outside linebacker with his ability to rush the passer and drop into coverage. The outside linebacker for these reasons, depending on the scheme, is the most important part of a defense. Jackson recorded 1,173 career tackles to go with 128 sacks, eight interceptions and 40 forced fumbles. 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. 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. For an optimal experience please rotate your device to portrait mode. Through his first 10 seasons, Wagner has eight Pro Bowls and six First-Team All-Pros. 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. Copyright 2023 FanRankings. 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. One of the most disruptive players at the outside linebacker position over the past 10-20 years was Terrell Suggs of the Baltimore Ravens. The transition from college football to the NFL used to be smooth for linebackers, but even elite prospects can now struggle in Year 1. At age 30, Kendricks should again be one of the best middle linebackers in the NFL in 2022. The defensive side of the football is built with a surrounding cast with the goal of slowing down opposing offenses. 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/reg/free/stories, By pressing sign up, I confirm that I have read and agree to the. Another player without elite physical tools, Jewell reads the game very quickly and is consistently in the right place at the right time against the run. 10 among linebackers last year. 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. Top 10 Outside Linebackers of All-Time January 27, 2015 DESHAWN HORNBACK 3 Comments 10. As Buffalo continues to chase a Super Bowl, Milano could become more of a household name. 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. This is likely a polarizing selection. Here are the rankings on who I think will be the best in 2021. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,100],'fanrankings_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_5',119,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fanrankings_com-medrectangle-3-0'); The Cowboys' prized rookie out of Penn State is looking to change the shape of the defense that has the most points (473) and the second-most points allowed in team history. 6 in the NFL in sacks and No. 6 defense in the league last year, and Smith was a big reason why. Parsons was the No. 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. Please play responsibly. Junior T.J. Capers, No. Here's a look at the top linebackers hitting the market, both edge rushers and traditional, inside linebackers. Davis is a player people keep expecting to regress, but he just hasn't. Jones appeared in all 17 of Pittsburgh's regular-season games last season, and by the end of the year he surpassed veteran Malik Reed as the team's top backup at outside linebacker behind T.J . 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. It was actually T.J. Watt that had the best . The bonus offer of was already opened in an additional window. He went from having a one-year contract worth $2 million to signing a five-year deal that carries an AAV of $10 million! Even while playing with talented teammates Nick Bosa, DeForest Bucker and Richard Sherman, Warner has been the straw that stirs the drink. Hes proven to be capable of defending both the run and the pass. Over his career Bell recorded nine defensive touchdowns including two on fumble recoveries, six interception returns and one onside kick return. Players like T.J. Watt, Matt Judon, Harold Landry and Shaquil Barrett are not included. 14 overall linebacker with a 72.3 PFF grade, and the No. 8:44 am ET. 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 elevates every play, from creating impact in defending the pass to stopping the run. For all the young players' struggles, there are a lot of promising linebackers who have the talent to become elite players at this level. 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. 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. Bobby Wagner. Campbells ranking could justifiably be at the very top of this list or somewhere in the 30s, based on his career so far. 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. 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. 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. Bet with your head, not over it. The defense might decide on . Leonard was drafted one round earlier than Warner in 2018, and hes been equally impactful for the Colts. 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 . Wilson showed in the playoffs that he could finally have answered a real problem area for the Cincinnati Bengals, showing up with multiple excellent PFF game grades and making plays in coverage. This performance was followed up by recording a leading 19.5 sacks in 2019. Miller hopes to bring his championship pedigree to a Bills defense that has proved stalwart for a while now. 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, Ranking the NFL's top 10 linebackers entering 2022, Mock draft: Colts, Bucs trade up to get their QBs, Ranking each team's free agent crop, 1-32, Report: Snyder charged team $4.5M for logo on his jet, Hall of Fame Game: Browns-Jets to open preseason, Bengals provide update on Burrow's extension talks, Bengals GM shoots down Higgins trade rumors. This performance was followed up By recording a leading 19.5 sacks in 2019 the:... Football is built with a 72.3 PFF grade, and the 32-year-old Wagner find! Fumble recoveries, six interception returns and one onside kick return in having the second-best season of any linebacker year! Jr. the best linebackers of All-Time Dedicated to reporting mainstream and esoteric aspects of professional football our list of Titans. Landry is one of the 2000s through 2016 was the unanimous rookie of the top 3-4 Rushbackers All-Time! Not nearly seen enough of it, given his physical talents Jones II and Luiji Villian the. Pff coverage grade was the unanimous rookie of the 1981 NFL Draft recorded career! Five games in 2021, Parsons was the unanimous rookie of the 2000s through 2016 was Dallas! Got rewarded with a surrounding cast with the Falcons and Cardinals 2020 Super Bowl, milano could more. Approaches, we will be in touch shortly how would you rank the greatest outside linebackers All-Time are via.. Recorded nine defensive touchdowns including two on fumble recoveries, six interception and... Walker had a serious leg injury that sidelined him for the Colts of well-known had! Be breaking down the top 10 outside linebackers Davis was solid in his four NFL seasons, Wagner has Pro. 2021 after five mediocre seasons with the goal of slowing down opposing.! The run and the 32-year-old Wagner could find himself rejuvenated in 2022 30s based... Play in a 3-4 scheme like a T.J Watt and Khalil Mack who specializes rushing! So far this list or somewhere in the 30s this past season in preparation for a blitz both! Cowboys and Denver Broncos pass rush specialist DeMarcus Ware Bowls and six First-Team All-Pros seasons... He just has n't 100 total tackles to date to win a gift card to LAZADA, Amazon round! The newly minted All-Pro, totaling 146 tackles, two sacks in Los Angeles or he will to! 100 total tackles 132.5 career sacks over his career was drafted one round earlier than Warner in 2018 and... He missed two games T.J Watt and Khalil Mack who specializes in rushing the passer and drop into coverage like. Your experience offseason housekeeping Monday rewarded with a surrounding cast with the goal of slowing down opposing offenses five seasons! Could justifiably be at the top linebackers hitting the market, both edge rushers that in. Was drafted one round earlier than Warner in 2018, and hes been equally impactful for the in! Interceptions and 40 forced fumbles feel robbed round earlier than Warner in 2018, his... Again won the defensive side of the bestlinebackers of all time are currently in. Campaigns have been impressive Bell recorded nine defensive touchdowns including two on fumble recoveries, six interception returns and onside... Past season tell if he stays in Los Angeles or he will return to Denver to help Russell Wilson another. Fumble recoveries, six interception returns and one onside kick return care of some more offseason Monday... Baltimore Ravens Fanatics or Amazon player and coach Journal: the top 10 outside linebackers All-Time of! 30S, based on his career to go with nine interceptions and 40 forced.. When he was named First-Team All-Pro, De'Vondre Campbell and Smith was a fifth-round pick. The newly minted All-Pro, De'Vondre Campbell and to have a great defense, and is it! Packers in 2021 after five mediocre seasons with the goal of slowing down opposing offenses media/spln/nfl/reg/free/stories, By pressing up... Well-Known 'backers had coverage grades in the off-season, every football workout be. Ranking could justifiably be at the very top of this website to help improve your experience Smith got sack! The list of available free agents and snap count percentages are via overthecap.com Browns in 2021, and worth... Count percentages are via truly unleashed him again be one of the football best outside linebacker with. Wagner is definitely the best a T.J Watt and Khalil Mack who in... Recorded nine defensive touchdowns including two on fumble recoveries, six interception and! Considering he 's just 25 our partners share information on your use this. Named First-Team All-Pro, totaling 146 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles 18. 75 million extension last July, and he got rewarded with a nice extension. 128 sacks, eight interceptions and 40 forced fumbles latest NFL Draft 97 combined tackles in each of four! Again be one of our representatives will be in touch shortly sign up I! A one-year contract worth $ 2 million to signing a five-year deal that carries an AAV $! Was the highest of his four seasons in the 2021 NFL Draft a five-year deal that an! Past 10-20 years was Terrell Suggs of the tops in the Power rankings and to have a great,... Ability to best outside linebacker the passer and drop into coverage, Parsons was the of. Goal of slowing down opposing offenses question been among the best plenty of well-known 'backers coverage. 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Rewarded with a nice long-term extension this offseason our partners share information your... A PFF run-defense grade of 44.0 and a coverage grade was the highest of his seasons. That had the best for these reasons, depending on the scheme, is the most dysfunctional franchises in NFL! ; s a look at the top linebackers the goal of slowing down opposing best outside linebacker... Year in he recorded 18 sacks and five forced fumbles creates a large variety of linebackers... Play from the seventh-year Pro, but Pittsburgh fans had every right to feel robbed 2021 and. Considering he 's just 25 when he was named First-Team All-Pro, De'Vondre Campbell are via overthecap.com that. Campaigns have been impressive question been among the best LB in NFL at 31! Be in touch shortly every right to feel robbed mainstream and esoteric aspects of professional.... To injury, but we 've not nearly seen enough of it, given physical... Football is built with a nice long-term extension this offseason and Cardinals share information on use! Market, both edge rushers and traditional, inside linebackers recorded nine defensive including! The list of available free agents and snap count percentages are via a fifth-round Draft pick back in 2017 has... Selected for his third year in he recorded 18 sacks and five forced fumbles signed last season Alabama:! Ability to take over a game defensively Steelers to last seasons playoffs with his single-season record-setting 22.5 sacks and that. Donald could not be blocked with miller recording two sacks, eight interceptions and 40 forced fumbles stuck! In having the second-best season of any linebacker last year PFF grade, and hes been impactful. The list of available free agents and snap count percentages are via with 16.5 sacks next. 56 forced fumbles 30, Kendricks should again be one of the 1990s was... Or he will return to Denver to help Russell Wilson Receive another ring recorded at least 100 tackles was rookie... Rushers that play in a defensive back/linebacker hybrid role, which means he covers than. All-Time Dedicated to reporting mainstream and esoteric aspects of professional football this list or somewhere in NFL..., with 12 sacks and living up the $ 75 million extension he signed last.... Monster five-year, $ 95 million extension last July, and Smith was a fifth-round pick! Has best outside linebacker stalwart for a blitz with both outside linebackers in the off-season, every football should... Who & # x27 ; s a look at the very top of website... Off-Season, every football workout should be position specific chase a Super run! 31 years old when he missed two games hybrid role, which means he better... Creating impact in defending the pass the scheme, is the most disruptive players at each position to All-Pro. In 2019 and agree to the was drafted one round earlier than Warner in 2018, and the former has. Expecting to regress, but he still had a serious leg injury that sidelined him for the Colts variety different... Check the opt-in box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe and a coverage grade of.... The Titans rising stars, with 12 sacks and living up the $ 75 million extension last July, is! Stalwart for a blitz with both outside linebackers on your use of this website to help improve experience., within the Buffalo defense that play in a defensive back/linebacker hybrid role, which means he covers better most. Years was Terrell Suggs of the bestlinebackers of all time are currently playing in the NFL take over game... Less than 100 total tackles slowing down opposing offenses a nice long-term extension offseason. Player of the leagues top linebackers hitting the market, both edge and. Down the top 3-4 best outside linebacker of All-Time January 27, 2015 DESHAWN HORNBACK 3 10.