Today, all four men are enshrined in the Pro Football. 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. 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. 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. With that said, here is our list of the Top 10 Outside Linebackers All-Time. Since being drafted in 2018, Smith has arguably been the league's best tackler at the position, leading all off-ball 'backers in defensive stops (330) and run stuffs (64, tied for first with. She isn't feeling well and ZaDarius made sure to shout her out if he got a sack. 1. 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. Since 2020, the Colts linebacker has twice the number of forced fumbles of any other off-ball linebacker, and he has four interceptions and eight pass breakups over that time. 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. Honorable mentions: Tremaine Edmunds, Matt Milano, Logan Wilson, Shaq Thompson, Alexander Johnson, Deion JonesJeremiah Owusu-Koramoah,Zach Cunningham, Anthony Walker, C.J. 12 pick in 2021, Parsons was the unanimous rookie of the year last season. Luke Kuechly: There aren't convenient counting stats to appreciate how . The only current player on the list of the Top 10 Outside Linebackers of All-Time is the current Denver Broncos All-Pro Von Miller. The longtime New Orleans Saints star put together a brilliant NFL career after being selected in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft. Fan Rankings is a registered trademark of Fan Rankings LLC. He made the full-time switch to outside linebacker for the 2019 season, starting six games and recording 52 tackles that season. 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. 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 was 32 years old when he was selected for his third consecutive All-Pro selection. He finished with 22.5 sacks in 14 games last season -- tying Michael Strahan for the single-season sack record. Bobby Wagner, Seattle Seahawks. Please play responsibly. Smith has recorded at least 101 combined tackles in each of his four NFL seasons, and his last two campaigns have been impressive. On 50 attempts here are the results for each archetype: Jack is now trying to reboot his career in Pittsburgh after suffering similar ill-fortune in Jacksonville. One thing all these 2022 NFL best linebackers have in common is they're at the top of their game. 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. Follow. During the shortened 2020 season, Domann was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection. That hypothetical AAV of $17.6 million would make Smith the third highest-paid linebacker in the NFL. How would you rank the greatest Outside Linebackers in history? While there are plenty of talented outside linebackers that rack up sacks, it takes different skills to be in command of the entire defense. Up next, our Top 10 linebackers.1. Find out where your favorite Linebackers stacks up against the 2023 class and view expert mock drafts. Watt's greatness deserves more than just a few paragraphs. Squat: 445 lbs. 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. Feb 27, 2023. 10. The 33-year-old Davis begins a string of veterans on this list. February 28, 2023. There are also linebackers who are at their best in coverage, which is useful for todays NFL. The first major step in the offseason process is free agency. After Warner's monster 2020 campaign, we thought he could be the No. Ken Harvey 6. But the Dawgs claim the top spot since the start of the BCS in 1998, thanks to their array of run-stuffing inside linebackers, pass-rushing specialists on the outside and do-it-all guys cut from . Coach Keys: Shows the ability to take over a game defensively. So, who's the best off-ball linebacker in the NFL today? pic.twitter.com/wU3z3Om3JM. 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. After relaying the play call to his teammates, off-ball linebackers can be responsible for defending the run, covering receivers or rushing the quarterback. 247Sports Composite. 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. Out of that group of four, outside linebacker Za'Darius Smith has turned out to be the best. 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. Bobby Wagner. All Rights Reserved. His PFF grade of 77.9 ranked eighth last year among linebackers, and he once again showed he's a well-rounded linebacker that doesn't get the kind of credit he deserves. Defensive coordinators who coach linebackers: 1. 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. 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. Now, it remains to be seen if Campbell can replicate his 2021 campaign, but based off of how he played last year, Campbell deserves a place on this list. There's no way he was going to get better, right? Ware recorded 138.5 sacks over his NFL career while forcing 35 fumbles and intercepting three passes. Part 3. . 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. One player on each defense is allowed to wear the green dot, a helmet device that allows communication between a player and coach. 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. 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. There is no debating who is the Top 10 Outside Linebacker All-Time. Weight: 235. Zach Arnett, Mississippi State -- $900,000 5. Rank Player Pos Ht / Wt Rating Team. Now, Parsons is the highest-rated outside linebacker in the game. FromT.J. Watt to Khalil Mack, the best current NFL linebackers are serious forces to be reckoned with, and those two may just be the best out there right now. Copyright 2023 FanRankings. According to Stathead's AV tool, Leonard was tied in having the second-best season of any linebacker last year. It is possible, I am sure. LaVar Arrington 8. A position-by-position look at the Seahawks heading into the offseason, focusing today on defensive line and outside linebacker. Thomas recorded 132.5 career sacks over his career to go with nine interceptions and 56 forced fumbles. Chris Hanburger 2. Smith is the most important player on the Packers' defense that will need the critical stop when playing teams like the Rams or Buccaneers come January. Many are still waiting for Warner to fully show out and showcase the incredible potential he has shown at times on the field. 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. 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. Top 10 Boxers of the 1990s: Was Roy Jones Jr. the best? 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 offense lines up in "trips" formation (three receivers on one side of the field.) Nevertheless, you also have to consider great linebackers like Shaq Barrett, Von Miller, Eric Kendricks, and Demario Davis, among plenty of other talented and fearsome outside and middle linebackers. Here's a look at the top linebackers hitting the market, both edge rushers and traditional, inside linebackers. Parsons actually finished No. 12 pick in 2021, Parsons was the unanimous rookie of the year last season. UFA = Unrestricted Free Agent SFA = Street Free Agent Void = Voidable Year Contract. Though he's 32 years old, David hasn't taken a major step backwards just yet. 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. No linebacker recorded more coverage snaps than Warner in all of 2021. Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys The first-ever unanimous Defensive Rookie of the Year has quickly become the standard for linebacker play in the NFL. 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. View the best photos of the Vikings outside linebackers, ZaDarius Smith, Danielle Hunter, D.J. 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. in preparation for a blitz with both outside linebackers. 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. Follow @fanrankingsto stay up to date. 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. This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program. 1. He was integral in the team's championship and led the NFL with 18 tackles for loss, after joining the Rams in Week 10. Mosley, Foye Oluokun. VA: CALL 1-888-532-3500, CO: CALL 1-800-522-4700, MI: CALL 1-800-270-7117 | Full T&C apply. 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. 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. Jackson recorded 1,173 career tackles to go with 128 sacks, eight interceptions and 40 forced fumbles. The bonus offer of was already opened in an additional window. an off-ball linebacker and EDGE rusher in 2022. Tracker. Hendricks was a four time Super Bowl champion, eight time Pro Bowler and four time First Team All-Pro over his career. 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? 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. At age 30, Kendricks should again be one of the best middle linebackers in the NFL in 2022. at The list of available free agents and snap count percentages are via. It's also noteworthy that David is good in coverage, something other linebackers can struggle with. Copyright 2023 FanRankings. The Yellow Jackets need to bounce back to make a bowl game in 2022, but having a versatile player like Thomas helps. Miller proved that last postseason, that he can be an effective pass rusher, especially in Super Bowl 56. Below is a list of the top 100 free agents available this Few plays cause momentum swings quite like a timely sack. How would you rank these Outside Linebackers going into the 2021-2022 season? 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. The Steelers couldnt function on defense when Watt was away from the field. 1986 Boston Celtics - Were they the greatest Team? David missed five games in 2021 due to injury, but he still had a solid season, recording 97 combined tackles. 14 overall linebacker with a 72.3 PFF grade, and the No. Vote up the best NFL linebackers in 2022, and . Bell was the Defensive Player of the Year in 1969, a Super Bowl Champion, three time Pro Bowler and a First Team All-Pro as well as a five time First Team All-AFL. Allen is an ideal 3-4 outside linebacker with his ability to rush the passer and drop into coverage. Gildon saw limited action during the Steelers' Super. Top 10 Outside Linebackers in the 2022 NFL Draft: Kayvon Thibodeaux remains our top prospect Kayvon Thibodeaux and David Ojabo lead the way as the top outside linebackers in the 2022 NFL Draft, but don't sleep on Sam Williams. 1 T.J. Watt - LOLB - 96. Top 10 Outside Linebackers of All-Time January 27, 2015 DESHAWN HORNBACK 3 Comments 10. 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. 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 . The Buffalo Bills will be getting a great team leader. 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. Join the contest by ranking below. Bennett didnt disappoint, helping to transition the Bills defense into one of the tops in the NFL. Wagner is definitely the best LB in NFL at just 31 years old. 20. DeAngelo Malone is an outside linebacker/edge rusher that has a smaller frame, but he plays bigger than he is. 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. 8 in total pressures. Milano has put up outstanding PFF grades in both coverage and against the run but has struggled to put it all together over one season. 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. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports. Huff is a priority to the Arkansas Razorbacks, and the Sooners will have no easy fight trying to pull him . 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