Peter Boulware was the pass rusher alongside Ray Lewis. With time to spare in the NFL offseason, I’ll take a look at the top 50 linebackers in the NFL in the modern era. He produced 32 sacks over the 3 seasons. That Steelers linebacking core could easily be the best of all-time, and it was led by Jack Lambert and Jack Ham. Thats the type of player you want on your team, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Featuring 2018-2019 Raiders and some of the greatest NFL linebackers of all time, the best Raiders LBs include Ted Hendricks, Khalil Mack, Rod Martin, Sam Wiliams, and Greg Biekert. Kevin Greene was a mad man in a football uniform. His 32 career INTs lead the way for linebackers. Isiah Robertson, nicknamed The Playmaker, was known for coming up with the big plays in the biggest games. The 2008 season was his best sack season with 17.5. Those would be accomplishments by themselves, let alone all together. Hes also had at least 83 tackles in every year other than his rookie season. Ham is the only linebacker other than Tom Jackson to have seven INTs in a single season. . As a pass rusher, Greene would be top 5 at least, his ability to be an every-down linebacker hurts him overall, he was not great against the run. Simpson in 1973 or Terry Bradshaw's two Super Bowl MVP performances. They surrendered only 20 points in that game, and seven of them were off a blocked punt. He was the notorious leader of one of the greatest defenses to ever make its way onto a football field Pittsburghs famed Steel Curtain.. 35, Lance Briggs* (Bears) (2003-Present) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Singletary was one of the key leaders of the famous 85 Bears defense, arguably the greatest defense in the history of the NFL. He had an outstanding attitude and would do anything to get his team a win. Gradishar was the silent assassin of the team. Those are remarkable numbers, especially when he is still going strong. No. He also had 20 INTs, three of which he returned for touchdowns. In 2007, he racked up a remarkable 17 sacks in only 12 games. Junior Seau finished his career with 1,524 tackles, the highest total on this list. 34, Julian Peterson* (49ers/Seahawks/Lions) (2000-Present) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. It seemed like he knew where the ball was going at all times. Pittsburgh 2002, '04-12, '14-17; Cincinnati 2013; New England 2017. He has speed, size, toughness, instincts, vision, patience, and football smarts. Ham had arguably the most successful NFL career out of any of the names on this list as he was a star for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Siemon was always a good player, but never a great player. He wasnt very vocal, but his play did all the talking for him. No. All while being tasked with avoiding blocks and keeping tabs on the opposing quarterback. Thomas' remarkable personality was also recognized by being awarded the Walter Peyton Man of the Year Award in 1993. Still, he was a very solid MLB for many years. And here are the 25 greatest linebackers in NFL history: 25. Wright, Seattle Seahawks. 44, Jessie Armstead (Giants/Redskins) (1993-2003) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Blair was also one of the greatest special teams players of all-time! 13, Greg Lloyd (Steelers/Panthers) (1988-1998) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro. But he proved them wrong and was a key piece on the Broncos Super Bowl winning team. Suggs is a pass rushing monster with the Ravens. . Derrick Thomas still holds the NFL record for most sacks in a single NFL game with seven, against the Seattle Seahawks in 1990. 1953-65, Detroit Lions. But, if you didnt know, Jackson was once an outstanding linebacker for the Denver Broncos Orange Crush defense. He was one of a kind and will always be remembered as one of the best linebackers of all time. Robert Brazile- Tums all time neutralizer. L.T. Jessie Armstead was one of the most consistent linebackers on this list. Thats over 10 sacks per season, which is outstanding. Jalen Carter, top NFL prospect, posts bond in fatal crash. He had five INTs in a season twice in his career. Top 13 Cincinnati Reds Starting Pitchers of all time. But, theres no doubt that hes been one of the top linebackers in the NFL, and still is today. Rickey Jackson was one of the fastest linebackers in the game, but he was also one of the hardest hitters. His best days were with the Bears and Redskins, but he had an impact everywhere he went. No. Andre Tippett. Lewis, playing alongside Bryan Cox, led a very good Jets team to the closest theyve been to a Super Bowl since they won Super Bowl III. Ray Lewis is another one of the three players on the list to win Defensive Player of the Year twice in his career. A tall order to say the least, and these 5 players did it better than anyone in the history of the NFL. 2-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1985, '88) Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 1989. Lawrence Taylor: one of the greatest defensive players ever, Taylor was a pass-rushing force who revolutionized the outside linebacker position . Shawne Lights Out Merriman was the face of NFL linebackers for a three year stretch. Won Conference Championship 17-10 vs. San Francisco 49ers. Ranking Explanation . In today's NFL, few positions have become as difficult to play as off-ball linebacker. Franchise Encyclopedia. Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. Peterson is another versatile linebacker who has played both inside and outside linebacker. He would always be found around the ball, and around the play. 12. He started all but one game in his last eight seasons, which is very impressive for a linebacker. Urlacher was the leader of those great Bears defenses of the 2000s, including when they got to the Super Bowl only to lose to Peyton Manning and the Colts. When you ask who is the greatest MLB of all-time is, many people jump straight to Dick Butkus. Swilling was the best pass rusher of the Dome Patrol, but he also forced 36 fumbles to go along with all the sacks. In 1985, a trophy awarded to the best linebacker in college football was named in his honor. His sacks are the main reason hes this high, but he was also a great all-around player. Andy Russell 7x Pro Bowl, 4x All-Pro, 2x Super Bowl Champion Linebacker '63, 1966-1976 Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images. Mike Singletary is one of three players on this list to win Defensive Player of the Year twice in his career. Porter will try to continue his success in Arizona and continue to climb up this list. Let me start out by saying that yes, I know that he was only a linebacker for half his career and DE the other half. Linebacker Jack Ham and Tight end Dave Casper each received 20 votes. Ham had outstanding speed. Gary Reasons (1984-91) Gary Reasons, a fourth-round draft pick from Northwestern State, was a key . A tall order to say the least, and these 5 players did it better than anyone in the history of the NFL. Baltimore, with 2,038 rushing yards through its first 10 games of the season, is the seventh team since 1970 and first since the 1978 New England Patriots (2,029 rushing yards) with at least 2,000 . . Blair was outstanding in coverage, along with being a great tackler. 22, Chris Spielman (Lions/Bills) (1988-1997) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. He could do it all. He has already had three 100 tackle seasons in his first three years, and also has already forced 10 turnovers (four INTs, six forced fumbles). Chuck Drazenovich. Still, its an amazing number. He did everything. Linebacker Jack Ham and Tight end Dave Casper each received 20 votes. Bryce Paup was an outstanding pass rusher in the 1990s. No. NFL WAGS: 10 Hottest NFL Wives & Girlfriends 2023. He wasnt very vocal, but his play did all the talking for him. He may have been undersized, but he made up for it with his mind and his hustle. (Pro Football Weekly 1975 Defensive Player of the Year, 1970s All-Decade Team, 1994 75th anniversary team), and also the team success (4 Super Bowls). Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie #47 gets a hold of Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields #1 during the second half of a game against the Chicago Bears at Mercedes-Benz Stadium . The former college basketball star is considered one of the best defensive linemen to ever play in the NFL. For most other franchises, a resume like this would make Jack Ham the greatest linebacker in thier history by a wide margin. 10. . The defense was ranked right up there along with the 1985 Bears, and Steelers teams of the 1970s. Cox was also a vocal leader of the teams he played for, directing his defenses to success. The two-time All-American helped the Cornhuskers win back-to-back national titles in 1970 and '71 . Theres not much Brooks doesnt have. Pat Swilling was an outstanding pass rusher in his career, totaling up 107 sacks in his career and 101.5 sacks in a 10 year period throwing out his rookie year and last season of his career. Mecklenburg was never a cocky player, but just a guy who would show up on Sundays. Lewis most notable accomplishment may be starting the Tom Brady era by knocking out Drew Bledsoe on a roll out, giving Tom Brady his first ever NFL action. With time to spare in the NFL offseason, Ill take a look at the top 50 linebackers in the NFL in the modern era. . Mar 3, 2023 Updated 4 min ago. His best season was his first year with the Bills where he had 17.5 sacks, 70 tackles, two INTs, and three forced fumbles. 16, Robert Brazile (Oilers) (1975-1984) *Seven-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Four-time 2nd Team All-Pro. He was unstoppable in goal line situations especially. The line was the backbone of the Steelers dynasty, which won four Super Bowls (IX, X, XIII, and XIV) in six years.. K.J. He did it once in 1985 and again in 1988. . Demarcus Ware has only played five seasons in the NFL, but already hes one of the best of this era. Thomas is also third all-time in safeties and fumble returns for touchdowns. Hardy Nickerson makes it this high on the list mainly because of one ridiculous season he had. Other Links > Football > Player Rankings by Position > Top Ranked Linebackers . Johnson wasnt very flashy, but he was very solid all-around, which is why he sneaks onto the list. No. No. No. No. The defense was ranked right up there along with the 1985 Bears, and Steelers teams of the 1970s. Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter has returned to the NFL . If you dont believe me, watch the film, as they say, the film doesnt lie! He came one tackle short from having five consecutive 100 tackle seasons in 2004, which is saying a lot, since he was the guy taking up blockers most of the time as well. Briggs has made five straight Pro Bowls for the Bears, and that streak still continues. Thomas is also third all-time in safeties and fumble returns for touchdowns. He finished his career with 1,106 tackles and 627 assisted tackles as well. Lewis stats at this point of his career are 1,349 tackles, 36.5 sacks, and 28 INTs. In his final two seasons with the Bengals, Williams was appointed to an open seat on the Cincinnati City Council in 1988 and was elected for a second term in 1989 on the Charter Party ticket. Interview with Former Steeler Great levon kirkland. Jackson was the vocal leader of that defense. Spielman had seven straight 100 tackle seasons, and did it eight out of nine years. 40, Bryce Paup (Packers/Bills/Jaguars/Vikings) (1990-2000) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. When you see a list of greatest linebackers, Isiah Robertson very rarely even gets brought into the discussion. Other Links > Football > Player Rankings by Position > Top Ranked Linebackers . Two years later, the Giants sunk to 1-12-1. Despite the bad taste he left when leaving the team, James Harrison belongs on the upper half of the top ten linebackers in Steelers history. Over his career, he totaled 1,271 tackles, 12 INTs, and 19 forced fumbles. Any coach would be lucky to have a player like Karl Mecklenburg on their roster. O. J. Simpson and Lynn Swann were next with 22 and 21 votes, respectively. St. Wilber Marshall was one of the greatest pass coverage linebackers of the modern era. Holdovers from the National Football League 1960s All-Decade Team were Bob Lilly, Dick Butkus, Merlin Olsen, Larry Wilson, and Jim Bakken, which made them the first players to make multiple All-Decade teams in NFL history. Ray Lewis is the top MLB of the modern era and is easily the linebacker of the 2000s. Earl Campbell called Williams the toughest linebacker he ever played against. Armstead didnt particularly stand out at anywhere, but he wasnt a weak link anywhere either. 10. 6, Jack Ham (Steelers) (1971-1982) *Eight-time Pro Bowler *Six-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Bryan Cox was an all-around package at linebacker. Jan 25, 1981; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Oakland Raiders players Mickey Marvin (65), Willie Jones (90), Rod Martin (53), Ted Hendricks (83) and Raymond Chester (88) on the field against the Philadelphia Eagles during Super Bowl XV at the Superdome. He had less than seven sacks in a season only once. Mecklenburg finished his career with 79 sacks, which is great for an ILB, and also ranks 2nd all-time in Broncos history. The . Randy Gradishar Joins The Speer Wealth Team. Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (1969), three-time Pro Bowl (1970-72), two . 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? He could do it all. Zach Thomas is exactly what you want in a player and a linebacker. Any coach would be lucky to have a player like Karl Mecklenburg on their roster. Lambert wasnt just great on the inside, he was an outstanding coverage linebacker. Ray Lewis is another one of the three players on the list to win Defensive Player of the Year twice in his career. The Best of Tommy Brady at Michigan . ONeal should get more recognition as one of the best pass rushers to play the game. The longtime backup led the NFL in completion percentage (69.8%), set the Seahawks' single-season passing yards record (4,282) and ranked in the top five in the entire league in both passing . Randy Gradishar may be the single-most deserving player of a spot in Canton. Briggs does a lot of pass coverage with the Bears, and has had 53 passes deflected already in his career. Brooks is most known for his coverage ability in the Bucs cover-two scheme. Well have to see how he does, but he could either climb up or fall off this list based on his performance in 2010. Williams has received numerous honors, including selection to the NFL All-Rookie Team (1976), the Byron Whizzer White Award for Humanitarian Service (1985), the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Award (1986), and Sports Illustrateds Co-Sportsman of the Year (1987). He was always around the ball. No. He was the type of player that you would want your kids to look up to. In only 11 seasons, Thomas had 126.5 sacks, and an NFL record 41 forced fumbles. His best season was his first year with the Bills where he had 17.5 sacks, 70 tackles, two INTs, and three forced fumbles. 4, Derrick Thomas (Chiefs) (1989-1999) *Nine-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Three-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Floyd Reese, the general manager who assembled the roster for the Tennessee Titans' lone Super Bowl appearance, died Saturday. 45, Shawne Merriman* (Chargers) (2005-Present) *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. He racked up a staggering 1,181 tackles, and 1,131 of them in his first nine seasons. He also ranks third all . Keith Brooking has been one of the most consistent linebackers of all-time. He had 1,301 tackles and 25 forced fumbles in his career. Bill Romanowski (49ers, Eagles, Broncos, Raiders) : Two-time Pro Bowler. He is still active, and is a starter, but he might be on his way out of San Diego. 6 - Carl McAdams. Boulware gets overlooked a lot playing because of playing with Ray Lewis, but he was a key component in that dominating Ravens defense of the early 2000s. Offerdahl was a blue collar type of player who was an even better person off the field. No. Nickerson wasnt just a one hit wonder though. Kirkland had 10 tackles and a key sack of Dallas quarterback Troy Aikman. 37, Wilber Marshall (Bears/Redskins/Oilers/Cardinals/Jets) (1984-1995) *Three-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Thats an amazing number as well. But before you come to a conclusion, let's take a look at the facts. During the late 1970s and early 80s, he was the best linebacker the NFL had. LT finished his career with 142 sacks, averaging nearly 11 sacks per season. He left everything he had on the field of play, and even though he was a tenacious player on the field, he was one of the most genuine and nice guys off the field. It may be a bit early to put Jon Beason on this list, but I think his play warrants the selection. But it was his style of play that made his career so short. Brown was a very versatile linebacker. If you take away his last three seasons, where he was slowing down, he averaged 12.4 sacks per season, which is just remarkable. T&Cs apply. by Ben Watanabe. James Harrison. Controversial Nights: Pernell Whitaker vs Julio Cesar Chavez, Top 11 Big Ten Basketball Teams, since 1960, Top 12 Guards in Big Ten Basketball history, NBA Pacers vs Spurs: Odds, Tips and predictions 03/02/23, NCAA Basketball Purdue vs Wisconsin: Odds, Tips and Predictions 03/02/23, NCAA Basketball Xavier vs Providence: Odds, Tips and Predictions 03/01/23, Top 20 Big Ten Basketball players of all time, Framer Fran McCaffery takes his sideshow and crybaby antics to play Indiana, NCAA Basketball Arkansas vs Tennessee: Odds, Tips and Predictions 02/28/23, The Hypocrisy of Major League Baseball, Gambling, Steroids, and Why it's Time to Put Pete Rose in the Hall. No. 10, Junior Seau (Chargers/Dolphins/Patriots) (1990-2009) *Twelve-time Pro Bowler *Six-time All-Pro 1st Team *Three-time All-Pro 2nd Team. Mike Singletary is one of three players on this list to win Defensive Player of the Year twice in his career. He also played two different positions, playing ILB and OLB for the Vikings in his career. 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. He took up blockers and threw his body around a lot. LT finished his career with 142 sacks, averaging nearly 11 sacks per season. Carson did most of the dirty work in that linebacking core. Lewis was the leader of the 2000 Super Bowl-winning Ravens team. Hes also great against the run and is a turnover forcing monster. He could play zone and man. 9-time All-Pro, 10-time Pro Bowler. He was the only good player (other than Albert Haynesworth, but even he was only good for 2-3 years) on a generally bad defense and team. The only reason Brooks isnt higher up on this list is because he had a fantastic surrounding cast which includes, most notably, Warren Sapp taking up blockers on the line. Eleven Pro Bowls. He was very athletic, a great tackler, and he could cover. He was a dominating force in the NFL during that stretch of time. 12 sacks and three picks. Sacks and tackles werent recorded until late in his career, but he was a great pass rusher and all-around linebacker. Schmidt stood out in an era of great middle linebackers. Tribute to Elvis No. Chad Brown played a very long NFL career, especially for a linebacker. Hardy Nickerson may not have the name recognition as many of the other linebackers on this list, but he deserves to be this high. Lambert and Ham also won four Super Bowls with the Steelers in the 1970s playing in the Steel Curtain. 5, Jack Lambert (Steelers) (1974-1984) *Nine-time Pro Bowlers *Seven-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Selected by the Baltimore Colts in the 2nd round . No. He did anything the Bears asked of him, especially stuffing the run. Kolen was drafted by the Dolphins in the 12 th round . 25, Karl Mecklenburg (Broncos) (1983-1994) *Six-time Pro Bowler *Three-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro Karl "The Albino Rhino" Mecklenburg was the definition of a blue collar player. I think thats largely due to the NFL not keeping sacks and tackles numbers during his career. Mike Kolen 1970-77. Merriman still has the potential to be a great player again. Greene and Greg Lloyd made one of the best pass rushing duos in NFL history with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He did it in 2000 and again in 2003. Call 1-800-522-4700. No. Fredd Young went a little under the radar due to his short seven year career. Kirkland was an all-around better linebacker, he was a 300lb linebacker whose coverage skills were vastly underrated. He has been one of the most intimidating players in the NFL his entire career. Woodrow Lowe, Alabama (1972-75) Respected as college football's top linebacker in the early 1970s, Lowe was the first . 1970s All-decade team. With rule changes being what they have been, I decided to rank the linebackers that have played since 1970. Willis could potentially end up in the top 10, or even top five of this list by the time his career is over. 11, Kevin Greene (Rams/Steelers/Panthers/49ers), (1985-1999) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. The Steel Curtain was the defensive line of the 1970s American football team Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). How NFL Players Have Evolved. No. 36, Jeremiah Trotter (Eagles/Redskins/Bucs) (1999-2007 & 2009) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. I know, how can I rate Kirkland over Greene? 10. All Rights Reserved. 10. No. Lambert wasnt just great on the inside, he was an outstanding coverage linebacker. Thomas did everything you asked out of a linebacker. Mo Lewis was another very consistent and solid player. The NFL is back in L.A. for the first time since 1995, as the Rams return to the Coliseum. I think hell climb up this list further in the near future. Visit Our Patreon Page to Create Your Own All-Time Fantasy Teams and See Other Bonus Material . 1. 10. 28a, Pat Swilling (Saints/Lions/Raiders) (1986-1998) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Kirkland had great speed and agility for a big man. Harry Carson was an outstanding linebacker who played alongside Lawrence Taylor. He had an outstanding attitude and would do anything to get his team a win. You could stick him on any TE in the league, even some slot receivers, and he would take them out of the game. Top 30 Linebackers in the NFL since 1970! He won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1974 and Defensive Player of the Year two years later. Andre Tippett may have been outshined by Lawrence Taylor playing basically the same position at the same time frame, but theres no mistaking what Tippett did on the field. Top 10 Draft Picks in Broncos History | No. John Offerdahl may have had the shortest NFL career on this list, but he made the most of it. Rickey Jackson was one of the fastest linebackers in the game, but he was also one of the hardest hitters. Ralph Baker - Years with Jets: 11 (1964-74) Baker played in 142 games with the Jets in his 11 seasons, which is tied with Marvin Jones for the 4 th most by a linebacker. Top 9 Greatest World Series Upsets of All Time, 2021 NBA Finals Phoenix Suns vs Milwaukee Bucks: Series Preview and Prediction, Esteban de Jesus, Roberto Duran y AIDS (1972-89), NFL Draft 2021: Sam Teets top 100 prospects big board, Sam Teets two-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft 5.0 with Kyle the Commish, Every NFL teams best player not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame- NFC East, 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, Notable Pro Football Senior Committee Hall of Fame candidates for 2020, Active NFL players in 2019 who will make the Hall of Fame- AFC North, Top 13 Indiana High School Players of all Time, The 6 greatest Indiana Highschool pure Shooters, The 8 greatest IHSAA Championship Games in History. Wagers only accepted in CO. For full terms and conditions, click here. For a four-year span with Seattle, Young was arguably the best Seahawks linebacker of all-time. Zach Thomas would be the perfect linebacker, no matter what style of defense you play. Young was a fierce hitter, and would always stick his nose in the middle of the play. He would always be found around the ball, and around the play. Who knows how many he wouldve had if he played in the entire 16? Thats fine, he played enough linebacker to be considered this high. Undersized height wise, but an overabundance of heart made him more than a handful to deal with. Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie #47 gets a hold of Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields #1 during the second half of a game against the Chicago Bears at Mercedes-Benz Stadium . Derrick Thomas was on pace to absolutely shatter NFL records before his tragic death in 2000. Eleven Pro Bowls. He took them to the AFC Championship game in 1998, where they fell victim to John Elways Super Bowl winning Broncos. Over his nine-year career, he had 2,049 tackles, although this number is solo and assisted because he played before solo tackles were an official stat. 9, Derrick Brooks (Bucs) (1995-2008) *Eleven-time Pro Bowler *Five-time 1st Team All-Pro *Four-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Super Bowl XX champion. Eddie Johnson arrived in Cleveland at exactly the right time. Blair was outstanding in coverage, along with being a great tackler. 1986 Boston Celtics - Were they the greatest Team? Robert "Dr. Doom" Brazile is another one of those underrated linebackers. Mike Singletary was the leader of the most dominating defense the NFL has ever seenthe 1985 Bears.
Samsung G70a Firmware Update, Warwick High School Football Coach, Walton And Johnson Radio Stations In Louisiana, Articles B