Devin Bush has not lived up to his draft status as a first-round pick, and 2022 might be his last chance to prove himself at the NFL level. 2021 PFF grade: 80.1 (3rd of 89). They spent a lot of money on Roquan Smith at the linebacker spot, [so] why not bring in another Georgia guy?" . 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. After ranking the best individual linebackers heading into 2022, here's how each team's linebacking corps stacks up. While Mike Zimmer is gone, new defensive coordinator Ed Donatell is an experienced coach who can get the most out of Kendricks and this defense as a whole. In May, Sam Monson of PFF ranked as the league's No.16 linebacker coming into the 2022 NFL season. 2022 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Linebackers - PFF The Titans ask a lot of their off-ball linebackers, and Long can do it all. And even though he hasnt quite been able to maintain an elite level of play every season, his impact on the field is obvious. 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. His first year with the Packers resulted in a whopping 85.0 mark. Meanwhile, David will have to get it there himself, given that the Bucs defense wasnt exactly bereft of talent last season. Jayron Kearse was a top 10 strong safety by their own metric. They happily scooped up the extremely talented Georgia linebacker. If he can play more consistently week to week, teams may view him as a low-risk, high-reward option in a weak linebacker class. The first week of March will see the NFL Combine which will be followed by College Pro Days. Seahawks LB Jordyn Brooks ranked No. 16 at his position by PFF The 2022 season was Tranquills first as a full-time starter following Kyzir Whites departure, and his 105 tackles were more than his first three seasons combined. Pro Football Focus's top linebacker in the 2020 NFL Draft only kind of, sort of plays linebacker. 2022 NFL Linebacker Rankings 1. 2021 Snaps: 679 In 2019 and 2021 with the Ravens, he graded out to 80.0 and 74.8, respectively. Wagner's resume speaks for itself. Jack is now trying to reboot his career in Pittsburgh after suffering similar ill-fortune in Jacksonville. Typically, David is the ideal linebacker for IDP. 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. The 1B tier has just as much going for them, with zone-heavy defenses, expected positive tackle efficiency and an every-down roles. But neither player made the cut for the top 50, which hurts . You dont want to line him up against an opposing receiving weapon in a one-on-one, but he demonstrated better recognition of route patterns and improved as a zone coverage backer. Better luck with his health led to a respectable 63.8 overall grade and 72.6 pass-rush grade in 2021. For the purposes of these rankings, we are looking only at true off-ball linebackers, as 3-4 outside linebackers though designated as linebackers are in truth edge rushers. 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. Click here for PFF's full list of top 100 free agents. Post-Draft IDP Rookie Linebacker Rankings for 2022 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. Hightower will be 32 years old in Week 1 of 2022, but there's an argument that taking the 2020 season off has his body refreshed and revitalized. Seahawks only have one player in PFF's top-40 graded edge defenders Teams AFC East Bills Dolphins Jets Patriots AFC North Bengals Browns Ravens Steelers AFC South Colts Jaguars Texans Titans AFC. . . Devin Lloyd, Utah BIG BOARD RANK: 15 Projected contract: Two years, $14 million ($7M per year, $9 million total guaranteed), PFF Free Agency Rank: 61 He finished as the highest-graded linebacker in football, recording 140 tackles, two interceptions and a career-high six sacks. Jordyn Brooks is an ascending star who will get more snaps this year. White has had four straight seasons with coverage grades above 60.0, which is not an easy feat for an off-ball linebacker in todays NFL against so many hi-lo concepts and the increase in run-pass options putting a ton of stress on the position. Teams could do a lot worse than White if they are looking for a solid weakside linebacker who has the speed to stay with pass-catchers in coverage for the most part. Next to him is the underrated Josh Bynes, who returned to Baltimore in 2021 after one season in Cincinnati. He started in 16 games after starting in only 11 total in his previous three NFL seasons. Where are Georgia Bulldogs ranked on PFF's 2023 NFL draft big board? However, Georgia wide receiver Kearis Jackson is not ranked in Pro Football Focus' NFL draft big board rankings. There's no way he was going to get better, right? Projected contract: One year, $6 million, $4.5 million guaranteed, PFF Free Agency Rank: 75 Johnson finds himself in one of the most unique contract situations in NFL history. With that in mind, some of these units have fewer members than others. Perryman was looking for a new contract heading into 2022 but ultimately played out the year, earning a strong 80.5 run-defense grade. Chiefs' Nick Bolton ranked in PFF's 'young ascending' linebacker tier He allowed 81.0% of passes thrown his way to be caught and missed 17 tackles in all. Hes not only straight-line fast, but he also processes and reacts with elite quickness. Los Angeles' overall defense is so good, at least on paper, that it might not matter who plays linebacker. Perryman was signed to a two-year, $6.085 million contract before the 2021 season and promptly traded to the Las Vegas Raiders before the first week of the campaign. Linebacker Rankings: 2022 Regular Season - FF Today While Parsons proved to be a stud pass-rusher, some had questions about his coverage ability coming into the league. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. This is a case of one elite linebacker pulling along another whose narrative hasnt really matched his production. 6 defense in the league last year, and Smith was a big reason why. 1 linebacker according to PFF, with a grade of 89.7. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports 2021 PFF grade: 43.7 (71st of 89). Patrick Surtain II has been quite literally living up to his name as an elite cornerback and has helped the Denver Broncos maintain their position as a top-tier defense even after trading away their star edge rusher. Josey Jewell and Jonas Griffith should be the starters, with free agent signing Alex Singleton looking for snaps, as well. Anzalone has always shown promise but is probably better coming off the bench, especially after finishing with a bottom-10 overall grade among 94 qualifying linebackers in 2021. We have seen elite play from the seventh-year pro, but we've not nearly seen enough of it, given his physical talents. . Here are the top off-ball linebackers slated to hit free agency in 2022. He was All-Pro just one year ago, and has been a leader for this Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense since the days when the franchise was going 2-14. Campbells ranking could justifiably be at the very top of this list or somewhere in the 30s, based on his career so far. Now its just a matter of how nice itll be. , who draws all the attention at the offensive line, opening up room for the linebackers for clean tackle opportunities. Nevertheless, he may have to play on a one-year prove-it deal as he recovers. Singleton has had quite the career path to this point, finally reaching unrestricted free agency ahead of the 2023 season after entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent of the Seattle Seahawks in 2015. Oluokun is coming off a PFF run-defense grade of 44.0 and a coverage grade of 54.4. Hes not great in other facets, but stopping the run is still an important aspect of the position. Adam Holt. Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys The first-ever unanimous Defensive Rookie of the Year has quickly become the standard for linebacker play in the NFL. PFF's exclusive metrics provide matchup previews, position rankings, grades, and snap counts. He can chase down the fastest of running backs. This group could rank much higher by the end of next season. In two weeks, NFL GMs will begin negotiating with free . The former undrafted free agent is in for a big pay raise this offseason after making the absolute most of his one-year deal. 9 linebacker in coverage with a 73.9. Ranking NFL's top 10 linebackers entering 2022: New No. 1 as Bobby Lloyd, who earned a 90.0-plus grade at Utah in 2021, does look set to start. After sitting out in 2020, C.J. 2021 PFF grade: 60.4 (30th of 89). Here's why that is important: PFF's Fantasy Football Expected Points tool is primarily used for identifying potential over and undervalued players. Like the Chiefs, the Bengals also went into last season with a lot of unknowns surrounding the linebacker position but found a really good pair in, A position of weakness for the Eagles in 2021 might turn into a position of strength in 2022 with the additions of rookie, The Ravens are still looking for that breakout year from. For IDP fantasy football leagues, there is a ton of variance in preseason player rankings, but utilizing tiers can help us properly value each group of players in 2023 fantasy football drafts. Edwards was one of just four linebackers to earn grades above 75.0 in run defense and coverage, generating 11 quarterback pressures on just 26 pass-rush snaps, as well. Yes, Davis was a late-bloomer, but not many players can make the impact he does in stopping the run, tackling, rushing the passer and working in coverage. 4) Patrick Surtain II, Denver Broncos. Micah Parsons is one of the best young talents in the league, but he does split his time between off-ball linebacker and edge rusher, where he's at his best work. Davids 88.5 coverage grade this season ranked second among off-ball linebackers, and his elite 93.0 mark over the past four seasons is the top mark at the position. He put forth a monster rookie season in 2019 but hasnt quite attained the same highs in subsequent seasons. Hes aggressive, has a quick trigger and finds the ball carrier. Unlock all tools and content including Player Grades, Fantasy, NFL Draft, Premium Stats, Greenline and DFS. 2021 Snaps: 323 Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports. Matt Ryan, Calvin Ridley, Russell Gage, and Lee Smith (don't hate on the importance of the old school tight end) will no longer be suiting up for the team in 2022. There are also linebackers who are at their best in coverage, which is useful for todays NFL. 16 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft as the second-youngest player in the overall class. According to Stathead's AV tool, Leonard was tied in having the second-best season of any linebacker last year. His 913 snaps for the Raiders last season was a career-high mark and more than doubled his previous best. 2021 Snaps: 82 . Milano was a fifth-round draft pick back in 2017 but has dramatically outperformed his first-round teammate. There are a lot of unknowns in this group due to inexperience. 3 min read. Lavonte David is still one of the best linebackers in the game . 88 selection in the 2019 NFL Draft. 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. He has top-notch natural coverage skills for a linebacker his size, but everything else is a work in progress. After missing most of the regular season. Contract projection: Available in PFF's free agency rankings. Here are the best available players remaining heading into Day 2 of the 2022 NFL draft. He set career highs across the board, notching 146 combined tackles, six QB hits and two interceptions. Seahawks LB Jordyn Brooks ranked No. Roquan Smith has had an up-and-down NFL career so far, and the team will be hoping he can bounce back from a 47.1 grade last season. Overall, White has had an incredible start to his career, as he's picked up All-Pro honors, a Pro Bowl bid and a Super Bowl ring in just three years. This is a precarious spot for the Packers to be in, even with 2021 All-Pro DeVondre Campbell back for another season in the same defense he broke out with. Philadelphia brought Edwards back in 2022 on a one-year, $2.15 million deal at a position they have all but refused to invest in with top draft capital or free-agent dollars in many years, but Edwards may put the Eagles positional value to the test this offseason if they want to keep him around. The six players in the 1A tier figure to be the favorites to post the highest tackle numbers in the league based on their expected role in their defenses. Research past fantasy performance with sortable player stats including PFF-exclusives like aDOT and fantasy points per opportunity. Ranking Best NFL Defensive Linemen and Linebackers 2022 Recently, Seth Galina from PFF ranked all 32 linebacker units in the league. 2021 Snaps: 717 Our exclusive database, featuring the most in-depth collection of NFL player performance data. Smith is a complete athletic projection. Wagner is no longer with the Seattle Seahawks, signing with the Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Ramsthis offseason. That could be a problem for folks expecting the same numbers. Seven 49ers listed on PFF Top 101 Players of 2022 ranking By Site Staff follow Feb 23, 2023 at 12:56 PM -- shares Seven San Francisco 49ers landed on Pro Football Focus' Top 101 Players. Gary Cosby Jr./USA TODAY Sports (Dean); Jasen Vinlove/USA TODAY Sports (Ojabo) 1. 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. PFF's top 101 NFL players has top five ranking for former Nittany Lion White was a reliable presence at linebacker following the loss of 2020 first-rounderKenneth Murrayduring Weeks 4-9 and when Murray was battling injuries over Weeks 11-15. David also graded out as the No. Put some respect on Demario Davis pic.twitter.com/4jzOf4GYS1. Its a rebuilt Jaguars linebacking corps after losing Myles Jack to the Steelers. 23 in 2021. Parsons actually finished No. At age 30, Kendricks should again be one of the best middle linebackers in the NFL in 2022. It's also noteworthy that David is good in coverage, something other linebackers can struggle with. 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. Al-Shaair missed a lot of time in 2022 but earned a career-best 67.8 overall grade and 79.7 run-defense grade. 2022 NFL Linebacker Rankings and Tiers | NFL News, Rankings and - PFF 1 on our list. Eichenberg was a PFF first-team All-American this past season and is the most valuable returning linebacker according to PFF's wins above average metric. The transition from college football to the NFL used to be smooth for linebackers, but even elite prospects can now struggle in Year 1. His 94.1 run defense grade wasn't too far behindMicah Parsons (94.8) PFF college record. 3 Rams make PFF's top 101 players of 2022 Jewell is actually more of an all-around linebacker, but run defense has been his best area in the NFL. He packs a punch as a downhill player, as he can light up offensive linemen with ease. Meanwhile, TJ Watt led the league in sacks (22.5) and was the Defensive Player of the Year. Dynasty Rookie Draft Primer: Tight Ends (2023 Fantasy Football) A position of concern and potential weakness heading into last season has become a real strength for Kansas City. section: | slug: ranking-nfls-top-10-linebackers-entering-2022-new-no-1-as-bobby-wagner-finally-dethroned | sport: football | route: article_single.us | 2021 PFF grade: 65.1 (22nd of 89). He has yet to post a sub-70.0 grade, with three out of his four years coming in above 78.0. 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. It's funny how taking a "small step backwards" for Wagner is being a second-team All-Pro, a Pro Bowler and setting a career high in tackles even while missing a game. 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. Losing Kyle Van Noy, the highest-graded coverage linebacker in 2021, will hurt. 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. Still, its an interesting group because of Ernest Jones, especially after his very good Super Bowl performance as he came back from an injury-plagued season. One can make the case that both Wagner and David are still as good as it gets at the linebacker position despite getting up there in age, but each player is coming off a relative down year by their standards, which always brings up the looming specter of decline. 2022 Draft Linebacker Prospects: PFF Grades And Big Board Ranks A new defensive coordinator and scheme will help him, though. Subscribe to Sign Up 1. PFF ranks Ravens linebackers No. 17 - Baltimore Beatdown Campbells 90.4 tackling grade is his fifth straight such mark above 75.0, and that sure tackling goes a long way in Green Bay. Despite what PFF says, I don't think there are that many more linebackers who are better in coverage than Kendricks. It was his first season missing fewer than 10% of his tackle opportunities, and he put up an 86.8 overall grade with seven tackles and two defensive stops during a strong playoff run. This is a case of one elite linebacker pulling along another whose narrative hasnt really matched his production. We have already seen that play from Smith in Chicago, but the decline of the defense around him and perhaps more importantly directly in front of him has led to a decline in his play. PFF's top linebackers in the 2023 NFL Draft 1.
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