LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) At New Mexico State, the once-treasured men's basketball program has been suspended for the season due to a fatal shooting and a gruesome allegation of locker-room . Less of a nod goes to pass rushers, linebackers and safeties. He was also the fastest linebacker of the bunch and excelled in pass coverage. . Tribute to Elvis Mecklenburg was never a cocky player, but just a guy who would show up on Sundays. Over his career, he totaled 1,271 tackles, 12 INTs, and 19 forced fumbles. Chicago 1981-92. Eddie Johnson. No. 47, Fredd Young (Seahawks/Colts) (1984-1990) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. He may have been undersized, but he made up for it with his mind and his hustle. That is just unheard of. Robertson is one of the most underrated players in NFL history. Willis could potentially end up in the top 10, or even top five of this list by the time his career is over. No. 10. Romanowski might be overrated because of his name, but theres no doubt he was one of the most memorable and feared linebackers of the modern era. He is still active, and is a starter, but he might be on his way out of San Diego. Rickey Jackson was one of the fastest linebackers in the game, but he was also one of the hardest hitters. Wilson recorded 560 tackles and 21.5 sacks as a member of the Broncos. Thomas was one of the most instinctive linebackers of all-time. Thomas was the best linebacker of the 1990s, and one of the best pass rushers of all-time. Lambert and Ham also won four Super Bowls with the Steelers in the 1970s playing in the Steel Curtain. 1970 NFC Champion. I have combined outside and inside linebackers on the list and factored in the players ability to stop the run, drop into coverage and leadership. Wilber Marshall had the whole package. He was Terrell Suggs before Suggs got to Baltimore. 9-time All-Pro, 10-time Pro Bowler. Over his career, Brooking has racked up 962 tackles and 12 INTs. Many of you will say that Keith Bulluck is way too high. Ray Lewis came into the league and dominated right away. Gradishar was the silent assassin of the team. Next up, we look at a much better-rated unit in the linebackers. Opponents thought Kirkland would not be as adept in pass coverage as the fast Lloyd, but they quickly found out that Kirkland was just as fast and quick. Johnson wasnt very flashy, but he was very solid all-around, which is why he sneaks onto the list. 9. Gary Reasons (1984-91) Gary Reasons, a fourth-round draft pick from Northwestern State, was a key . He also had 20 INTs, three of which he returned for touchdowns. NFL 100 All-Time Team (2019). In 1984 and 1985, Tippett put up two of the best back to back seasons recording 18.5 and 16.5 sacks in them. Lloyd will always be remembered as the lightning quick pass rusher from the Blitzburgh days. He took up blockers and threw his body around a lot. For most other franchises, a resume like this would make Jack Ham the greatest linebacker in thier history by a wide margin. He did it once in 1985 and again in 1988. The middle linebacker also recorded 52 tackles for loss, which is fourth all-time in Clemson history. NFL WAGS: 10 Hottest NFL Wives & Girlfriends 2023. Jackson tallied up 128 sacks in his career, but even thats not his most impressive number. He recently missed most of last season with surgery. He had less than seven sacks in a season only once. Don Moorehead, Dennis Franklin, Jim Harbaugh, Elvis Grbac, Tom Brady, Forest Evashevski, Benny Friedman and John Navarre were all elected Captains by their teammates. Chris Spielman was a tackle machine during his 10 years in the NFL. Quinto was a regular at both inside and outside linebacker for head coach Ron Gladnick's Saints. He was a dominating force in the NFL during that stretch of time. He also had 1,173 tackles in his career. This list isnt based solely on performances from the 2020 NFL season. Taylor changed the way football is played today. 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. Ray Lewis is another one of the three players on the list to win Defensive Player of the Year twice in his career. Woodrow Lowe, Alabama (1972-75) Respected as college football's top linebacker in the early 1970s, Lowe was the first . Lewis was the leader of the 2000 Super Bowl winning Ravens team. K.J. 27. He should be in the Hall of Fame. But perhaps more than the star players, the decade was dominated by dynasty teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Minnesota Vikings, Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders, and . Thats right, seven. He was always around the ball. He also played a big role in one of the most dominant performances by a defense in Super Bowl history. Playing 20 seasons in the NFL is amazing at any position. He was unstoppable in goal-line situations especially. Depending on the day, you might view Ham as the best player on the Steel Curtain defense or the 4th best, and it's . He was very athletic, a great tackler, and he could cover. O. J. Simpson and Lynn Swann were next with 22 and 21 votes, respectively. But before you come to a conclusion, let's take a look at the facts. Kirkland was an all-around better linebacker, he was a 300lb linebacker whose coverage skills were vastly underrated. No. 1953-65, Detroit Lions. 39, Peter Boulware (Ravens) (1997-2005) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. He also had 1,173 tackles in his career. 28b, Sam Mills (Saints/Panthers) (1986-1997) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Still, its an amazing number. He racked up a staggering 1,181 tackles, and 1,131 of them in his first nine seasons. He would always be found around the ball, and around the play. Mills racked up 1,142 tackles in his career. Known as quite possibly the most sound tackler in school history, Ham was an extremely fundamental linebacker who was the captain of the 1970 Penn State defense. His high sack number was 15 in 2001, a year that he didnt even get voted into the Pro Bowl. But, if you didnt know, Jackson was once an outstanding linebacker for the Denver Broncos Orange Crush defense. 2) Jeff Siemon: A key player as the middle linebacker on the team's top defenses in the mid-1970's, Siemon played in 156 games, starting 123, and was selected to four Pro Bowls during his eleven year career with the Vikings. Shawne Lights Out Merriman was the face of NFL linebackers for a three year stretch. Thats amazing consistency. James Farrior* (Jets/Steelers): Two-time Pro Bowler, one-time 1st Team All-Pro, one-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Gildon was most known for his pass rushing ability, picking up 54 sacks in a 5 year span. He finished his career with 132.5 sacks. McAdams was a two-time All-American . He was a good pass rusher, having at least 5.5 sacks in 10 straight years, but he was also good against the run and in coverage. 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. [a][4]. Ill take into account Pro Bowls, All-Pros (1st and 2nd team), stats, team success, players success, intimidation factor, and reputation, along with many other factors to make this list. . They surrendered only 20 points in that game, and seven of them were off a blocked punt. Joey Porter may be the most vocal linebacker on this list. I know, how can I rate Kirkland over Greene? Blair was also one of the greatest special teams players of all-time! NFLs Merchants of Menace Cornelius Bennett and Bruce Smith. If you take away his last three seasons, where he was slowing down, he averaged 12.4 sacks per season, which is just remarkable. Ray Lewis is the highest-ranked active player on this list, and the top middle linebacker on it. No. He wasnt very vocal, but his play did all the talking for him. No. Well have to see how he does, but he could either climb up or fall off this list based on his performance in 2010. 10, Junior Seau (Chargers/Dolphins/Patriots) (1990-2009) *Twelve-time Pro Bowler *Six-time All-Pro 1st Team *Three-time All-Pro 2nd Team. Mills was more of the tackler of the bunch, racking up 1,142 tackles in his career. Spielman had seven straight 100 tackle seasons, and did it eight out of nine years. 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. 9. 30, Matt Blair (Vikings) (1974-1985) *Six-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. Junior Seau finished his career with 1,524 tackles, the highest total on this list. 20, Keith Bulluck* (Titans) (2000-Present) *One-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Wilber Marshall was one of the greatest pass coverage linebackers of the modern era. He started all but one game in his last eight seasons, which is very impressive for a linebacker. It was tied for the best of the day with linebacker Owen Pappoe, of Auburn, and was the second-fastest time from an . The NFL started in 1920 and commemorated its 100th season in 2019 with a season-long celebration of "NFL 100." The game has come a long way in 100 years. No. Mike Singletary was the leader of the most dominating defense the NFL has ever seenthe 1985 Bears. 41, Mo Lewis (Jets) (1991-2003) *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. Comic-Con Museum named best pop culture museum by USA Today. Among linebackers, that would include two-way stars George Svendsen (1935-41), Bud Svendsen (1937, 1939) and Charley Brock (1939-47), along with Bill Forester (1953-63), Tom Bettis (1955-61) and Roger Zatkoff (1953-56). Andre Tippett. 18, Andre Tippett (Patriots) (1982-1993) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. There was a story of someone meeting Thomas at the Pro Bowl for no longer than 10 minutes. In only 11 seasons, Thomas had 126.5 sacks, and an NFL record of 41 forced fumbles. He was said to have the fastest 10 yard burst of any player on the team, and that included receivers John Stallworth and Lynn Swann, and runningback Franco Harris. He led the team in tackles five of the 11 season he played for them. The Steelers began their 1976 season 1-4 and lost their quarterback, Terry Bradshaw.For the nine games remaining in the season, the Steelers . He has played the role of pass rusher and coverage linebacker in his career, and has excelled at both. He even made the Pro Bowl in a year that he only started eight games and also a year in which he only started nine games. Top 10 Draft Picks in Broncos History | No. . Lambert wasnt just great on the inside, he was an outstanding coverage linebacker. NFLs Merchants of Menace Andre Tippett. Thomas was one of the most instinctive linebackers of all-time. No. No. No. Jackson was most notable for being a pass rusher, but he really did it all. 48, Terrell Suggs* (Ravens) (2003-Present) *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Lloyd had 54.5 sacks and 11 INTs in his career, but the most remarkable number was his 35 forced fumbles. He totaled 28 INTs in his career while he also racked up 1,045 tackles. Paul Naumoff played for 12 seasons from 1967-1978. Its too bad Fredd Youngs career had to end prematurely due to injuries. He took up blockers and threw his body around a lot. His 32 career INTs lead the way for linebackers. He just goes out every week and hustles. 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. He led the Eagles in tackles in his time with the team. He wasnt great at one aspect but was equally as good at everything he did. Robert "Dr. Doom" Brazile is another one of those underrated linebackers. We started off with a rough one the wide receivers. He also had at least 99 tackles in seven years of his 12-year career, which is outstanding. In 1985, a trophy awarded to the best linebacker in college football was named in his honor. He was always around the ball. He led some of the greatest defenses in NFL history in both performance and spirit. Eleven Pro Bowls. Banks was a player that any coach would want on their team. He also played two different positions, playing ILB and OLB for the Vikings in his career. Theres not much Brooks doesnt have. That game and his outstanding 1996 season earned Kirkland his first trip to the Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors after the 1996 season. He has been one of the most intimidating players in the NFL his entire career. The next year, he followed it up with four more interceptions. Zach Thomas. Top 10 Best Linebackers In Cleveland Browns History. The National Football League 1970s All-Decade Team is a list of National Football League (NFL) players selected by voters of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. No NFL team has enjoyed the consistent level of success the Pittsburgh Steelers have enjoyed since the AFL-NFL merger of 1970. 4, Derrick Thomas (Chiefs) (1989-1999) *Nine-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Three-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 8. Here Are 8 Ways NBA Has Changed That Modern Fans Don't Realize. Coverage was definitely Bullucks claim to fame, but he was also good at other things. Bet with your head, not over it. In only five seasons, Wares already totaled up 64.5 sacks, including 20 in 2008. Hardy Nickerson may not have the name recognition as many of the other linebackers on this list, but he deserves to be this high. He even made the Pro Bowl in a year that he only started eight games and also a year in which he only started nine games. The Steelers had lost their emotional leader, outside linebacker Greg Lloyd, at the start of the season to a knee injury, but Kirkland took over the mantle of leadership. Defensive MVP in 2002. Dennis Onkotz was a two time first team All American on the great Penn State teams of 1968 and 1969. The Steel Curtain was the defensive line of the 1970s American football team Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). A truly great linebacker must be able to read the offense, set the defensive scheme, play the run with cat-like instincts and defend the pass with the utmost precision. He would give it his all on every single down of every single play. Those are remarkable numbers, especially when he is still going strong. No. During the five year stretch from 1991-1995 where he made five consecutive Pro Bowls, Lloyd was one of, if not the, most dominating linebackers in the NFL. Cox was also a vocal leader of the teams he played for, directing his defenses to success. The most obvious change from 1920 to today is the size of players, but there also have been many changes in the schemes . He was never the most athletic player on the field, but he was always the hardest working. First-Team All-Pro, Pro Bowl w/Raiders (1991) NFL interceptions leader w/Raiders (1991) Ronnie Lott is best known for being arguably the best safety in football history. 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 . Im only going to be looking at players drafted in 1970 or later. The Raiders defeated the Eagles 27-10. Over the past decade, virtually every stage of the offensive evolution has increased stress on linebackers, putting them in a bind and asking them to account for multiple things on the same play. The line was the backbone of the Steelers dynasty, which won four Super Bowls (IX, X, XIII, and XIV) in six years.. No. Kevin Greene will always be known as one of the craziest and talented pass rushers in NFL history. Thomas did everything you asked out of a linebacker. Lambert won four Super Bowls with the Steelers in the 1970s playing in the Steel Curtain. 46, Jon Beason* (Panthers) (2007-Present) *One-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 21, Patrick Willis* (49ers) (2006-Present) *Three-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. You might be thinking Top 10 already? But look at his numbers. He was effective as a pass rushing OLB, tallying up 14 sacks in one season with the Dolphins, and as an inside run stopping linebacker with the Jets. 44, Jessie Armstead (Giants/Redskins) (1993-2003) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Linebacker is one of the most important and demanding positions in football. Those would be accomplishments by themselves, let alone all together. Kirkland had 10 tackles and a key sack of Dallas quarterback Troy Aikman. 12. and Jack Ham played as . Brooking was the face of the Falcons defense for nearly a decade, and is a well-rounded player. 10. He had five INTs in a season twice in his career. Ham is the only linebacker other than Tom Jackson to have seven INTs in a single season. All Rights Reserved. Nickerson wasnt just a one hit wonder though. Linebacker U Penn State Tradition Jack Ham as a Steeler. 1970 Robert E. Lee Generals (13-0) Jim Chafin's team allowed just seven points a game and held 10 of its 13 opponents to 10 points or less. He was 73. 33, Al Wilson (Broncos) (1999-2006) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. No. No. Briggs has made five straight Pro Bowls for the Bears, and that streak still continues. He had ten seasons with 10+ sacks. Young was a fierce hitter, and would always stick his nose in the middle of the play. His swinging the axe celebration sums up his style of play and tenacity on the field. No. Boulware had at least seven sacks every year he played other than his last season in the NFL. Jackson had 40 forced fumbles, just one short of the NFL record. And he's still going. Next were Defensive end Jack Youngblood and Joe Greene who each had 18 votes. The best LB in the NFL today comes in at No. The offense, meanwhile, scored 29 points a game. Visit Our Patreon Page to Create Your Own All-Time Fantasy Teams and See Other Bonus Material . No. Top 25 SEC LBs of all-time: 10-6. I’m only going to be looking at players drafted in 1970 or later. Seau is one of the Chargers' all-time great players, and will go to Canton five years after he retires like he should. In this Article . More Team Info. Paup was a complete linebacker, who was especially great at rushing the passer. Thomas did everything you asked out of a linebacker. Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter has returned to the NFL . Over his career, he totaled 1,271 tackles, 12 INTs, and 19 forced fumbles. Edmunds will have to clean up the missed tackles and improve in coverage to rise toward where most slot him currently a top-10 linebacker on this list next season. 23, Isiah Robertson (Rams/Bills) (1971-1982) *Six-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Three-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Select from premium 1970 1979 America of the highest quality. With rule changes being what they have been, I decided to rank the linebackers that have played since 1970. 5.) 42, Chip Banks (Browns/Chargers/Colts) (1982-1992) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st team All-Pro. Playoffs: Won Divisional Round 5-0 vs. Detroit Lions. Jason Gildon (Steelers/Jaguars): - Three-time Pro Bowler, one-time 1st Team All-Pro. Greene and Greg Lloyd made one of the best pass rushing duos in NFL history with the Pittsburgh Steelers. 100th NFL Anniversary team. He had 1,301 tackles and 25 forced fumbles in his career.
Biggest Mule Deer Ever Killed, Farm Houses For Rent Northern Colorado, Immortals Fenyx Rising Myth Challenge Locations, Is Isaac Wright Jr Still Married To Sunshine, Lstm Validation Loss Not Decreasing, Articles B