Top 10 LB's in the NFL

[RugbyMuffin]

Nice defense!

Bout time.
Post yours, I want to re-think mine

 

[ryanshaug]

1. Ray Lewis, Baltimore - Absolute monster, no question here.
2. Derrick Brooks, Tampa Bay - Career may start slowing down, still a beast.
3. Donnie Edwards, SD - Very underrated, but the core of the SD defense
4. Tedy Bruschi, NE - Yes, possibly out this year, but otherwise he's in the top 5
5. Dan Morgan, CAR - Some injury problems but a beast when he plays
6. Johnathan Vilma, NYJ - Young, yes, but will be on top soon
7. Keith Bulluck, TEN - Guy is an animal, but his numbers may go down this year
8. Takeo Spikes, BUF - Leader and playmaker
9. Julian Peterson, SF - Lots of talent, not sure about his heart
10. Zach Thomas - Another tremendous leader, undersized overachiever

Just my opinion. Obviously full of a lot of MLB's, but they tend to get more recognition in general...

 

[kerouac9]

1. Joey Porter, OLB, Pittsburgh Steelers
2. Takeo Spikes, OLB, Buffalo Bills
3. Levar Arrington, OLB, Washington Redskins
4. Donnie Edwards, ILB, San Diego Chargers
5. Ray Lewis, ILB, Baltimore Ravens
6. Jonathan Vilma, MLB, New York Jets
7. Keith Brooking, OLB, Atlanta Falcons
8. Keith Bullock, OLB, Tennessee Titans
9. Mike Peterson, MLB, Jacksonville Jaguars
10. Dat Nguyen, MLB, Dallas Cowboys

EDIT: Derrick Brooks is way overrated.

 

[BACH]

Okay, I'll give it a try...

1. James Farrior - He was (not Ed Reed) the best defensive player last season. Leader and biggest playmaker on the league's best D.

2. Teddy Bruschi - Leader of the Patriots. Perhaps the most intelligent defensive player in the league.

3. Ray Lewis - He's not as dominating as he used to be, but still awesome. Saw him get dominated by Mawae last season - Lewis still had 11 tackles..

4. Donnie Edwards - Not as consistently dominating as the top 3, but he's the best big-play LB in the NFL.

5. Keith Brooking - Not Flashy like many other pro-bowl LBs, but this pro-bowler never has an off-day

6. Lavar Arrington- Injured last season, but the most dominating OLB when healthy.

7. Keith Bullock - One-Man wrecking crew. Top 3 in tackles for last 3 years??

8. Julian Peterson - The best athlete in the league? Played DE, OLB, MLB and CB in one single game i 2003.

9. Derrick Brooks - Production has slipped, but still among the best.

10. Takeo Spikes - Playmaker and leader of Bills and Bengals before that.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

1. James Farrior - Was an absolute monster last year. He was every where at once some games.

2. Ray Lewis - Still should be #1 but had an "off-year". He will be back with a vengence this year.

3. Levar Arrington - How can someone this big be this fast?

4. Donnie Edwards - He is in the twilight of a amazing career. He is a threat in every facet of the game.

5. K.Bullock - Is a younger version of Donnie Edwards. But has more power, and less "instincts"

6. T.Spikes - Kind of an enigma. You never know what you will get out of this man. He has the skills to be #1 on this list..but he is not #1.

7. Zach Thomas - He is the opposite of Spikes. Besides his amazing speed, his skills, and stature should make him #125 on this list. But his hustle, and detemination is un-matched. And is a threat in coverage.

8. Derrick Brooks - About 3 years ago he would be 1, or 2. He is a complete linebacker who can make an impact from anywhere on the field.

9. Teddy Bruschi - How many super big plays can you make in one lifetime?

10. Nick Barnett - Ugh. Many will disagree. But he is younger, has great speed, great instincts, and is developing into a dominating force no matter where you put him.

Of Note: Jonathan Vilma, DJ Williams, Brian Simmons, Brian Ulacher

 

[RugbyMuffin]

1. Joey Porter, OLB, Pittsburgh Steelers
2. Takeo Spikes, OLB, Buffalo Bills
3. Levar Arrington, OLB, Washington Redskins
4. Donnie Edwards, ILB, San Diego Chargers
5. Ray Lewis, ILB, Baltimore Ravens
6. Jonathan Vilma, MLB, New York Jets
7. Keith Brooking, OLB, Atlanta Falcons
8. Keith Bullock, OLB, Tennessee Titans
9. Mike Peterson, MLB, Jacksonville Jaguars
10. Dat Nguyen, MLB, Dallas Cowboys

EDIT: Derrick Brooks is way overrated.

Not looking for a fight, and I am not trying to be difficult, but Dat Nguyen?

I think he is good but better than Derrick Brooks ? I don't see it.

What do you like about Dat? Very interested.

 

[kerouac9]

Not looking for a fight, and I am not trying to be difficult, but Dat Nguyen?

I think he is good but better than Derrick Brooks ? I don't see it.

What do you like about Dat? Very interested.

He's kind of like a Vietnamese Zach Thomas, only without as much protection for big D-Tackles. I'm just not a big Derrick Brooks fan; I think that he gets by a lot on his reputation and the protection that the D-Line provides him (kind of like even-more-overrated teammate Ronde Barber).

Nguyen is a really underrated player who just finds a way to make plays, especially for a horrible Dallas D last season (107 tackles, 1 Sack, 3 INTs). He's gone over 100 tackles three of the last four years.

The Porter-Farrior debate is an interesting one. Personally, I think that Porter is a better player, and has helped Farrior become better (last season was Farrior's real breakout season, but Porter's put up incredible numbers the last five seasons (40.5 sacks in the last five years).

I think that Barnett took a big step back last season, and will be a really good SLB or WLB when the Packers finally get a real Mike linebacker. Jonathan Vilma is probably already better than Barnett ever will be.

It's funny how many people have dropped Urlacher off their lists altogether. I always said that it wasn't Urlacher, it was Taylor and Washington letting him run around free all day long.

EDIT: I also like saying "Who Dat? Dat Nguyen, baby" whenever he makes a play.

 

[1DS]

He's kind of like a Vietnamese Zach Thomas, only without as much protection for big D-Tackles. I'm just not a big Derrick Brooks fan; I think that he gets by a lot on his reputation and the protection that the D-Line provides him (kind of like even-more-overrated teammate Ronde Barber).



EDIT: I also like saying "Who Dat? Dat Nguyen, baby" whenever he makes a play.

I always knew you were a damn Cowboys fan!

 

[DS]

I always knew you were a damn Cowboys fan!

Hmmph!

 

[1DS]

Hmmph!

This town aint big enough for the both of us....

 

[ajcardfan]

Dat Nguyen was one of the most incredibly productive LBs in the college game, ever. There were games where he appeared to be involved in 90% of the tackles on the field. He had to bulk up quite a bit for the pros and got off to a slow start. But, he is a very solid MLB now.

As for Farrior, every time he is brought up I think of that draft. Tobin wanted to draft him. But, the Jets took him, so we took Tommy Knight instead.

 

[nurnay]

Dat Nguyen was one of the most incredibly productive LBs in the college game, ever. There were games where he appeared to be involved in 90% of the tackles on the field. He had to bulk up quite a bit for the pros and got off to a slow start. But, he is a very solid MLB now.

As for Farrior, every time he is brought up I think of that draft. Tobin wanted to draft him. But, the Jets took him, so we took Tommy Knight instead.

I'm not sure it's fair to compare all LB positions in this. The MLB and OLB positions require different strengths. Ray Lewis is a great MLB, but could never be a great OLB (IMHO).

 

[BigDavis75]

1. Ray Lewis, Baltimore - Absolute monster, no question here.
2. Derrick Brooks, Tampa Bay - Career may start slowing down, still a beast.
3. Donnie Edwards, SD - Very underrated, but the core of the SD defense
4. Tedy Bruschi, NE - Yes, possibly out this year, but otherwise he's in the top 5
5. Dan Morgan, CAR - Some injury problems but a beast when he plays
6. Johnathan Vilma, NYJ - Young, yes, but will be on top soon
7. Keith Bulluck, TEN - Guy is an animal, but his numbers may go down this year
8. Takeo Spikes, BUF - Leader and playmaker
9. Julian Peterson, SF - Lots of talent, not sure about his heart
10. Zach Thomas - Another tremendous leader, undersized overachiever

Just my opinion. Obviously full of a lot of MLB's, but they tend to get more recognition in general...

No Farrior and no Porter? Now that's not gonna fly.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

Thanks K9,

I can see it now. Dat is pretty damn good player plus I do in fact hate the Cowboys. So I felt bad even asking the question of why since I have only seen him play here and there.

But you are a respectable source. We may not see eye to eye much but who better to listen to then the guy who see things you don't. So Dat can easily find his way to a 10 list as Zach Thomas.

As for Urlacher, well, he is VERY VERY good. He has great talent, but I think he would do best as an OLB or SS. His speed is AMAZING. But since teams started to key on him he has lost his effectiveness since he is sub-par in shedding blocks

BTW I don't like the Bucs either

 

[Redheart]

I thought Brian Urlacher was supposed to be a hot pick. What about Suggs?

 

[BACH]

I thought Brian Urlacher was supposed to be a hot pick. What about Suggs?

Totally forgot about Urlacher. Updated my list below...

Suggs is one of the best pass-rushers in the league - No Doubt. But as the overall "Linebacker package" he can't compete with other edge rushers like Joey Porter, McGinnis or Peterson.

1. James Farrior - He was (not Ed Reed) the best defensive player last season. Leader and biggest playmaker on the league's best D.

2. Teddy Bruschi - Leader of the Patriots. Perhaps the most intelligent defensive player in the league.

3. Ray Lewis - He's not as dominating as he used to be, but still awesome. Saw him get dominated by Kevin Mawae against the Jets last season - Lewis still had 11 tackles..... That's scary!

4. Donnie Edwards - Not as consistently dominating as the top 3, but he's the best big-play LB in the NFL.

5. Brian Urlacher - Some say that he's overrated. He's not! He gets overpowered when not protected by his DTs, but so does Lewis. Urlacher is the real deal. Awesome player with awesome playing instinct. (Best player that I ever have seen in live action)

6. Lavar Arrington- Injured last season, but the most dominating OLB when healthy.

7. Keith Brooking - Not Flashy like many other pro-bowl LBs, but this pro-bowler never has an off-day.

8. Keith Bullock - One-Man wrecking crew. Top 3 in tackles for last 3 years??

9. Julian Peterson - The best athlete in the league? Played DE, OLB, MLB and CB in one single game i 2003.

10. Takeo Spikes - Playmaker and leader of Bills and Bengals before that.

Others:
Derrick Brooks - Production has slipped, but still among the best.
Joey Porter - Had an off year last season.
Suggs - AWESOME pass-rusher. Not a complete LB AND is playing DE this season.
I like Zach Thomas' heart and he has a ton of tackles, but I don't think he that good. I would argue that a McKinnon or Fletcher would have been as good playing behind those huge DTs for the Dolphins.

I'm not that high on Vilma. Is he a good player? Yes, he's a very good player. But he does play behind 4 1st rounders on the DL, which makes his job that much easier. I think DJ Williams played better than Vilma last season and Dansby wasn't that far behind Vilma either.

 

[Camshaft]

1. R. Lewis - the Man
2. K. Bullock - the teamed is named after him
3. B. Urlacher - Offense plan around him
4. Z Thomas - Offense try to plan around him
5. D Edwards - Just when you think he's
6. L. Fletcher - Overly SOLID performer. Originally a UDFA
7. D. Brooks
8. T. Spike
9. T. Bruschi
10. And the new addition - Derrick Johnson - a revival of the Flash
11. Dan Morgan
12 J. Sharper
13. J. Farrior
14. M. Peterson

Had to go to 14 out of respect.

 

[Savage58]

Linebacker my favorite position in football, maybe it's because I played it. I love watching the Linebackers on every play, slipping blocks, or taking them on, and the destruction that they leave on their way to the ball carrier!


1. Ray Ray - best ever IMO, smartest, most instinctive and prepared LB in the league, slipped a tad, maybe.. but still the best by ALOT.
2. Keith Bulluck - A beast, he has freakish athletic ability for a man his size.
3. Donnie Edwards - A big play machine has great speed and explosiveness.
4. T. Bruschi - He's always in the right place at the right time, not the most athletically gifted, but gets the job done consistantly. Get well!
5. Julian Peterson - Best coverage LB in the league, also a great blitzer, If he weren't in the division, I'd wish him to get well.
6. Jonathan Vilma - I can't let him slide any farther, he's a monster already, going to be disgusting in a few years if he stays focused, look out Ray Ray!
7. Takeo Spikes - Very instinctive and athletic player, I'd like to see him put in more time in the film room, and he could possibly take that next step to elite status.
8. Keith Brooking - Instinctive, heady player, a great leader, he struggled in his 1st year under Mora Jr. I'm betting on a bounceback year this season.
9. London Fletcher - What can you say when you're this consistant, all he does is tackle the ball carrier, and he does it alot!
10. Marcus Washington - This guy is getting better every year, has great potential to blow up this season if he recovers fully from injury.

Honorable mention :
LaVar Arrington - Great potential, and a great pass rusher, lacks the instincts in coverage, and injury problems.
Urlacher - Kind of disappeared when Traylor and Washington left, he has awesome range for a MLB, I hope he picks it up this season.
Farrior - 1 season of greatness does not make my list, he was surrounded by an awesome team, I hope he keeps it up, it still sucks that he got picked right before we could snatch him up, YAY Tommy Knight.
DJ Williams - this guy will be great, the next Derrick Brooks IMO.
Ed Hartwell - Did great in Baltimore, lets see what he can do in Atlanta, I think he'll kick some tail there.

 

[kerouac9]

You guys are WAY underrating Joey Porter. Look at his career stats! Farrior did it for one season, but Porter gets it done year after year. He does EVERYTHING from that OLB position. He's just got sick game.

 

[BigDavis75]

You guys are WAY underrating Joey Porter. Look at his career stats! Farrior did it for one season, but Porter gets it done year after year. He does EVERYTHING from that OLB position. He's just got sick game.

Thanks Man!! Here's mine:

1. Farrior- he's had several good years and finally showed how good he was
2. Brooks- turnover machine and best defender on a top defensive unit
3. Ray Lewis- needs help from D-Line hence move to 4-3; still can play sideline to sideline
4. J. Peterson- great in coverage and makes plays with his ability to play in space and his great range
5. Bulluck- tackle machine who is a great leader
6. Spikes- physical specimen who can play every down
7. Porter- best pass-rusher with astounding strength
8. Vrabel- can play several spots and is one of the smartest players in the league
9. Urlacher- still a top LB with his speed and playmaking ability
10. Lavar Arrington- SAME

On the verge
Vilma, DJ Wil, and Dansby- I need one more year for proof
Haggans- don't sleep on this guy!!!
Edwards- he plays with Steve Foley who is also sensational
Ray Thompson-