Mecklenburg was never a cocky player, but just a guy who would show up on Sundays. Seau was the definition of consistency. Lambert wasnt just great on the inside, he was an outstanding coverage linebacker. Voted to seven Pro Bowls, named First Team All-Pro five times. Thats right, seven. With rule changes being what they have been, The number one pick was obvious. He has been one of the most intimidating players in the NFL his entire career. Steel Curtain - Wikipedia No. The defense was ranked right up there along with the 1985 Bears, and Steelers teams of the 1970s. Randy Gradishar may be the single-most deserving player of a spot in Canton. Mike Singletary. Jackson had 40 forced fumbles, just one short of the NFL record. A true enforcer in every sense of the word, Lewis intensity was unmatched by any player of his era. Paul Naumoff. 45, Shawne Merriman* (Chargers) (2005-Present) *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. He is still active, and is a starter, but he might be on his way out of San Diego. Mills, along with Swilling, was another member of that Dome Patrol defense. No. Mills racked up 1,142 tackles in his career. This team was widely regarded as having one of the best defenses of all-time. 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. 1970 Dallas Cowboys Roster & Players - Pro-Football-Reference.com Lambert is said by many to be the best inside linebacker of all-time. He was a tackling machine for the majority of his career. He was Terrell Suggs before Suggs got to Baltimore. Top 25 SEC LBs of all-time: No. 5-1 - Saturday Down South Any coach would be lucky to have a player like Karl Mecklenburg on their roster. He was also a good pass rusher, and a good coverage man as well. Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter has returned to the NFL . A tall order to say the least, and these 5 players did it better than anyone in the history of the NFL. 28a, Pat Swilling (Saints/Lions/Raiders) (1986-1998) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Young was a fierce hitter, and would always stick his nose in the middle of the play. He was always around the ball. He was 73. But Mills did much more than that. The Top Ranked Linebackers of the 1960s Top 10 Washington Football Team LBs of All Time - Sports Articles Fredd Young went a little under the radar due to his short seven year career. He wasnt very vocal, but his play did all the talking for him. These are the newest members of GHSF Daily's Georgia Power 100. *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. The entire enterprise of Notre Dame basketball, gone strange. Best players in Clemson history: Linebackers Eddie Johnson arrived in Cleveland at exactly the right time. No. Im only going to be looking at players drafted in 1970 or later. After being labeled a bust by many after his first four seasons with the Jets, Farrior broke out with the Steelers and became one of the most consistent players in the league. 1970, slow dancing in Mark Wooldridge's basement with my first girlfriend, Karen Frey, who wore white high-top . He has speed, size, toughness, instincts, vision, patience, and football smarts. 39, Peter Boulware (Ravens) (1997-2005) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Boulware had at least seven sacks every year he played other than his last season in the NFL. Not only did he change the way defenses are run, but he changed the way offensive schemes are run as well. He also played two different positions, playing ILB and OLB for the Vikings in his career. No. Hes had 92 sacks and 23 forced fumbles so far in his career. Lamberts best season was in 1976, where he won the Defensive Player of the Year award. Use Isiah Robertsons name in a talk of most underrated players of all time, and youll impress your fellow football fans. He was never the most athletic player on the field, but he was always the hardest working. The player that gives Butkus the most competition in that category would be Mike Singletary. The Top Ranked Linebackers of the 1960s - AinsworthSports.com Who were the linebackers for the Steel Curtain defense? - Quora Running back Larry Csonka of the Miami Dolphins is brought down by linebacker Henry Davis of . Joey Porter. He should be in the Hall of Fame. He led the Eagles in tackles in his time with the team. He racked up a staggering 1,181 tackles, and 1,131 of them in his first nine seasons. I think hell climb up this list further in the near future. That Steelers linebacking core could easily be the best of all-time, and it was led by Jack Lambert and Jack Ham. He started all but one game in his last eight seasons, which is very impressive for a linebacker. 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 . 21, Patrick Willis* (49ers) (2006-Present) *Three-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Pat Swilling. Also note that an asterisk (*) by the players name means they are still active today. Al Wilson was an outstanding MLB for the Broncos. 1970 NFC Champion. Chad Brown played a very long NFL career, especially for a linebacker. Here Are 8 Ways NBA Has Changed That Modern Fans Don't Realize. Junior Seau finished his career with 1,524 tackles, the highest total on this list. But we would be remiss to not acknowledge some of the top performers from that earlier era. Bet with your head, not over it. Jackson tallied up 128 sacks in his career, but even thats not his most impressive number. All while being tasked with avoiding blocks and keeping tabs on the opposing quarterback. He led some of the greatest defenses in NFL history in both performance and spirit. Ware is not just an outstanding pass rusher though. Lewis was the leader of the 2000 Super Bowl winning Ravens team. No. Wilber Marshall was one of the greatest pass coverage linebackers of the modern era. Porter is mostly known as a sack master. He also had 1,173 tackles in his career. HELLO, PANDORA. Being a linebacker makes that feat that much more impressive. by Ben Watanabe. Seau is one of the Chargers' all-time great players, and will go to Canton five years after he retires like he should. 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 . Top 5 Tennessee linebackers of all-time - Saturday Down South In only 11 seasons, Thomas had 126.5 sacks, and an NFL record of 41 forced fumbles. Linebacker Jack Ham and Tight end Dave Casper each received 20 votes. Anthony Simmons (1995-'97) is the only two-time First-Team All-American in Clemson . He was one of the most feared players in the game. Shawne Lights Out Merriman was the face of NFL linebackers for a three year stretch. 5, Jack Lambert (Steelers) (1974-1984) *Nine-time Pro Bowlers *Seven-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Jalen Carter, top NFL prospect, posts bond in fatal crash. . Banks was a player that any coach would want on their team. Merriman still has the potential to be a great player again. He had less than seven sacks in a season only once. Kevin Greene was a mad man in a football uniform. No. No. The 150 greatest players in college football's 150-year history - ESPN.com During the late 1970s and early 80s, he was the best linebacker the NFL had. 47, Fredd Young (Seahawks/Colts) (1984-1990) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. Bergey became one of the NFL's best linebackers in Philly, where he made five consecutive All-Pro teams and was the foundation for the "Gang Green" defense that made the playoffs in each of his last three seasons, including a trip to the Super Bowl in 1980. . No. But he proved them wrong and was a key piece on the Broncos Super Bowl winning team. Perfect Seahawks NFL Draft 2023 plan: Select C.J. Stroud if there at No Randy Gradishar played along with Tom Jackson in the Denver Broncos Orange Crush defense. No. 26, Cornelius Bennett (Bills/Falcons/Colts) (1987-2000) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. The second member of the Dome Patrol comes off the board at No. Derrick Brooks may be the most accomplished linebacker on this list. Robert "Dr. Doom" Brazile is another one of those underrated linebackers. Overlooked because he played alongside Lawrence Taylor, Carson did most of the dirty work in that linebacking core. 20, Keith Bulluck* (Titans) (2000-Present) *One-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. He had an outstanding attitude and would do anything to get his team a win. For a four-year span with Seattle, Young was arguably the best Seahawks linebacker of all-time. 14, Hardy Nickerson (Steelers/Bucs/Jaguars/Packers) (1987-2002) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Rickey Jackson was one of the fastest linebackers in the game, but he was also one of the hardest hitters. The 'Skins historically have had some solid inside linebackers capable of both stopping the run and being reliable in coverage. NFL 100 All-Time Team (2019). Willis could potentially end up in the top 10, or even top five of this list by the time his career is over. To stoke the nostalgia, we talked to some of the key players from the team's winningest, most . He won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1974 and Defensive Player of the Year two years later. Undersized height wise, but an overabundance of heart made him more than a handful to deal with. This brings us to the first night of March and a not-quite-full Purcell . 3, Mike Singletary (Bears) (1981-1992) *Ten-time Pro Bowler *Seven-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. He wasnt very vocal, but his play did all the talking for him. Here's 8 Ways NBA Has Changed That Modern Fans Don't Realize They had traded stalwart linebacker Sam Huff in the offseason. Hardy Nickerson makes it this high on the list mainly because of one ridiculous season he had. 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. Ray Lewis came into the league and dominated right away. The forgotten members of the legendary 1970's Steelers team 29, Joey Porter* (Steelers/Dolphins/Cardinals) (1999-Present) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *Three-time 2nd Team All-Pro. If you take away his last three seasons, where he was slowing down, he averaged 12.4 sacks per season, which is just remarkable. Swilling was the best pass rusher of the Dome Patrol, but he also forced 36 fumbles to go along with all the sacks. That is just unheard of. 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. Mills was more of a complete player than Swilling, although the two are too close to separate one from the other. In only 11 seasons, Thomas had 126.5 sacks, and an NFL record 41 forced fumbles. He totaled 28 INTs in his career while he also racked up 1,045 tackles. In his time in the NFL, he intercepted 25 passes and returned six of them for touchdowns with three of those in 2002 alone. 41, Mo Lewis (Jets) (1991-2003) *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. 6 - Carl McAdams. Next up on the docket for my top Redskins players series are the linebackers. He was a hard worker, good tackler, and had great hands. 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. Over his career, he totaled 1,271 tackles, 12 INTs, and 19 forced fumbles. NY Jets: Top 10 linebackers of all-time - The Jet Press It seemed like he knew where the ball was going at all times. The most obvious change from 1920 to today is the size of players, but there also have been many changes in the schemes . 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. Pittsburgh 2002, '04-12, '14-17; Cincinnati 2013; New England 2017. With rule changes being what they have been, I decided to rank the linebackers that have played since 1970. Discuss this article along with many other quality articles, discussions, and much more at: http://forums.sportsjabber.net/sjforums/showthread.php?t=54444. 2011 Butkus Award winner for nation s best linebacker at Boston College. Robertson was one of the NFLs most athletic linebackers. 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. This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program. Power Ranking the 5 Greatest Linebackers in Minnesota Vikings History Ray Lewis is another one of the three players on the list to win Defensive Player of the Year twice in his career. *Ty Anderson, Thomasville: Anderson (6-0, 210) has been an all-state player since he was a sophomore Region 1-2A defensive co . Teamwork and Leadership from Karl Mecklenburg NFL Motivational Keynote Speaker. If you take away his last three seasons, where he was slowing down, he averaged 12.4 sacks per season, which is just remarkable. You could stick him on any TE in the league, even some slot receivers, and he would take them out of the game. Wilson recorded 560 tackles and 21.5 sacks as a member of the Broncos. He has been one of the most intimidating players in the NFL his entire career. Eleven Pro Bowls. 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. 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. He was unstoppable in goal-line situations especially. Greene was one of the best pass rushers of all time, recording 160 sacks in his career. Johnson wasnt very flashy, but he was very solid all-around, which is why he sneaks onto the list. You might be thinking Top 10 already? But look at his numbers. Rickey Jackson could do it all. Lewis stats at this point of his career are 1,349 tackles, 36.5 sacks, and 28 INTs. Steelers by the decade: 1970s - Pittsburgh Steelers http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNzd9Xd0who, No. Brian Urlacher is one of the greatest linebackers of this decade. Marshall wasnt just a pass coverage linebacker though, he also racked up 1,020 tackles during his 11 year NFL career, along with 24 forced fumbles. No. Dick Butkus: one of the fiercest and best linebackers the NFL has ever seen, Butkus was a Pro Bowler every year except his final season while also garnering five All-Pro selections for the Bears. In today's NFL, few positions have become as difficult to play as off-ball linebacker. 100th NFL Anniversary team. Although he only played three full seasons, he made five Pro Bowls. He was also the fastest linebacker of the bunch and excelled in pass coverage. 2-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1985, '88) Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 1989. 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. Thomas' remarkable personality was also recognized by being awarded the Walter Peyton Man of the Year Award in 1993. National Football League 1970s All-Decade Team - Wikipedia 10. He took up blockers and threw his body around a lot. No. He was close to averaging a sack per game, which is an amazing number. Lawrence Taylor of course, is regarded as the best 3-4 linebacker ever, . That suggestion from the newly appointed House . Chip Banks was another linebacker that was solid at everything, but not great at anything. Williams was the heart and soul of two Super Bowl defenses. Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. . 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 . No. #NFL100 - Top 6 Outside Linebackers Lawrence Taylor: one of the greatest defensive players ever, Taylor was a pass-rushing force who revolutionized the outside linebacker position . That truly shows what kind of person he was off the field. A five-time pro bowler, Wilson was one of the best linebackers in the league during the early 2000s. 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. 15, Zach Thomas (Dolphins/Cowboys) (1996-2008) *Seven-time Pro Bowler *Five-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Gildon was most known for his pass rushing ability, picking up 54 sacks in a 5 year span. Brown was a very versatile linebacker. Brooks is most known for his coverage ability in the Bucs cover-two scheme. 25 Greatest Linebackers in NFL History - AthlonSports.com Siemon was always a good player, but never a great player. Kevin Greene will always be known as one of the craziest and talented pass rushers in NFL history. He wasnt great at just one aspect he was equally great at everything he did. 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. Blair was outstanding in coverage, along with being a great tackler. . 35, Lance Briggs* (Bears) (2003-Present) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. The Best of Tommy Brady at Michigan . During the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine, Lee posted the fastest 40-yard dash time among . 1. Hes also great against the run and is a turnover forcing monster. Lance Briggs may be overshadowed by Brian Urlacher, but dont forget how great of a player Briggs has been for the Bears. Bill Romanowski (49ers, Eagles, Broncos, Raiders) : Two-time Pro Bowler. Jackson was the vocal leader of that defense. 42, Chip Banks (Browns/Chargers/Colts) (1982-1992) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st team All-Pro. 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. Of course, prior to 1970, there was only one captain chosen; since 1970, we've had as many as four chosen in a single season. 30, Matt Blair (Vikings) (1974-1985) *Six-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. 40, Bryce Paup (Packers/Bills/Jaguars/Vikings) (1990-2000) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. Urlacher was an all-around great linebacker who flew around the field with reckless abandon. Andre Tippett. Mike Kolen 1970-77. Tribute to Elvis Jackson tallied up 128 sacks in his career, but even thats not his most impressive number. 18, Andre Tippett (Patriots) (1982-1993) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Thomas was the best linebacker of the 1990s, and one of the best pass rushers of all-time. No. Jackson was most notable for being a pass rusher, but he really did it all. No. In the 2017-18 NFL season, the current Buffalo Bills starting LBs and backup LBs are Lorenzo Alexander, Deon Lacey, Matt Milano, and Tanner Vallejo. Blair was also one of the greatest special teams players of all-time! 9, Derrick Brooks (Bucs) (1995-2008) *Eleven-time Pro Bowler *Five-time 1st Team All-Pro *Four-time 2nd Team All-Pro. When you ask who is the greatest MLB of all-time is, many people jump straight to Dick Butkus. The 15 Greatest NFL Linebackers of All Time - Sportscasting Hes on pace to not only break, but shatter the NFL record of 41. As an outside linebacker, he put a lot of pressure on opponents' quarterbacks. Top 13 Cincinnati Reds Starting Pitchers of all time. Harry Carson was an outstanding linebacker who played alongside Lawrence Taylor. 49, Vaughn Johnson (Saints/Eagles) (1986-1994) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. He always tried to better himself and did it effectively. Top 10 Best Linebackers In Cleveland Browns History (Updated) Thomas never had less than seven sacks in a season in his entire career, and only had less than eight sacks in one season. The two-time All-American helped the Cornhuskers win back-to-back national titles in 1970 and '71 . There was a story of someone meeting Thomas at the Pro Bowl for no longer than 10 minutes. Blair was outstanding in coverage, along with being a great tackler. Zach Thomas is exactly what you want in a player and a linebacker. 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. Wilson doesnt have the career numbers because his career was so short, but theres no doubt when he was playing he was the most feared player on the field. 25 Greatest Defensive Linemen in NFL History - AthlonSports.com
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