- Eagles prepared the ground: Spearheaded by 2024’s highest-graded linebacker, Zack Baun, and 2025 first-round decide Jihaad Campbell, Philadelphia sits atop these linebacker unit rankings.
- New England’s new faces: Mike Vrabel introduced in a number of new gamers, together with ex-Raider Robert Spillane, to provide the Patriots one of many NFL’s deepest linebacker items.
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Estimated Reading Time: 17 minutes
The linebacker place has by no means been harder to play within the NFL. That being mentioned, we’re taking a broader have a look at essentially the most proficient items heading into the 2025 season.
1. Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia holds the highest spot in these rankings with a stacked linebacker unit that solely bought higher this offseason. They handed Zack Baun a well-deserved contract extension after he completed 2024 with a league-leading 90.2 PFF general grade. Nakobe Dean wasn’t far behind, inserting eleventh amongst certified linebackers (77.4).
The staff drafted insurance coverage for Dean’s postseason damage in Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell, who was the 2025 class’ finest linebacker. Youngsters Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Smael Mondon Jr. additionally present high quality depth.
2. Detroit Lions
Former 18th-overall decide Jack Campbell has begun to emerge as one of many NFL’s finest linebackers. His 78.7 PFF general grade in 2024 ranked tenth, and he was one in every of simply 5 qualifiers who earned no less than a 74.0 PFF grade in run protection and protection.
Alex Anzalone missed a handful of video games final season however ranked simply behind Campbell with a strong 72.1 PFF protection grade. Malcolm Rodriguez posted an 87.1 PFF run-defense grade, seventh finest within the NFL, however will probably miss no less than half of the 2025 season because of a torn ACL suffered final November. When wholesome, this is among the finest linebacker trios within the NFL.
Jack Campbell’s Career PFF Grades
3. New England Patriots
New England’s mixture of outdated and new faces offers the staff a doubtlessly formidable linebacker unit. Newcomer Robert Spillane ranks third within the NFL with a 91.2 PFF run-defense grade because the begin of 2023. Jahlani Tavai struggled at instances final season however posted an impressive 86.6 PFF general grade in 2023. Christian Elliss earned a strong 72.6 mark in his first expanded alternative final season. Ex-Titan Jack Gibbens flashed his potential with a 77.9 PFF general grade over the previous two years.
Linebacker-turner-head-coach Mike Vrabel has to love his choices at his former place this season.
4. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have a number of reliable gamers for various linebacker roles. Nick Bolton is the chief of the protection, although his PFF grades have declined since his first two wonderful seasons. Leo Chenal ranks second within the NFL over the previous two seasons with a 91.8 PFF run-defense grade. Drue Tranquill is a constant performer who has recorded a 68.8 PFF general grade throughout his two years in Kansas City. Special groups ace Jack Cochrane and fifth-round rookie Jeffrey Bassa present extra depth.
5. Washington Commanders
The Commanders face questions in different areas of their protection, however Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu are the guts and soul of the unit. Wagner continued to show why he’s a sure-fire Hall of Famer by incomes a 91.2 PFF run-defense grade and a 90.9 PFF pass-rush grade at 34 years outdated in 2024. Luvu’s 64.2 PFF general grade represents a lower from his prior work in Carolina, however he’s nonetheless a priceless and versatile piece able to affecting video games in a number of methods.
Wagner and Luvu had been each extremely sturdy final season, as properly, with every taking part in properly over 1,200 snaps. If they want relaxation, younger gamers equivalent to Jordan Magee and Kain Medrano can be found.
6. Jacksonville Jaguars
Aside from famous person edge defender Josh Hines-Allen, Jacksonville’s linebackers had been essentially the most secure a part of their protection final season. Devin Lloyd has emerged as a respectable playmaker, incomes a 91.0 PFF run-defense grade over the previous two years to rank fourth on the place. Tackling machine Foyesade Oluokun has recorded no less than a 68.5 PFF general grade in every of the previous three seasons.
Ventrell Miller, Chad Muma and rookie Jack Kiser additionally provide productive depth, notably in run protection, if one thing had been to occur to the starters.
7. San Francisco 49ers
Just having Fred Warner because the centerpiece of a linebacker unit deserves a excessive spot in these rankings. His 89.2 PFF general grade in 2024 ranked second within the NFL, behind Philadelphia’s Zack Baun. Warner’s 92.3 PFF general grade over the previous 5 seasons leads the NFL, and he’s rapidly constructing a Hall of Fame case as every season passes by.
The 49ers want to determine what they’ve on the place past Warner. Dee Winters earned a strong 80.0 PFF protection grade in restricted work final season and could possibly be the favourite to begin alongside the star. Tatum Bethune and third-round rookie Nickolas Martin may additionally compete for the beginning function. This competitors is prone to be one of many 49ers’ most intriguing camp battles.
8. New Orleans Saints
Demario Davis bought off to a gradual begin final season however continued to show himself as a wonderful participant with a top-20 PFF general grade. Flanking him as soon as once more might be Pete Werner, who bounced again to earn a 69.0 PFF general grade final season, his highest since 2021.
The Saints don’t have a ton of expertise behind these two, however D’Marco Jackson and Nephi Sewell have been key particular teamers for them. Fourth-round rookie Danny Stutsman is a superb run defender who earned an elite 90.9 PFF run-defense grade in his remaining season at Oklahoma.
9. New York Jets
New York is completely able to dealing with C.J. Mosley’s latest retirement after the emergence and re-signing of Jamien Sherwood final season. Sherwood performed greater than 1,000 snaps and earned a 73.8 PFF general grade that ranked 18th amongst certified linebackers in 2024.
Veteran Quincy Williams posted a strong 68.0 PFF general grade himself, although that represents a decline from his stellar 2023. Those two present a wonderful basis whereas the youthful Zaire Barnes and Francisco Mauigoa develop behind them.
10. Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota doesn’t have any family names in its linebacker room, however it’s quietly a really productive group.
Blake Cashman has emerged as a respectable starter, boasting an 80.3 PFF general grade over the previous two years. Ivan Pace Jr. is among the higher undrafted free agent finds in latest reminiscence. He positioned among the many high 10 linebackers in PFF run-defense and pass-rush grades final season. Eric Wilson is a strong third choice who earned a 64.3 PFF general grade in Green Bay final season. Sixth-round rookie Kobe King may additionally present worth in run protection if wanted.
11. Denver Broncos
The Broncos have an opportunity to complete a lot increased on this checklist on the finish of the season, relying on how two veteran gamers return from damage. Ex-49er Dre Greenlaw performed simply 34 snaps in 2024 after coming back from a torn Achilles, however since 2019, he’s earned a 77.4 PFF general grade and ranks fourth amongst linebackers with an elite 90.0 PFF protection grade.
His companion this season ought to be Alex Singleton, who’s recovering from a torn ACL suffered early final season. Singleton owns an impressive 87.1 PFF run-defense grade over the previous 4 seasons. Denver has younger depth in Drew Sanders and Justin Strnad, however the destiny of the unit comes down as to if Greenlaw and Singleton can get well and rebound.
12. Cleveland Browns
Cleveland’s linebackers had been fairly productive final season, even accounting for the lack of Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah to damage. He’ll be out for all of 2025, as properly, however Jordan Hicks stays to guide the protection after posting a 77.4 PFF general grade final season (eleventh finest on the place).
Two spots forward of Hicks in these rankings was Devin Bush, who confirmed substantial enchancment in run protection final season. Rookie Carson Schwesinger may even be anticipated to contribute early and sometimes because the thirty third general decide on this 12 months’s draft.
13. Pittsburgh Steelers
Patrick Queen struggled to a 56.8 PFF general grade in his first season as a Steeler. He performed his finest soccer in Baltimore alongside Roquan Smith, so Pittsburgh is probably going hoping 2024 third-round decide Payton Wilson can fill that function after posting a strong 74.0 PFF general grade in his rookie marketing campaign. Malik Harrison and Cole Holcomb are each credible run defenders with sufficient expertise to enter the beginning lineup if wanted.
14. Chicago Bears
The Bears might be hoping for a bounce-back marketing campaign from their two extremely paid veteran linebackers. Tremaine Edmunds hasn’t been in a position to attain the heights of his excellent 2022, when he earned an 81.9 PFF general grade. In two seasons with Chicago, Edmunds has posted a below-average 57.5 PFF general grade.
T.J. Edwards performed very properly in 2023 however notched a career-worst 60.7 PFF general grade final season. New defensive coordinator Dennis Allen might want to extract higher manufacturing out of the pair, contemplating the shortage of expertise behind them.
15. Cincinnati Bengals
Logan Wilson stays the chief of Cincinnati’s linebacker unit. His 2024 season was curtailed because of a knee damage, however he earned a 90.0 PFF run-defense grade that ranked fifth amongst certified linebackers.
The Bengals will hope that they’ve the best complement for Wilson in rookie Demetrius Knight Jr. Knight garnered an elite 92.1 PFF protection grade over his remaining two faculty seasons, rating fourth amongst certified FBS linebackers. The Bengals additionally picked up a top quality third choice in former Eagle Oren Burks and added additional depth within the fourth spherical of the draft in Barrett Carter.
16. Baltimore Ravens
Roquan Smith took a while final season to regulate to life with out Patrick Queen by his facet, however he’s been principally excellent since becoming a member of the Ravens in the midst of 2022. Since Week 9 of that season, Smith’s 81.6 PFF general grade ranks seventh amongst linebackers who’ve performed no less than 600 snaps.
Joining Smith as soon as once more might be third-year man Trenton Simpson, who posted a mediocre 58.7 PFF general grade in his first season as a starter. Baltimore doesn’t have a lot depth behind these two, as Jake Hummel has performed simply 123 defensive snaps in his profession. Otherwise, rookies Teddye Buchanan and Jay Higgins might be combating for depth chart positioning by coaching camp.
17. Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta’s linebacker state of affairs is a bit muddied by the positional fluidity of first-round decide Jalon Walker. His finest work at Georgia happened whereas dashing the passer, however he’s definitely athletic sufficient to assist off the ball. The Falcons already possess a hybrid participant in Kaden Elliss, who led the staff with 43 pressures final season.
The staff’s most skilled conventional linebacker is former Raider Divine Deablo, who earned PFF general grades under 61.0 in every of his 4 seasons in Las Vegas. Troy Andersen additionally figures to get reps, however he has struggled in his first three seasons.
18. Green Bay Packers
The Packers seem to have an rising star in 2024 second-round decide Edgerrin Cooper. He appeared in 15 video games final season and posted an 85.7 PFF general grade that ranked fifth amongst certified linebackers. Finding high quality solutions alongside Cooper would be the Packers’ greatest problem. Quay Walker has struggled to a 54.5 PFF general grade since coming into the league in 2022. Isaiah McDuffie has posted a virtually equivalent 55.4 mark in that span.
Perhaps somebody like veteran newcomer Isaiah Simmons may help, however the Packers lack depth of their linebacker room as at present constructed.
19. New York Giants
New York’s linebackers ought to have loads of area to work with behind their doubtlessly stellar line of defense. The headliner is veteran Bobby Okereke, whose 81.3 PFF general grade over the previous two seasons ranks tenth amongst certified linebackers.
Micah McFadden struggles a bit in protection however has posted no less than a 66.0 PFF run-defense grade in every of the previous two years. Darius Muasau additionally recorded a strong 68.1 PFF run-defense grade as a rookie final season and would probably be the subsequent man up if something occurred to Okereke or McFadden.
20. Miami Dolphins
One of the higher tales in Miami final season was the emergence of former first-round decide Jordyn Brooks as a respectable starter. He performed greater than 1,000 snaps for the third time in his profession and recorded a career-high 83.0 PFF run-defense grade (eleventh finest amongst qualifiers). His protection complement is Tyrel Dodson, whose 90.5 PFF protection grade because the begin of 2023 ranks third within the NFL. Willie Gay and KJ Britt have struggled in latest seasons however no less than provide the staff a few skilled backups.
21. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders overhauled their linebacker unit this offseason after the lack of a number of veteran gamers. Entering 2025, former Bengal Germaine Pratt and ex-Steeler Elandon Roberts are anticipated to play main roles. Pratt posted a 70.1 PFF run-defense grade however struggled in protection final season. The identical might be mentioned for Roberts, who recorded a spectacular 91.0 PFF run-defense grade in 2024.
Behind these two are Devin White, who performed fewer than 200 snaps final season, and a cascade of inexperienced gamers.
22. Buffalo Bills
Buffalo’s high six linebackers from final season return to the staff in 2025. The solely problem is that the Bills fielded the lowest-graded linebacker unit within the NFL. Their 28.9 PFF protection grade was the largest perpetrator, which implies they want a wholesome bounce-back from Matt Milano. He recorded an impressive 85.6 PFF protection grade throughout 2022 and 2023 however struggled to a career-low 45.1 mark final season.
While Terrel Bernard and Dorian Williams are credible run defenders, in addition they struggled to sub-40.0 PFF protection grades final season.
23. Houston Texans
Houston doesn’t possess any famous person linebackers, however they’ve a number of gamers who can fulfill particular roles. Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To’oTo’o are each strong run defenders who’re under common in protection. The identical might be mentioned for former Colt E.J. Speed, who may compete for a beginning function.
The protection manufacturing from this unit may have to come back from fourth-year man Christian Harris, who earned a strong 72.2 PFF protection grade in 2023 however struggled with an damage final season.
24. Seattle Seahawks
Aside from Ernest Jones, the Seahawks‘ linebacker corps lacks expertise. The veteran chief Jones has earned a wonderful 87.5 PFF run-defense grade over the previous three seasons. The different projected starter is second-year man Tyrice Knight, who recorded a 65.4 PFF general grade in his debut season. The subsequent three gamers on Seattle’s depth chart — Josh Ross, Drake Thomas and Patrick O’Connell — have mixed to play 42 defensive snaps within the NFL.
25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Lavonte David remains to be a stalwart in Tampa Bay. His 77.6 PFF run-defense grade final season was his finest since 2017. He’s slowed down in protection however continues to adeptly lead the unit.
There are questions on who will complement David. SirVocea Dennis is a strong protection participant however has performed solely 209 snaps in his profession. Veteran Deion Jones logged simply 18 postseason snaps for Tampa Bay final season. Anthony Walker Jr. struggled to a 48.0 PFF general grade in Miami in 2024, although he has performed higher up to now.
26. Los Angeles Rams
Omar Speights was one of many higher undrafted signings final season. He performed greater than 500 snaps in his rookie season, incomes a 69.4 PFF general grade whereas lacking solely 4 tackles. Former Falcon Nate Landman joins Speights after recording a terrific 85.3 PFF run-defense grade over the previous two seasons in Atlanta.
Behind these two are veteran Troy Reeder and a few fascinating rookies in Chris Paul Jr. and Shaun Dolac. Paul and Dolac had been two of the six highest-graded linebackers in faculty soccer final season.
Highest-Graded Rookie NFL Linebackers in 2024
27. Dallas Cowboys
While Dallas’ linebacker unit is full of acquainted names, it doesn’t provide a observe document of elite manufacturing. DeMarvion Overshown is prone to be sidelined for a big portion of the season because of a knee damage. Former first-rounder Kenneth Murray Jr. has posted sub-55.0 PFF general grades in every of his 5 NFL seasons. Jack Sanborn tasks as a rotational participant who’s acquainted with defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. Damone Clark and Marist Liufau additionally venture as serviceable depth, albeit with low manufacturing ceilings.
28. Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers are hoping for additional growth from a few latest draftees. Daiyan Henley gave them simply that final season, logging a strong 69.5 PFF general grade. The staff would significantly profit if Junior Colson, who posted a 36.7 PFF general grade in restricted work final season, skilled an analogous second-year leap. Otherwise, they may flip to serviceable veterans Denzel Perryman and Troy Dye for additional help.
29. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals have invested a plethora of sources of their protection this offseason, and the linebacker place is not any exception. Former Bengal Akeem Davis-Gaither arrives after posting a 59.0 PFF general grade in Cincinnati final season. He’s projected to begin alongside Mack Wilson Sr., who earned a 63.8 PFF general grade in 2024.
Veterans Owen Pappoe and Mykal Walker venture as depth, together with fourth-round rookie Cody Simon, however this unit could battle to carry issues collectively behind what ought to be an improved line of defense.
30. Carolina Panthers
Given the plethora of additives to Carolina’s line of defense and secondary, linebacker now appears to be the staff’s thinnest defensive unit. Veteran Josey Jewell leads the group, although he posted a career-low 56.5 PFF general grade final season. Trevin Wallace performed 582 snaps in his rookie season and recorded an analogous 56.0 PFF general grade.
Former Los Angeles Ram Christian Rozeboom provides expertise however, equally, below-average manufacturing. The Panthers want somebody within the unit to step as much as enhance their porous run protection from final season.
31. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts’ linebacker unit consists of 1 fixed, Zaire Franklin, and a ton of variables. Franklin is a tackling machine who has posted equivalent 60.9 PFF general grades in every of the previous two seasons. For the second, Jaylon Carlies is anticipated to begin alongside Franklin, however he performed simply 242 snaps in his rookie season.
Behind these two are equally inexperienced choices in Cameron McGrone and Segun Olubi, who had been two of the staff’s highest-graded particular teamers final season.
32. Tennessee Titans
Five Tennessee linebackers performed no less than 200 snaps final season, and none returned to the staff this offseason. Veteran Cody Barton arrives from Denver after posting a strong 76.9 PFF run-defense grade final season. Otis Reese IV, James Williams and Cedric Gray will compete for taking part in time, however these three mixed to play simply 247 snaps final season.