While every position on defense has its importance, some are not nearly as important as the linebacker. For most teams, the linebackers are the heart and soul of the defense.
They will relay the calls, get everyone organized, and many more things to keep the defense all on the same page. Here are the top four groups headed into 2023.
1. San Francisco 49ers
The easy choice for the top spot, San Francisco fielded the highest-graded linebacker group in the NFL last season. They finished second in the NFL in run-defense grade and number one in coverage grade. Led by arguably the best linebacker in football Frew Warner, this group is one of the main reasons the 49ers defense is so good.
The 49ers have maybe the best pair of linebackers in football and the depth to fill in if one of them were to suffer a short-term injury. According to PFF, this group is “the current gold standard at the position.” This group looks to dominate again headed into 2023.
2. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens have two stars in the position, and that helps them go a long way. Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen became a lethal pairing after Baltimore traded for Roquan Smith last season. From Week 9 — Smith’s first game in Baltimore — through the end of the season, Ravens linebackers were the second-highest graded group in the league, trailing only the 49ers.
The Ravens look to dominate at linebacker again in 2023. They might not have all the names for their depth, but this is still a very talented group. There is some risk reward for some of the younger backups. However, with Smith and Queen, this group will have another dominant season this year.
3. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have a more collective approach to their linebacker corps. The group is led by the very very talented Nick Bolton, the Chiefs do have an enviable collection of young talent at linebacker. Bolton earned a top-15 PFF grade last year and is a legitimate thumper in the run game. Willie Gay Jr, their second best linebacker, specializes in the passing game. He earned a coverage grade that ranked 13th at the position last season.
The Chiefs also got some huge adds this offseason. One example is Drue Tranquill from the Chargers. Tranquill is the oldest linebacker in the room at 28, so this group is very young. That being said, this linebacker group could surprise many people and finish higher than the three spot this season.
4. Indianapolis Colts
While many people may think this is a fan/homer pick, this group truly might be the best on the Colts defense. Missing Shaq Leonard for parts of the last two seasons, he was up there with Fred Warner as being the best linebacker in football before. Losing Bobby Okereke to the Giants is a big loss, but the Colts have some really good starters still.
The scare for this team is health. Behind Shaq Leonard, Zaire Franklin, and E.J. Speed, the Colts are a little thin. However, assuming the Colts pick up a veteran throughout the season and the starters stay healthy, it will make this group even better. Leonard was a turnover causing machine, and he will look to have a huge bounce back season and lead this Colts defense. Franklin had an amazing season last year. If he can even somewhat repeat this success, Leonard and Franklin could be the best linebacker pair in the NFL.
Jaden Chandler-Parnell, or “JC” is a Sports & Sports Betting Insider for Stare Down Sports. You can Follow him on twitter @Jaden95Chandler
Follow Stare Down Sports on twitter for all of the latest news and updates @StareDownSports
Leave a Reply