As it stands for the moment, the NFL is playing its season in full come September. As the season approaches, I’m going to be taking a look at the landscape of the NFL, position by position, over the course of the next several weeks. We’ll be talking about the who’s who of the NFL in our own little version of the NFL Network’s “Top 100 Players” bit they do every year. Up next, we’re talking about the top 10 NFL linebackers for 2020!
Top 10 NFL Linebackers for 2020
10. Zach Cunningham, Houston Texans – Cunningham won’t wow you covering dudes one on one, but he’s become one of the more consistent linebackers in the NFL. Namely, it’s his ascension to one of if not the best run defender in the league that warrants a spot in the top 10 at the position.
9. Jaylon Smith, Dallas Cowboys – What a story. Smith has become one of the steadiest linebackers in the league over the last two seasons – in 2019, he was 6th in tackles with 142, and had 2.5 sacks, nine passes deflected, and an interception. One of the most complete ranges in the league.
8. Cory Littleton, Las Vegas Raiders – Littleton has emerged as one of the more savvy and reliable linebackers in the league. He snuck up into the top seven in PFF grades a season ago, but he needs to improve upon that run defense score before he can be considered among the league’s elite.
7. Jayon Brown, Tennessee Titans – Between Brown and Rashaan Evans, the Titans have themselves quite the formidable duo in the linebacking corps. Specifically, the way Brown plays the game is downright fun to watch. Strictly as a defender, Brown has a knack for hanging with guys in coverage and putting a cap on big plays. But, every now and then, when a play breaks a certain way, he’s shown a sense of opportunistic play-making ability. He’s one of the most explosive linebackers in the league.
6. Deion Jones, Atlanta Falcons – It feels like Jones is one of those guys who is perennially overlooked, and yet, he could be the best pure cover linebacker in the league. Dude’s a roamer that can handle whatever is asked of him.
5. Demario Davis, New Orleans Saints – Props to Davis for grabbing PFF’s #1 spot in 2019. I don’t think any of us saw that coming before last season started. But, he’s a perfect fit in that Saints defense – he’s a disruptor, a reliable tackler, and can create pressure when called upon – all the makings of a cornerstone linebacker.
4. Eric Kendricks, Minnesota Vikings – Kendricks has been a steady player throughout his career, but 2019 saw him rise to the elite ranks of the position. He finished the season as the 2nd highest-graded linebacker per Pro Football Focus. Kendricks may be the most instinctive run defender in the league.
3. Bobby Wagner, Seattle Seahawks – Largely considered the best in the game, Wagner has a reputation as a steady tackler and smart, instinctive linebacker. He led the league in tackles a season ago with 159, but Wagner had a bit of a dip off from his previous years. That opened the door for a couple of guys to surpass him in the linebacker rankings.
2. Darius Leonard, Indianapolis Colts – Leonard proved he could tackle well and handle the bright lights of the NFL in 2018. In turn, the Colts asked him to do a little more in 2019, and he continued to excel. The guy does just about everything well and looks like the best young ‘backer in the NFL to me. He is a hell of a centerpiece for defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus.
1. Lavonte David, Tampa Buccaneers – It’s time. With the retirement of Luke Kuechly, it’s David’s year to take the throne as the best linebacker in football. Dude has been criminally underrated for the last several seasons despite playing some of the best football at the position – he’s a solid run defender and one of the better cover linebackers in the league. Athletic, productive, the prototypical stud at the position. This is the year he gets the love he deserves.
OTHER 2020 NFL TOP 10S
Cornerbacks
Defensive Coordinators
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Offensive Coordinators
Offensive Lines
Tight Ends
Wide Receivers
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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