Post by Steelers GM on Jul 29, 2024 17:18:39 GMT
Something to look at/discuss while we wait for the season to get closer. I will rank the top team's LB rooms in this post.
These rankings take the following things into consideration:
~ Star Power at the position
~ Depth at the position
~ expected potential growth of players this season
Linebackers main success is racking up tackles. 20 of the top 25 scoring IDPs were LBs, with 2 of the other 5 have LB eligibility. In our league you can start between 3-4 each week. So in other words, LBs are the most important pieces to a successful defense. Having 4 start-able LBs is key.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers: Zaire Franklin, IND / Logan Wilson, CIN / Matt Milano, BUF / Blake Cashman, MIN
Pittsburgh comes in at no. 1 on the list. Zaire has been a top tackler in the league the past 2 years (346 tackles). as well as averaging 16.9 ppg. Logan has been a consistent 13 ppg scorer the past 3 years. Milano has scored between 10-15 ppg since 2018 and looks to continue this season. Cashman broke out last year with 13.4 ppg, and should be a starting LB in Minnesota this season.
2. New Orleans Saints: Demario Davis, NO / Alex Singleton, DEN / Alex Anzalone, DET / Germaine Pratt, CIN
Demario Davis has been an elite LB since 2013 and has aged like fine wine. After his arguably best, most complete season last year (14.5 ppg), expect more of the same in his age 35 campaign. Singleton has been a tackle machine (597 over the past 4 years) and should continue to produce for Denver after having 16 ppg last year. Anzalone (14.2 ppg) and Pratt (11.8) should continue to be leaders for their respective defenses.
3. Cleveland Browns: Foyesade Oluokun, JAX / T.J. Edwards, CHI / Jahlani Tavai, NE / Cody Barton, DEN
Cleveland takes the no. 3 spot. Foye has been the best LB for the past 3 years, averaging 17-19 ppg in that stretch. Edwards (16.4 ppg) last year should continue to produce, making for one of the better LB duos in our league. Tavai and Barton should produce 10+ ppg campaigns this season for their respective teams. Cleveland also has Chad Muma and Josh Uche who could find roles this season if injuries occur or if Uche returns to 2022-23 form (11.5 sacks).
4. Indianapolis Colts: Fred Warner, SF / Devine Deablo, LVR / Micah McFadden, NYG / Troy Andersen, ATL
Fred Warner is arguably the best all-around LB in the NFL and his fantasy production reflects it (15.3 ppg). Deablo, the converted safety, projects for another solid season (10.8 ppg). McFadden (12.7 ppg) played well in a starting role for New York last year and should continue again this year in the same role. Troy Andersen showed promise in his 2 games last year (14.4 ppg). If he's healthy he could be a great LB. SirVocea Dennis could take Devin White's old job and be a productive fantasy scorer as well.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Devin Lloyd, JAX / Frankie Luvu, WAS / Christian Harris, HOU / Junior Colson, LAC
Arizona comes in at 5, with a young group with high upside. Lloyd has produced double digit fantasy points per game in each of his 2 seasons. He should continue to match or exceed these numbers. Luvu has been an elite LB the past 2 seasons (over 110 tackles & 5 sacks in both seasons). He should continue his dominance in Washington this season. Harris and Colson are young, exciting players who should have impactful seasons. Harris showed potential in last year's playoffs and Colson teams up in LA with his former college coach. Jonas Griffith and Akeem Davis-Gaither could find a consistent role if injuries ahead of them occur.
6. Denver Broncos: Kaden Elliss, ATL / Eric Kendricks, DAL / Ivan Pace Jr, MIN / Isaiah McDuffie, GB
Ellis has been a solid producing LB the past 2 years (200 tackles & 11 sacks). His 13.6 ppg last year should continue this season as well. Kendricks has been a top-tier LB for 9 years (atleast 12 ppg every year). Age might slow him down, but has a role in Dallas to rack up fantasy points. Pace's 9.5 ppg in his rookie campaign, was great for a guy that went undrafted in the NFL. He should still have a similar or even expanded role in year 2. McDuffie looked promising last year filling in for Campbell when he was hurt in Green Bay. He should slide into the vacated role and produce well in 2024-25. K.J. Britt is also the favorite to start along side Lavonte in Tampa. Sione Takitaki could find a consistent role in New England, too.
7. Washington Commanders: C.J. Mosley, NYJ / Robert Spillane, LVR / De'Vondre Campbell, SF / Nik Bonitto, DEN
Mosley (13.6) and Spillane (15.1) were elite last year and should continue again this season. Campbell should take LB2 duties in San Fran, while Greenlaw is recovering from his unfortunate injury in the Super Bowl. Bonitto is a solid edge rusher, who in year 2 (8 sacks) broke out. expect more production from him in year 3.
8. San Francisco 49ers: Bobby Wagner, WAS / Jerome Baker, SEA / Anfernee Jennings, NE / Denzel Perryman, LAC
Bobby has been one of the best LBs of the decade. Although he has lost a step athletically, he's still an elite run defender/tackler. He finished LB3 last season. Baker, Jennings, and Perryman are consistent 10 ppg scorers who will continue producing these numbers, as long as they are out on the field.
9. Miami Dolphins: Nick Bolton, KC / Patrick Queen, PIT / Rashan Gary, GB
Nick Bolton was LB3 in 2022-23. He dealt with injuries last season, but is easily a top LB when he's healthy. Queen broke out the past 2 years, playing alongside Roquan Smith (14.5 ppg). He should continue to produce this year as he joins an AFC North rival in Pittsburgh. Rashan Gary can be a top tier edge rusher just needs to reach his potential. He's averaged around 10 ppg the last 3 years and should continue to produce in Green Bay. Mack Wilson could also find a decent role in Arizona's lackluster defense.
10. Houston Texans: Quay Walker, GB / Terrel Bernard, BUF / Nathan Landman, ATL
Houston takes the last spot on this list. Quay has been productive in his 2 year career so far. Sitting around 13 ppg on his career, expect similar or better production in year 3. Bernard broke out in a big way in year 2 (16.6 ppg). 143 tackles along with 6.5 sacks, 3 FR, 1 FF and 3 INT, he did everything for Buffalo's defense last year. Expect another phenomenal season from the 3rd-year LB. Landman also broke out in year 2. After only having 1 tackle his rookie year, he racked up 110 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 FF and 1 INT in year 2. His 13.1 ppg should be replicated/exceeded in year 3.
Honorable Mentions:
Chicago Bears: Tremaine Edmunds, CHI / Roquan Smith, BAL
New York Jets: Jordyn Brooks, MIA / Quincy Williams, NYJ
Los Angeles Chargers: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, CLE / Trenton Simpson, BAL / Devin White, PHI
Los Vegas Raiders: Ernest Jones, LAR / Tyrel Dodson, SEA / Andrew Van Ginkel, MIN
Carolina Panthers: Bradley Chubb, MIA / Alex Highsmith, PIT / David Long, MIA
These rankings take the following things into consideration:
~ Star Power at the position
~ Depth at the position
~ expected potential growth of players this season
Linebackers main success is racking up tackles. 20 of the top 25 scoring IDPs were LBs, with 2 of the other 5 have LB eligibility. In our league you can start between 3-4 each week. So in other words, LBs are the most important pieces to a successful defense. Having 4 start-able LBs is key.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers: Zaire Franklin, IND / Logan Wilson, CIN / Matt Milano, BUF / Blake Cashman, MIN
Pittsburgh comes in at no. 1 on the list. Zaire has been a top tackler in the league the past 2 years (346 tackles). as well as averaging 16.9 ppg. Logan has been a consistent 13 ppg scorer the past 3 years. Milano has scored between 10-15 ppg since 2018 and looks to continue this season. Cashman broke out last year with 13.4 ppg, and should be a starting LB in Minnesota this season.
2. New Orleans Saints: Demario Davis, NO / Alex Singleton, DEN / Alex Anzalone, DET / Germaine Pratt, CIN
Demario Davis has been an elite LB since 2013 and has aged like fine wine. After his arguably best, most complete season last year (14.5 ppg), expect more of the same in his age 35 campaign. Singleton has been a tackle machine (597 over the past 4 years) and should continue to produce for Denver after having 16 ppg last year. Anzalone (14.2 ppg) and Pratt (11.8) should continue to be leaders for their respective defenses.
3. Cleveland Browns: Foyesade Oluokun, JAX / T.J. Edwards, CHI / Jahlani Tavai, NE / Cody Barton, DEN
Cleveland takes the no. 3 spot. Foye has been the best LB for the past 3 years, averaging 17-19 ppg in that stretch. Edwards (16.4 ppg) last year should continue to produce, making for one of the better LB duos in our league. Tavai and Barton should produce 10+ ppg campaigns this season for their respective teams. Cleveland also has Chad Muma and Josh Uche who could find roles this season if injuries occur or if Uche returns to 2022-23 form (11.5 sacks).
4. Indianapolis Colts: Fred Warner, SF / Devine Deablo, LVR / Micah McFadden, NYG / Troy Andersen, ATL
Fred Warner is arguably the best all-around LB in the NFL and his fantasy production reflects it (15.3 ppg). Deablo, the converted safety, projects for another solid season (10.8 ppg). McFadden (12.7 ppg) played well in a starting role for New York last year and should continue again this year in the same role. Troy Andersen showed promise in his 2 games last year (14.4 ppg). If he's healthy he could be a great LB. SirVocea Dennis could take Devin White's old job and be a productive fantasy scorer as well.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Devin Lloyd, JAX / Frankie Luvu, WAS / Christian Harris, HOU / Junior Colson, LAC
Arizona comes in at 5, with a young group with high upside. Lloyd has produced double digit fantasy points per game in each of his 2 seasons. He should continue to match or exceed these numbers. Luvu has been an elite LB the past 2 seasons (over 110 tackles & 5 sacks in both seasons). He should continue his dominance in Washington this season. Harris and Colson are young, exciting players who should have impactful seasons. Harris showed potential in last year's playoffs and Colson teams up in LA with his former college coach. Jonas Griffith and Akeem Davis-Gaither could find a consistent role if injuries ahead of them occur.
6. Denver Broncos: Kaden Elliss, ATL / Eric Kendricks, DAL / Ivan Pace Jr, MIN / Isaiah McDuffie, GB
Ellis has been a solid producing LB the past 2 years (200 tackles & 11 sacks). His 13.6 ppg last year should continue this season as well. Kendricks has been a top-tier LB for 9 years (atleast 12 ppg every year). Age might slow him down, but has a role in Dallas to rack up fantasy points. Pace's 9.5 ppg in his rookie campaign, was great for a guy that went undrafted in the NFL. He should still have a similar or even expanded role in year 2. McDuffie looked promising last year filling in for Campbell when he was hurt in Green Bay. He should slide into the vacated role and produce well in 2024-25. K.J. Britt is also the favorite to start along side Lavonte in Tampa. Sione Takitaki could find a consistent role in New England, too.
7. Washington Commanders: C.J. Mosley, NYJ / Robert Spillane, LVR / De'Vondre Campbell, SF / Nik Bonitto, DEN
Mosley (13.6) and Spillane (15.1) were elite last year and should continue again this season. Campbell should take LB2 duties in San Fran, while Greenlaw is recovering from his unfortunate injury in the Super Bowl. Bonitto is a solid edge rusher, who in year 2 (8 sacks) broke out. expect more production from him in year 3.
8. San Francisco 49ers: Bobby Wagner, WAS / Jerome Baker, SEA / Anfernee Jennings, NE / Denzel Perryman, LAC
Bobby has been one of the best LBs of the decade. Although he has lost a step athletically, he's still an elite run defender/tackler. He finished LB3 last season. Baker, Jennings, and Perryman are consistent 10 ppg scorers who will continue producing these numbers, as long as they are out on the field.
9. Miami Dolphins: Nick Bolton, KC / Patrick Queen, PIT / Rashan Gary, GB
Nick Bolton was LB3 in 2022-23. He dealt with injuries last season, but is easily a top LB when he's healthy. Queen broke out the past 2 years, playing alongside Roquan Smith (14.5 ppg). He should continue to produce this year as he joins an AFC North rival in Pittsburgh. Rashan Gary can be a top tier edge rusher just needs to reach his potential. He's averaged around 10 ppg the last 3 years and should continue to produce in Green Bay. Mack Wilson could also find a decent role in Arizona's lackluster defense.
10. Houston Texans: Quay Walker, GB / Terrel Bernard, BUF / Nathan Landman, ATL
Houston takes the last spot on this list. Quay has been productive in his 2 year career so far. Sitting around 13 ppg on his career, expect similar or better production in year 3. Bernard broke out in a big way in year 2 (16.6 ppg). 143 tackles along with 6.5 sacks, 3 FR, 1 FF and 3 INT, he did everything for Buffalo's defense last year. Expect another phenomenal season from the 3rd-year LB. Landman also broke out in year 2. After only having 1 tackle his rookie year, he racked up 110 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 FF and 1 INT in year 2. His 13.1 ppg should be replicated/exceeded in year 3.
Honorable Mentions:
Chicago Bears: Tremaine Edmunds, CHI / Roquan Smith, BAL
New York Jets: Jordyn Brooks, MIA / Quincy Williams, NYJ
Los Angeles Chargers: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, CLE / Trenton Simpson, BAL / Devin White, PHI
Los Vegas Raiders: Ernest Jones, LAR / Tyrel Dodson, SEA / Andrew Van Ginkel, MIN
Carolina Panthers: Bradley Chubb, MIA / Alex Highsmith, PIT / David Long, MIA