Quarterbacks may receive much of the limelight in the NFL and be the position everyone wants to play, but linebackers play an essential role in the team. These players stand behind the defensive linemen, supporting them. When there’s a rushing play, it’s up to the linebackers to stop the running player. They’ll either drop back into pass coverage or rush the quarterback on passing plays.
The NFL season is already underway, bringing with it all the excitement and drama the world has come to expect of the NFL. Like some fabulous quarterbacks on the gridiron this season, there are some fantastic linebackers to watch out for. Below is a look at some of the best to watch throughout the season.
Fred Warner
Fred Warner of the San Francisco 49ers is making a solid case for being the league’s best defensive player, and you might even want to consider him for NFL player props bets. So far this season, he’s put in 25 solo tackles and a further 20 unassisted, not to mention triggered four forced fumbles and completed two interceptions, giving offensive players a real hard time.
Warner has a solid athletic ability and a natural hybrid appeal because of his size and experience as a slot defender. In space, he finds it easy to change direction and, as mentioned, has no issues with tackling. He’s good at closing down players and quick to spot the ball about to be launched to receivers, which allows him to get an early jump on them.
Roquan Smith
Roquan Smith is providing his linebacking services to the Baltimore Ravens and putting in some severe tackle stats: 29 solo and 27 assisted this season. Unlike Fred Warner, however, Smith has been light on the forced fumbles and interceptions, posting a single interception and yet to chalk up a forced fumble.
Smith is a born linebacker and a strong running back, something noted in his high school days. He received a scholarship from the University of Georgia. His speed and agility make up for his slight lack of size, and he displays immense football intelligence and discipline. He also brings strong leadership to the team, both on and off the gridiron.
Lavonte David
Lavonte David has been working hard for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, putting in 29 solo tackles and 17 assisted ones this season. He’s also forced three fumbles — he’s now chasing the club record for the most sacks in Buccaneers history (78.5, held by Lee Roy Selmon) — completed two interceptions and shut down quarterbacks with three sacks.
David is a real asset to the team in the middle of the defense’s supporting line. His teammates can count on him to stop runners, and he also has a talent for spotting where ball carriers will be. When it comes to tackling, he doesn’t mess around — in just two years at Nebraska, he put in 260 tackles — and executes tackles fast and agilely. He also displays tremendous footballing instinct.
T. J. Edwards
T.J. Edwards is one of the golden boys of linebacking at the Chicago Bears when it comes to tackling. The Illinois-born player, who played his college football at Wisconsin, has completed 27 solo tackles and 20 assisted ones for his side this season. Sack- and interception-wise, he has yet to deliver, but he has added a forced fumble to his 2024 stats.
Edwards is a born linebacker and takes the game seriously, a fact illustrated by past off-season weight loss to increase his speed. He’s light, robust, and highly productive, having notched up more than 80 tackles in four years. He plays with discipline, shows technically sound tackling, and can change lateral direction to tackle in the open field. He’s not a flashy player but dependable and durable, right up any team’s street.
Nick Bolton
To give you an idea of just how critical Nick Bolton is to the Chiefs, one writer on their official blog referred to him in an article last year as the “defensive heartbeat” of the team. This season, he’s made 38 tackles, 25 alone and 13 assisted. Unfortunately, he’s yet to post any interceptions or forced fumbles, but the Chiefs can be confident they’ll come.
Bolton is consistently brutal, has excellent football instincts, and studies the game to know what moves teams will make. He set a real example to the other defensive players and was instrumental in the Chief’s Week 3 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Stopping Bijal Robinson forced the home team to turn the ball over on downs and let the Chiefs run the clock out.
The NFL has some terrific players, and although all eyes are often on the quarterbacks, some of the league’s linebackers are playing out of their skins for their team. Other linebackers to watch this season include Demario Davis of the New Orleans Saints and Quincy Williams of the New York Jets.