Ranking the Best NFL Off-Ball Linebackers for the 2024 Season
Hey there, football fans! With the NFL preseason officially kicking off and training camps in full swing, it’s that exciting time of year when we get to ponder who truly reigns supreme in the world of off-ball linebackers. You know the feeling—the anticipation, the debates, and the friendly banter with fellow fans over who deserves the top spots in these rankings. So grab a snack, lean back, and let’s dive into the current state of these linebacker legends.
Starting Strong: The Titans at the Center of Defense
At the top of the pack, we have none other than the San Francisco 49ers’ Fred Warner. This guy is not just a tackle machine; he’s the kind of player who makes you go, "Wow!" Warner brings a rare combination of speed and intelligence to the field. Since entering the league in 2018, he’s amassed 765 tackles—yep, that’s fourth overall! In 2023, he not only recorded 132 combined tackles but also flexed his versatility with four interceptions and a quartet of forced fumbles. Talk about making an impact! It’s no surprise that he tops many ballots as a vocal leader for one of the league’s best defenses.
Right on his heels is Roquan Smith from the Baltimore Ravens. When the Ravens let go of talented linebacker Patrick Queen, they knew they had Smith locked in. The former Bears star made quite the impression, leading the Ravens with powerful tackles and stealthy quarterback pressures. He finished 2023 with the sixth-most tackles in the league, showing he’s more than capable of holding down the fort.
Age Isn’t Just a Number
Moving down the ranks, we find Demario Davis of the New Orleans Saints. Now, let’s talk about ageless wonders for a moment. At 35, Davis is still rock solid on defense, turning heads with his career-high 6.5 sacks last season. It’s like he’s sipping from the fountain of youth! His knack for crunching tackles and making game-changing plays is why fans can’t help but love him.
Just one spot below, we have the ever-reliable Lavonte David of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. David, who is 34, showed no signs of slowing down, racking up 134 tackles and a whopping 17 tackles for loss last year. It’s almost unfair how he keeps performing at such a high level while sporting only a single Pro Bowl nod. Someone get this man a medal!
Rising Stars and New Blood
A little younger, but equally impressive is C.J. Mosley, leading the charge for the New York Jets. Mosley has been doing a great job as the backbone of the Jets’ defense with at least 150 tackles every season for the past three years. While he may not be a pass-rushing superstar, he’s crucial in the run defense game, proving that sometimes brains truly do triumph over brawn.
Another guy worth noting is Patrick Queen, now with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He has quickly risen to fame as one of the league’s shiniest linebackers. After inking a three-year, $41 million deal, Queen is looking to terrorize opposing offenses with his energy and athleticism.
And let’s not forget Matt Milano of the Buffalo Bills. Milan broke his leg last season, but he’s ready to return stronger and hungrier than ever. Known as a ballhawk, his ability to create turnovers is almost like magic—one moment the ball is in the quarterback’s hands, and the next, BAM! Milano has swooped in.
Underrated Yet Not Overlooked
Several players consistently hover just below the limelight but are still providing top-tier performances. Bobby Wagner, now with Washington Commanders, racked up NFL-high 183 tackles last season—yowza! Even at 34, he brings unparalleled intelligence and savvy that keeps him relevant on any list.
Finally, we have the dynamic duo of Quincy Williams from the Jets and Zaire Franklin from the Colts rearing for the spotlight this season. Williams has been all but unstoppable, while Franklin, the underdog rising through the ranks, made a splash with record-breaking tackles over the last two seasons.
Keeping the Excitement Alive
So, as we gear up for the 2024 NFL season, it’s clear that these linebackers are more than just players; they are game-changers, field generals, and unsung heroes. Each one of them carries with them a narrative of hard work, grit, and passion that makes every Sunday a thrill. Whether it’s through defensive stunts or clutch plays that leave us jumping off our couches, the linebackers on this list are guaranteed to keep our hearts racing. Here’s to the season ahead—may it be filled with epic plays, crazy tackles, and maybe even a few surprises along the way! 🏈
