OOJack
07-16-2008, 03:50 PM
Cowboys, Chargers boast best 'backers in the NFL
Williamson
By Matt Williamson
Scouts Inc.
(Archive)
Insider
Updated: July 15, 2008
The Cowboys and Chargers are among the favorites in their respective conferences, and it's easy to see why their defenses are so scary when you look at the talent each team has amassed at linebacker. They boast the top two linebacker units in the NFL, though the Patriots and Bears are close behind. Here's how the top 10 overall groups rank:
1. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have three outside linebackers who can get after opposing quarterbacks and DeMarcus Ware is as good as it gets at the position. Ware can do it all with his rare blend of quickness off the ball, pure speed and ideal body type for the position. He sacked the quarterback 14 times last year, but his ability to stay with backs and tight ends in coverage is often overlooked and Ware is a Defensive Player of the Year candidate who keeps getting better. Greg Ellis returned from injury to have a very productive 2007 season while Anthony Spencer, last year's first-round pick, is going to be tough to keep of the field due to his ability to rush the quarterback. For now, though, Spencer is simply an exceptional No. 3 outside linebacker who could see time on throwing downs and make things very difficult on opposing protection schemes. Bradie James plays inside on the strong side and is a thumper who is always around the football. Zach Thomas came on board to finish his career at home in Texas and will play alongside James on the inside. Thomas played in a 3-4 alignment some in Miami and was very effective, and the transition to playing a 3-4 full-time should not be difficult for such a fundamentally-sound player. Dallas does not have much invested in Thomas so the risk is minimal, but if he can stay healthy it will be interesting to see how much he has left in the tank. Bobby Carpenter has yet to live up to his first-round selection and has shuffled from inside to outside, and while he does provide depth he needs to step up and become more of a contributor. Kevin Barnett is yet another talented young player who will find it hard to get on the field unless injuries intervene, which just goes to show how great this group is overall.
2. San Diego Chargers
Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips are both game-changing outside linebackers. Merriman gets more accolades but Phillips is a fine player in his own right, and defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell wised up and used the two more often as upfield pass rushers midway through the season and entire defense improved dramatically. Few players in the league are on par with Merriman as a pass rusher. He is big, strong, violent and aggressive, with great quickness off the ball and impressive closing speed. Phillips does benefit from Merriman's presence on the other side, but he is also a tremendous athlete and blocking Phillips with just one man is a dangerous proposition. The front office has done a great job finding middle linebackers in the middle rounds, including starters Matt Wilhelm and Stephen Cooper. A suspension will cost Cooper the first four games of the season, and while he does show good range Cooper's absence will open the door for second-year players Anthony Waters and Brandon Siler to make a lasting impression. San Diego also signed Derek Smith to help hold down the middle, and he could be the Opening Day starter. The Chargers also found a potential gem in OLB Jyles Tucker, who proved to be very disruptive last year in limited views. Merriman is the deserving headliner, but this group is loaded and do not be surprised if someone emerges on the inside.
3. New England Patriots
This is a tried and true group, but as last season wore one stamina became a concern for a unit that is up there in age. The Patriots infused some youth into the group on draft day by selecting ILB Jerod Mayo, a perfect fit in their scheme who should make an immediate impact. Mayo is fast, diagnoses plays well, shows excellent versatility and should provide help from the start as an every-down linebacker. Fellow ILB Teddy Bruschi isn't the force he once was, but remains a playmaker in the middle and his leadership is invaluable. New England also signed Victor Hobson, a good fit who will lighten the load on Bruschi and Mayo and can also line up outside if needed. Junior Seau could factor in as well should he decide to play one more year. Coach Bill Belichick covets versatility, which is apparent when you study OLBs Mike Vrabel and Adalius Thomas. Vrabel had an exceptional 2007 season and is a superb pass rusher who also plays the run stoutly. Thomas is a do-it-all player with a rare skill set but he didn't quite live up to the lofty expectations that accompanied the big free-agent contract he signed prior to last season. The Patriots also added OLB Shawn Crable and ILB Bo Ruud on draft day to further stock the position. This is a smart, tough, versatile group full of playmakers that should be much better than a year ago, and New England just might have the best front seven in the league.
4. Chicago Bears
Chicago will welcome back sometimes-disgruntled WLB Lance Briggs, who is quick to diagnose plays and wastes little time executing. Briggs can struggle a bit at the point of attack but is a complete player who can be a difference-maker. Middle linebacker Brian Urlacher is the face of the franchise and the ideal physical specimen for the Bears' Tampa 2 scheme. Urlacher battled back problems for much of 2007 and didn't get much protection from the defensive tackles in front of him, though he still played well and displayed impressive toughness. He finished the season strong, however, so expect him to be back in top form and as good as any 'Mike' linebacker in the league this season in all phases of the game. Strongside LB Hunter Hillenmeyer isn't nearly the difference maker that Briggs and Urlacher are, but he is proven, reliable and rarely out of position. The Bears have two fast weakside linebacker types in Michael Okwo and Jamar Williams, who came on board when Briggs appeared to be headed elsewhere. Okwo missed his entire rookie season with a shoulder injury, but he or Williams could make an impact this year and fit into the scheme well as does Briggs, Urlacher and Hillenmeyer do.
5. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks might have the best pair of linebackers in the league in MLB Lofa Tatupu and OLB Julian Peterson. Tatupu is a natural playmaker who is around the ball on seemingly every play. He is a superb leader, an underrated athlete and someone every defensive coordinator would like to have leading his unit, and Tatupu's pass coverage improves every season. Peterson is a special talent and the rare player who can do just about anything asked of him in any scheme. His athletic ability is off the charts and he makes plenty of plays that make you stand up and say wow. He is adept both in coverage and against the run and excels coming off the edge in blitz situations. Leroy Hill often goes unnoticed alongside his Pro Bowl teammates, but he has been starting since midway through his rookie season and is an impressive player in his own right. Hill is better coming forward than playing in reverse, but he can be a force as a pass rusher and against the run by making plays in the opponent's backfield. Depth behind these three standout starters is worrisome and that hurts the overall ranking of this group just a bit, but linebacker remains the Seahawks' strongest position.
6. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have found a great player in MLB Jon Beason. A first-round pick last season, Beason is an exceptional athlete and all-around playmaker. He is aggressive yet disciplined and takes his job very seriously both on and off the field, and he should play in many Pro Bowls in the future. Thomas Davis was a safety in college but looks like he has finally adapted to playing outside linebacker in the NFL. Davis is an explosive hitter with very good range but still needs to become more reliable. Carolina added Landon Johnson to stabilize the weak side, and while he doesn't get a lot of publicity Johnson was consistently productive in Cincinnati. Incoming rookie Dan Connor is an interesting player who might be too small for the middle and not quite athletic enough for the weak side, but he is a true playmaker and is the type of player who might not return to the sideline once he is able to get on the field. For now, though, Connor he should provide excellent depth and should adjust to the league quickly. Na'il Diggs has some versatility and starting experience and if the fifth starting-caliber linebacker on the roster. This group has a chance to be quite good, but the Panthers' defensive line will not keep them as clean as in years past after the departure of massive DT Kris Jenkins.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars
This is not a particularly well-know group but it is a quality unit. Middle LB Mike Peterson is the best-known name in the bunch, and extremely athletic player who is one of the most productive linebackers in the league when healthy. Peterson is a tough guy who plays hurt, but major injuries have sidetracked him in each of the past two seasons. Weakside LB Daryl Smith moved to the middle in Peterson's absence and has done nice job filling the void, and with their versatility the two give the Jags some options. Clint Ingram starts on the strong side, but Justin Durant might just be too good to keep off the field with his ability to play either outside spot. All four linebackers will play plenty. Smith is solid in all areas and a fine overall player, while Durant is very active and jumps off the screen with his natural playmaking ability, particularly as a penetrator and pass rusher.
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers' starting linebackers -- SLB Cato June, MLB Barrett Ruud and future Hall of Fame WLB Derrick Brooks -- are as active as any group in the NFL. All three are smart players who read keys quickly and get to their destination with haste. They are not the biggest group but they are fast and sure tacklers who have a great understanding of the vaunted Tampa 2 scheme. Ruud battled injuries last year but looks like a fixture in the middle and was a terror when healthy. Brooks isn't quite the athletic specimen he was a few years back but he remains a well-above average player. Ryan Nece was the strong side starter before June arrived and he provides valuable depth, but it remains to be seen whether he will be big and strong enough to properly handle the strong side. Geno Hayes and Quincy Black both have the potential to eventually replace Brooks on the weak side and will be big special teams contributors in the meantime. Nece or June also could be candidates for that starting job once Brooks hangs it up. This is a good group overall but one with many players who have very similar 'Will' skill sets.
9. Baltimore Ravens
Middle LB Ray Lewis is the face of the organization and a fiery, infectious leader who always competes at a high level. Lewis isn't the same out-of-this-world performer he was a few seasons ago but he remains one of the best players in the league at his position, though durability is a concern as he has played a full 16-game season just once in the last six years. Lewis is flanked by WLB Bart Scott, who will also also will line up inside with Lewis when the Ravens go to a 3-4 look. Scott established himself in 2006 as a playmaker who could do a lot of things very well, but he regressed some last season. Expect him to rebound in a big way. The strong side starter could again be Jarrett Johnson again but he will face competition. Johnson has lined up all over the defensive front and brings toughness to the group, squad, but he is a marginal athlete for the strong side and has limited upside, and he was a far cry from the departed Adalius Thomas. There is a wild card in the mix in Dan Cody, though, who is more of a defensive end than a linebacker but could supplant Johnson if he ever stays healthy. Antwan Barnes is another aggressive, upfield player who could make a name for himself in 2008. Barnes is still learning the trade and doesn't have Johnson's size, but he can be a handful coming off the edge. The Ravens have not used many early draft picks on linebackers lately but did snatch up Tavares Gooden in the third round this year. Gooden will probably contribute on special teams while he learns from Lewis, and Gooden could factor in at several spots and should fit well in a 4-3 or 3-4 alignment. Nick Greisen also is a solid depth player on the inside and valuable special-teams contributor.
10. Green Bay Packers
While Brady Poppinga is a big, well-built strongside linebacker who has not been a liability as a starter, Green Bay still decided to upgrade at the position by bringing in Brandon Chillar via free agency. It isn't a slam dunk that Chillar will unseat Poppinga, though, and another big strong body to do battle at the line of scrimmage will help the Packers' overall defense. The breadwinners here are MLB Nick Barnett and WLB AJ Hawk. Both players run very well, are quick to diagnose and are sure tacklers. Barnett is an aggressive tackling machine who also gets his hands on passes and can also get to opposing quarterbacks. He is very steady and the leader of this defense. Hawk makes fewer big plays than Barnett and did take a small step back last year, but the former No. 5 overall pick certainly has the physical tools, work ethic and mental aptitude to rebound. Abdul Hodge is a tough guy who can fill in across the board, but he is too often dealing with knee injuries.
11. Atlanta Falcons
SLB Michael Boley might be the best linebacker whom you are not real familiar with. He is extremely athletic with a long build and has the ability to rush the quarterback off the edge, stack the run, or turn and run with athletic tight ends in coverage. As a rookie, Stephen Nicholas battled a high ankle sprain, but he is an explosive run-and-hit weakside linebacker who made Demorrio Williams expendable. In fact, the move might end up being considered an upgrade. Second-round pick MLB Curtis Lofton is going to be very difficult to keep off the field, even though Keith Brooking currently holds the job in the middle. Brooking is established and productive, but is probably better suited for the weak side. He is also an important leader on a team desperate for leadership. Lofton is a hammer who is very instinctive and should fortify the middle for many years. If given the chance, Lofton could have a productive season on a suspect defense. Overall, the Falcons have an impressive foursome of linebackers, and they should be set at this position for the long term, even without Brooking.
12. Pittsburgh Steelers
James Harrison exceeded expectations in taking over for Joey Porter at right outside linebacker. He is tenacious and nasty. Harrison uses his power and leverage to his advantage and is a force in all aspects of his position. Opposite Harrison, second-year player LaMarr Woodley will replace Clark Haggans. In limited views, Woodley was extremely impressive. He is big and thick with natural pass-rushing skills. Woodley could be a breakout player this year with more time on the field and should be an instant upgrade over the departed Haggans. College DE Bruce Davis will be converted to outside linebacker and may see the field some in throwing situations this season as Woodley did a year ago. James Farrior and Larry Foote are the incumbent starters on the inside, but last year's first-round selection Lawrence Timmons will challenge Foote on the weak side. Even if he doesn't win the starting job, the versatile and gifted Timmons will have a prominent role in the sub-package defenses. Foote is proven and solid, but not the ideal athlete for this spot. It wouldn't be shocking to see Timmons go past him during the season. Farrior remains a rock for the Steelers. He is tough and physical at the point of attack. While his age is catching up to him and he isn't the top-notch athlete he was when drafted high in the first round, he remains very steady and important to this team. This ranking surely will fluctuate in accordance to how Woodley and Timmons perform.
13. Philadelphia Eagles
With the starting trio of MLB Stewart Bradley, WLB Omar Gaither and SLB Chris Gocong, the Eagles have a young but aggressive starting group of promising linebackers. This unit may have some issues at times with their recognition skills and might overpursue some misdirection plays due to inexperience, but Bradley and Gocong are big and strong with the ability to bang with large bodies at the line of scrimmage and get upfield after opposing quarterbacks. Gocong is a particularly good pass-rusher. Gaither has very good range, is an excellent tackler and is better suited to play outside, instead of in the middle where he led the team in tackles a year ago. Much like the starters, the Eagles' backup linebackers are also young and lack experience, but they did sign Rocky Boiman, who will probably be the first linebacker off the bench considering the inexperience of the other options. Akeem Jordan is small but very fast and might contribute as a nickel linebacker. Like the starters, Jordan has upside. This is an exciting young group of linebackers to keep your eye on next season.
14. Indianapolis Colts
Freddie Keiaho is a fast, explosive and productive linebacker who can really run and wrap up his target. He should only improve in his second season as a starter. However, he is undersized and after missing five games last year, there may be durability questions. MLB Gary Brackett doesn't look the part, but he's tremendous at covering the deep middle of the field and does just about everything well enough to be quite successful. Brackett is an underrated athlete with an exceptional nose for finding the ball. He is smart, tough and decisive. Tyjuan Hagler should be the starter on the strong side. While he's a little undersized for that role, Hagler is explosive and aggressive. He covers a lot of ground and could be poised for a breakout season. However, Hagler could be pushed by rookie Phillip Wheeler. Wheeler has better size and should become more of an upfield player and blitzer. Second-year player Clint Session is another young linebacker who will compete for playing time. He is an explosive playmaker who consistently shows up on tape. The Colts' knack for finding such players is uncanny, and few front offices understand what their team needs better than Bill Polian's.
15. Buffalo Bills
Last year's second-round pick Paul Posluszny broke his forearm in the third week of the season, but his play was very promising before the injury. He is a natural playmaker with a great nose for the ball. Posluszny will be flanked by Angelo Crowell and newly signed Kawika Mitchell. Crowell is a great athlete who is rapidly improving and is an every-down player who can cover a lot of ground in coverage or in pursuit of the ball carrier. He had his best season as a pro last year and is more productive than many realize. Mitchell is coming off a Super Bowl victory and is at his best coming forward. He will help add size to the Bills' front and should be an able blitzer and reliable player versus the run. John DiGiorgio and Keith Ellison got starting experience last year and are excellent depth players who should both see time. Posluszny and Mitchell can play inside or out, and adding these two to last year's mix should make for a big improvement on the second level.
Williamson
By Matt Williamson
Scouts Inc.
(Archive)
Insider
Updated: July 15, 2008
The Cowboys and Chargers are among the favorites in their respective conferences, and it's easy to see why their defenses are so scary when you look at the talent each team has amassed at linebacker. They boast the top two linebacker units in the NFL, though the Patriots and Bears are close behind. Here's how the top 10 overall groups rank:
1. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have three outside linebackers who can get after opposing quarterbacks and DeMarcus Ware is as good as it gets at the position. Ware can do it all with his rare blend of quickness off the ball, pure speed and ideal body type for the position. He sacked the quarterback 14 times last year, but his ability to stay with backs and tight ends in coverage is often overlooked and Ware is a Defensive Player of the Year candidate who keeps getting better. Greg Ellis returned from injury to have a very productive 2007 season while Anthony Spencer, last year's first-round pick, is going to be tough to keep of the field due to his ability to rush the quarterback. For now, though, Spencer is simply an exceptional No. 3 outside linebacker who could see time on throwing downs and make things very difficult on opposing protection schemes. Bradie James plays inside on the strong side and is a thumper who is always around the football. Zach Thomas came on board to finish his career at home in Texas and will play alongside James on the inside. Thomas played in a 3-4 alignment some in Miami and was very effective, and the transition to playing a 3-4 full-time should not be difficult for such a fundamentally-sound player. Dallas does not have much invested in Thomas so the risk is minimal, but if he can stay healthy it will be interesting to see how much he has left in the tank. Bobby Carpenter has yet to live up to his first-round selection and has shuffled from inside to outside, and while he does provide depth he needs to step up and become more of a contributor. Kevin Barnett is yet another talented young player who will find it hard to get on the field unless injuries intervene, which just goes to show how great this group is overall.
2. San Diego Chargers
Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips are both game-changing outside linebackers. Merriman gets more accolades but Phillips is a fine player in his own right, and defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell wised up and used the two more often as upfield pass rushers midway through the season and entire defense improved dramatically. Few players in the league are on par with Merriman as a pass rusher. He is big, strong, violent and aggressive, with great quickness off the ball and impressive closing speed. Phillips does benefit from Merriman's presence on the other side, but he is also a tremendous athlete and blocking Phillips with just one man is a dangerous proposition. The front office has done a great job finding middle linebackers in the middle rounds, including starters Matt Wilhelm and Stephen Cooper. A suspension will cost Cooper the first four games of the season, and while he does show good range Cooper's absence will open the door for second-year players Anthony Waters and Brandon Siler to make a lasting impression. San Diego also signed Derek Smith to help hold down the middle, and he could be the Opening Day starter. The Chargers also found a potential gem in OLB Jyles Tucker, who proved to be very disruptive last year in limited views. Merriman is the deserving headliner, but this group is loaded and do not be surprised if someone emerges on the inside.
3. New England Patriots
This is a tried and true group, but as last season wore one stamina became a concern for a unit that is up there in age. The Patriots infused some youth into the group on draft day by selecting ILB Jerod Mayo, a perfect fit in their scheme who should make an immediate impact. Mayo is fast, diagnoses plays well, shows excellent versatility and should provide help from the start as an every-down linebacker. Fellow ILB Teddy Bruschi isn't the force he once was, but remains a playmaker in the middle and his leadership is invaluable. New England also signed Victor Hobson, a good fit who will lighten the load on Bruschi and Mayo and can also line up outside if needed. Junior Seau could factor in as well should he decide to play one more year. Coach Bill Belichick covets versatility, which is apparent when you study OLBs Mike Vrabel and Adalius Thomas. Vrabel had an exceptional 2007 season and is a superb pass rusher who also plays the run stoutly. Thomas is a do-it-all player with a rare skill set but he didn't quite live up to the lofty expectations that accompanied the big free-agent contract he signed prior to last season. The Patriots also added OLB Shawn Crable and ILB Bo Ruud on draft day to further stock the position. This is a smart, tough, versatile group full of playmakers that should be much better than a year ago, and New England just might have the best front seven in the league.
4. Chicago Bears
Chicago will welcome back sometimes-disgruntled WLB Lance Briggs, who is quick to diagnose plays and wastes little time executing. Briggs can struggle a bit at the point of attack but is a complete player who can be a difference-maker. Middle linebacker Brian Urlacher is the face of the franchise and the ideal physical specimen for the Bears' Tampa 2 scheme. Urlacher battled back problems for much of 2007 and didn't get much protection from the defensive tackles in front of him, though he still played well and displayed impressive toughness. He finished the season strong, however, so expect him to be back in top form and as good as any 'Mike' linebacker in the league this season in all phases of the game. Strongside LB Hunter Hillenmeyer isn't nearly the difference maker that Briggs and Urlacher are, but he is proven, reliable and rarely out of position. The Bears have two fast weakside linebacker types in Michael Okwo and Jamar Williams, who came on board when Briggs appeared to be headed elsewhere. Okwo missed his entire rookie season with a shoulder injury, but he or Williams could make an impact this year and fit into the scheme well as does Briggs, Urlacher and Hillenmeyer do.
5. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks might have the best pair of linebackers in the league in MLB Lofa Tatupu and OLB Julian Peterson. Tatupu is a natural playmaker who is around the ball on seemingly every play. He is a superb leader, an underrated athlete and someone every defensive coordinator would like to have leading his unit, and Tatupu's pass coverage improves every season. Peterson is a special talent and the rare player who can do just about anything asked of him in any scheme. His athletic ability is off the charts and he makes plenty of plays that make you stand up and say wow. He is adept both in coverage and against the run and excels coming off the edge in blitz situations. Leroy Hill often goes unnoticed alongside his Pro Bowl teammates, but he has been starting since midway through his rookie season and is an impressive player in his own right. Hill is better coming forward than playing in reverse, but he can be a force as a pass rusher and against the run by making plays in the opponent's backfield. Depth behind these three standout starters is worrisome and that hurts the overall ranking of this group just a bit, but linebacker remains the Seahawks' strongest position.
6. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have found a great player in MLB Jon Beason. A first-round pick last season, Beason is an exceptional athlete and all-around playmaker. He is aggressive yet disciplined and takes his job very seriously both on and off the field, and he should play in many Pro Bowls in the future. Thomas Davis was a safety in college but looks like he has finally adapted to playing outside linebacker in the NFL. Davis is an explosive hitter with very good range but still needs to become more reliable. Carolina added Landon Johnson to stabilize the weak side, and while he doesn't get a lot of publicity Johnson was consistently productive in Cincinnati. Incoming rookie Dan Connor is an interesting player who might be too small for the middle and not quite athletic enough for the weak side, but he is a true playmaker and is the type of player who might not return to the sideline once he is able to get on the field. For now, though, Connor he should provide excellent depth and should adjust to the league quickly. Na'il Diggs has some versatility and starting experience and if the fifth starting-caliber linebacker on the roster. This group has a chance to be quite good, but the Panthers' defensive line will not keep them as clean as in years past after the departure of massive DT Kris Jenkins.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars
This is not a particularly well-know group but it is a quality unit. Middle LB Mike Peterson is the best-known name in the bunch, and extremely athletic player who is one of the most productive linebackers in the league when healthy. Peterson is a tough guy who plays hurt, but major injuries have sidetracked him in each of the past two seasons. Weakside LB Daryl Smith moved to the middle in Peterson's absence and has done nice job filling the void, and with their versatility the two give the Jags some options. Clint Ingram starts on the strong side, but Justin Durant might just be too good to keep off the field with his ability to play either outside spot. All four linebackers will play plenty. Smith is solid in all areas and a fine overall player, while Durant is very active and jumps off the screen with his natural playmaking ability, particularly as a penetrator and pass rusher.
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers' starting linebackers -- SLB Cato June, MLB Barrett Ruud and future Hall of Fame WLB Derrick Brooks -- are as active as any group in the NFL. All three are smart players who read keys quickly and get to their destination with haste. They are not the biggest group but they are fast and sure tacklers who have a great understanding of the vaunted Tampa 2 scheme. Ruud battled injuries last year but looks like a fixture in the middle and was a terror when healthy. Brooks isn't quite the athletic specimen he was a few years back but he remains a well-above average player. Ryan Nece was the strong side starter before June arrived and he provides valuable depth, but it remains to be seen whether he will be big and strong enough to properly handle the strong side. Geno Hayes and Quincy Black both have the potential to eventually replace Brooks on the weak side and will be big special teams contributors in the meantime. Nece or June also could be candidates for that starting job once Brooks hangs it up. This is a good group overall but one with many players who have very similar 'Will' skill sets.
9. Baltimore Ravens
Middle LB Ray Lewis is the face of the organization and a fiery, infectious leader who always competes at a high level. Lewis isn't the same out-of-this-world performer he was a few seasons ago but he remains one of the best players in the league at his position, though durability is a concern as he has played a full 16-game season just once in the last six years. Lewis is flanked by WLB Bart Scott, who will also also will line up inside with Lewis when the Ravens go to a 3-4 look. Scott established himself in 2006 as a playmaker who could do a lot of things very well, but he regressed some last season. Expect him to rebound in a big way. The strong side starter could again be Jarrett Johnson again but he will face competition. Johnson has lined up all over the defensive front and brings toughness to the group, squad, but he is a marginal athlete for the strong side and has limited upside, and he was a far cry from the departed Adalius Thomas. There is a wild card in the mix in Dan Cody, though, who is more of a defensive end than a linebacker but could supplant Johnson if he ever stays healthy. Antwan Barnes is another aggressive, upfield player who could make a name for himself in 2008. Barnes is still learning the trade and doesn't have Johnson's size, but he can be a handful coming off the edge. The Ravens have not used many early draft picks on linebackers lately but did snatch up Tavares Gooden in the third round this year. Gooden will probably contribute on special teams while he learns from Lewis, and Gooden could factor in at several spots and should fit well in a 4-3 or 3-4 alignment. Nick Greisen also is a solid depth player on the inside and valuable special-teams contributor.
10. Green Bay Packers
While Brady Poppinga is a big, well-built strongside linebacker who has not been a liability as a starter, Green Bay still decided to upgrade at the position by bringing in Brandon Chillar via free agency. It isn't a slam dunk that Chillar will unseat Poppinga, though, and another big strong body to do battle at the line of scrimmage will help the Packers' overall defense. The breadwinners here are MLB Nick Barnett and WLB AJ Hawk. Both players run very well, are quick to diagnose and are sure tacklers. Barnett is an aggressive tackling machine who also gets his hands on passes and can also get to opposing quarterbacks. He is very steady and the leader of this defense. Hawk makes fewer big plays than Barnett and did take a small step back last year, but the former No. 5 overall pick certainly has the physical tools, work ethic and mental aptitude to rebound. Abdul Hodge is a tough guy who can fill in across the board, but he is too often dealing with knee injuries.
11. Atlanta Falcons
SLB Michael Boley might be the best linebacker whom you are not real familiar with. He is extremely athletic with a long build and has the ability to rush the quarterback off the edge, stack the run, or turn and run with athletic tight ends in coverage. As a rookie, Stephen Nicholas battled a high ankle sprain, but he is an explosive run-and-hit weakside linebacker who made Demorrio Williams expendable. In fact, the move might end up being considered an upgrade. Second-round pick MLB Curtis Lofton is going to be very difficult to keep off the field, even though Keith Brooking currently holds the job in the middle. Brooking is established and productive, but is probably better suited for the weak side. He is also an important leader on a team desperate for leadership. Lofton is a hammer who is very instinctive and should fortify the middle for many years. If given the chance, Lofton could have a productive season on a suspect defense. Overall, the Falcons have an impressive foursome of linebackers, and they should be set at this position for the long term, even without Brooking.
12. Pittsburgh Steelers
James Harrison exceeded expectations in taking over for Joey Porter at right outside linebacker. He is tenacious and nasty. Harrison uses his power and leverage to his advantage and is a force in all aspects of his position. Opposite Harrison, second-year player LaMarr Woodley will replace Clark Haggans. In limited views, Woodley was extremely impressive. He is big and thick with natural pass-rushing skills. Woodley could be a breakout player this year with more time on the field and should be an instant upgrade over the departed Haggans. College DE Bruce Davis will be converted to outside linebacker and may see the field some in throwing situations this season as Woodley did a year ago. James Farrior and Larry Foote are the incumbent starters on the inside, but last year's first-round selection Lawrence Timmons will challenge Foote on the weak side. Even if he doesn't win the starting job, the versatile and gifted Timmons will have a prominent role in the sub-package defenses. Foote is proven and solid, but not the ideal athlete for this spot. It wouldn't be shocking to see Timmons go past him during the season. Farrior remains a rock for the Steelers. He is tough and physical at the point of attack. While his age is catching up to him and he isn't the top-notch athlete he was when drafted high in the first round, he remains very steady and important to this team. This ranking surely will fluctuate in accordance to how Woodley and Timmons perform.
13. Philadelphia Eagles
With the starting trio of MLB Stewart Bradley, WLB Omar Gaither and SLB Chris Gocong, the Eagles have a young but aggressive starting group of promising linebackers. This unit may have some issues at times with their recognition skills and might overpursue some misdirection plays due to inexperience, but Bradley and Gocong are big and strong with the ability to bang with large bodies at the line of scrimmage and get upfield after opposing quarterbacks. Gocong is a particularly good pass-rusher. Gaither has very good range, is an excellent tackler and is better suited to play outside, instead of in the middle where he led the team in tackles a year ago. Much like the starters, the Eagles' backup linebackers are also young and lack experience, but they did sign Rocky Boiman, who will probably be the first linebacker off the bench considering the inexperience of the other options. Akeem Jordan is small but very fast and might contribute as a nickel linebacker. Like the starters, Jordan has upside. This is an exciting young group of linebackers to keep your eye on next season.
14. Indianapolis Colts
Freddie Keiaho is a fast, explosive and productive linebacker who can really run and wrap up his target. He should only improve in his second season as a starter. However, he is undersized and after missing five games last year, there may be durability questions. MLB Gary Brackett doesn't look the part, but he's tremendous at covering the deep middle of the field and does just about everything well enough to be quite successful. Brackett is an underrated athlete with an exceptional nose for finding the ball. He is smart, tough and decisive. Tyjuan Hagler should be the starter on the strong side. While he's a little undersized for that role, Hagler is explosive and aggressive. He covers a lot of ground and could be poised for a breakout season. However, Hagler could be pushed by rookie Phillip Wheeler. Wheeler has better size and should become more of an upfield player and blitzer. Second-year player Clint Session is another young linebacker who will compete for playing time. He is an explosive playmaker who consistently shows up on tape. The Colts' knack for finding such players is uncanny, and few front offices understand what their team needs better than Bill Polian's.
15. Buffalo Bills
Last year's second-round pick Paul Posluszny broke his forearm in the third week of the season, but his play was very promising before the injury. He is a natural playmaker with a great nose for the ball. Posluszny will be flanked by Angelo Crowell and newly signed Kawika Mitchell. Crowell is a great athlete who is rapidly improving and is an every-down player who can cover a lot of ground in coverage or in pursuit of the ball carrier. He had his best season as a pro last year and is more productive than many realize. Mitchell is coming off a Super Bowl victory and is at his best coming forward. He will help add size to the Bills' front and should be an able blitzer and reliable player versus the run. John DiGiorgio and Keith Ellison got starting experience last year and are excellent depth players who should both see time. Posluszny and Mitchell can play inside or out, and adding these two to last year's mix should make for a big improvement on the second level.