NFL's top 10 linebackers in 2022
Linebackers are some of the most important defensive players in the entire NFL. They often serve as the 'quarterback' for their team's defense, responsible for calling plays in the huddle. They also make adjustments and issue audibles at the line of scrimmage depending on what the offense brings to them.
The best linebackers in the NFL have diverse skill sets and contribute to every aspect of their team's defense. They often lead their team in tackles, but the best ones also help out by adding a pass rush and being useful in pass coverage.
The top 10 linebackers in NFL currently are dynamic weapons and reliable leaders. Let's have a look at them.
#1 - Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers have been one of the best defenses in the entire NFL over the last several years. While pass rusher Nick Bosa gets a ton of attention and credit for his elite abilities, linebacker Fred Warner is just as important to their success, if not more.
The 49ers have ranked in the top 10 in rushing yards allowed per game in each of the last three consecutive seasons. Warner is a big reason, while being excellent in the middle of the field against the pass.
The 49ers defense has been dominant during the 2022 NFL season, ranking in the top two in rushing, passing, total yards, and points.
#2 - Shaquille Leonard, Indianapolis Colts
Shaquille, formerly known as Darius Leonard prior to the 2022 NFL season, has been one of the best middle linebackers in the NFL since entering the league. He has exceeded 120 tackles in each of his four seasons so far, while also totaling 15 sacks and 11 interceptions.
Leonard has proven to be one of the most dynamic linebackers in the NFL. He has also been as consistent as some of the most elite players in the position, such as Bobby Wagner, despite his relatively short career so far.
#3 - Bobby Wagner, Los Angeles Rams
Bobby Wagner began his career with the Seattle Seahawks. He was one of the key members of the famous Legion of Boom defense that helped the organization win a Super Bowl ring. Along with Richard Sherman, he was arguably the most important piece of that legendary defense for over a decade.
Wagner has been one of the most consistently elite players in the position. He is currently on an active streak of eight consecutive selections for the All-Pro team. That run includes six first-team selections. He will look to continue that streak with the Los Angeles Rams in his first year with a new team.
#4 - Demario Davis, New Orleans Saints
Demario Davis spent the early part of his career mostly with the New York Jets before joining the New Orleans Saints for the 2018 NFL season. He elevated his game to the next level with his new team while helping them become a dominant defensive unit.
Davis has exceeded 100 tackles and recorded at least three sacks in each season since going to New Orleans. The Saints have raked in the top five rushing yards allowed per game in every season since Davis took over as the middle linebacker.
#5 - Roquan Smith, Chicago Bears
There's no denying that Roquan Smith is one of the most versatile linebackers in the entire NFL. He has been extremely productive every season since coming into the league. In each of his four seasons, he has exceeded 100 tackles while recording multiple sacks and at least one interception every year.
Smith has been selected as a second-team All-Pro in each of the last two seasons. His overall play has struggled during the 2022 NFL season, but that may have more to do with how bad the rest of the Chicago Bears defense is around him. He also requested a trade prior to the start of the season, so may be looking for a change.
#6 - Lavonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Lavonte David has been one of the most consistent linebackers in the NFL for more than a decade since entering the league. Since his debut in 2012, only Bobby Wagner has recorded more total tackles than David.
David is also one of the best pass-coverage linebackers in the league. He has averaged more than 5.5 defended passes per season during his career and has recorded two separate seasons with three or more interceptions.
#7 - Eric Kendricks, Minnesota Vikings
Eric Kendricks is probably one of the most underappreciated linebackers in the NFL. In addition to exceeding 100 total tackles in each of the last six consecutive seasons, he is also one of the best linebackers in pass coverage.
Kendricks has recorded multiple interceptions in each of the last two consecutive seasons. He has also been credited with 48 defended passes during his career, but his defensive contributions in pass coverage go well beyond the stat sheet.
#8 - De'Vondre Campbell, Green Bay Packers
The jury should still be out on De'Vondre Campbell. He may very well be the absolute best middle linebacker in the NFL, as he was during the 2021 season, or he may simply go down as a typical one-season wonder.
Campbell earned the highest overall PFF grade of any primary middle linebacker last season, as well as rating the best in pass coverage for any player in the position.
He has had a relatively mediocre career besides his first with the Green Bay Packers last year. He was so good in that one season that he deserves a spot in the top 10.
#9 - Foyesade Oluokun, Jacksonville Jaguars
Foyesade Oluokun has proven to be a tackling machine over the last couple of years. He recorded 192 total tackles during the 2021 NFL season with the Atlanta Falcons, leading the entire NFL. He currently ranks seventh in total tackles during the 2022 NFL season with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
No player in the NFL has recorded more total tackles over the last two years combined than Oluokun. He would likely be ranked higher among linebackers if his abilities in pass coverage were a bit better.
#10 - CJ Mosley, New York Jets
CJ Mosley was one of the best linebackers in the NFL during his time with the Baltimore Ravens. He spent five seasons with the team and was selected to the All-Pro team four times. He joined the New York Jets in 2019, but appeared in just two games in his first two years with the new team.
After missing so much time, Mosley now seems to be rounding back into form. He may have taken a step back, but he's still one of the best linebackers in the game. He ranked fourth in total tackles during the 2021 NFL season and ranks fourth again so far in the 2022 NFL season.