A ranked list of the 15 best linebackers in the NFL this season

A ranked list of the 15 best linebackers in the NFL this season

Helix Odhiambo
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:21 PM

The role of a linebacker is to defend the goal area of the football field against runs and to block plays by the opposing team. Over the years, fans have witnessed some of the best linebackers in the National Football League history display their defensive skills and talents. We have compiled a list of the 15 best LBs in the 2022 NFL season.

Best linebackers in NFL history
De'Vondre Campbell (L), Micah Parsons (M), and Darius Leonard (R) are now the leading Linebackers in the NFL in 2022. Photo: Richard Rodriguez, Abbie Parr, Andy Lyons (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

The best linebackers in NFL 2022 offer more than just tackling opponents. They can affect the game in many ways, including defending the pass as a pass rusher. Such attributes make them valuable and unique.

Best linebackers in the NFL

The 2022 NFL season, which runs from 8 September 2022 to 8 January 2023, has produced elite names with exceptional defensive skills. To some, they are among the best linebackers in NFL history.

Who is the fastest NFL linebacker?

Micah Parsons is considered the best LB right now, followed by Fred Warner and De'Vondre Campbell. Here are the most outstanding linebackers who have excelled in the 2022 NFL season.

15. Bobby Okereke - Indianapolis Colts

Who is the fastest NFL linebacker?
Indianapolis Colts LB Bobby Okereke walks off the field after their league game against Philadelphia Eagles on 20 November 2022 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. Photo: Michael Allio
Source: Getty Images

Indianapolis Colts LB, Bobby Okereke, is one of the highly-rated defenders in the NFL in 2022. His contribution helped the Colts win matches without the three-time All-Pro Shaquille Leonard, who sustained an injury. Okereke is also one of the league's best young defenders in coverage.

14. Devin White - Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Devin is an integral figure in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defensive line. He won the NFC defensive player of the month for September for his outstanding performance. Despite his talent, White came under criticism following Tama Bay's poor form. His father's death in November 2022 added more pain to his life, but the defender has since overcome his woes and proved his doubters wrong.

13. Tremaine Edmunds - Buffalo Bills

Best linebackers in NFL of all time
Tremaine Edmunds of the Buffalo Bills runs onto the field against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on 16 October 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. Photo: Cooper Neill
Source: Getty Images

The middle linebacker has helped the Buffalo Bills this season, but his injuries saw the team struggle defensively. Tremaine Edmunds is also among the best young defenders in the 2022 NFL season, with the potential to improve.

12. Ja'Whaun Bentley - New England Patriots

Bentley plays for the New England Patriots as an off-the-ball linebacker. Since joining the Patriots in 2018, the American footballer has won the hearts of many fans. He is an essential member of the team and a potential captain because of his leadership qualities.

11. C.J. Mosley - New York Jets

Best linebackers in NFL 2023
Detroit Lions defensive tackle C.J. Mosley walks on the pitch ahead of their game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. Photo: Rich Kane
Source: Getty Images

Mosley is a veteran footballer who has earned respect for his leadership, experience, and winning mentality. He had one of the league's highest tackles (88) in 2022. The LB is also known for his ability to read the game and intercept passes.

Top 10 linebackers in 2022 NFL

To rank among the best linebackers in NFL, height and weight do not matter. However, it requires great vision, tackling, and leadership skills.

10. Logan Wilson - Cincinnati Bengals

Best linebackers in NFL, height and weight
Logan Wilson of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates their win over the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Nissan Stadium on 22 January 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Andy Lyons
Source: Getty Images

Wilson is known for his intelligence and ability to read the game and intercept passes. He is one of the most outstanding LBs in the league. Logan won the 2022 Ed Block Courage Award, an accolade given by Cincinnati Bengals honouring players who symbolize professionalism, great strength, and dedication.

9. Demario Davis - New Orleans Saints

The Saints defender is considered one of the best off-ball linebackers in the NFL in 2022. He was named the Saints 2022 Man of the Year after his outstanding contribution during the season. The Mississippi native is also among the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year Award nominees.

8. Nick Bolton - Kansas City Chiefs

Top 10 linebackers in 2022 NFL
Nick Bolton of the Kansas City Chiefs walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on 2 October 2022 in Tampa, Florida. Photo: Kevin Sabitus
Source: Getty Images

Nick was drafted into the league in 2021 by the Chiefs and has proved to be an outstanding signing at the back. Besides defending, he is also a suitable ball carrier and among the best tacklers in the NFL.

7. Roquan Smith - Baltimore Ravens

Roquan Smith has produced impressive tackles since joining Baltimore Ravens in October 2022 from the Chicago Bears. He has also helped the Ravens become a much more organized side defensively and in passing.

6. Bobby Wagner - Los Angeles Rams

Best linebackers in NFL free agency
Bobby Wagner of the Los Angeles Rams walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders at SoFi Stadium on 8 December 2022 in Inglewood, California. Photo: Kevin Sabitus
Source: Getty Images

The Rams' LB has proved that he is timeless despite the team's catastrophic 2022 season. Wagner has recorded at least 100 or 60 solo tackles in a season. He is known for playing physical football and is a hard nut to crack at the back. Bobby Wagner also led the list of best linebackers in NFL free agency in 2022.

5. Foye Oluokun - Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars splashed $45 million to acquire Oluokun in March 2022, a move that has since paid off for the team. Foye's interceptions, tackles, and passes have been Key for the Jaguars, proving that he is among the best LBs in the NFL.

4. Darius Leonard - Indianapolis Colts

Best linebackers in NFL of all time
Darius Leonard #53 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates during their game against the New England Patriots at Lucas Oil Stadium on 18 December 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Photo: Andy Lyons
Source: Getty Images

Leonard, famously known as 'Maniac,' is viewed by many as one of the top-ranked inside linebackers in the 2022 season. His disruptive and clean-up techniques have made him a great defender and improved the Colts' backline.

3. De'Vondre Campbell - Green Bay Packers

Campbell's run-and-hit skill set in 2022 has raised his status as one of the best defenders in the NFL. One of his strengths is his ability to make tackles in space. Despite suffering injuries during the season, Campbell has not slowed down in his performance.

2. Fred Warner - San Francisco 49ers

Best linebackers in NFL 2022
Fred Warner of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after an overtime win against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on 1 January 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo: Jeff Bottari
Source: Getty Images

Second on our list is Fred Warner, the San Francisco 49ers defender with good tackling and game-reading skills. He is the heart of the 49ers' backline, leading the backline by example. Warner joined the NFL franchise in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Who is the best linebacker in NFL right now?

Dallas Cowboys LB, Micah Parsons, is one of the most-talked-about defenders in the NFL this season. His smartness, toughness, and leadership skills set him apart from the other linebackers on our list.

1. Micah Parsons - Dallas Cowboys

Best linebackers in NFL 2022
Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys warms up against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium on 24 December 2022 in Arlington, Texas. Photo: Cooper Neill
Source: Getty Images

The talented Dallas Cowboys defender has stood out on the field, in the locker room, and the community. He is a top-rated footballer with the potential to become one of the best linebackers in the NFL of all time and joins the likes of Lawrence Taylor, Derrick Thomas, and Ted Hendricks.

Best linebackers in the NFL 2000s

Former Baltimore Ravens LB, Ray Lewis, leads the ranking of best NFL defenders of the 2000s. His physical ability, vast football knowledge, and leadership skills make him the standout star of his generation. Our top five rankings are based on their starts between 2000 and 2009.

Player

Team

Tackles

Sacks

Interceptions

Ray Lewis

Baltimore Ravens

866

23.5

21

Tedy Bruschi

New England Patriots

526

18.5

11

Brian Urlacher

Chicago Bears

816

37.5

17

Joey Porter

Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins

444

90

12

Zach Thomas

Miami Dolphins

652

15

9

Best linebackers in the NFL draft 2023

The 2023 NFL draft will see teams compete to select some of the most talented LBs with massive potential to become great players. Clemson Tigers' outside linebacker, Trenton Simpson, is arguably the best defender in the 2023 draft. Others include Drew Sanders of Arkansas and Oregon's Noah Sewell.

Player

Team

Trenton Simpson

Clemson Tigers

Drew Sanders

Arkansas

Noah Sewell

Oregon

Henry To'oTo'o

Alabama

Tommy Eichenberg

Ohio State

Daiyan Henley

Washington State

Mohamoud Diabate

Utah

Jack Campbell

Iowa

Ivan Pace Jr.

Cincinnati

DeMarvion Overshown

Texas

Ranking among the best linebackers in the NFL this season is a product of hard work and patience. The league saw many great defenders in 2022, but only a few are worth mentioning for their outstanding performances. So, will they continue with their form in the 2023 season? We wait to see.

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Authors
Helix Odhiambo photo
Helix Odhiambo
Helix Odhiambo is an award-winning Kenyan journalist and content creator with over 6 years of experience. In 2016, he won the Goal Blaze Correspondent Award for young writers.