2024 FTN NFL Power Rankings Through Week 15: Who Takes Over the Top Spot?
Daniel Kelley
The linebacker position can look very different on a team-by-team basis in today’s NFL. Some teams utilize outside linebackers to generate pressure or drop in coverage. Others use two or three off-ball linebackers, opting to go with bigger defensive linemen to control the line of scrimmage.
Through six weeks, there have been clear examples of dominant linebacker groups in both styles. Check out how they rank below.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (Preseason Rank: 10)
T.J. Watt (LOLB), Cole Holcomb (ILB), Elandon Roberts (ILB), Alex Highsmith (ROLB)
The Steelers find themselves second on this list thanks to the ridiculous production off the edge by T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. Watt and Highsmith each boast pass rush grades above 85.0 after five games and PFF grades above 88.1. Watt and Highsmith are 4th and 11th, respectively, in PFF’s edge rusher grades thanks to 50 combined pressures and 10 sacks to start the season. However, they aren’t the only linebackers performing at a high level. Interior linebackers Cole Holcomb (68.1 PFF grade) and Elandon Roberts (70.4 PFF grade) have combined to generate 48 tackles and 30 stops to start the season.
2. New York Jets (Preseason Rank: 18)
Quincy Williams (WLB), C.J. Mosley (MLB)
The Jets linebacking duo of C.J. Mosley and Quincy Williams set the standard for linebacker play at the start of 2023, with each player ranking inside PFF’s top-10 linebacker rankings. Mosley and Williams have combined to accrue 87 tackles, 49 stops, 10 pressures, two sacks, six pass breakups and an interception this season. Each player has a PFF coverage grade above 87.0 and a tackling grade above 76.0 to start the year. They are performing at an exceptional level to start the season.
3. Baltimore Ravens (Preseason Rank: 12)
Jadeveon Clowney (LOLB), Roquan Smith (ILB), Patrick Queen (ILB), Kyle Van Noy (ROLB)
The Ravens probably weren’t planning on relying so heavily on Jadeveon Clowney and Kyle Van Noy in 2023, but it has been working out so far. Clowney leads the team in pressures (29) and has a PFF pass-rushing grade above 74.0. Van Noy was a new addition to the team but has generated 11 pressures on 65 passing snaps this season. This lofty ranking is driven by interior linebackers Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen, though. Smith and Queen have combined to generate 71 tackles, 14 pressures, six sacks and five pass breakups in six games. They are PFF’s 2nd and 12th-ranked linebackers to start the season.
4. San Francisco 49ers (Preseason Rank: 2)
Dre Greenlaw (WLB), Fred Warner (MLB), Oren Burks (SLB)
The 49ers linebacking corps has benefited greatly from the stellar defensive line in front of them keeping them clean to make plays. The duo of Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw has combined to rack up 65 tackles and 28 stops to start the season. They have also added three pass breakups and three interceptions (all by Greenlaw). The team has also gotten steady play from Oren Burks in spots throughout the season. Burks has played just 151 snaps to start the season but has put together a 90.3 coverage grade and 13 tackles.
5. Seattle Seahawks (Preseason Rank: 15)
Boye Mafe (LOLB), Jordyn Brooks (ILB), Bobby Wagner (ILB), Uchenna Nwosu (ROLB)
Bobby Wagner has to slow down at some point, doesn’t he? The veteran linebacker has returned to Seattle and has not missed a beat, ranking as PFF’s 6th-best linebacker and leading the Seahawks with 41 tackles and 25 stops. He’s added five pressures and two sacks for good measure. He’s forming an excellent off-ball tandem with Jordyn Brooks, who has 31 tackles, six pressures and three sacks on his own. The edge rushing duo of Uchenna Nwosu and Boye Mafe havs lived in the backfield to start the season, combining for 28 pressures and five sacks. Both players also have run defense grades above 75.0, showing that they aren’t just pass-rushers but all-around defenders for the Seahawks.
6. Philadelphia Eagles (Preseason Rank: 6)
Zach Cunningham (WLB), Nicholas Morrow (MLB)
Philadelphia was hoping that Nakobe Dean would take a step and show the stellar play that defined his game during his collegiate career at Georgia in 2023, but the second-year linebacker has only been able to see the field for 81 plays this season due to injury. Thankfully, the Eagles are getting excellent efforts from Zach Cunningham (31 tackles) and Nicholas Morrow (22 tackles and three sacks) in his stead. Morrow has been especially impressive this year, ranking as PFF’s fifth-ranked linebacker thanks to an 80.8 run defense grade, an 81.7 tackling grade and a 90.8 pass rushing grade. Having an army of studs on the defensive line certainly helps, but the Eagles linebackers are producing on their own as well.
7. Detroit Lions (Preseason Rank: 14)
Alex Anzalone (WLB), Derrick Barnes (MLB), Jack Campbell (SLB)
The Lions have gotten solid production out of Alex Anzalone (76.3 PFF grade) and Derrick Barnes (68.6 PFF grade), which has allowed them to situationally deploy rookie first-round pick Jack Campbell. Barnes and Anzalone have combined to rack up 52 tackles, 30 stops, 12 pressures, two sacks and four pass breakups through the team’s first six games. Campbell has played just 181 of 383 snaps to start the season but found ways to make an impact on the field. The rookie has 15 tackles and one sack in a limited role. Time will tell if Campbell finds his way onto the field more as the season goes on, but it will be difficult with Anzalone and Barnes playing so well.
8. New Orleans Saints (Preseason Rank: 19)
Pete Werner (WLB), Demario Davis (MLB)
Demario Davis continues to be as steady as they come in the middle of the Saints defense. The veteran is PFF’s fourth-ranked linebacker through six games with an 85.9 grade. Davis has 27 tackles, two sacks, one pass breakup and a defensive touchdown to start the season. Pete Werner is also playing solid football to start the season. After years of being a situational coverage linebacker, Werner has seen his role grow to a full-time linebacker spot. He leads the team in tackles (33) and has a sack and an interception to start the season.
9. Las Vegas Raiders (Preseason Rank: 32)
Robert Spillane (WLB), Divine Deablo (MLB)
The Raiders are massively exceeding expectations at the linebacker position with both Divine Deablo and Robert Spillane thriving in full-time roles during the 2023 season. The duo has combined to rack up 61 tackles, 13 pressures, two sacks and two interceptions to start the season. Both Spillane and Deablo have been solid run defenders but are making their mark in coverage with each of them earning PFF coverage grades above 68.0.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars (Preseason Rank: 25)
Josh Allen (LOLB), Foyesade Oluokun (ILB), Devin Lloyd (ILB), Travon Walker (ROLB)
Foyesade Oluokun has been one of the better off-ball linebackers in the NFL for several seasons now and isn’t slowing down in 2023. He’s PFF’s 15th-ranked linebacker and has already amassed 49 tackles and two pass breakups to start the season. Josh Allen has been equally impressive to start the season. Allen is rated as PFF’s 12th overall edge rusher with 23 pressures, seven sacks and 11 tackles to start the season. The team will need more from 2022 first-round picks Devin Lloyd and Travon Waker. Both players have shown improvement in his second season. Walker has already generated 17 pressures and three sacks, while Lloyd is starting to show his versatility in the NFL with 21 tackles and five pass breakups to start the season.
11. Minnesota Vikings (Preseason Rank: 4)
Danielle Hunter (LOLB), Jordan Hicks (ILB), Ivan Pace Jr. (ILB), D.J. Wonnum (ROLB)
Jordan Hicks remains one of the most consistent tacklers in the NFL, amassing 37 tackles through six games. He’s also added a pass breakup and an interception for good measure. The team is also getting solid production from their edge rushers. We’ve come to expect results from Danielle Hunter, and he is once again delivering, racking up 21 pressures and eight sacks in six games. D.J. Wonnum is doing his best to replace Za’Darius Smith and has been solid in his place, putting together 14 pressures and two sacks on 167 pass-rush snaps.
12. New England Patriots (Preseason Rank: 3)
Anfernee Jennings (WLB), Ja’Whaun Bentley (MLB), Jahlani Tavai (SLB)
New England’s linebackers might be the bright spot of the entire team, which is pretty unfortunate when you are trying to win games. All three of their listed starters have PFF grades above 70.0 and run defense grades over 68.0 to start the season. Their linebacker group has combined to generate 66 tackles, 20 pressures and two sacks to begin the season. Unfortunately for New England, their success hasn’t translated anywhere else on the field, which is why this team is as bad as they are.
13. Kansas City Chiefs (Preseason Rank: 9)
Willie Gay (WLB), Nick Bolton (MLB), Leo Chenal (SLB)
The Chiefs are getting solid play from their linebacker group to start the season. Nick Bolton, Willie Gay, and Leo Chenal all boast PFF grades above 60.0 this season and have at least 15 tackles and two pressures to start the season. The team also substitutes Drue Tranquill onto the field on passing downs to provide some extra speed on defense. Tranquill leads the Chiefs in tackles (29) and has generated six pressures with two sacks on 26 pass-rushing plays. This is a versatile group that the Chiefs can utilize to match their opponent’s offensive tendencies.
14. Miami Dolphins (Preseason Rank: 1)
Jaelan Phillips (LOLB), David Long (ILB), Jerome Baker (ILB), Bradley Chubb (ROLB)
An injury to Jaelan Phillips has robbed the Dolphins of the ability to see their pass rush at full strength. Phillips has played just 131 snaps in three games, collecting just 10 pressures and two sacks to start the season. Thankfully, Chubb (22 pressures and four sacks) and backup edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel (19 pressures and four sacks) have been able to pick up the slack. David Long and Jerome Baker remain two of the better-run defenders in the league. The off-ball linebacking duo has combined to amass 56 tackles and 12 pressures to start the season.
15. Carolina Panthers (Preseason Rank: 21)
Brian Burns (LOLB), Kamu Grugier-Hill (ILB), Frankie Luvu (ILB), Justin Houston (ROLB)
The season-ending injury to Shaq Thompson ultimately hurt the ranking of this group. Frankie Luvu (27 tackles and four sacks) remains a machine in the middle of the field and a versatile pass-rusher from depth. Brian Burns has also acclimated well to the new 3-4 defense, racking up 15 pressures and five sacks on 135 pass-rushing reps. The Panthers have also been using Justin Houston (nine pressures and one sack) with Yetur Gross-Matos (nine pressures and three sacks) to provide a consistent pass rush across from Burns.
16. Buffalo Bills (Preseason Rank: 28)
Tyrel Dodson (WLB), Terrel Bernard (MLB)
The Matt Milano injury was brutal for Buffalo. Milano was having arguably his best all-around season, racking up 23 tackles and two interceptions on 211 snaps. Now the team will hope that unproven players like Tyrel Dodson (six tackles on 74 plays) and Terrel Bernard (35 tackles and two interceptions) can pick up the pace and provide a similar level of play. 2023 third-round pick Dorian Williams is the most likely replacement for Milano’s role on passing downs, but he has struggled to provide the same coverage in 110 snaps (38.6 PFF grade).
17. Houston Texans (Preseason Rank: 16)
Denzel Perryman (WLB), Henry To’oTo’o (MLB), Blake Cashman (SLB)
Denzel Perryman has been limited to just three games due to an injury, which meant an increased role for rookie Henry To’oTo’o in his first season. The rookie hasn’t graded out well through six games (43.9 PFF grade) but is leading the team in tackles (33) and has two pass breakups this season. Blake Cashman has taken on a bigger role in this defense and has responded by becoming PFF’s top-rated linebacker through six games. Cashman (90.3 PFF grade) has 21 tackles, two pass breakups and an interception while leading the team in snaps (400) this season.
18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Preseason Rank: 22)
Shaquil Barrett (LOLB), Devin White (ILB), Lavonte David (ILB), Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (ROLB)
Both Shaquil Barrett (12 pressures) and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (13 pressures) are getting into the backfield, but it isn’t translating into sacks yet. The duo has combined to generate just four sacks this season. Lavonte David (30 tackles) remains as steady as they come as an off-ball linebacker and has even added five pressures and two sacks of his own. Unfortunately, Devin White has seemingly taken a step back this season. White has a modest 51.0 PFF grade through five games and has just 22 tackles and an interception to start the season.
19. Los Angeles Chargers (Preseason Rank: 13)
Joey Bosa (LOLB), Eric Kendricks (ILB), Kenneth Murray (ILB), Khalil Mack (ROLB)
An injury has limited Joey Bosa to just 135 snaps to start the season, although he has been productive when he’s on the field (10 pressures and three sacks). The team has been able to survive his absence thanks to Khalil Mack (23 pressures and eight sacks) turning back the clock and steady play from rookie Tuli Tuipulotu (19 pressures and five sacks on 132 pass-rushing snaps). Kenneth Murray continues to be limited as a linebacker, but he is still very good at racking up tackles (26 through five games).
20. Cleveland Browns (Preseason Rank: 23)
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (WLB), Anthony Walker (MLB)
The Browns drafted Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah to be a versatile weapon at the linebacker position after a standout career at Notre Dame. The young linebacker is filling those shoes admirably in his second season with a 77.7 PFF grade thanks to 17 tackles, three pressures, one sack and a pass breakup. Anthony Walker has been fine in his return from 2022’s season-ending quad tendon tear. He’s been on the field for just 173 of 272 defensive snaps but found a way to accrue 14 tackles and three pressures despite the limited playing time.
21. Denver Broncos (Preseason Rank: 8)
Nik Bonitto (LOLB), Josey Jewell (ILB), Alex Singleton (ILB), Jonathon Cooper (ROLB)
The Broncos didn’t like the production they were getting from Randy Gregory and Frank Clark, so they initiated a youth movement by playing Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper more in recent weeks. The pair has generated 35 pressures and nine sacks, which means that the experiment seems to be working. The team group has been bolstered by a healthy Josey Jewell playing alongside Alex Singleton. Singleton remains the tackling machine (36 tackles), while Jewell is used as a versatile chess piece in coverage. The team hasn’t gotten much from 2023 rookie Drew Sanders. Sanders was seen by many as the best linebacker in the class, but he has a paltry 30.3 PFF grade on 118 snaps to start his career.
22. Dallas Cowboys (Preseason Rank: 26)
Markquese Bell (WLB), Damone Clark (MLB)
Injuries have decimated Dallas’ linebacking group. The team is currently missing Leighton Vander Esch and rookie DeMarvion Overshown on the injured reserve, which has forced the team to get creative. Damone Clark missed a lot of his rookie season due to an injury, but he’s showing that his speed at the linebacker position plays at the NFL level. He leads the Cowboys in tackles (24) and has a 67.1 PFF grade to start the season. The team also got creative by moving college safety Markquese Bell into the box to be their other linebacker. Bell’s tackling instincts have flashed with 20 tackles on 146 snaps. His 84.0 PFF grade is good enough to rank seventh among all linebackers to start the season.
23. Green Bay Packers (Preseason Rank: 7)
Rashan Gary (LOLB), De’Vondre Campbell (ILB), Quay Walker (ILB), Preston Smith (ROLB)
If the early results are any indication, Rashan Gary hasn’t lost a step after suffering a season-ending knee injury in 2022. The Packers have used Gary as a situational pass rusher to start the season, and he’s responded by logging 20 pressures and five snaps on just 78 pass-rushing snaps. Luckily for the Packers, second-year linebacker Quay Walker is looking much more confident after a rocky rookie season. Walker is leading the team in tackles (35) and is a factor in coverage, totaling a pass breakup and an interception through five games.
24. Atlanta Falcons (Preseason Rank: 30)
Arnold Ebiketie (LOLB), Kaden Elliss (ILB), Nate Landman (ILB), Bud Dupree (ROLB)
The Falcons have gotten excellent production out of their off-ball linebackers. Kaden Elliss (31 tackles) and Nate Landman (25 tackles) each have a PFF grade above 66.0. Each player has shown consistently securing tackles this season, even though they leave a bit to be desired in coverage. Unfortunately, the Falcons edge rushers haven’t had the same success. Bud Dupree has been just fine rushing the passer (11 pressures and three sacks), and the team recently started giving Arnold Ebiketie (eight pressures and two sacks) more snaps over Lorenzo Carter.
25. Tennessee Titans (Preseason Rank: 24)
Harold Landry (LOLB), Jack Gibbens (ILB), Azeez Al-Shaair (ILB), Arden Key (ROLB)
The Titans interior linebackers have been busy this season. The combination of Azeez Al-Shaair and Jack Gibbens has accrued 85 tackles, 11 pressures and a sack through the first six weeks. The team has gotten consistent pressure from Arden Key (20 pressures and three sacks) but isn’t getting anything from veteran Harold Landry. It will be hard for this unit to climb much higher on this list if Landry isn’t being a disruptive pass-rushing force.
26. Chicago Bears (Preseason Rank: 5)
T.J. Edwards (WLB), Tremaine Edmunds (MLB), Jack Sanborn (SLB)
The Bears invested heavily in their linebacking group during the offseason, handing out big contracts to both T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds. That investment has had mixed results. Edwards has continued to look like one of the best linebackers in the NFL. The former Eagle has a team-leading 49 tackles while adding four pressures and two sacks. Unfortunately, Tremaine Edmunds has not been as good. The rangy linebacker missed time during the offseason with injuries and has failed to have a big impact through six games as evidenced by his 51.2 PFF grade. The team hasn’t used Jack Sanborn much, but he’s been effective when he hits the field (16 tackles on 152 snaps).
27. Cincinnati Bengals (Preseason Rank: 11)
Germaine Pratt (WLB), Logan Wilson (MLB)
The Bengals have almost exclusively used two linebackers this season. The combination of Germaine Pratt (38 tackles and one sack) and Logan Wilson (33 tackles and one sack) has performed fine to begin the season, but both players are just adequate athletes who inconsistently factor into the passing defense. That being said, the two linebackers have combined for three interceptions this season.
28. Indianapolis Colts (Preseason Rank: 27)
Shaquille Leonard (WLB), Zaire Franklin (MLB), E.J. Speed (SLB)
Unfortunately, it looks like several years of injuries have truly sapped Shaquille Leonard of his game-changing ability as a linebacker. Leonard has played 259 of 433 defensive snaps this year but has just 20 tackles and two pressures during that time. Thankfully, Zaire Franklin’s big 2022 season was not just a fluke. Franklin has already racked up 62 tackles and two sacks through six games. E.J. Speed is proving to be a capable veteran, but he doesn’t seem to be an impact-maker. If Leonard had flashed any of his previous abilities, this group would be higher on the list given Franklin’s high-volume tackling acumen.
29. New York Giants (Preseason Rank: 20)
Jihad Ward (LOLB), Bobby Okereke (ILB), Micah McFadden (ILB), Kayvon Thibodeaux (ROLB)
Unfortunately for the Giants, Azeez Ojulari is unable to stay healthy enough to form a formidable pass-rushing duo with second-year linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (16 pressures and four sacks on 161 pass-rushing snaps). That has forced Jihad Ward (34.4 PFF grade) into action, and he hasn’t proven capable of taking advantage of it. Bobby Okereke seems to have evolved into one of the best linebackers in the NFL. The veteran has already accrued 39 tackles, five pressures, three pass breakups and an interception to start the season. Micah McFadden looks to be a solid second linebacker, generating 29 tackles and an interception in 236 snaps.
30. Washington Commanders (Preseason Rank: 29)
Jamin Davis (WLB), Cody Barton (MLB)
Washington has utilized just two linebackers for the majority of the season. Fortunately, Jamin Davis looks to be acclimating to the NFL fine after an inconsistent start to his career. Davis has a 72.7 PFF grade and has contributed 24 tackles, four pressures, two sacks and an interception. Unfortunately, free-agent acquisition Cody Barton has struggled in his new surroundings. Barton has a 45.9 PFF grade and 38 tackles, but he has been picked on in passing coverage. Quarterbacks have completed 22-of-25 passes for 178 yards and two touchdowns against Barton this season.
31. Los Angeles Rams (Preseason Rank: 31)
Michael Hoecht (LOLB), Christian Rozeboom (ILB), Ernest Jones (ILB), Byron Young (ROLB)
Half of the Rams linebackers have had a great start to the season, while the other half have struggled. Ernest Jones is leading the Rams in tackles (45) and put together a 78.1 PFF grade on 386 snaps. Additionally, the team has gotten solid production from Byron Young as one of their edge rushers. Young leads the team in sacks (4) and is second to Aaron Donald in pressures (25). The team will need better play from Michael Hoecht (44.5 PFF grade) and Christian Rozeboom (22.9% missed tackle rate) to climb out of the basement of these rankings.
32. Arizona Cardinals (Preseason Rank: 17)
Zaven Collins (LOLB), Kyzir White (ILB), Josh Woods (ILB), Cameron Thomas (ROLB)
Kyzir White remains one of the NFL’s most productive tackling machines (39 tackles on 414 snaps), but he is inconsistent in coverage. The Cardinals have gotten solid production from their situational edge rushers Victor Dimukeje (14 pressures and four sacks on 69 pass rush snaps) and Dennis Gardeck (11 pressures and four sacks on 96 pass rush snaps) but have gotten virtually nothing from their starting tandem. It seems unlikely that this group will climb much higher on this list this year given what they have done in six games.
