I’d have to say Derrick Brooks. Insane speed. Could cover, chase you down back side, shoot a gap for a TFL or Sack, Leader both in and off the field. Don’t think you build them more complete than Brooks.
Nobis was a tackling machine. Was a good-sometimes very good player but never great. Despite a good career he underachieved a bit with how hyped he was coming out of Texas as the first pick overall in the NFL draft (went 5th in the AFL draft)
It’s in a 4-3 rather than a 3-4 so he doesn’t get the glamor stats but i am not sure I have seen a better pure linebacker. If you are going to count the olb in a 3-4 (who are really edge rushers in my mind) von Miller in recent years has been something else.
RE: I am actually surprised no one has said keuchly Â
It’s in a 4-3 rather than a 3-4 so he doesn’t get the glamor stats but i am not sure I have seen a better pure linebacker. If you are going to count the olb in a 3-4 (who are really edge rushers in my mind) von Miller in recent years has been something else.
Don't be surprised. Someone said him.
Quote:
I'm sure these guys were all mentioned
pjcas18 : 3:20 pm : link : reply
but I'll say Ray Lewis, Brian Urlacher, Mike Singletary, Harry Carson, Zach Thomas, Luke Kuechly is already there for me.
Steelers fans will say Jack Lambert (before Greg Lloyd or Joey Porter), but I didn't really see Lambert in his prime or Butkus at all.
You pretty much committed suicide to your own OP, with Butkus.
I guess it comes down to do you like the proto-typical MLB or the OLB type
I don’t know about that, man...
Swilling rocked!
The best cover linebacker I've seen is unfortunately Ray Lewis. 2003 Ray Lewis was as productive at MIKE in coverage as a top tier corner.
'90s: Derrick Thomas
'00s: Ray Lewis
'10s: Patrick Willis
Lambert - ( New Window )
If you ever had an accurate thought, it would die of loneliness.
Good call.
And somehow Ray Lewis escaped my mind.
Jack Lambert is a close 3rd
I know people will knock this, but DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller are closer to LT impact than some current HOFers.
Lewis and Seau are close to Butkus level, but from college I've always felt Brooks was a better all-around LB than Lewis.
Steelers fans will say Jack Lambert (before Greg Lloyd or Joey Porter), but I didn't really see Lambert in his prime or Butkus at all.
but none of these guys are really close to LT.
Make that the 3rd mention of Lanier and Bell both!
DeMarcus Ware was a beast through his first what 6-7 seasons? But then slowed down or fell off quite a bit.
is that NO ONE really came CLOSE to LT.
At his peak he was like Thor came from his realm of G-ds to play football among earthlings.
Butkus
Lewis
Hendricks
Lambert
Seau
Nitsche
Bednarik
Harry (I loved Harry)
Bell
Lots of very good linebackers
Nobis was a tackling machine. Was a good-sometimes very good player but never great. Despite a good career he underachieved a bit with how hyped he was coming out of Texas as the first pick overall in the NFL draft (went 5th in the AFL draft)
Joe Schmidt. Bednarik.
Don't be surprised. Someone said him.
pjcas18 : 3:20 pm : link : reply
but I'll say Ray Lewis, Brian Urlacher, Mike Singletary, Harry Carson, Zach Thomas, Luke Kuechly is already there for me.
Steelers fans will say Jack Lambert (before Greg Lloyd or Joey Porter), but I didn't really see Lambert in his prime or Butkus at all.
but none of these guys are really close to LT.
Never saw Butkus but Jack Lambert is up there for me. Derrick Thomas also. Some guys are great and in the right scheme. Some guys transcend scheme.
If Keuchley can stop having concussion issues hes moving up the
List. Dude is amazing.