The Top 5 Linebackers In the NFL: 2011

The Top 5 Linebackers In the NFL: 2011

Number 5-James Harrison, Pittsburgh Steelers
  James Harrison from Pittsburgh is the Number 5 Linebacker. This guy has gotten a lot of mess from the NFL for the past few years because of his rough, or I should say amazing, playing style. Just how aggressive he is, brings fear to whoever has the ball.

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  He was the one who pretty much brought on the whole "fining players for hard hits". So I guess you could say he is a pioneer of aggressive play. When I show the stats, you will see that they
 are low. That is mainly due to a right broken orbital socket. Yea, I know, painful. But for playing only 4 games these are good stats, here they are:

• 23 Tackles
• 2 Sacks
• One of these sacks against Indy the other against Seattle
• Both sacks combined for 13 yards of loss

 Like I said he only played 4 games. More like 3 and a half because he was taken out halfway through the game. A statement was issued by Harrison, saying that it was up to the doctor's whether he was clear for play or not. If he does come back then that will be a good break for the Steelers defense. Hall of Famer? If he can keep up the rate he has had from the past 4 years, with more than 10 sacks a year, then he will be.




Number 4-Von Miller, Denver Broncos

 The Number 4 Linebacker is Von Miller, out of Denver. It is for sure that Denver has found them a very good Linebacker that always has the scent of the football. This guy had extremely high hopes coming out of Texas A&M. Probably the thing that the Broncos liked was the nose for the QB. Rookie year:

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Last year he had 10 sacks and the year before 17. So it is obvious he gives QB's nightmares. Very understandable that the Broncos used their first draft pick on him. Here are his stats for his

• 26 Tackles, 21 were solo

• 6 Total Sacks
• Has had at least one sack 5/7 games
• 2 Forced Fumbles

This guy has a huge future in the NFL. Rookie year and he has done so well. The sky is the limit at such a young age. A lot of teams would give up their best players for a player like him. When you can get to the QB and can get to the football, that is potential for a long playing time in this leauge.



Number 3-Terrell Suggs, Baltimore Ravens

 Perhaps, one of the most aggressive Linebackers I have ever seen. He is a tackle machine and it is understandable why. Look who he has as his mentor. LB Ray Lewis. You can not go wrong if  he is on your side.

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 Last year, Suggs had 11 sacks and it is looking like he will break it this year. His team's defense is looking like playoff material.  So to show how he has been doing this year, here are his stats this year:

• 33 tackles, 26 solo
• 6 sacks
• 2 Forced Fumbles
• 1 Interception

 Every bit of this 6'3'', 260 lb Linebacker makes people hurt. He is a weapon in himself. And I would not want to face him play after play. Expect a few more years of this guy and a possible Hall of Fame spot.


Number 2-Patrick Willis, San Francisco 49er's

 This guy is a definite vet in the football world. He has been playing the game since 2007. He has been Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2007 and he has been to the Pro Bowl every year since the year he has been in the league. Willis has also been known has one of the hardest hitting defensive players ever. Now here are his stats for this year:

espn.com

• 54 Tackles, 43 Solo
• 1 Sack
• 1 Forced Fumbles
• 2 Fumble Recoveries

 Now most of you are thinking one sack, is that all? Sacks do mean something. But tackles mean something too. If you can get to the ball carrier, that is almost as good as a sack. I think after only 5 years of play, this guy will have a bust of him in Canton one day. Count on it.





Number 1-Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens

 At last we have reached the Number 1 Linebacker in the NFL. It is Ray Lewis out of Baltimore, this would make my second Linebacker out of Baltimore in this post. There is an easy reason why Lewis is the number one linebacker. He has: Been in the NFL 16 years, has been to the Pro Bowl 12 times, has one Defensive Player of the Year, etc.

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  Do I believe that Ray Lewis is done after this year. No I don't. Even though this guy is getting up in age, he still has alot in him. Here are his stats:

• 55 Tackles, 43 Solo
• 2 Sacks
• 2 Forced Fumbles
• 1 Interception

 Halfway through the 2011 season, it has gone very well for Lewis. He is more than halfway to 100 tackles, and it is highly possible that he could exceed that amount. Kinda makes a person excited to see such a player.

Well that will wrap it up for another edition of the Top 5 Countdown. Stay tuned for another post of Right Field.