In a three-part series, theScore breaks down the NFL's top 10 position groups at each of the main areas on the defensive side of the ball.
Linebackers have always had a significant impact on every phase of the defensive game. Though teams will ask their players to fill scheme-specific roles, the most productive groups tend to feature those who can make an impact in run defense, pass coverage, and by getting after the quarterback.
Here's a look at the NFL's top 10 linebacker corps heading into 2016.
- Defensive Lines
- Linebacker Corps
- Secondaries
Honorable Mentions: Vikings, Bengals, Bills, Lions
10. 49ers
Projected Starters (3-4): Aaron Lynch, NaVorro Bowman, Gerald Hodges, Ahmad Brooks
Depth: Eli Harold, Tank Carradine, Corey Lemonier, Michael Wilhoite, Nick Bellore
There's not much to like about the way San Franciso's roster has fallen apart since the departure of Jim Harbaugh. Led by top talents in Bowman and Lynch, though, the linebacker position has managed to overcome some monumental losses. Keep an eye on Harold and Carradine heading into 2016. Both were highly touted pass-rushers coming out of college, and they'll have every opportunity to show what they can do with Brooks seemingly on the roster bubble.
9. Texans
Projected Starters (3-4): Jadeveon Clowney, Brian Cushing, Benardrick McKinney, Whitney Mercilus
Depth: John Simon, Akeem Dent, Carlos Thompson, Brian Peters
Having linebackers of this caliber working alongside one of the most dominant players in NFL history is a dream scenario for Houston. Clowney, most notably, has begun to show flashes of the player the Texans thought they were getting at No. 1 overall in 2014. If healthy, he and Mercilus provide the perfect edge complement to Watt's ability on the inside. Cushing may not be the player he once was, but McKinney appears primed to emerge as an every-down playmaker at his side.
8. Patriots
Projected Starters (4-3): Jamie Collins, Dont'a Hightower, Shea McClellin
Depth: Jonathan Freeny, Kevin Snyder, Rufus Johnson, Kamu Grugier-Hill
If you find yourself wondering how the Patriots defense can stay so consistent despite yearly concerns both up front and in the defensive backfield, you've found your answer. Collins may be the NFL's best linebacker in pass defense, while Hightower is a force both against the run and when sent as a second-level blitzer. These two allow Bill Belichick and New England's coaching staff to match up with the best of offenses.
7. Seahawks
Projected Starters (4-3): K.J. Wright, Bobby Wagner, Michael Morgan
Depth: Kevin Pierre-Louis, Brock Coyle, Eric Pinkins, Cassius Marsh
Wagner had a bit of a down year in 2015, but that's certainly the outlier in what's otherwise been a consistent career thus far. Look for him to return to his All-Pro form this fall, joining Wright in forming a duo that can dominate on all three downs. Whether Morgan can prove a capable replacement for Bruce Irvin is the lone question mark in this spot.
6. Ravens
Projected Starters (3-4): Terrell Suggs, C.J. Mosley, Arthur Brown, Elvis Dumervil
Depth: Za'Darius Smith, Kamalei Correa, Matt Judon, Albert McClellan, Zach Orr
Suggs and Dumervil are getting up there in age, but there's still plenty of talent to work with here. The veterans will continue to be a problem for opposing offensive tackles if Suggs is healthy, and there's some intriguing young edge rushers to take on rotational roles in Smith and Correa. Mosley, meanwhile, has wasted little time in establishing himself as a Pro Bowl player on the interior.
5. Bears
Projected Starters (3-4): Pernell McPhee, Danny Trevathan, Jerrell Freeman, Lamarr Houston
Depth: Leonard Floyd, Willie Young, Sam Acho, Nick Kwiatkoski, John Timu
A few savvy roster moves have quietly given the Bears plenty of talent and depth to work with at linebacker. This year's free-agent additions of Trevathan and Freeman, in particular, provide massive upgrades to what was previously a weak spot on the roster. And while there isn't a bona fide dominant force on the edge, the rotation of players who can excel against both the run and pass is impressive.
4. Chiefs
Projected Starters (3-4): Justin Houston, Derrick Johnson, Josh Mauga, Tamba Hali
Depth: Dee Ford, Ramik Wilson, D.J. Alexander, Frank Zombo, Dadi Nicolas
Houston missed time toward the end of the season due to a knee issue, but let's not forget that he racked up 22 sacks the year prior. He can carry a group to a spot near the top of this list by himself when healthy. Hali and Johnson are both veterans who have plenty left to offer, while Ford will continue to be groomed as yet another speed-rusher to make plays on the edge.
3. Raiders
Projected Starters (3-4): Khalil Mack, Malcolm Smith, Ben Heeney, Bruce Irvin
Depth: Aldon Smith, Shilique Calhoun, Neiron Ball, Darren Bates, Cory James
An elite defender against the run, and now also a top-flight pass-rusher, Mack should be a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate. With Oakland having made a number of key additions in rebuilding its roster, he'll no longer have to do it alone, either. Irvin is a major upgrade on the opposite edge, and this could be the league's best pass-rush group if Smith returns to form after his suspension.
2. Panthers
Projected Starters (4-3): Thomas Davis, Luke Kuechly, Shaq Thompson
Depth: A.J. Klein, David Mayo, Ben Jacobs, Jeremy Cash
It's difficult to imagine a team having a better pair of off-ball linebackers than the Panthers currently boast in Kuechly and Davis. Regardless of the play from Cam Newton last season, Carolina almost certainly doesn't reach the Super Bowl if it weren't for their defensive stars leading the way. Thompson making good on his potential would see this unit become nearly impossible to attack over the middle of the field.
1. Broncos
Projected Starters (3-4): Von Miller, Brandon Marshall, Todd Davis, DeMarcus Ware
Depth: Shaquil Barrett, Shane Ray, Corey Nelson, Dekoda Watson
Miller is one of few players that could earn consideration above J.J. Watt as the NFL's premier defensive player. Ware and Marshall help to round out a strong starting group, but the depth is also particularly impressive on the edge. The continued development of Barrett and Ray gives Denver a potent rotation of pass-rushers, and one that can sustain its success long after Ware calls it a career.