Comment below as I always respond!
NFL Top Position Groups
I'm going to be starting a quick series where I breakdown all positional groups in the NFL and give my opinion which is best. I've already done Safety, Cornerback and looking forward to the rest! Remember to leave your opinion below to start a discussion!
Linebacker:
I'll admit it Linebacker is my favorite position in football. In my opinion if you look back at Superbowl teams almost all of them had an Elite linebacker corps. There's a lot of competition for the number 1 spot with 4 teams all within reason of claiming the title:
Denver Broncos
Key contributors: SLB Von Miller, SLB Shaquil Barrett, ILB Brandon Marshall, ILB Todd Davis, WLB Shane Ray.
Kansas City Chiefs
Key contributors: OLB Justin Houston, OLB Tamba Hali, OLB Dee Ford, ILB Derrick Johnson, ILB Ramik Wilson.
Carolina Panthers
Key contributors: MLB Luke Kuechly, WLB Thomas Davis, SLB Shaq Thompson.
Oakland Raiders
Key contributors: SLB Bruce Irvin, SLB Shilique Calhoun, MLB Cory James, WLB Jelani Jenkins, OLB Khalil Mack.
In my opinion I'd have to make it a tie between the Broncos and Panthers. (Chiefs are extremely close!)
Panthers:
The Panthers unit is probably the most solid all around with any real weakness. The only criticism on the unit is Thompson's size but in today's NFL with proper scheming (like the Panthers have) it's not a problem. Kuechly is undoubtedly the best linebacker in football with a real "jack of all trades" type affect. According to ProFootballFocus "Kuechly only played 656 snaps in 2016, but still posted the second-best grade among all linebackers, earning a mark of 92.9." Not only that but he also only missed 4 tackles last season on a whopping 104 attempts.
Broncos:
The Broncos unit I feel is almost underrated in today's NFL. Maybe Von Miller takes all the hype as he is a complete monster on the field! According to PFF Miller recorded 79 total QB pressures over the season, as well as 53 defensive stops (the most defensive stops among all edge defenders). Not only that but Von Miller is also an expert Chicken Farmer.......does it matter? No not at all but hey Von's a pretty funny guy! Players like Brandon Marshall and Shane Ray definitely made their mark last season as key contributors. Ray had a total of 45 QB pressures last season and according to PFF that ranks him 10th in pass-rushing productivity among 3-4 outside linebackers.
