Elite Linebackers?

MarioPalmer · 12-08-2008, 01:14 AM

I don't think linebackers get enough credit because some of the best backers play on some of the worst teams. Patrick Willis was recognized only because his stats last year were incrediably gaudy, but guys like Kirk Morrison, DeMeco Ryans, Thomas Howard, Ernie Sims and MIchael Boley have all been over looked by the media based on their teams record. So tonight I wanted to put together a list of the best MLB, ILB, 43 OLB and 34 OLB. Give me yours as well and we can discuss.

MLB:
1. Brian Urlacher-Bears
2. Patrick Willis-49ers
3. Lofa Tatupu-Seahawks
4. DeMeco Ryans-Texans
5. Nick Barnett-Packers

Honorable Mention: Kirk Morrison-Raiders, Antonio Pierce-Giants, Jon Beason-Panthers, Barrett Ruud-Buccaneers, Will Witherspoon-Rams, Gary Brackett-Colts, Mike Peterson-Jaguars, Paul Posluszny-Bills, London Fletcher-Redskins, Curtis Lofton-Falcons, Jonathan Vilma-Saints

ILB:
1. Ray Lewis-Ravens
2. David Harris-Jets
3. Karlos Dansby-Cardinals
4. James Farrior-Steelers
5. Bart Scott-Ravens

Honorable Mention: Channing Crodwer-Dolphins, D'Qwell Jackson-Browns, Andre Davis-Browns, Bradie James-Cowboys, Zach Thomas-Cowboys, Jerod Mayo-Patriots, Teddy Bruschi-Patriots

4-3 OLB:
1. Lance Briggs-Bears
2. Julian Peterson-Seahawks
3. Keith Bulluck-Titans
4. D.J. Williams-Broncos
5. Ernie Sims-Lions

Honorable Mention: A.J. Hawk-Packers, Thomas Howard-Raiders, Michael Boley-Falcons, Derrick Johnson-Chiefs, Justin Durant-Jaguars, Daryl Smith-Jaguars, Derrick Brooks-Buccaneers, Leroy Hill-Seahawks, Rocky McIntosh, Chad Greenway-Vikings, Keith Rivers-Bengals, Thomas Davis-Panthers, David Thornton-Titans, Keith Brooking-Falcons, Freddie Keiaho-Colts

3-4 OLB:
1. DeMarcus Ware-Cowboys
2. Shawn Maerriman-Chargers
3. James Harrison-Steelers
4. Terrell Suggs-Ravens
5. Joey Porter-Dolphins

Honorable Mention: Calvin Pace-Jets, Kamerion Wimbley-Browns, Greg Ellis-Cowboys, Anthony Spencer-Cowboys, Adalius Thomas-Patriots, Mike Vrabel-Patriots, Manny Lawson-49ers, LaMarr Woodley-Steelers, Shaun Phillips-Chargers, Brian Thomas-Jets

**I think this is a solid list that puts all 4 positions in perspective and if I missed anyone I apologize. Also, all honorable mentions are in no particular order.

bearsfan_51 · 12-08-2008, 01:22 AM

I'm BF51, and I approve this message.

Although I would take Morrison and Rudd over Nick Barnett. And probably Derric Brooks still over Ernie Sims. Sims hasn't earned that distinction yet.

Did San Fran stop playing the 3-4? I admit I haven't really watched them since 2003 or so.

kmartin575 · 12-08-2008, 01:24 AM

D.J. Williams is in no way imaginable a top 5 OLB.

TitanHope · 12-08-2008, 01:27 AM

*Keith Bulluck

Nice to see him get some well deserved recognition.

OneToughGame · 12-08-2008, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarioPalmer

I don't think linebackers get enough credit because some of the best backers play on some of the worst teams. Patrick Willis was recognized only because his stats last year were incrediably gaudy, but guys like Kirk Morrison, DeMeco Ryans, Thomas Howard, Ernie Sims and MIchael Boley have all been over looked by the media based on their teams record. So tonight I wanted to put together a list of the best MLB, ILB, 43 OLB and 34 OLB. Give me yours as well and we can discuss.

MLB:
1. Brian Urlacher-Bears
2. Patrick Willis-49ers
3. Lofa Tatupa-Seahawks
4. DeMeco Ryans-Texans
5. Nick Barnett-Packers

Honorable Mention: Kirk Morrison-Raiders, Antonio Pierce-Giants, Jon Beason-Panthers, Barrett Ruud-Buccaneers, Will Witherspoon-Rams, Gary Brackett-Colts, Mike Peterson-Jaguars, Paul Posluszny-Bills, London Fletcher-Redskins, Curtis Lofton-Falcons

ILB:
1. Ray Lewis-Ravens
2. David Harris-Jets
3. Karlos Dansby-Cardinals
4. James Farrior-Steelers
5. Bart Scott-Ravens

Honorable Mention: Channing Crodwer-Dolphins, D'Qwell Jackson-Browns, Andre Davis-Browns, Bradie James-Cowboys, Zach Thomas-Cowboys, Jerod Mayo-Patriots, Teddy Bruschi-Patriots

4-3 OLB:
1. Lance Briggs-Bears
2. Julian Peterson-Seahawks
3. Keith Bullock-Titans
4. D.J. Williams-Broncos
5. Ernie Sims-Lions

Honorable Mention: A.J. Hawk-Packers, Thomas Howard-Raiders, Michael Boley-Falcons, Derrick Johnson-Chiefs, Justin Durant-Jaguars, Daryl Smith-Jaguars, Derrick Brooks-Buccaneers, Leroy Hill-Seahawks, Rocky McIntosh, Chad Greenway-Vikings, Keith Rivers-Bengals, Thomas Davis-Panthers, David Thornton-Titans, Keith Brooking-Falcons, Freddie Keiaho-Colts

3-4 OLB:
1. DeMarcus Ware-Cowboys
2. Shawn Maerriman-Chargers
3. James Harrison-Steelers
4. Terrell Suggs-Ravens
5. Joey Porter-Dolphins

Honorable Mention: Calvin Pace-Jets, Kamerion Wimbley-Browns, Greg Ellis-Cowboys, Anthony Spencer-Cowboys, Adalius Thomas-Patriots, Mike Vrabel-Patriots, Manny Lawson-49ers, LaMarr Woodley-Steelers, Shaun Phillips-Chargers, Brian Thomas-Jets

**I think this is a solid list that puts all 4 positions in perspective and if I missed anyone I apologize. Also, all honorable mentions are in no particular order.

I really do like your lists, my only issue is Tatupu is spelled wrong ;)

yourfavestoner · 12-08-2008, 01:33 AM

Daryl Smith is a MLB now. He actually has been the past three seasons because Peterson has been hurt. But Peterson has been ******* terrible this year, hence him getting benched in favor of Smith.

Also, how has AJ Hawk looked at MLB since Barnett has been out?

Zyro_1014 · 12-08-2008, 01:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OneToughGame

I really do like your lists, my only issue is Tatupu is spelled wrong ;)

it was a mix of Tatupu and King Koopa

d34ng3l021 · 12-08-2008, 01:35 AM

4-3 MLB:

1. Brian Urlacher
2. Patrick Willis
3. Ray Lewis
4. Barrett Ruud
5. Jon Beason

yourfavestoner · 12-08-2008, 01:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bearsfan_51

I'm BF51, and I approve this message.

Although I would take Morrison and Rudd over Nick Barnett. And probably Derric Brooks still over Ernie Sims. Sims hasn't earned that distinction yet.

Did San Fran stop playing the 3-4? I admit I haven't really watched them since 2003 or so.

To be honest, Sims hasn't really earned any distinction yet. He overpursues horribly and racks up most of his tackles seven yards downfield.

gsorace · 12-08-2008, 01:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarioPalmer

Honorable Mention:Brian Thomas-Jets

He sucks, he wouldn't start on any other 3-4 team

MetSox17 · 12-08-2008, 02:00 AM

Jon Beason > Nick Barnett?

No?

Also, Ernie Sims and DJ Williams being there over Derrick Johnson is pretty bad, imo.

bearsfan_51 · 12-08-2008, 02:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yourfavestoner

To be honest, Sims hasn't really earned any distinction yet. He overpursues horribly and racks up most of his tackles seven yards downfield.

I know. I'm trying to be nice to the Lions. I feel bad for them.

To answer your A.J. Hawk question, their whole front seven has been a massive dissapointment this year, so it's hard to target just him, but there's nothing about Hawk that says elite to me. For a top 5 pick that puts him on the edge of bust territory, even if he has a decent career as a starter. If you look at the stats from the past few games it doesn't seem to have improved anything, although a Packers fan would likely have a better idea overall.

SenorGato · 12-08-2008, 02:02 AM

Bryan Thomas is a meh player. He's one of those guys who never became what we thought he could become, and Jets fans tend to take that kind of stuff personally.

Also, I think the 49ers play a 3-4.

Gay Ork Wang · 12-08-2008, 02:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bearsfan_51

I'm BF51, and I approve this message.

Although I would take Morrison and Rudd over Nick Barnett. And probably Derric Brooks still over Ernie Sims. Sims hasn't earned that distinction yet.

Did San Fran stop playing the 3-4? I admit I haven't really watched them since 2003 or so.

they are still playing 3-4.

giantsfan · 12-08-2008, 02:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bearsfan_51

I know. I'm trying to be nice to the Lions. I feel bad for them.

To answer your A.J. Hawk question, their whole front seven has been a massive dissapointment this year, so it's hard to target just him, but there's nothing about Hawk that says elite to me. For a top 5 pick that puts him on the edge of bust territory, even if he has a decent career as a starter. If you look at the stats from the past few games it doesn't seem to have improved anything, although a Packers fan would likely have a better idea overall.

I always thought AJ wouls be better fight inside and Barnett would be just as good at the will, hopefully Hawk plays so well at Mike for the rest of this year that their coaches actually consider that.

A Perfect Score · 12-08-2008, 02:36 AM

The fact that Derrick Johnson didnt make your top 5 alone is bad, but the fact that you didnt include him in the honorable mentions is even worse...maybe you just forgot him, but I think that he is a top 5 OLB in the game. He might not have the stats, but watch a chiefs game or two, and you will come away impressed. He has progressed huge since his days at texas.

And good for you for putting Ray at the top of the list. He is playing so well right now its ridiculous.

BlindSite · 12-08-2008, 03:12 AM

Beason > Ruud > Barnett

T. Davis > Brooking

Brooks>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>DJ Williams

GermanSaint · 12-08-2008, 03:16 AM

don´t want to be a homer , but vilma not even on the honorable mention ? you must really hate this guy.

he is a top 15 MLB at least

Bruce Banner · 12-08-2008, 03:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlindSite

Beason > Ruud > Barnett

why
........
:)

Menardo75 · 12-08-2008, 03:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *** Ork Wang

they are still playing 3-4.

They started the season in 4-3, when Sing took over they went to a true hybrid. They are mostly base 3-4 now though.

A Manny Lawson mention wins you my heart good sir.

kmartin575 · 12-08-2008, 04:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MetSox17

Jon Beason > Nick Barnett?

No?

Also, Ernie Sims and DJ Williams being there over Derrick Johnson is pretty bad, imo.

As a Chiefs fan I would say I don't think Derrick Johnson deserves top 5. Of course, i don't blame it on him. I think the Chiefs should have put him at WLB from the get go but instead they are wasting his talents at SLB.

SaintsMan · 12-08-2008, 04:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GermanSaint

don´t want to be a homer , but vilma not even on the honorable mention ? you must really hate this guy.

he is a top 15 MLB at least

I was about to say the same thing. Vilma has been very good in the past and this year he has been impressive with the Saints.

104 Tackles, 5 Passes Defended, 1 Sack, 2 Forced Fumbles, 1 Interception

BlindSite · 12-08-2008, 04:35 AM

Panthers did that with Thomas Davis for a while. They realised this season and now he's more beastly than ever.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaintsMan

I was about to say the same thing. Vilma has been very good in the past and this year he has been impressive with the Saints.

104 Tackles, 5 Passes Defended, 1 Sack, 2 Forced Fumbles, 1 Interception

Funny thing is he's only 3rd best in his division.

SaintsMan · 12-08-2008, 04:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlindSite

Panthers did that with Thomas Davis for a while. They realised this season and now he's more beastly than ever.

Funny thing is he's only 3rd best in his division.

Your right, Vilma sucks. I'm a homer.

OneToughGame · 12-08-2008, 04:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaintsMan

I was about to say the same thing. Vilma has been very good in the past and this year he has been impressive with the Saints.

104 Tackles, 5 Passes Defended, 1 Sack, 2 Forced Fumbles, 1 Interception

He should easily be a mention. He's been playing very well this season.