4. Linebacker
Eric Kendricks remains one of the best linebackers in the league.
Anthony Barr might be overpaid, but he’s serviceable alongside Kendricks. The two make up a pretty good unit in a nickel defense. Neither are prone to blitz the quarterback constantly. Rather, they are the kind of linebackers that drop back into coverage and attempt to stop the run.
Kendricks had more pass deflections this year (12) than last year (7) and according to Pro Football Focus, he forced a total of 14 incompletions, which was first among linebackers, per PFF.
Pro Football Focus doesn’t rate Barr nearly as high as it does Kendricks, but Barr still had an interception, 54 solo tackles and seven quarterback hits.
There’s also Eric Wilson, who can be a decent third linebacker option. The rookie Troy Dye is an enticing draft pick.