Positional value.
That is a phrase and an idea we hear so often around the game of football, particularly during the draft and free agency. With an emphasis on the passing game, what players at each position can do — on both sides of the football — when the quarterback drops to throw is of utmost importance.
In addition to running backs, perhaps no position has seen its value altered in the modern NFL than linebackers. The days of serving as a between-the-tackles thumper are in the rear-view mirror, as today’s second-level defenders have to play more like safeties, and match the athleticism of tight ends, running backs and even receivers in coverage.
With that emphasis on mind, what these players do against the pass stands out. Here are the NFL’s top 11 linebackers — another one of our positional lists on the way to our countdown of the NFL’s top 101 players.