Most fans enjoy watching linebackers blitz the quarterback or deliver that devastating hit. During the early ’90s, Chargers fans had to suffer through some bad years. There were bright spots like the 1994 season. Guys like Normand Hand, Natrone Means, Rodney Harrison, and even Curtis Conway excited the crowd. But the fans’ favorite player was Junior Seau. The linebacker could fire up the crowd like no other. Today, there are many linebackers who stand out in the National Football League. According to BoltHype.com, the men below are the top 10 Linebackers in the NFL.
1. Demarcus Ware
Demarcus Ware is now without question the best linebacker in the NFL. Amazing pass rush skills, yes…but Ware is not one dimensional. He can do it all.
2. Brian Urlacher
Urlacher didn’t have his best season in 2008, but you can blame his defensive line for not keeping him clean. He has the talent to be the league’s best defensive player.
3. Patrick Willis
As someone who already has over 300 tackles in his first 2 seasons, Willis figures to be among the NFL’s leading tacklers for years and a perennial All-Pro.
4. Shawne Merriman
It’s hard to drop Merriman down this low, when he could potentially be ranked as high as #1. The sackmaster needs to bounce back from an injury year.
5. Rey Lewis
Lewis is getting older and has certainly lost a step, but he makes up for it with his on-field leadership and his experience. He’ll still put you into the ground.
6. Joey Porter
He does a lot of talking on the field, but just check his stats… the man produces. Porter is one of the more savy pass rushers in the game.
7. James Harrison
NFL fans were introduced to the pitbull that James Harrison is on the football field. The reigning Defensive Player of the year plays with a chip on his shoulder.
8. Kirk Morrison
A bright spot on a disappointing team, Morrison is the leader of a very underrated defensive unit. Always around the ball, he shows veteran instincts at a young age.
9. Jon Beason
The Carolina Panthers have a heat-seaking missile in Jon Beason. Active and aggressive, Beason has 200+ tackles in two seasons and plays well in coverage.
10. James Farrior
Underrated and behind the shadow of many great Steeler defenders, Farrior is the stabilizer in the middle of that unit. He deserves to be mentioned among the better inside linebackers in the NFL.
Purchase Chargers tickets at stubhub.com
