Ranking the 10 Best Linebackers in the NFL Heading into the 2025 Season

The quarterback of the defense. The smartest man on the field. Those are just two things that often go together when talking about an off-ball linebacker's job in the NFL today. Some defensive coordinators preach coverage skills and want their inside-backer to man a tight end. Other systems require a Swiss army knife-like player, a guy who can do it all. Regardless of what team or who is coaching, the off-ball linebacker position requires leadership, strength, speed, and instincts; that is why it is so hard to find a good one. Here are the best of the best, the top 10 linebackers in football.

1. Fred Warner - 49ers

Fred Warner is in a tier of his own when it comes to the linebacker position, as he has finished as a top-five graded linebacker in the NFL in each of the past five seasons, per PFF. Warner’s six-foot-three frame helps him in run defense, but where he shines is in coverage. He constantly shuts down opposing tight ends and even slot receivers. His combination of speed, strength, and football IQ is rare. Warner is a no-doubt number one on this list.

2. Dre Greenlaw - Broncos

This may seem high for ex-49er Dre Greenlaw, but he truly has the tools to transform this Denver defense. Greenlaw is an absolute force in the run game, missing zero tackles last season, although he saw limited action due to his recovery from an Achilles tear. His phenomenal play and exceptional instincts landed him a three-year, $35 million deal this summer with the Denver Broncos. He will immediately step in and be the Broncos’ defensive anchor. He also has great leadership qualities. Greenlaw makes this already-feared defense that much better

3. Zack Baun - Eagles

Zack Baun was in a contract year in 2024, and he played like it. It was his best season yet, ultimately leading this Eagles defense to a Super Bowl win. Baun is not the fastest player on the field, and he is also not the strongest, but his smarts and tackling ability make him one of the most feared players in the NFL. His lateral quickness makes him an elite cover-LB, too, backed up by his league-leading 91.7 coverage grade, per PFF. Baun’s fantastic play was rewarded with a huge contract, and he will be the quarterback of the Philly defense for years to come.  

4. Roquan Smith - Ravens

It was a down year for Roquan Smith last year, but it was most likely a result of losing his partner in crime, Patrick Queen, to the Steelers in free agency. Smith is a powerful linebacker, a guy who will plow through blockers and do anything to get to the football. His football IQ and leadership qualities make him one of the top LBs in the league, but where he shines is diagnosing plays before the ball is snapped. He can be seen calling out pre-snap motions, which have proved to be troublesome for opposing offenses. Another aspect of the ex-Bear’s game that just jumps off the screen is how well he evades blockers. Yes, he has the power and strength to power through them, but he is always moving, which makes it difficult for blockers to engage with him. Trenton Simpson will not be the other inside-backer for the Ravens, and with Smith there too, this defense will remain at the top of the AFC along with the Broncos.

5. Devin Lloyd - Jaguars

Jacksonville did not pick up the fifth-year option on Devin Lloyd, but it might just be so they can extend him for longer than a year. Lloyd burst onto the scene last year after two somewhat underwhelming years after being selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Lloyd is relentless in run defense, posting an 84.2 grade per PFF. He can also be used in many ways, including rushing the passer. As a pass-rusher, Lloyd offers speed and quick hands. This Swiss army knife-like position is crucial for NFL defenses to have nowadays, and Lloyd is one of the better “positionless” players in all of football. Expect a hefty contract for him soon, whether it comes from Jacksonville or another squad.

6. Frankie Luvu - Commanders

The undrafted and underrappreciated Frankie Luvu is a do-it-all LB who takes toughness, competitiveness, and leadership to a new level. He has such an intense and violent play style, and his Second-Team All-Pro award is proof that more people should be hearing about the ex-Panther and Jet. Luvu is not the kind of player who stuffs the stat sheet, but instead a guy who gives his 110% on every single snap. He is someone who will do whatever he is asked, and most of the time, succeed. Luvu blitzes a ton, making his next move nearly impossible to guess. He is also extremely difficult to gameplan for, as it seems like he is playing a different role every week, but with the same physicality and toughness. He is a one-of-a-kind player and deserves more respect. The fact that he is still one of the most underrated players in the NFL heading into 2025 is blasphemy, as he was a huge part of the Commanders’ NFC Championship run in 2024.

7. Edgerrin Cooper - Packers

Edgerrin Cooper’s rookie season went way under the radar, as he was one of PFF’s highest graded blitzers and run-stoppers at the off-ball LB position. He is extremely fast and has a mind for the game, often diagnosing plays pre-snap. The ex-Aggie reads motions well and is already serving as the QB for the Green Bay defense despite his inexperience. He is a featured pass-rusher and cover guy for Matt LaFleur, and he is going to continue to fill this chess-piece position for a long time.

8. Quincy Williams - Jets

If this were 2024, Quincy Williams could have been in the top five of this list, but his down year puts him at eight. He is great at tackling players after they catch the ball, so good in fact that he made almost 75% of his tackles on pass plays. This is more of an issue than a good thing, though. Williams allowed 37 receptions on 49 targets this year, which is in the bottom half of the entire NFL. He also missed 16 tackles. Williams has been great; he has been immensely valuable for the Jets, and now with CJ Mosley retiring, he needs to step up, and he will. Watch out for a major bounceback year from number 56 in green this year.

9. Bobby Wagner - Commanders

Bobby Wagner, a future Hall of Famer, is the definition of consistent. He goes into every game with the same mindset, does the same thing week in and week out, and delivers bone-rattling hits now and then. He is a true thumper in the middle of this Washington defense. He is nowhere near his prime, and he could be playing his last season this year, but as long as he is in this league, he is going to be on this list. Just a savvy veteran who makes savvy plays.

10. Bobby Okereke, Giants

The former Stanford defensive anchor, Bobby Okereke, is making his presence felt every week as a member of the Giants. This defense is great up front, and having Okereke to back that up is just masterful team management. He has posted a 73.0-or-higher PFF grade in all seasons but one in his career, preaching his consistency and will to do anything he is asked. He can cover TEs, blow up runs, and his 235-pound frame allows him to lay a big hit, too. Just an all-around solid LB is Okereke, and he deserved a spot here, even though he is rounding out the list.