NFL TOP TEN LIST
BEST LINEBACKERS OF
POST MERGER ERA
My subjective ranking of the
top ten linebackers since the AFL/NFL merger in 1970. The list will therefore not include some
greats who played the majority of their careers before the merger – such as Dick
Butkus or Willie Lanier.
10)Derrick Brooks – Tampa Bay - Smart player
who was great in the passing game and delivered a lick.
9)Randy Gradishar – Denver – A tackling machine and the leader of Denver’s Orange
Crush defense.
8)Jack Ham – Pittsburgh – I know, people love Lambert, but I always thought Ham
was the better player. People underrated
his speed and ability to cover.
7)Derrick Tomas – Kansas City – A great edge rusher.
Speed and power to get by tackles and blow up running backs.
6)Charles Haley – San Francisco/Dallas – A versatile defender who could play rush end as
well. Super Bowl winners seemed to
follow him around.
5)Ted Hendricks – Baltimore (Colts)/Green Bay/Oakland
– The Mad Stork played on three Super
Bowl winners and made All Pro with three different teams.
4)Junior Seau – San Diego – I know he played for Pats and Dolphins too, but for me
is always a Charger. Played with passion
from sideline to sideline. I watched him
play my Denver Broncos many times. The
guy from another team I respected more than any other.
3)Mike Singletary – Chicago – The leader of one of the top defenses ever. He played the game the right way.
2)Lawrence Taylor – New York – He changed the style of play for his position. The defensive player offenses had to address
in the game plan.
1)Ray Lewis
– Ray Lewis is the most complete defensive player I have watched. He may also be the most intimidating.
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