- Fred Warner is still the best: Even in an injury-shortened season, Warner produced the highest overall PFF grade among NFL linebackers.
- The Eagles have a star-studded duo: Zack Baun and Jihaad Campbell look to stay disruptive in their first full season operating together.
- The PFF Early Bird Sale Is Here: Save 33% and get PFF+ for just $79.99, our lowest price of the year.
With PFF’s offseason rankings now entrenched on the defensive side of the ball, it’s time to assess the NFL’s premier linebackers.
While linebacker is a position that naturally carries volatility across seasons — fueled in large part by defensive environments like defensive line play and scheme — the best players find ways to individually stand out year over year. This ranking weighs active output with career resumes, factoring work in both the pass and run game and giving preference to players who have shown more balanced skill sets.
1. Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers
Although Warner appeared on only 330 snaps last season before suffering a dislocated and fractured ankle, he still made his mark felt enormously with a 93.2 overall PFF grade — not only the highest among linebackers to play at least 300 snaps all year, but also a new career best. Warner has sat with at least an 80.0 overall grade in the last six seasons, a feat that showcases his remarkable continuity as the league’s best. San Francisco’s struggling defense will benefit greatly from Warner’s return in 2026.
2. Jack Campbell, Detroit Lions
The Lions received plenty of flak when they took Campbell in the first round three years ago, but he’s developed into one of the game’s most stout defensive players. Campbell’s overall PFF grade has augmented in every season of his career, culminating in a 90.3 grade that was the best among qualified linebackers in 2025. After receiving a four-year, $81 million extension this summer, the 25-year-old might only continue to improve while being the long-term focal point of Detroit’s defense.
3. Devin Lloyd, Carolina Panthers
Lloyd had a contract year for the ages, turning things up a notch in 2025 with a personal-best 87.9 overall PFF grade. Lloyd placed in the top 10 in both PFF coverage and run-defense grades last year, reflecting his well-rounded talent. Over the last three seasons, his 87.7 overall grade is the fifth-highest among those at his position to play at least 1,500 snaps. Now in Carolina, Lloyd looks to revitalize a Panthers defense needing consistent playmakers, where linebacker has been a specific black hole.
4. Zack Baun, Philadelphia Eagles
Baun’s run over the last two years is nothing short of storybook, going from fringe edge defender to one of the sport’s best linebackers. Since 2024, Baun ranks second at the position in PFF Wins Above Replacement, and his 90.0 overall PFF grade trails just Warner among linebackers with at least 1,000 total snaps. Philadelphia’s defense boasts tons of talent, but a lot of its play starts in the middle with Baun’s excellent instincts, range and coverage prowess.
5. Jordyn Brooks, Miami Dolphins
After a trying four-year stint in Seattle, Brooks has firmly settled in during his two-year tenure with the Dolphins. In that span, Brooks has netted the fourth-most WAR at the position, powered by a 76.4 overall PFF grade. Brooks was especially elite downhill in 2025, missing only 4.3% of tackle attempts and adding a 92.0 PFF run-defense grade. The second-team All-Pro is here to stay in Miami after recently inking a lucrative three-year extension.
6. Devin Bush, Chicago Bears
After underperforming his draft slot in Pittsburgh, Bush really found his footing with the Browns, turning into one of the sport’s most underrated players. Since 2024, his 89.8 overall PFF grade is fourth among qualifiers, including reaching a career-high 87.6 mark across 873 snaps in 2025. Last year, Bush was the only qualified linebacker with an 80.0-plus grade in both coverage and run defense. The former first-round pick will now head to Chicago as the Bears look for a defensive infusion.
7. Demario Davis, New York Jets
Even at 37 years old, Davis simply refuses to slow down. He has earned at least a 75.0 overall PFF grade in six of the past seven years, including an 81.5 mark in 2025. Davis is still phenomenal against the run, reflected by his 88.9 PFF run-defense grade, and his 70.4 PFF coverage grade also sat in the 86th percentile. The Saints legend will now take his talents back to New York as the Jets’ defense seeks a lift in Aaron Glenn’s second season.
8. Edgerrin Cooper, Green Bay Packers
A second-round pick in 2024, Cooper has already left little doubt about his talents. He’s produced the seventh-best overall PFF grade (81.1) and ninth-most WAR at the position since his NFL career began. Although Cooper’s efficacy dipped as a pass-rusher last year, he remained strong in both coverage and run defense with 71.2-plus grades. The 24-year-old is poised to continue thriving in a defense now led by Jonathan Gannon.
9. Carson Schwesinger, Cleveland Browns
Schwesinger wasted little time introducing himself as a pro, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year by accruing a 75.2 overall PFF grade across 958 snaps. Although Schwesinger had some substandard moments in coverage, his 9.2% run stop rate placed in the 89th percentile, and he missed only 10.6% of tackle attempts. The former 33rd overall pick continues to draw rave reviews from new head coach Todd Monken but will now play on a Browns defense without Myles Garrett.
10. Bobby Wagner, free agent
Wagner remains a lightning rod for NFL fans and analysts alike. On the one hand, he leads all linebackers in WAR since 2021, and his 88.1 overall PFF grade is the fifth-best since 2024. However, much of that has been fueled by his sensational downhill play, finishing with a 90.0-plus PFF run-defense grade in four straight years. By comparison, Wagner’s 51.1 PFF coverage grade in 2025 tied for 33rd out of 50 qualified linebackers. The future Hall of Famer is still a quality run-defender and tackler at age 36, and his services could very much help a number of teams as he remains on the market.
11. Roquan Smith, Baltimore Ravens
Smith’s reputation tends to precede him as a three-time first-team All-Pro. While he may no longer be in the upper-most tier of linebackers, he remains a strong player at a position lacking stability. Smith ranks ninth in overall PFF grade (78.3) among qualifiers since 2023, and he was one of six with a 70.0-plus grade in both coverage and run defense in 2025. The decorated veteran could reclimb this list if he returns to vintage form under Jesse Minter.
12. Kaden Elliss, New Orleans Saints
Elliss is a do-it-all linebacker who thrives in multiple roles, generating the seventh-most WAR at the position since 2021. He’s produced at least a 67.8 overall PFF grade in each of the last five seasons, leading all linebackers with 124 pressures in that span. The Saints are counting on Elliss to be a game-wrecker as he returns to New Orleans, including getting back to form against the run after his grade in that category fell by over 13 points in 2025.
13. Azeez Al-Shaair, Houston Texans
The Texans’ defense is loaded with stars everywhere, which can make Al-Shaair go underappreciated. He ranks 13th in PFF WAR since 2024, and his 78.3 overall PFF grade is the seventh-highest among 35 linebackers to play at least 1,500 snaps in that window. Al-Shaair’s growth in coverage was especially encouraging last season; if his 69.0 PFF coverage mark sustains, it can elevate him even further.
14. Nick Bolton, Kansas City Chiefs
Defensive talent has come and gone over the last few years in Kansas City, but Bolton has been a steady force for Steve Spagnuolo. Bolton’s 4,920 snaps are the ninth-most since his pro debut, and he places ninth in WAR since 2021 as well. Consistency is the only thing seemingly holding him back, with Bolton roaring to a career-best 79.0 overall PFF grade in 2025 following two sub-64.0 campaigns.
15. Foyesade Oluokun, Jacksonville Jaguars
Oluokun still isn’t a household name, but his play warrants legitimate attention. Since 2023, he ranks 10th in overall PFF grade (78.0) among qualified linebackers, taking off ever since he arrived in Jacksonville. Although Oluokun has been strong in coverage — including placing fifth at the position in 2025 — he could stand to augment his run defense, which has never exceeded a 73.6 grade. Perhaps leading a Jaguars defense now without Lloyd could enable him to do just that.
16. Jihaad Campbell, Philadelphia Eagles
After sliding to the 31st overall pick last April, Campbell landed in Philadelphia, where he swiftly made the rest of the league regret bypassing him. Across 712 snaps, Campbell registered a 76.2 overall PFF grade, tied for 11th among qualifiers. The former Alabama stud placed in the 94th percentile in PFF coverage grade and the 85th percentile in missed tackle rate in his first year. If Campbell betters his run defense in a full-time starting role, the sky is the limit.
17. Divine Deablo, Atlanta Falcons
Following a somewhat uninspiring tenure in Las Vegas, Deablo took full advantage of a new opportunity with the Falcons. Playing 750 snaps, he churned out a 77.7 overall PFF grade that finished 10th among qualifiers. Further, Deablo was one of four linebackers with a 70.0-plus grade in all of coverage, run defense and tackling, indicating his all-around abilities. The only thing preventing Deablo from being higher on this list is a larger track record of playing well, but if he turns in an encore in 2026, he’ll skyrocket.
18. Robert Spillane, New England Patriots
After starting his career as an undrafted free agent, Spillane has turned into a remarkable story — and a very respectable player at that. Since 2023, his 77.2 overall PFF grade is the 12th-highest among qualified linebackers, with his excellence concentrating against the run. Spillane’s first year in New England was solid at a 72.3 grade, although he’ll look to improve a career-worst 13.5% missed tackle rate.
19. Dre Greenlaw, San Francisco 49ers
The last two years haven’t been particularly kind to Greenlaw, who’s appeared on only 420 snaps due to various injuries. Even so, he places 13th in WAR since 2022, and his grade has never sat below a 73.0 for a full season in that span. Now back in San Francisco after a briefer-than-expected stint in Denver, Greenlaw looks to rekindle the form that saw him form one of the sport’s best duos with Warner — especially in coverage, where Greenlaw’s grades have diminished.
20. Cedric Gray, Tennessee Titans
Gray might be the league’s best linebacker that a majority of fans don’t know about. Buried on a dreary Tennessee defense in 2025, Gray enjoyed a breakout season that was headlined by a positional-best 11.4% run stop rate. On top of that, his 7.6% missed tackle rate tied for the 14th-lowest among qualifiers. The former fourth-round pick will look to get even better under new head coach Robert Saleh, and his upside is immense.
21. Drue Tranquill, Kansas City Chiefs
Tranquill produced a career-high 76.2 overall PFF grade last season, powered by an 89.5 PFF run-defense grade and a positional-best 3.7% missed tackle rate. Although he wasn’t at that level in coverage, he still sat in the 71st percentile in PFF coverage grade at the position. The overarching question for Tranquill is whether or not he can prove that a better 2025 will be sustained given his prior track record, as no other season has reached a 68.5 grade.
22. Leo Chenal, Washington Commanders
Chenal has graded like a tremendous player when on the field, sporting the sixth-highest overall PFF grade (87.1) since 2023. The biggest constraint has been a lack of volume, with Chenal totaling only 1,786 snaps across his four-year career and never exceeding 527 single-season snaps. The new Commander should finally receive a starter’s share of playing time in 2026 and has a good chance to climb this list in short order.
23. T.J. Edwards, Chicago Bears
Edwards has accrued the sixth-most WAR among linebackers since 2021, securing four 70.0-plus grades in those five seasons. Yet his ranking is most directly tied to a decline since 2024, where his 65.1 overall PFF grade places 20th among 37 qualified players. Playing only 580 snaps also worked against Edwards as he battled multiple injuries last season, including a fibula fracture in the Bears’ wild-card win. A healthy Edwards will look to prove he’s still one of the game’s elites in his age-30 season.
24. Ernest Jones, Seattle Seahawks
Jones is regularly considered one of the game’s best linebackers by fans, but his metrics haven’t been on par as of late. Although Jones earned a stellar 78.8 overall PFF grade in 2023 with the Rams, his other four career seasons have all finished below a 64.0. Jones is a very reliable tackler with a career 7.5% miss rate, but his bad coverage has held back his grading profile. Since 2024, Jones’ 46.2 PFF coverage grade places 30th out of 37 qualifying linebackers.
25. Blake Cashman, Minnesota Vikings
Whether in Houston or Minnesota, Cashman has generally performed at a strong level; since 2023, he slots 11th in overall PFF grade at the position (77.3). Yet it’s worrisome that his grades have fallen in each of the past two seasons, including to a 63.6 in 2025. Cashman had particular troubles in coverage, where his 12.3 yards per reception was the fifth-worst. A lot is on the line for Cashman as he enters a contract year, especially with the Vikings adding multiple linebackers this offseason.
26. Nate Landman, Los Angeles Rams
After taking a one-year flier with the Rams before last season, Landman parlayed that into the best play of his career. Through the first 12 weeks of 2025, Landman placed 10th among qualifiers in overall PFF grade, though his performance diminished in a big way afterward — slotting 37th among 53 linebackers from Week 13 until the conference championships. Back in Los Angeles after inking a mid-year extension, the 27-year-old could grow even more consistent by playing on a defense that profiles as one of the sport’s most feared entering 2026.
27. Alex Singleton, Denver Broncos
Singleton’s 2025 campaign was one of tremendous triumph, overcoming testicular cancer to lead Denver to the AFC title game. Even playing 1,171 snaps was impressive in and of itself, but Singleton was also productive with a 72.1 overall PFF grade and an 88.8 PFF run-defense mark. However, Singleton lays claim to only two career seasons above a 70.0, with his subpar coverage the main hindrance.
28. Alex Anzalone, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Anzalone’s blonde hair was a mainstay over the middle in Detroit for the last five seasons, playing at least 680 snaps in every year since 2021. While he’s shown flashes, Anzalone’s highest-graded season came at a 69.8 mark in 2023, and he ranks 24th in WAR over the past three years. The Buccaneers hope they can upgrade a below-average unit with the 31-year-old addition.
29. Jamien Sherwood, New York Jets
Sherwood turned in a great 2024 season with a 73.8 overall PFF grade, prompting a three-year, $45 million contract extension the following March. While Sherwood was excellent underneath with 81.0-plus PFF run-defense and tackling grades last season, his 46.1 PFF coverage mark was the seventh-worst among linebackers with 500 or more coverage snaps. With only two seasons as a full-time starter under his belt, Sherwood’s resume thus far has indicated potential, but also more to prove.
30. Nakobe Dean, Las Vegas Raiders
Dean was an anchor of Philadelphia’s championship-winning defense in 2024, securing a 77.4 overall PFF grade alongside 82.5 grades in both run-defense and pass-rushing. However, he played just 462 total snaps the following year after suffering a patella tear and didn’t look the same, amassing a 62.2 overall grade — including 42.4 against the run. The Raiders took a big swing on the 25-year-old by granting him a three-year, $36 million contract in March, betting that his top-tier talent can stay healthy given Dean has failed to reach 500 snaps in three of his four pro campaigns.
31. Henry To’oTo’o, Houston Texans
The Texans’ ability to develop late-round draftees into starting-caliber players extends to To’oTo’o, who’s played 2,325 snaps over three years despite being a fifth-round pick. To’oTo’o has seen his grade blossom in every season of his career, peaking in 2025 with a 65.1 overall mark. If the 25-year-old can cut down on missed tackles — his 17.3% rate tied for fifth last year — then he should become that much more impactful.
32. Daiyan Henley, Los Angeles Chargers
After hardly playing as a rookie in 2023, Henley enjoyed a solid second campaign with a 69.5 overall PFF grade over 1,071 snaps. Unfortunately, his play didn’t mirror that caliber in 2025, with his PFF coverage grade dropping almost 20 points. Far more of a coverage-oriented player, the 26-year-old Henley will need to extrapolate his 7.1% missed tackle rate from last season to get back to full strength.
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