The Linebacker Labyrinth

If you are trying to identify the best NFL linebackers you are like to enter into a labyrinth; a maze constructed of new wave analytics dictated more by emotions than objectivity. More than likely you are more confused coming out of the labyrinth than you were going in. On June 26 CBS Sports put out their Ten Best Linebackers for 2021. Bobby Wagner is rated as the number one linebacker in the NFL. OK. Let’s give him that. But Devin White was ranked number six. Really? Yes, really. White’s 140 combined tackles ranked fourth in the NFL among inside linebackers. His nine sacks ranked first. His 15 tackles for loss ranked second, and his 16 quarterback hits ranked first. His AV (approximate value) of 15 tied him for second in the league. White has also made more tackles for a loss or no gain over the last two years than any other linebacker.   Yet rated ahead of White was Darius Leonard of the Colts at number four. Leonard’s number are not as good Whites. He has fewer tackles and fewer sacks. Number three was Eric Kendricks. Whose numbers also were not as good as Whites. Kendricks also missed five games last season due to injury. Rated number two was Fred Warner of the Vikings. Just like the previously mentioned two other linebackers. Warner’s numbers aren’t as good as Whites. He totaled 125 tackles and only one sack. So you think I missed one. Yes. You are right. I purposely omitted number five to bring him up now. Number 5 is Lavonte David. Now I’m not going to instigate a linebacker controversy between two teammates. David is a better pass defender and knows more of the mechanics of defense than White does at this time. By estimation, and I mean my eyes, as well as stats. White should be number 3 on the list. Behind Wagner and David, but not by much. But you could rate him as #1. White has what no other linebacker has in the NFL. 4.3 speed over 40 yards. This guy, at 240lbs, can outrun most receivers. He can chase down any running back. Not only can he get to the quarterback with regularity. He can catch them, and he can bring them down. That is a BIG problem for opposing teams. It puts pressure on the whole offense. White had 12 tackles, eight of the solo, and an interception in Super Bowl LV. Nobody else had more than 6 tackles. You can help but notice the speed when you watch Devin in action. But what will impress you the most is the bang he delivers when he tackles.  Devin White is an impact player. He is definitely better than number 6.  But the bigger question is where is Shaquil Barret of the Bucs? He isn’t but should also be on the list also.  What is going on here? Are we experiencing a bias against the Buccaneers? Well, the guy who wrote the article did pick the Chiefs to win the Super Bowl 28-24. That dang sure didn’t happen. Soooooo… go figure.