2012 NFL Preseason Predictions – Top 5 Linebacking Corps in the NFL: Nearly every team in the NFL has at least one standout at the linebacker spot. Some teams have a dominant inside linebacker that stuffs the run and piles up tackles. Others have athletic outside linebackers that do everything from rush the passer to covering receivers. While having one star at the position is nice, but having a strong group of linebackers is a recipe for a versatile, dominant defense. With that in mind, here is a look at the top linebacking corps in the NFL for the 2012 season.
2012 NFL Predictions: Top 5 Linebacking Corps
1. San Francisco 49ers
The unit is led by arguably the best inside linebacker in the game in Patrick Willis, and fellow inside backer Navorro Bowman also made the Pro Bowl last year. With two tackling machines anchoring the middle, speedy outside linebackers Ahmad Brooks and Aldon Smith are free to attack opposing quarterbacks off the edge. The duo combined for 21.0 sacks last year, including 14.0 from the then-rookie Smith. Add it all up, and it’s not hard to see why San Francisco had one of the best all-around defenses in the NFL last year. If anything, the group should be even better in 2012 as Smith and Brooks continue to learn the game.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh group of linebackers offer a little bit of everything. Inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons is a reliable tackling machine, while outside backer LaMarr Woodley is one of the better edge rushers at the position. Fellow outside linebacker James Harrison is the game changer of the group, and while he has been known to deliver a dirty hit or two, his hard hits and ability to make big plays make him a special player. Inside linebacker Larry Foote is the only weak link in the chain, and even he had a 99-tackle campaign in 2009. Foote is at the very least at a competent inside backer, and the other three players are outstanding.
3. Washington Redskins
While Washington has had its issues winning games, the Redskins can be proud of the linebacking corps they have assembled. Ageless wonder London Fletcher is still one of the most productive players at the inside linebacker spot, and he is coming off a 166-tackle campaign. Outside linebacker Brian Orakpo is already one of the best edge rushers in the game, and fellow outside backer Ryan Kerrigan finished with 64 tackles, 7.5 sacks and four forced fumbles as a rookie last year. Inside linebacker Perry Riley is the most unimpressive player of the bunch, but even he made big strides in his second year in the NFL. After starting all 16 games last season, Riley should emerge as a solid fourth member to an otherwise star-studded group.
4. Dallas Cowboys
The headliner of the group is DeMarcus Ware, who is probably the premier edge rusher at the outside linebacker position and is coming off a 19.5-sack season. Anthony Spencer mans the other side, and he could be a No. 1 pass rusher on most teams. Meanwhile, Sean Lee and Dan Connor form a nice blend of youth and experience at the inside linebacker spot. Lee will be in just his third year in 2012, and he logged 104 tackles one year ago. Connor, on the other hand, is coming off a 75-tackle season in his first year back from an injury. With Ware leading the way, the Cowboys’ linebackers are rock solid.
5. Baltimore Ravens
Spare me the talk of Ray Lewis being over the hill. The guy still gets it done, and anything he has lost in terms of speed he more than makes up for in intensity and leadership. Not to mention that fellow linebacker Jameel McClain is an emerging star, as well. Rookie Courtney Upshaw will step in and man the outsider linebacker spot, and based on what he did for Alabama’s national title team last year, he should adjust to NFL life just fine. Paul Kruger will start the season at the other outside linebacker spot, while Terrell Suggs recovers from an injury. There is no sugar coating the fact that Kruger is nowhere near the players Suggs is, but he does have some pass rushing skills. More importantly, getting the defending Defensive Player of the Year back in the middle of the season will be a nice shot in the arm to an already strong group.
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