2013 NFL Predictions: Top 5 Inside Linebackers – Willis, Washington, Bowman the NFL’s Best ILB’s

2013 NFL Predictions: Top 5 Inside Linebackers – Willis, Washington, Bowman the NFL’s Best ILB’s: The inside linebacker position in the NFL has always been reserved for some of the toughest players in the game. From Dick Butkus and Jack Lambert to Ray Lewis and Brian Urlacher, being a big, strong hard-hitter comes with the territory. After all, playing the position still requires the ability to constantly shake off blockers and make tackles in traffic, and in today’s game, inside linebackers must also have enough speed to hold their own in pass coverage. As a result, the top inside linebackers are often some of the most physically-gifted players on the field, possessing a unique combination of size, strength, speed and instincts. With that in mind, here is a closer look at the top inside linebackers in the NFL heading into the 2013 NFL season.

1.      Patrick Willis, San Francisco 49ers

Willis has been the anchor of an elite San Francisco defense, and he has averaged 134 tackles per year over his six-year career. Willis’ always seem to be in the right position regardless of the situation, and he has the strength to fight through blocks and make plays and the speed to drop back in coverage when needed. He is also as reliable as they come when it is time to make a tackle. It’s tough to find a more complete, more precise player at any position in the NFL.

2.      Daryl Washington, Arizona Cardinals

After a couple of solid seasons to start his career, Washington realized his full potential last season. He finished the year with 134 tackles, and his 108 solos tops were the fourth most in the NFL. Meanwhile, his 9.0 sacks were by far the most among inside linebackers, and he added seven additional tackles for loss. Plain and simple, Washington’s combination of strength and speed allows him to make big plays in the backfield. He is already the best pass-rusher at the position, and he is just entering his prime.

3.      NaVorro Bowman, San Francisco 49ers

He has been in the NFL three seasons, and his last two have been brilliant. Bowman tallied 143 tackles in 2011 and his 148 stops last year were the second most in the league. Not only is Bowman always around the football, but he consistently delivers some of the hardest hits of any linebacker. Whether he is bringing down ball carriers or punishing receivers that catch passes over the middle, Bowman has quickly become one of the fiercest and most productive inside linebackers in the game.

4.      Luke Kuechly, Carolina Panthers

The sample size is small, but after piling up an NFL-high 165 tackles as a rookie last year, it is safe to say that Kuechly is going to continue to be the tackling machine he was during his college days. Plain and simple, the guy has a nose for the football, and when he gets his hands on a ball carrier, he takes them down. Kuechly also made plenty of big plays in his rookie year, making 103 solo stops, notching seven tackles for loss, intercepting two passes and knocking defending eight others. He earned himself Defensive Rookie of the Year honors for his efforts in 2012, and he is just getting started.

5.      Derrick Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs

At one point, Johnson was actually considered kind of a bust, but he has picked up his play immensely in recent years and has become one of the best playmakers at the inside linebacker position. Last year, his 109 solo stops were the third-most in the NFL, and he added 11 tackles for loss. Meanwhile, Johnson has topped 120 tackles in each of the past three seasons, and he has tallied 30 tackles for loss during the stretch. He has always possessed a rare blend of size and speed, but now, he has the on-field instincts to support his athletic abilities.

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