2013 NFL Predictions: Top 5 Outside Linebackers – Ware, Miller, Suggs the NFL’s Best OLB’s

2013 NFL Predictions: Top 5 Outside Linebackers – Ware, Miller, Suggs the NFL’s Best OLB’s: Although Lawrence Taylor originally revolutionized the outside linebacker position by using his speed and strength to rush the passer and make plays behind the line of scrimmage, the trend has really taken off in the last decade. It is becoming commonplace for a team’s best pass-rusher to play at the outside linebacker spot, allowing these players to take advantage of their combination of size and speed to attack opposing offensive linemen in a variety of ways in order to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. In fact, outside linebackers have posted four of the six-best sack totals in each of the past two seasons. Plain and simple, outside linebackers are becoming some of the top playmakers on the defensive side of the ball, and with that in mind, here is a closer look at the best players at the position heading into the 2013 NFL season.

1.      DeMarcus Ware, Dallas Cowboys

In many ways, Ware’s combination of strength, speed and athleticism started the trend of using players that could play defensive end as pass-rushing outside linebackers. He has managed 111.5 sacks in eight seasons and has had at least 11.0 sacks in each of the past seven seasons. Ware has had at least 16.5 sacks in three of the past five years, and he even gutted out 11.5 last year despite playing with an injured shoulder that required surgery in the offseason. Fully healthy, the single-season sack record isn’t out of his reach.

2.      Von Miller, Denver Broncos

Although a six-game suspension to start the year will open year will hurt his overall numbers, it doesn’t change the fact that he is the complete package at the outside linebacker spot. Miller is quick to the ball and has some of the best instincts in the game. The scary thing is that he is still learning pass-rushing techniques after relying mainly on his athletic ability in college, but that hasn’t stopped him from logging 30.0 sacks in two season, including 18.5 last year. Expect Miller to make up for lost time when he does get on the field in 2013.

3.      Terrell Suggs, Baltimore Ravens

Suggs missed eight games last year after suffering a preseason injury, and he was less than 100 percent when he did get on the field. That being said, he won the Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2011 when he had 70 tackles, 14.0 sacks, seven forced fumbles and two interceptions. Suggs is now the leader of the Baltimore defense, and entering 2013 at full strength, he should return to being the disruptive force off the edge he has been throughout his career.

4.      Clay Matthews, Green Bay Packers

In his four years in the NFL, Matthews has used his quick first step and relentless motor to log 43.0 sacks, including 13.0 in 2012 despite playing just 12 games and playing a majority of the season with a variety of nagging injuries. Matthews has also proven he can be a productive pass-rusher while being the main weapon for Green Bay’s defense and facing constant double teams. With the Packers spending several early picks to bolster their front seven the last two years, a career year could be on tap for Matthews.

5.      Aldon Smith, San Francisco 49ers

As far as pure pass-rushers go, few have shown as much talent at such a young age. Smith has tallied 33.5 sacks in his two years in the NFL, including an NFC-leading 19.5 in 2012. With his length and athleticism, he is a terror off the edge. Yes, he benefits from playing alongside players like Justin Smith and the rest of the loaded San Francisco front seven, but he is as physically gifted as any player at the position. As Smith refines his technique and learns some additional pass-rushing moves, he has a real chance to rewrite the record books.

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