Linebackers have it pretty rough in the modern NFL. Not only after they paid less than just about every other defensive position, they’re stuck working in the middle of the field where they’re at the mercy of playcallers like Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan, who specialize in torturing linebackers with matchups against athletic tight ends who are far bigger than them and super quick wide receivers who are usually much faster.
The Seahawks made a huge change at this position over the offseason, essentially turning over the top end of their rotation. Bobby Wagner, Jordyn Brooks and Devin Bush were all allowed to leave in free agency. Seattle then signed veterans Tyrel Dodson and Jerome Baker to start and drafted Tyrice Knight for some depth. While Dodson had a breakout season with Buffalo in 2023, it was a small sample size and odds are this team will be taking a pretty significant step back at this spot.
Let’s see where they all stand in our linebacker rankings. Here are the top 32 in the league right now, including a few rookies who just arrived.
Ranking the top 40 edge defenders after the 2024 NFL draft
15. De’Vondre Campbell – 49ers
January 20, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) runs…
January 20, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) runs against Green Bay Packers linebacker De’Vondre Campbell (59) and linebacker Quay Walker (7) during the second quarter in a 2024 NFC divisional round game at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
19. Logan Wilson – Bengals
Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley (79) grips the jersey of Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson…
Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley (79) grips the jersey of Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson (55) after a play in the fourth quarter during an NFL wild-card playoff football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. The Bengals advanced to the Divisional round of the playoffs with a 24-17 win over the Ravens.Baltimore Ravens At Cincinnati Bengals Afc Wild Card Jan 15 373
30. Payton Wilson – Steelers
Oct 28, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack linebacker Payton Wilson (11) celebrates…
Oct 28, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack linebacker Payton Wilson (11) celebrates after scoring a touchdown on an interception during the second half against the Clemson Tigers at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports