Player Profiling: NFL Outside Linebacker Rankings

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A ranking of the best overall outside linebackers in the league.

1. Shawne Merriman (SD)

Merriman is another serious candidate for the Defensive Player of the Year Award. He is the best fundamental backer with the most football talent. His size gives him strength to move almost anyone trying to block him, but his agility also allows him to spin or run around them.

He will create big plays every time he is on the field and is the type of player that can control your entire defense for the better. He has MVP quality talent that can carry many defenses, and hopefully his injury won't be a concern this season.

2. James Harrison (PIT)

Harrison's style to his game reminds me of a cannonball. He is fast, explosive, nasty, and hard hitting. Every time this man blitzes, he creates a big play. Harrison always seems to be in the opponent's backfield and has the ability to force a turnover every time.

He can force fumbles any time he hits a ball carrier, and is a hard working player who has proven his reliability with a Super Bowl ring and a Defensive Player of the Year Award.

3. DeMarcus Ware (DAL)

Ware has the perfect combination of size and athleticism. He is a 6'4" freak with ridiculous speed, determination, and awareness. He can reach up high to deflect many passes or just get in between a quarterback's path to his receiver.

Ware's blitzing skills are as good as they come, and he has the potential to win a Defensive Player of the Year Award. His ability to get into most backfields quickly, along with his size and athletic talent, make Ware a threat every time he is on the field.

4. Lance Briggs (CHI)

Briggs is one of the most complete backers in the league. He can come up to stop the run, cover most receivers and backs one-on-one, and can make huge plays on a consistent basis.

His tackling skills are remarkable along with his ability to get to ball carriers quickly. He can read plays extremely well and does a good job of executing his role every play. His leadership qualities are some of the best, and he can help keep the Bears' defense on top of the league throughout the season.

Although Briggs is considered one of the best outside backers today, I believe he is underrated from what a majority of people honestly think of his skill quality. He has MVP talent and capability, but his numbers usually never reflect that.

5. Kieth Bullock (TEN)

Bullock, to me, is one of scariest backers in the game. He brings a big body presence, great leadership skills, vast knowledge of the game, and speed that makes him dangerous on every short yardage play.

His blitzing game is underrated, but effective. He fills holes extremely well, whether it is to make a tackle or just get in the way. His coverage game is par for the most part.

He is a reliable player who brings a high level of intensity and emotion each week.

6. Joey Porter (MIA)

Porter has some of the best leadership skills today. His blitzing skills have been solid for years along with his intensity of play. He will knock anyone out and let them know about it after the play.

He can get to a quarterback very quickly and force a turnover if given the chance. Blitzing with a returning Jason Taylor should only elevate his overall game this season, which is scary if you recall his success without Taylor last year.

7. Terrell Suggs (BAL)

Suggs is a linebacker who creates big plays with his ability to blitz. His speed is some of the best along with his tough attitude and determination. His fundamentals, although previously sloppy, have developed nicely in his game.

Suggs can get beat on some coverages, but his overall skill level and developed mechanics makes him a dangerous (but overlooked) weapon on the Ravens' defense.

8. LaMarr Woodley (PIT)

Woodley's style of play is perfect for the Steeler defense. He is a fast and explosive player who comes off the edge faster than most people realize. He has some of the best tackling mechanics at such a young age.

Woodley's ability to record sacks on a consistent basis makes him a dominant player. So much focus is on Harrison that sometimes teams forget about Woodley, which is a big mistake. His athletic play and quick maturity as a great role player make Woodley one of the most dangerous, but often forgotten, players in the 3-4 set.

9. AJ Hawk (GB)

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