Top 10 Outside Linebackers for the 2022 NFL Season

Outside Linebackers

As the 2022 season approaches, we will be breaking down the top ten players at each position.

10. Myles Jack

Team(s): Jacksonville Jaguars

2021 Stats: 62 Solo. 0 Sacks. 0 FF. 0 INT.

Jack had another 100+ tackle season on his record, but it was being wasted by a horrible Jacksonville Jaguars team. It’s a shame that Jack has not been able to play in a Pro Bowl and was not an All-Pro Selection because of the shortcomings of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jack is a stud and he is stuck in one of the most dysfunctional franchises in the NFL.

9. Cole Holcomb

Washington Commanders: Team(s).

2021 Stats: 83 Solos, 1 Sacks. 2 FF. 2 INT.

Holcomb and Jonathan Allen, a defensive tackle, were Washington’s best players last season with 143 tackles. Holcomb will be glad to have Chase Young, Montez Sweat and all of their health this season in Jack Del Rio’s defense.

8. Matthew Judon

New England Patriots

2021 Stats: 38 Solos, 12.5 Sacks. 0 FF. 0 INT

Judon was perhaps the most impactful agency signing of the last season. He was the best pass rusher Belichick has signed in years and was a major reason why the Patriots made the playoffs, recording 12.5 sacks and becoming his third consecutive Pro Bowler.

7. Von Miller

Team(s): Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams

2021 Stats: 33 Solo, 9.5 Sacks, 1 FF, 0 INT

Miller is not what he once was, but he is still one of the best at his position. Miller proved that last postseason, that he can be an effective pass rusher, especially in Super Bowl 56. Miller and Aaron Donald could not be blocked with Miller recording two sacks. Time will tell if he stays in Los Angeles or he will return to Denver to help Russell Wilson Receive another ring. The Buffalo Bills will be getting a great team leader.

6. Shaquil Barrett

Team(s): Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2021 Stats: 37 Solo, 10 Sacks, 3 FF, 1 INT

Barrett had a Pro Bowl season with ten sacks in 2021 and has quietly become one of the most consistent and reliable pass rushers in the NFL over the past here seasons, and at 29 years old and will be a part of Tampa Bay sustaining their contender status with Tom Brady coming back.

5. Demario Davis

Team(s): New Orleans Saints

2021 Stats: 70 Solos, 3 Sacks. 0 FF. 0 INT

Davis is proof that age does not matter. He was 32 years old when he was selected for his third consecutive All-Pro selection. Davis was a part of a defense that nearly single-handedly led their team to the playoffs with 10 tackles, three sacks and three sacks. They fell short of the playoffs but don’t be surprised if the Saints make it back to the playoffs in 2022 and Davis will be a significant reason why.

4. Harold Landry

Tennessee Titans

2021 Stats: 51 Solos, 12 Sacks, 1 FF and 0 INT

Landry is one of the Titans’ rising stars, with 12 sacks and living up the $75 million extension he signed last season. Landry was 25 when he made his first Pro Bowl appearance and is sure to continue making more. He got lucky being coached by Mike Vrabel who is one of the finest defensive coaches in the NFL.

3. Darius Leonard

Indianapolis Colts

2021 Stats: 75 Solo. 0 Sacks. 8 FF. 4 INT.

Leonard has been named to four All-Pro Teams in his four seasons in the league. He can play in both the middle and outside linebacker positions. He is a typical 4-3 linebacker who can cover, tackle, and run. He should be able to continue to get 100+ tackles per season if he is able to stay healthy.

2. Micah Parsons

Team(s): Dallas Cowboys

2021 Stats: 64 Solos, 13 Sacks. 3 FF. 0 INT

Parsons is very similar to Leonard, except that he can play anywhere in front seven. Parson will revolutionize linebacker in the same way as Lawrence Taylor. It is possible, I am sure. He was unanimously awarded the NFL Rookie-of-the Year award this past season.

1. T.J. Watt

Pittsburgh Steelers

2021 Stats: 48 Solos, 22.5 Sacks. 5 FF. 0 INT

Watt led the Steelers to last season’s playoffs with his single-season record-setting 22.5 sacks and five forced fumbles. He also had three fumble recoveryies. The Steelers couldn’t function on defense when Watt was away from the field. Steelers’ defense against the run was far worse than in years past.

Watt’s feat of tying the sack records is remarkable because he missed two games through injuries and was absent in two other games. Injuries are the only thing that could stop Watt from achieving his single-season record for sacks.