Over the past three seasons, there was no question as to who was the top linebacker in the NFL, Ray Lewis. However, many would argue that Brian Urlacher has to be included in this argument.
That all changed last season, neither of these two All-Pros were the best. In fact, the best middle linebacker award belonged to a rookie.
- B/R Ticket Guide
Patrick Willis, the 6'1" 240lb middle linebacker for the San Fransisco 49ers, had 174 tackles (135 solo), 2 forced fumbles, and 4 sacks; compared to Ray Lewis' 121 tackles, and Brian Urlacher's 123. Willis was overshadowed by his team's record, but the statistics don't lie.
Willis was one of the few bright spots on a struggling 49ers team last season, and if he stays healthy, he could be in the same league as Buckus, Taylor and Singletary.
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5 months ago
How about Demeaco Ryans and Ernie Sims they are great young LBs that are on underappreciated teams
5 months ago
Patrick Willis is on his way to becoming a star, but lets see one more dominant season out of him before we crown his ***, as Dennis Green would say.
Remember, Johnathan Vilma won NFL ROY and he was just traded for a 4th round pick I think.
Willis has all the talent and ability to become the next Ray Lewis but I want to see his team rally around him and look to him for guidance the way the Ravens always did with Lewis
5 months ago
I agree with both of you guys, I just think Willis is the total package. He can defend the run, he can cover the pass and he's a ball hawk. I'm a huge Simes fan, and I like Ryans game too but Patrick Willis will be a star for a long time. We'll have to wait and see, but I'm looking forward to watching his progression.
5 months ago
Demeaco averages 141.5 tackles a season also Michael Boley of ATL is and up and coming star
5 months ago
Great article, glad to hear Patrick had a great rookie season and listing stats cool. If Olde Miss was televised the four years he went their. I would always watch and always amazed how he would take over games. If the Offense was as good as their D, they would have been National Champions. He's a special guy, had a tough life grewing, never let it bring him down and inspired his other siblings to make something of their lives.
The year he was drafted, Lance Briggs was holding out over Da Bears making him the franchise player. I hoped we would have trade him to the Skins plus swapped #1 picks and this would mean Patrick Willis would be a Bear. I must have been dreaming, didn't happen and man oh man.
3 months ago
Patrick Willis is good but to put his names in with Ray Lewis, Brian Urlacher, Buckus, Taylor and Singletary is out of line. He had a great rookie season, I'll give him that but if the average NFL career is 2 to 3 years he has a long way to go. But in my opinion he will never be close to as great as the names I've just stated. When he does this year after year after year then he can say something but one good year is nothing!!!!!!
3 months ago
i said right now kevin, he doesn't even compare to buckus, taylor or singletary YET. as of right now he had the best season by any middle backer in the league last year, that's what i'm basing this on. i truly beleive that p willis will be the best middle backer for a number of years to come.
3 months ago
Willis had a great rookie season, and other players like Simms and Ryans did to, but stats dont mean everything. You all have to remember that Brian Urlacher had a severely painful back and Neck injury last year and he'll likely bounce back to have a fine year. Willis, Simms, and Ryans play for well below average defenses and that can really juice up your stats. They all have great speed like you mentioned but are slightly undersized and after some seasons in the NFL, a linebacker can get really worn down. The Middle linebacker position isnt all about tackles. teams need to have that big intimidating presence in the middle of their defense. All of these players are really good, but until one of these 1st, 2nd year Linebackers team gos deep into the playoffs (or atleast have a winning season) I wouldnt quite say their the best. I would say Urlacher is still an notch over every one else for the sole reason he has the skills (6-4, 255) and Credentials (leadership, intensity, presence) that are essential for his position.
3 months ago
great point adam. i'm basing this solely on the amazing rookie season that willis had, and yes his team was quite the failure when you consider all of the off-season additions they had, but his skills are out of this world, he does have leadership, try reading his biography you'll agree for sure. i for sure agree with you that urlacher is amazing, so is ray lewis, but this is a young mans league, or at least it's turning into that so it may seem, the young linebackers coming in are the new prototypes. they are freaks. i think we just need to sit back and enjoy.
3 months ago
In case anyone forgot Ray Lewis and Brian Urlacher each had 150 plus tackles their rookie years. Ray Lewis had 184 tackles as a rookie he was younger and much faster than patrick willis. plus patrick willis isn't a game changer yet. We'll see if he's just as dominant in 10-12 years
3 months ago
great point karl, ray lewis is one of a kind, an incredible "player", not just linebacker. i truly believe that he is in the top 3 linebackers ever, know with saying that, i think that patrick willis will be a game changer, i think he will be an all-pro for the majority of his career and i think he's one of the best defensive players in the nfl. thanks for the comment.
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