By Blessing 
The NFL’s Silent Generals: bank the Top 10 Linebackers Ahead of the 2025 Season
With NFL training camps officially in motion and the 2025 season fast approaching, much of the spotlight has—unsurprisingly—been on quarterbacks and players embroiled in contract negotiations. But while those headlines dominate, it’s time to shed light on a group that often operates in the shadows but serves as the heartbeat of the defense: the linebackers.
There’s a longstanding debate about which position is the hardest to play on defense. Some argue it’s the defensive back role due to the athleticism required, and that’s a fair point. But speaking from personal experience—after playing linebacker in the league for eight seasons—I’d argue it’s linebackers who shoulder the greatest responsibility. It’s not just about athleticism or toughness. Linebackers need a complete understanding of the defense. They’re the ones who have to read the offense, align teammates, and react in real-time. They are, in many ways, the defensive equivalent of quarterbacks.
With that in mind, here’s my take on the top 10 linebackers in the NFL as we head into the 2025 season.
1. Bobby Wagner – Washington Commanders (Year 14)
Drafted a year ahead of me, Bobby Wagner was someone I studied and tried to emulate. What sets Wagner apart is his elite football IQ. A 10-time Pro Bowler, Wagner consistently diagnoses plays with pinpoint accuracy and communicates effectively pre-snap, keeping the defense one step ahead. At 35, he’s naturally slowed down a bit—his coverage grades over the past few years show that—but he remains near the top in run defense, blitzing, and tackling due to his efficiency and anticipation. Wagner’s longevity and continued production are a testament to his cerebral approach to the game.
2. Fred Warner – San Francisco 49ers (Year 8)
Fresh off signing a three-year, $63 million contract extension, Warner continues to be the anchor of San Francisco’s defense. His athleticism is off the charts, and his versatility—shaped by a hybrid linebacker/safety role in college—makes him elite in both coverage and run defense. Warner’s instincts, range, and leadership are unrivaled. He’s posted 125+ tackles in five of his seven seasons and has four first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections to his name. With Robert Saleh returning as DC, Warner is poised to maintain his dominance in Year 8.
3. Dre Greenlaw – Denver Broncos (Year 7)
Greenlaw brings an old-school mentality to the modern game. His physicality and intensity remind me of legends like Ray Lewis and NaVorro Bowman. While injuries limited him to just two games last season with the 49ers, he’s now healthy and ready to shine with the Broncos. Denver’s strong defensive line should free Greenlaw up to make plays, and I believe he’s set for a resurgence that will remind fans of his hard-hitting, all-out style.
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4. Lavonte David – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Year 14)
Lavonte David has been a favorite of mine since his Nebraska days. His range, football intelligence, and dedication to film study make him one of the most prepared defenders in the league. As Madden NFL 13’s Ray Lewis once said:
“I’m older. Of course I’m older. That’s the beauty of it. … Different level of wisdom, different level of understanding.”
David, now in his 14th NFL season, embodies that wisdom. His résumé includes nearly 200 games played, over 1,600 tackles, 39 sacks, and 13 interceptions. While 2024 wasn’t his strongest season, he remains the emotional leader and engine of Todd Bowles’ defense.
5. Roquan Smith – Baltimore Ravens (Year 8)
I was lucky to play alongside Roquan Smith during my final NFL season in Chicago, and it was immediately clear that he was something special. Roquan is a blend of old-school grit and modern-day agility. He’s vocal, hardworking, and relentless on the field. Since joining the Ravens, he’s become the defensive cornerstone, earning three consecutive first-team All-Pro selections. Whether in coverage or plugging run lanes, Smith continues to bring elite-level consistency to Baltimore’s defense.
6. Alex Anzalone – Detroit Lions (Year 9)
Anzalone was my teammate in New Orleans from 2017 to 2019, and I’ve always admired his athleticism. His sideline-to-sideline coverage is nearly unmatched, and his ability to read and react has improved tremendously over the years. Under Dan Campbell’s guidance in Detroit, Anzalone has thrived, averaging over 100 tackles the past three seasons—even while missing seven games last year. He’s also tallied 17 passes defensed, 24 QB hits, and 21 tackles for loss in that span. He may fly under the radar, but his impact is undeniable.
7. Zack Baun – Philadelphia Eagles (Year 6)
Baun took a huge leap in 2024. He switched from an edge rusher to an inside linebacker—one of the hardest transitions to make—and excelled. Playing under Vic Fangio, Baun posted an All-Pro season, racking up 151 tackles, five forced fumbles, 11 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and even a pick. He was instrumental in Philly’s Super Bowl run. His success reflects his football smarts, belief in his teammates, and buy-in to the system. With a new three-year, $51 million extension signed this offseason, Baun is primed for even greater heights.
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8. Nick Bolton – Kansas City Chiefs (Year 5)
In Steve Spagnuolo’s demanding scheme, linebackers must excel in both run support and man coverage. Bolton has done just that. Since entering the league in 2021, he’s quickly established himself as Kansas City’s defensive backbone. According to NFL Research, he’s one of just five players with 550+ tackles and 35+ tackles for loss over their first four seasons since 2000—joining elite company like Patrick Willis and Luke Kuechly. His 36-yard scoop-and-score touchdown in Super Bowl LVII was a game-defining moment. Bolton just inked a three-year, $45 million deal to stay in KC, and he’s worth every cent.
9. Denzel Perryman – Los Angeles Chargers (Year 11)
Perryman has always been a spark plug. During my time with the Chargers, I saw firsthand how explosive he could be. His ability to read plays, stay low pre-snap, and explode into the backfield is uncanny. Though injuries have hindered his consistency, his 2021 Pro Bowl season with the Raiders (154 tackles) showed what he can do when healthy. Now back with the Chargers, Perryman brings toughness, experience, and a downhill style that opposing running backs fear.
10. Frankie Luvu – Washington Commanders (Year 8)
Luvu has been one of the league’s most underrated risers in recent years. After a slow start to his career, he’s blossomed into a disruptive, high-motor playmaker. Teaming up with Bobby Wagner in Washington last season, he notched career highs in sacks (8), QB hits (14), and passes defensed (7), earning second-team All-Pro honors. But beyond the stat sheet, Luvu is a motivator—often seen rallying his teammates, leading pregame huddles, and injecting energy into the unit. With Dan Quinn now overseeing the defense, expect Luvu to become an even bigger piece of the puzzle.
Final Thoughts
Linebackers don’t often get the glory, but they are central to every defensive success story. These 10 players aren’t just racking up tackles—they’re setting the tone, adjusting schemes on the fly, and delivering in big moments. Whether they’re seasoned veterans like Wagner and David or breakout stars like Baun and Luvu, these linebackers are redefining the position in their own way.
So as the quarterbacks make headlines and contracts continue to dominate the news cycle, don’t forget about the defenders in the middle—the ones calling the shots, absorbing the hits, and keeping the fire alive.