Who is an off-the-ball linebacker?

In football, linebackers are crucial to stopping the runner and the thrower. They are frequently among the most physically gifted players on the field, particularly in the NFL.

The defensive player is positioned about 4m behind the defensive line at the line of scrimmage.

In football, a defensive player in this position who does not focus primarily on pressuring the passer is known as an "off-ball" linebacker. These players do not align themselves on the ball or at the line of scrimmage. Instead, these players protect the center of the field from throws and rushes by positioning themselves about five yards from the line of scrimmage.

Pass protection is one of the position's most considerable and significant duties. This player must finish his task and cover his area or territory because he does not have the ball. Due to this, these players frequently don football gloves.

NFL players who excel in this position include Demario Davis of the New Orleans Saints, Lavonte David of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Eric Kendricks of the Minnesota Vikings, Darius Leonard of the Indianapolis Colts, and Tremaine Edmunds of the Buffalo Bills.

Who are the best linebackers in the NFL?

#1 - Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers

Over the past few seasons, the San Francisco 49ers have had one of the top defenses in the NFL. Linebacker Fred Warner is equally crucial to their run, even though pass rusher Nick Bosa receives much of the praise and spotlight for his exceptional skills.

#2 - Bobby Wagner, Los Angeles Rams

Bobby Wagner improves every time, whether it is preventing runs or making a difference when blocking throws. He has emerged as one of the role's finest players who has performed consistently well.

#3 - Demario Davis, New Orleans Saints

Demario Davis' late-career transformation into an exceptional linebacker has been entertaining. He has successfully combined his athleticism with his ability to analyze opposition attacks. He has been among the most overlooked linebackers of the last several seasons.

#4 - Roquan Smith, Chicago Bears

Since being selected by the Chicago Bears in the 2018 draft, Roquan Smith has played exceptionally well. The issue is that Smith's reputation has suffered since the Bears' defense, and the squad has performed horribly in recent years.

#5 - Lavonte David - Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Lavonte David is another player who doesn't get the credit he deserves. David has never had a season with fewer than 87 total tackles in his career that has spanned a decade.

Skeptics should be reminded that David secured the defensive line when they assert that Tom Brady won the Super Bowl for the Buccaneers without help in 2020.