Canal Street Chronicles
How linebacking talent is laid out across the league.
As we continue to rank the divisions of the National Football League, we’ll turn our attention to the linebacker units. Here is where they stand:
In Chicago, a new defensive coordinator has arrived, and his name is Dennis Allen. The Bears hired the former New Orleans Saints head coach to join Ben Johnson’s new staff with hopes of revamping their style of football. Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards are both coming off down years but could be in for a turnaround play.
Jack Campbell has played in every game for Detroit since entering the league in 2023. His availability and on-field production have made him one of the top young backers in the league today. The Lions also have Alex Anzalone on the roster, but he missed some time last season and played just ten games. If healthy, he is a key player in their defense.
Edgerrin Cooper burst onto the scene in Green Bay. The 2024 second-round pick for the Packers finished last season with 87 total tackles, three and a half sacks, a fumble forced and recovered, and an interception. If Quay Walker and Isaiah McDuffie can provide some much-needed depth at the position, they could be in a solid place.
While not boasting any top players at the position, Minnesota’s LB room is pretty good at flying under the radar. A new face on the roster this season, Kobe King, is hoping to add value to their production as a sixth-round draft pick in 2025.
Dallas LB DeMarvion Overshown’s availability for the upcoming season is still up in the air after tears to his right MCL, ACL, and PCL sidelined him last year. Without the talented player on the field, the Cowboys will be more reliant on the likes of Kenneth Murray Jr. and Jack Sanborn to hold down the middle of the defense.
The Giants’ defense is hard-nosed when it comes to the front seven. Behind an outstanding line, their linebacking unit has limitless potential. New York already has Brian Burns roaming around and added Abdul Carter with the third overall pick in this year’s draft. Opposing quarterbacks better watch out for the G-Men.
Nolan Smith Jr., Zack Baun, Nakobe Dean, Azeez Ojulari... It couldn’t get much better for Philadelphia at the LB position, right? Oh, they drafted Jihaad Campbell out of Alabama late in the first round this year. Baun finished in fifth place in voting for the 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Nuff’ said.
Washington has talent and veteran leadership at the linebacker spot. Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner played more than 2,100 snaps combined. It’s hard to get any traction going on offense with those guys on the field.
