Continuing the Flea Flicker Top-15 series (Top-10 this time) and passing the time before training camp, here's a look at the Top-10 Outside Linebackers entering the 2016 season. While I grouped 4-3 and 3-4 defensive ends together I can't really do that with the linebackers in the respective defenses. The positions are far too different.
Top-10 4-3 Outside Linebackers
10. Kwon Alexander, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This is a little early as Alexander was only a rookie last season. But he was outstanding as a rookie last season. He and Lavonte David form an explosive pair of outside linebackers for the Buccaneers.
9. Mark Barron, Los Angeles Rams
Barron has made a nice transition from safety to a hybrid linebacker position. He's been solid blitzing, filling gaps, and in coverage.
8. Malcolm Smith, Oakland Raiders
He burst on the football scene in Super Bowl XLIII when he was with the Seattle Seahawks. He took home the MVP award in the game. Now, he's a leader of a young, solid Raiders defense.
7. Telvin Smith, Jacksonville Jaguars
This could be a little high and perhaps a little early for Smith. He's on the fast track to stardom. He's also one of the fastest linebackers in the game.
6. K.J. Wright, Seattle Seahawks
Wright has always been overshadowed by all of the other stars of the Seahawks defense. He's been terrific for several years now.
5. Sean Lee, Dallas Cowboys
Lee was outstanding at middle linebacker. Now, he's outstanding at outside linebacker. The only thing that's kept Lee from being one of the league's great defenders is injuries.
4. Thomas Davis, Carolina Panthers
It feels like Davis has been playing for decades. It's actually been since 2005. He's finally getting the attention that he's long deserved.
3. DeAndre Levy, Detroit Lions
Levy missed nearly all of the 2015 season to injury. This ranking is going with the assumption that he returns this season good as new. He makes plays all over the field.
2. Lavonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
David is one of my favorite players in the league. He's everywhere on the football field. So much fun to watch.
1. Anthony Barr, Minnesota Vikings
This top ranking has as much to with Barr's incredible potential as his production over his first two seasons. Injuries have been the only thing that has slowed him in those two seasons. He's missed games each season. When he's been on the field he's been outstanding.
Top-10 3-4 Outside Linebackers
These are the money outside linebacker. The linebackers that collect the sacks and blow up the franchise numbers for the position.
10. Aaron Lynch, San Francisco 49ers
Lynch had 6 sacks in situational play as a rookie in 2014. He collected 6.5 sacks in 13 starts last season. He's a player that seems primed for a breakout season.
9. Melvin Ingram, San Diego Chargers
Ingram struggled to stay on the field his first three seasons. He finally started all 16 games last season and posted 10.5 sacks.
8. Pernell McPhee, Chicago Bears
It just feels like McPhee is on the verge of stardom. He's a talented pass rusher.
7. Tamba Hali, Kansas City Chiefs
Even after 10 years of getting after quarterbacks Hali is still getting after quarterbacks.
6. Jabaal Sheard, New England Patriots
Sheard was an excellent, under-the-radar free agency signing by the Patriots in 2015. He played in the shadow of Jamie Collins and Chandler Jones in the Patriots front seven last season. He still made an impact. He's one of the more underrated defenders in the league.
5. Clay Matthews, Green Bay Packers
Team needs often forced Matthews to inside linebacker the past two seasons. On the outisde, he's so disruptive.
4. Jamie Collins, New England Patriots
Collins can take over games like he did against the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship game. He can do a lot of everything really well.
3. Justin Houston, Kansas City Chiefs
Houston probably drops into coverage more than most 3-4 outside linebackers. He can still get after the quarterback with the best of them.
2. Khalil Mack, Oakland Raiders
Some have Mack at defensive end. Others have him at outside linebacker. He was named All-Pro at both last season. I like him at outside linebacker. Until Von Miller's performance in the Denver Broncos run to the Super Bowl, Mack was approaching for the title of "best edge rusher in the game."
1. Von Miller, Denver Broncos
Anyone that has any doubts of Miller's talents didn't watch last year's postseason. He was brilliant. He simply takes over football games.
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