This is one of the most important positions in football because they lead the defense. Linebackers are usually the most athletic people on the defensive side of the field, ranging from heights of 6’0 to 6’6, and weights around 225-265 lbs. These are usually the most well-rounded athletes on the field, fast and strong. Linebackers are the run stoppers and pass coverage athletes, making sure nothing comes in or over the middle of the field. Linebackers are usually the ones making the tackle.

#5 Brian Urlacher

On the ballot of the best Chicago Bears of all time, Brian Urlacher is also on the list of the most dominant middle linebackers of all time. His time playing forced offenses to adapt to a defender who dominated all three phases of the game: pass coverage, run defense, and pass rush. Urlacher was a linebacker with great tackling ability, with the speed and coverage of a defensive back. In his college days, he was a versatile player, playing wide receiver and safety. Those positions require speed and great technique, and that all adds to his reign as a great linebacker. Urlacher is a Hall of Famer, but also an eight-time Pro Bowler, Defensive Rookie of the Year, and Defensive Player of the Year.

#4 Derrick Brooks  

On the list of the greatest Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL, Derrick Brooks is a straight dog. Brooks was a central figure on the team’s defensive side of the ball. Derrick was a complete linebacker; he dominated all three things a linebacker needed to dominate. Derrick stepped up to the plate, and without him, a Super Bowl would not have been possible for the Buccaneers.  Inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2014 as well as in the college Hall of Fame, he was an 11-time Pro Bowler, Super Bowl 37 Champion, and also NFL defensive player of the year. There are more accolades to list, but there is no need to say more. Derrick had a major impact on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and on the league as well. 

#3 Ray Lewis

Ray Lewis is, hands down, one of the most dominant forces on the defensive side. Players in the league feared Lewis because of the viciousness in his hits. 

“When I used to play against Ray Lewis, I wouldn’t throw the ball to the middle of the field, because he would go after you and he would hit [receivers] and knock them out of the game,” Tom Brady said in an interview posted to Twitter by Mcgeezy813 (the origin is unknown). 

Towards the end of Lewis’ career, he racked up a total of 2,050 tackles playing through 16 seasons. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018.

#2 Luke Kuechly 

One of the smartest defensive minds in the NFL, Luke Kuechly, is known for his elite play recognition and his ability to finish plays. Even though he is not as dominant as other linebackers, his time in the league completely changed the league’s views on linebackers. His ability to read offenses and anticipate plays was unmatched, earning him the nickname “the quarterback of the defense.” Although his career was shorter than others on this list, Kuechly completely redefined what teams look for in a linebacker.

#1 Lawrence Taylor

Lawrence Taylor, also known as “LT,” is considered to be the greatest defensive player of all time. Taylor is most frequently cited as the most intimidating player of all time. His speed, power, and ability to get to the quarterback were revolutionary. Entire offenses had to change their game plan when playing Lawrence; he was that dude. He is a Hall of Famer and one of only two defensive players to win the NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. The last defensive player to win the NFL MVP award was LT in 1986.