Defensive Lineman/Linebackers Interior Lineman (17)
Ray Lewis (2018), Sam Mills (2022), Zach Thomas (2023), Brian Urlacher (2018), Patrick Willis (2024)
Modern Positional Average
Much like with what he had in exterior lineman, we have a convulted system where we try to look at the interior run-stuffers, while recognizing what that the front seven vary depending on scheme and player. With that, we have a unique situtation in that with Sam Mills, who was a late entrant in the modern vote, is not factored into the traditional statistics as his overall numbers are not complete. This means that we have an average of the four for most stats, which exclude Mills.
Here are the statistics that we are using based on the last group of Defensive Lineman/Linebackers/Interior Lineman to enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame:
- Games Played: 177.4
- Approximate Value: 151.8
- Approximate Value per Games Played: 0.8557
- Games Started: 174
- Approximate Value per Games Started: 0.8724
- Approximate Value per Five-Year Peak: 76.8
- Approximate Value’s Best Five Results: 83.2
- Top Five Defensive Player of the Year Finishes**: 7.8
- Pro Bowls: 7.8
- First Team All-Pros*: 4.4
- Interceptions: 16.8
- Interceptions Five-Year Peak: 8.8
- Quarterback Sacks: 28.9
- Quarterback Sacks Five-Year Peak: 15.8
- Tackles for Loss: 103.3
- Tackles for Loss Five-Year Peak: 53.5
- Forced Fumbles: 16.8
- Combined Tackles: 1,473.8
- Combined Tackles Five-Year Peak: 701.6
- Top Five Combined Tackles Finishes 14.2
- Super Bowl Wins: 0.4
- Super Bowl Appearances: 0.8
*This is an aggregate of the Top Five finishes (5th = 1, 4th = 2, 3rd = 3, 2nd = 4th, 1st = 5)
**This is a reminder that the All-Pros we use are from the AP.
Stats
- Games 177.4
- Approximate Value 151.8
- Approximate Value per Game 0.8557
- Games Started 174
- Approximate Value per Games Started 0.8724
- Approximate Value: Five-Year Peak 76.8
- Approximate Value: Best Five Years 83.2
- Top Five Aggregated MVP Finishes 7.8
- Top Five Aggregated DPOY Finishes 7.8
- Pro Bowls 7.8
- First Team AP All-Pros 4.4
- Interceptions 16.8
- Interceptions Five-Year Peak 8.8
- Quarterback Sacks 28.9
- Quarterback Sacks Five-Year Peak 15.8
- Tackles for Loss 103.3
- Tackles for Loss Five-Year Peak 53.5
- Combined Tackles 1473.8
- Combined Tackles Five-Year Peak 701.6
- Top Five Aggregated Completed Tackles Finishes 14.2
- Forced Fumbles 16.8
- Super Bowl Championships 0.4
- Super Bowl Appearances 0.8
#3 Overall, Bobby Wagner: Washington Commanders Linebacker, #1 Defensive Lineman/Linebacker: Interior Lineman
2023 Pre-Season Rank #3, 2022 Pre-Season Rank #6, 2021 Pre-Season Rank #10, 2020 Pre-Season Rank #18.
How good did Bobby Wagner look in a Seahawks uniform last year?
After ten seasons in Seattle, where he was an All-Decade, six-time First Team All-Pro, and Super Bowl champion, Wagner played for the Rams in 2022 before returning to the Seahawks in 2023, where he collected his ninth Pro Bowl Selection. Wagner shows no signs of age and last year, he led the NFL in Combined Tackles for the third time, but can he do that for his new team in Washington?
Of note, if Wagner gets 100 Combined Tackles again (and he has never not been able to do that), he will move up past Hall of Famers Derrick Brooks and Zach Thomas, and former Atlanta Falcon, Jessie Tuggle for fourth overall. 142 Combined Tackles, brings him to third place, surpassing Junior Seau.
Even if Wagner never registers another Tackle, his Hall of Fame case is already built.
Stats
- Games 185 (+7.6)
- Approximate Value 160 (+8.2)
- Approximate Value per Game 0.8649 (+0.0092)
- Games Started 183 (+9)
- Approximate Value per Games Started 0.8743 (+0.0019)
- Approximate Value: Five-Year Peak 78 (+1.2)
- Approximate Value: Best Five Years 78 (-5.2)
- Top Five Aggregated DPOY Finishes 2 (-5.8)
- Pro Bowls 9 (+1.2)
- First Team AP All-Pros 6 (+1.6)
- Interceptions 13 (-3.8)
- Interceptions Five-Year Peak 5 (-3.8)
- Quarterback Sacks 33.0 (+4.1)
- Quarterback Sacks Five-Year Peak 10.5 (-5.3)
- Tackles for Loss 85 (-18.3)
- Tackles for Loss Five-Year Peak 35 (-18.5)
- Combined Tackles 1706 (+232.2)
- Combined Tackles Five-Year Peak 711 (+9.4)
- Top Five Aggregated Completed Tackles Finishes 20 (+5.8)
- Forced Fumbles 6 (-10.8)
- Super Bowl Championships 1 (+0.6)
- Super Bowl Appearances 2 (+1.2)
#36 Overall, C.J. Mosley: New York Jets Linebacker, #2 Defensive Lineman/Linebacker: Interior Lineman
2023 Pre-Season Rank #32, 2022 Pre-Season Rank #41, 2021 Pre-Season Rank #44, 2020 Pre-Season Rank #45. Peak Period: 2014-18
Mosley’s AV/G is higher than the average MPA for a Linebacker, though his traditional numbers are low for this stage of his career, and he doesn’t have that First Team All-Pro. After five years in Baltimore, Mosley joined the Jets in 2019 but only played two games due to a groin injury and opted out of 2020 due to COVID concerns. 2021 was not the comeback he needed, but 2022 was, where he added Pro Bowl and Second Team All-Pro number five. He is also on a three-year streak of at least 150 Tackles.
As a star of the Jets front-seven, his stock will rocket if the Jets and Mosely have a great 2024.
Stats
- Games 129 (-48.4)
- Approximate Value 94 (-57.8)
- Approximate Value per Game 0.7287 (-0.127)
- Games Started 129 (-45)
- Approximate Value per Games Started 0.7287 (-0.1437)
- Approximate Value: Five-Year Peak 65 (-11.8)
- Approximate Value: Best Five Years 70 (-13.2)
- Top Five Aggregated DPOY Finishes 0 (-7.8)
- Pro Bowls 5 (-2.8)
- First Team AP All-Pros 0 (-4.4)
- Interceptions 12 (-4.8)
- Interceptions Five-Year Peak 9 (+0.2)
- Quarterback Sacks 12.5 (-16.4)
- Quarterback Sacks Five-Year Peak 8.5 (-7.3)
- Tackles for Loss 55 (-48.3)
- Tackles for Loss Five-Year Peak 43 (-10.5)
- Combined Tackles 1066 (-407.8)
- Combined Tackles Five-Year Peak 579 (-122.6)
- Forced Fumbles 10 (-6.8)
- Super Bowl Championships 0 (-0.4)
- Super Bowl Appearances 0 (-0.8)
#47 Overall, DeMario Davis, New Orleans Saints Linebacker, #3 Defensive Lineman/Linebacker: Interior Lineman
2023 Pre-Season Rank #2022, Pre-Season Rank #137. Peak Period: 2019-23
Davis, a veteran player, has experienced a significant rise in his career over the past four years. He has been an AP All-Pro for the last five years, with one First Team and four Second Team selections. His recent achievements, such as being selected for the Pro Bowl in 2022 and repeating this success the following year, are a testament to his current success.
There is a buzz around Davis that never existed in his 20s, and the respect for the Saints’ defensive Swiss Army Knife is skyrocketing.
Stats
- Games 194 (+16.6)
- Approximate Value 123 (-28.8)
- Approximate Value per Game .6340 (-0.2217)
- Games Started 180 (+6)
- Approximate Value per Games Started 0.6833 (-0.1891)
- Approximate Value: Five-Year Peak 74 (-2.8)
- Approximate Value: Best Five Years 74 (-9.2)
- Top Five Aggregated DPOY Finishes 0 (-7.8)
- Pro Bowls 2 (-5.8)
- First Team AP All-Pros 1 (-3.4)
- Interceptions 3 (-13.8)
- Interceptions Five-Year Peak 2 (-6.8)
- Quarterback Sacks 42.5 (+13.6)
- Quarterback Sacks Five-Year Peak 24 (+8.2)
- Tackles for Loss 105 (+1.7)
- Tackles for Loss Five-Year Peak 56 (+2.5)
- Combined Tackles 1257 (-216.8)
- Combined Tackles Five-Year Peak 615 (-86.6)
- Top Five Aggregated Completed Tackles Finishes 0 (-14.2)
- Forced Fumbles 4 (-12.8)
- Super Bowl Championships 0 (-0.4)
- Super Bowl Appearances 0 (-0.8)
#49 Overall, Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers Linebacker, #4 Defensive Lineman/Linebacker: Interior Lineman
2023 Pre-Season Rank #79, 2022 Pre-Season Rank #118, 2021 Pre-Season Rank #142. Peak Period: 2019-23
Warner has arguably been the best Middle Linebacker in the NFL since 2020, and the career Niner is looking to add his fourth First-Team All-Pro and third consecutive in 2024. He has at least 130 Combined Tackles in the last three seasons, and his big play moments have increased. He has also been instrumental in San Francisco’s last two NFC Championships.
Stats
- Games 98 (-79.4)
- Approximate Value 77 (-74.8)
- Approximate Value per Game 0.7857 (-0.07)
- Games Started 98 (-76)
- Approximate Value per Games Started 0.7857 (-0.0867)
- Approximate Value: Five-Year Peak 70 (-6.8)
- Approximate Value: Best Five Years 70 (-13.2)
- Top Five Aggregated DPOY Finishes 0 (-7.8)
- Pro Bowls 3 (-4.8)
- First Team AP All-Pros 3 (-1.4)
- Interceptions 8 (-8.8)
- Interceptions Five-Year Peak 8 (-0.8)
- Quarterback Sacks 9 (-19.9)
- Quarterback Sacks Five-Year Peak 9 (-6.8)
- Tackles for Loss 31 (-72.3)
- Tackles for Loss Five-Year Peak 28 (-25.5)
- Combined Tackles 766 (-707.8)
- Combined Tackles Five-Year Peak 642 (-59.6)
- Forced Fumbles 11 (-5.8)
- Super Bowl Championships 0 (-0.4)
- Super Bowl Appearances 2 (+1.2)
#55 Overall, Lavonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Linebacker, #5 Defensive Lineman/Linebacker: Interior Lineman
2023 Pre-Season Rank: #53, 2022 Pre-Season Rank #63, 2021 Pre-Season Rank #83, 2020 Pre-Season Rank #94. Peak Period: 2012-16
We argued that Lavonte David was one of the most underrated players of the 2010s, and that is even more true in overall football history. Let's say that is true, as underrated players (in their time) have made the Hall, but it is challenging for the career Buccaneer to crack the plane that will give him Canton consideration.
Hopefully, the Bucs will honor him in some capacity when his career concludes.
Stats
- Games 181 (+3.6)
- Approximate Value 111 (-40.8)
- Approximate Value per Game 0.7287 (-0.127)
- Games Started 181 (+7)
- Approximate Value per Games Started 0.7287 (-0.1437)
- Approximate Value: Five-Year Peak 53 (-23.8)
- Approximate Value: Best Five Years 61 (-22.2)
- Top Five Aggregated DPOY Finishes 0 (-7.8)
- Pro Bowls 2 (-5.8)
- First Team AP All-Pros 0 (-4.4)
- Interceptions 12 (-4.8)
- Interceptions Five-Year Peak 9 (+0.2)
- Quarterback Sacks 12 (-16.9)
- Quarterback Sacks Five-Year Peak 8.5 (-7.3)
- Tackles for Loss 55 (-48.3)
- Tackles for Loss Five-Year Peak 43 (-10.5)
- Combined Tackles 1480 (+6.2)
- Combined Tackles Five-Year Peak 579 (-122.6)
- Top Five Aggregated Completed Tackles Finishes 2 (-12.2)
- Forced Fumbles 10 (-6.8)
- Super Bowl Championships 1 (+0.6)
- Super Bowl Appearances 1 (+0.2)
#62 Overall, Roquan Smith, Baltimore Ravens Linebacker, #6 Defensive Lineman/Linebacker: Interior Lineman
2023 Pre-Season Rank #92, 2022 Pre-Season Rank #133, 2021 Pre-Season Rank #146. Peak Period: 2019-23
Smith was a Second-Team All-Pro for two years in a row (2020-21), but as good as he was, the Bears were not, and Smith and Chicago became disenchanted with each other. Chicago traded Smith to the Ravens during the season, and it was by far the best year of his career, with a career-high in Approximate Value (17) and landing a First-Team All-pro.
Smith followed it with his second First-Team All-pro selection and his third consecutive year with 150-plus Combined Tackles. Moving forward, if Smith can remain the league’s top Middle Linebacker over the next three seasons, this is a Hall of Fame player.
Stats
- Games 94 (-83.4)
- Approximate Value 75 (-76.8)
- Approximate Value per Game 0.7979 (-0.0578)
- Games Started 92 (-82)
- Approximate Value per Games Started 0.8152 (-0.0572)
- Approximate Value: Five-Year Peak 66 (-10.8)
- Approximate Value: Best Five Years 68 (-15.2)
- Top Five Aggregated DPOY Finishes 0 (-7.8)
- Pro Bowls 2 (-5.8)
- First Team AP All-Pros 2 (-2.4)
- Interceptions 9 (-7.8)
- Interceptions Five-Year Peak 8 (-0.8)
- Quarterback Sacks 20.0 (-8.9)
- Quarterback Sacks Five-Year Peak 15 (-0.8)
- Tackles for Loss 59 (-44.3)
- Tackles for Loss Five-Year Peak 51 (-2.5)
- Combined Tackles 851 (-622.8)
- Combined Tackles Five-Year Peak 730 (+28.4)
- Top Five Aggregated Completed Tackles Finishes 4 (-10.2)
- Forced Fumbles 2 (-14.8)
- Super Bowl Championships 0 (-0.4)
- Super Bowl Appearances 0 (-0.8)
#65 Overall, Shaquille Leonard, Free Agent, Linebacker, #7 Defensive Lineman/Linebacker: Interior Lineman
2023 Pre-Season Rank #38. 2022 Pre-Season Rank #42, 2021 Pre-Season Rank #77. Peak Period: 2018-22
Shaq Leonard had one of the best first four seasons in Colts history. During that time, he won the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year, was a three-time First Team All-Pro, and was a league leader in Forced Fumbles (8 in 2021). However, back issues reared their ugly head in 2022, and when he came back, he wasn’t the same player.
Leonard was traded to Philadelphia during the 2023 season and is currently a Free Agent. Unless he signs (and fully recovers), his Hall of Fame dream has ended.
Stats
- Games 75 (-102.4)
- Approximate Value 65 (-86.8)
- Approximate Value per Game 0.8677 (+0.012)
- Games Started 71 (-103)
- Approximate Value per Games Started 0.9155 (+0.0431)
- Approximate Value: Five-Year Peak 60 (-16.8)
- Approximate Value: Best Five Years 64 (-19.2)
- Top Five Aggregated DPOY Finishes 0 (-7.8)
- Pro Bowls 3 (-4.8)
- First Team AP All-Pros 3 (-1.4)
- Interceptions 12 (-4.8)
- Interceptions Five-Year Peak 12 (+3.2)
- Quarterback Sacks 16 (-12.9)
- Quarterback Sacks Five-Year Peak 15 (-0.8)
- Tackles for Loss 34 (-69.3)
- Tackles for Loss Five-Year Peak 30 (-23.5)
- Combined Tackles 637 (-836.8)
- Combined Tackles Five-Year Peak 547 (-154.6)
- Top Five Aggregated Completed Tackles Finishes 5 (-9.2)
- Forced Fumbles 17 (+0.2)
- Super Bowl Championships 0 (-0.4)
- Super Bowl Appearances 0 (-0.8)
#88 Overall, Anthony Barr: Free Agent, Linebacker: #8 Defensive Lineman/Linebacker: Interior Lineman
2023 Pre-Season Rank #75, 2022 Pre-Season Rank #73, 2021 Pre-Season Rank #84, 2020 Pre-Season Rank #79. Peak Period: 2015-19
Barr had four consecutive Pro Bowl years (2015-18) but did so without a First- or Second-Team All-Pro Selection. Barr should have some acknowledgment in Minnesota when his career ends, and we suspect he will, but his run of accolades likely has ended.
Stats
- Games 118 (-59.4)
- Approximate Value 67 (-84.8)
- Approximate Value per Game 0.5678 (-0.2879)
- Games Started 108 (-66)
- Approximate Value per Games Started 0.6203 (-0.2521)
- Approximate Value: Five-Year Peak 46 (-30.8)
- Approximate Value: Best Five Years 46 (-37.2)
- Top Five Aggregated DPOY Finishes 0 (-7.8)
- Pro Bowls 4 (-3.8)
- First Team AP All-Pros 0 (-4.4)
- Interceptions 5 (-11.8)
- Interceptions Five-Year Peak 2 (-6.8)
- Quarterback Sacks 18.5 (-10.4)
- Quarterback Sacks Five-Year Peak 11 (-4.8)
- Tackles for Loss 41 (-62.3)
- Tackles for Loss Five-Year Peak 30 (-23.5)
- Combined Tackles 554 (-919.8)
- Combined Tackles Five-Year Peak 347 (-354.6)
- Forced Fumbles 8 (-8.8)
- Super Bowl Championships 0 (-0.4)
- Super Bowl Appearances 0 (-0.8)
#126 Overall, Tremaine Edmunds, Chicago Bears Linebacker, #9 Defensive Lineman/Linebackers: Interior Lineman
2023 Pre-Season Rank #103, 2022 Pre-Season Rank #107, 2021 Pre-Season Rank: 120, 2020 Pre-Season Rank #142. Peak Period: 2018-22.
A Pro Bowl Selection in 2019 and 2020, Tremaine Edmunds's push for greatness has stalled in his last two years with the Bills. Edmunds joined a very interesting Chicago Bears squad in 2023, but he would have to return to a previous level for any serious chance.
Stats
- Games 89 (-88.4)
- Approximate Value 57 (-94.8)
- Approximate Value per Game 0.6404 (-0.2153)
- Games Started 89 (-85)
- Approximate Value per Games Started 0.6404 (-0.232)
- Approximate Value: Five-Year Peak 49 (-27.8)
- Approximate Value: Best Five Years 50 (-33.2)
- Top Five Aggregated DPOY Finishes 0 (-7.8)
- Pro Bowls 2 (-5.8)
- First Team AP All-Pros 0 (-4.4)
- Interceptions 9 (-7.8)
- Interceptions Five-Year Peak 5 (-3.8)
- Quarterback Sacks 6.5 (-22.4)
- Quarterback Sacks Five-Year Peak 6.5 (-9.3)
- Tackles for Loss 37 (-66.3)
- Tackles for Loss Five-Year Peak 32 (-21.5)
- Combined Tackles 678 (-795.8)
- Combined Tackles Five-Year Peak 565 (-136.6)
- Forced Fumbles 3 (-13.8)
- Super Bowl Championships 0 (-0.4)
- Super Bowl Appearances 0 (-0.8)
#129 Overall, Devin White, Philadelphia Eagles, Linebacker, #10 Defensive Lineman/Linebacker: Interior Lineman
2023 Pre-Season Rank #124, 2022 Pre-Season Rank #141. Peak Period: 2019-23
Devin White’s time with Tampa Bay ended, and it yielded the Inside Linebacker a Super Bowl ring, a Pro Bowl in 2021, and a Second Team All-Pro in 2020. White had a three-year run (2020-22) with at least 120 Combined Tackles. This is the White that has to return with his new team, Philadelphia, to have any Hall of Fame shot.
Stats
- Games 76 (-101.4)
- Approximate Value 49 (-102.8)
- Approximate Value per Game .6447 (-0.211)
- Games Started 75 (-99)
- Approximate Value per Games Started 0.6533 (-0.2191)
- Approximate Value: Five-Year Peak 49 (-27.8)
- Approximate Value: Best Five Years 49 (-34.2)
- Top Five Aggregated DPOY Finishes 0 (-7.8)
- Pro Bowls 1 (-6.8)
- First Team AP All-Pros 0 (-4.4)
- Interceptions 3 (-13.8)
- Interceptions Five-Year Peak 3 (-5.8)
- Quarterback Sacks 23.0 (-5.9)
- Quarterback Sacks Five-Year Peak 23.0 (+7.2)
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Top Five Aggregated Quarterback Sack Finishes
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40 (+40) - Tackles for Loss 40 (-63.3)
- Combined Tackles 566 (-907.8)
- Combined Tackles Five-Year Peak 566 (-135.6)
- Top Five Aggregated Completed Tackles Finishes 1 (-13.2)
- Forced Fumbles 6 (-10.8)
- Super Bowl Championships 1 (+0.6)
- Super Bowl Appearances 1 (+0.2)
#133 Overall, Eric Kendricks, Linebacker, Dallas Cowboys: #11 Interior Lineman/Linebackers: Interior Lineman
2023 Pre-Season Rank #119, 2022 Pre-Season Rank #119, 2021 Pre-Season Rank #133. Peak Period: 2015-19
After eight years in Minnesota, Eric Kendricks joined the Los Angeles Chargers but enters this season with Dallas. However, any Hall of Fame talk (if any) has stalled since his monster 2019 season. Has he done enough for the Vikings to honor him in some capacity in the future?
Stats
- Games 132 (-45.4)
- Approximate Value 71 (-80.8)
- Approximate Value per Game .5379 (-0.3178)
- Games Started 127 (-47)
- Approximate Value per Games Started 0.5591 (-0.3133)
- Approximate Value: Five-Year Peak 46 (-30.8)
- Approximate Value: Best Five Years 47 (-36.2)
- Top Five Aggregated DPOY Finishes 0 (-7.8)
- Pro Bowls 1 (-6.8)
- First Team AP All-Pros 1 (-3.4)
- Interceptions 9 (-7.8)
- Interceptions Five-Year Peak 4 (-4.8)
- Quarterback Sacks 18.5 (-10.4)
- Quarterback Sacks Five-Year Peak 9 (-6.8)
- Tackles for Loss 61 (-42.3)
- Tackles for Loss Five-Year Peak 34 (-19.5)
- Combined Tackles 1036 (-437.8)
- Combined Tackles Five-Year Peak 532 (-169.6)
- Forced Fumbles 5 (-11.8)
- Super Bowl Championships 0 (-0.4)
- Super Bowl Appearances 0 (-0.8)
#135 Overall, Jonathan Allen, Washington Commanders Defensive End, #12 Defensive Lineman/Linebackers: Interior Lineman
2023: Pre-Season Rank: #143. Peak Period 2018-22.
Jonathan Allen has played seven seasons to date, all with Washington, and obtained two Pro Bowls over that time. The versatile Defensive End had an off year by his standards in 2023 and will need to rebound for any serious Hall of Fame consideration.
Stats
- Games 101 (-76.4)
- Approximate Value 54 (-97.8)
- Approximate Value per Game 0.5192 (-0.3365)
- Games Started 101 (-73)
- Approximate Value per Games Started 0.5192 (-0.3532)
- Approximate Value: Five-Year Peak 46 (-30.8)
- Approximate Value: Best Five Years 46 (-37.2)
- Top Five Aggregated DPOY Finishes 0 (-7.8)
- Pro Bowls 2 (-5.8)
- First Team AP All-Pros 0 (-4.4)
- Interceptions 1 (-15.8)
- Interceptions Five-Year Peak 1 (-7.8)
- Quarterback Sacks 39.0 (+10.1)
- Quarterback Sacks Five-Year Peak 30.5 (+14.7)
-
Top Five Aggregated Quarterback Sack Finishes
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57 (+57) - Tackles for Loss 47 (-56.3)
- Combined Tackles 382 (-1091.8)
- Combined Tackles Five-Year Peak 319 (-382.6)
- Top Five Aggregated Completed Tackles Finishes 0 (-14.2)
- Forced Fumbles 2 (-14.8)
- Super Bowl Championships 0 (-0.4)
- Super Bowl Appearances 0 (-0.8)
#139 Overall, Grady Jarrett, Atlanta Falcons, Defensive Tackle, #13 Defensive Lineman/Linebackers: Interior Linemen
2023 Pre-Season Rank #139, 2022 Pre-Season Rank #150, 2021 Pre-Season Rank #147, 2020 Pre-Season Rank #149. Peak Period: 2017-21
Jarrett went to the Pro Bowl in 2019 and 2020, where he was hitting his stride. The Hall of Fame might be a tall order, but a post-career accolade by the Falcons seems doable.
Stats
- Games 135 (-42.4)
- Approximate Value 60 (-91.8)
- Approximate Value per Game 0.4444 (-0.4113)
- Games Started 120 (-54)
- Approximate Value per Games Started 0.5000 (-0.3724)
- Approximate Value: Five-Year Peak 41 (-35.8)
- Approximate Value: Best Five Years 44 (-39.2)
- Top Five Aggregated DPOY Finishes 0 (-7.8)
- Pro Bowls 2 (-5.8)
- First Team AP All-Pros 0 (-4.4)
- Interceptions 0 (-16.8)
- Interceptions Five-Year Peak 0 (-8.8)
- Quarterback Sacks 34 (+5.1)
- Quarterback Sacks Five-Year Peak 20.5 (+4.7)
- Tackles for Loss 68 (-35.3)
- Tackles for Loss Five-Year Peak 46 (-7.5)
- Combined Tackles 443 (-1030.8)
- Combined Tackles Five-Year Peak 287 (-414.6)
- Forced Fumbles 5 (-11.8)
- Super Bowl Championships 0 (-0.4)
- Super Bowl Appearances 1 (+0.2)
#140 Overall, Matt Milano, Buffalo Bills, Linebacker, #14 Defensive Lineman/Linebacker: Interior Linemen
2022: Pre-Season Rank: #144. Peak Period 2018-22
Matt Milano had a solid career going into 2022 but unexpectedly emerged as the Bills’ top defensive player. This lands Milano on the lower end of this list, but we have all seen players who made their Canton bones in the middle third of their career, though a torn bicep going into 2024 will hamper that.
Stats
- Games 90 (-87.4)
- Approximate Value 57 (-94.8)
- Approximate Value per Game 0.6333 (-0.2224)
- Games Started 74 (-100)
- Approximate Value per Games Started 0.7703 (-0.1021)
- Approximate Value: Five-Year Peak 51 (-25.8)
- Approximate Value: Best Five Years 51 (-32.2)
- Top Five Aggregated DPOY Finishes 0 (-7.8)
- Pro Bowls 1 (-6.8)
- First Team AP All-Pros 1 (-3.4)
- Interceptions 10 (-6.8)
- Interceptions Five-Year Peak 7 (-1.8)
- Quarterback Sacks 10.5 (-18.4)
- Quarterback Sacks Five-Year Peak 10.5 (-5.3)
- Tackles for Loss 58 (-45.3)
- Tackles for Loss Five-Year Peak 50 (-3.5)
- Combined Tackles 488 (-985.8)
- Combined Tackles Five-Year Peak 409 (-292.6)
- Top Five Aggregated Completed Tackles Finishes 3 (-11.2)
- Super Bowl Championships 0 (-0.4)
- Super Bowl Appearances 0 (-0.8)
#141 Overall, Patrick Queen, Baltimore Ravens, Linebacker, #15 Defensive Lineman/Linebacker: Interior Linemen
2023: Pre-Season Rank: Unranked. Peak Period 2020-23*
Patrick Queen had the best season of his four-year career, where he earned his first Pro Bowl and Second Team All-Pro and set a personal best 133 Combined Tackles.
*Queen has only played four seasons.
Stats
- Games 67 (-110.4)
- Approximate Value 42 (-109.8)
- Approximate Value per Game 0.6269 (-0.2288)
- Games Started 67 (-107)
- Approximate Value per Games Started 0.6269 (-0.2455)
- Approximate Value: Five-Year Peak 42 (-34.8)
- Approximate Value: Best Five Years 42 (-41.2)
- Top Five Aggregated DPOY Finishes 0 (-7.8)
- Pro Bowls 1 (-6.8)
- First Team AP All-Pros 0 (-4.4)
- Interceptions 4 (-12.8)
- Interceptions Five-Year Peak 4 (-4.8)
- Quarterback Sacks 13.5 (-15.4)
- Quarterback Sacks Five-Year Peak 13.5 (-2.3)
- Tackles for Loss 37 (-66.3)
- Tackles for Loss Five-Year Peak 37 (-16.5)
- Combined Tackles 454 (-1019.8)
- Combined Tackles Five-Year Peak 454 (-247.6)
- Top Five Aggregated Completed Tackles Finishes 0 (-14.2)
- Forced Fumbles 5 (-11.8)
- Super Bowl Championships 0 (-0.4)
- Super Bowl Appearances 0 (-0.8)
#143 Overall, Dexter Lawrence, New York Giants, Linebacker, #16 Defensive Lineman/Linebacker: Interior Linemen
2023: Pre-Season Rank: Unranked. Peak Period 2019-23
Dexter Lawrence is more of a nose tackle, and if we focus on that role, Lawrence is one of the best in the business.
Stats
- Games 80 (-97.4)
- Approximate Value 46 (-105.8)
- Approximate Value per Game 0.5750 (-0.2807)
- Games Started 73 (-101)
- Approximate Value per Games Started 0.6301 (-0.2423)
- Approximate Value: Five-Year Peak 46 (-30.8)
- Approximate Value: Best Five Years 46 (-37.2)
- Top Five Aggregated DPOY Finishes 0 (-7.8)
- Pro Bowls 2 (-5.8)
- First Team AP All-Pros 0 (-4.4)
- Interceptions 0 (-16.8)
- Interceptions Five-Year Peak 0 (-8.8)
- Quarterback Sacks 21 (-7.9)
- Quarterback Sacks Five-Year Peak 21 (+5.2)
- Tackles for Loss 28 (-75.3)
- Tackles for Loss Five-Year Peak 28 (-25.5)
- Combined Tackles 266 (-1207.8)
- Combined Tackles Five-Year Peak 266 (-435.6)
- Top Five Aggregated Completed Tackles Finishes 0 (-14.2)
- Forced Fumbles 4 (-12.8)
- Super Bowl Championships 0 (-0.4)
- Super Bowl Appearances 0 (-0.8)