Top 10 Outside Linebackers in NFL 2021 Rankings

Where T.J. Watt, Khalil Mack, Von Miller, and more of the best Outside Linebackers rank going into the 2021-2022 NFL Season.

By admin | August 27, 2021

When we look at outside linebackers in the NFL we look at two types. We have the edge rushers that play in a 3-4 scheme like a T.J Watt and Khalil Mack who specializes in rushing the passer. On the other hand, we have the classic chase and run linebackers who chase down running backs, spy on mobile quarterbacks and cover tight ends and even wide receivers in the slot like Darius Leonard. The outside linebacker for these reasons, depending on the scheme, is the most important part of a defense. Here are the rankings on who I think will be the best in 2021.

Honorable Mention

Micah Parsons

Team: Dallas Cowboys

2020 Stats: 0 Solo, 0 Sacks, 0 FF, 0 INT

The Cowboys’ prized rookie out of Penn State is looking to change the shape of the defense that has the most points (473) and the second-most points allowed in team history.

Jamie Collins

Team: Detroit Lions

2020 Stats: 55 Solo, 1 Sacks, 3 FF, 1 INT

The veteran has proven that he can thrive whether in Bill Belichick’s system or beyond the system with 101 tackles and three forced fumbles last season for Detroit and will be a leader for new coach Dan Campbell.

Cole Holcomb

Team: Washington Football Team

2020 Stats: 45 Solo, 2.5 Sacks, 0 FF, 1 INT

A bit undersized linebacker, but can pack a big punch and he has underrated speed. He seems to be always around the football and will benefit from the defensive line that lays in front of him

Top 10 Outside Linebackers

10. Myles Jack

Team: Jacksonville Jaguars

2020 Stats: 72 Solo, 1 Sacks, 1 FF, 1 INT

The lone holdover from the “Sacksonville” Era of the Jaguars defense, his play has been forgotten during the team’s downturn and it has been a shame that Jack has never made a Pro Bowl in his career due to lack of team success. Jack recorded 118 combined tackles in 2020

9. Matt Miliano

Team: Buffalo Bills

2020 Stats: 35 Solo, 3.5 Sacks, 0 FF, 1 INT

Miliano had a few injuries last season, but in 2019 he recorded 101 tackles. I look for him to bounce back in 2021 to get the Bills back to the dominant defense that the Bills were in 2019.

8. Anthony Barr

Team: Minnesota Vikings

2020 Stats: 6 Solo, 0 Sacks, 0 FF, 0 INT

Barr has been an underrated stalwart of the Vikings defense for many years until a torn pectoral muscle ended his season after two games last season. Both Barr and Danielle Hunter are keys to a bounce-back season for the defense in Minnesota.

7. Za’Darius Smith

Team: Green Bay Packers

2020 Stats: 35 Solo, 12.5 Sacks, 4 FF, 0 INT

Smith had recorded 26 sacks over the last two seasons. Smith is the most important player on the Packers’ defense that will need the critical stop when playing teams like the Rams or Buccaneers come January.

6. Von Miller

Team: Denver Broncos

2020 Stats: 0 Solo, 0 Sacks, 0 FF, 0 INT

Von Miller had a serious leg injury that sidelined him for the 2020 season. Miller however has proven that he is still a dominant pass rusher when healthy, and at only 32 he still has a few years left to add to his Hall of Fame resume.

5. Shaquil Barrett

Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2020 Stats: 43 Solo, 8 Sacks, 2 FF, 0 INT

Barrett was Tampa’s best defensive player during their 2020 Super Bowl run and he got rewarded with a nice long-term extension this offseason. This performance was followed up by recording a leading 19.5 sacks in 2019.

4. Darius Leonard

Team: Indianapolis Colts

2020 Stats: 86 Solo, 3 Sacks, 3 FF, 0 INT

Leonard has made an All-Pro team each year that he has been in the league, now he will slide to the outside linebacker position with rising star Bobby Okereke manning up the middle.

3. Joey Bosa

Team: Los Angeles Chargers

2020 Stats: 29 Solo, 7.5 Sacks, 0 FF, 0 INT

Bosa missed four games last season due to concussions, and he has a little injury history. However, when he is on the field and healthy he can cause havoc on defense. Bosa has had 47.5 sacks in 63 career games played.

2. Khalil Mack

Team: Chicago Bears

2020 Stats: 29 Solo, 9 Sacks, 3 FF, 1 INT

Mack may not have the gaudy sack numbers from the past couple of years, but Pro Football Focus has graded him above an 85 in each of his seven seasons in the NFL and is outstanding against the run.

1. T.J. Watt

Team: Pittsburgh Steelers

2020 Stats: 43 Solo, 15 Sacks, 2 FF, 1 INT

Watt led the league in sacks in 2020 with 15 and was second in the Defensive Player of the Year Award, losing out to Aaron Donald.

Only Donald and Chandler Jones have topped J.J. Watt’s younger brother has 47.5 sacks since 2017. Furthermore, Watt’s 111 quarterback hits are second only to Donald. Watt has graded at a 91.3 and 91.6 respectively.

How would you rank these Outside Linebackers going into the 2021-2022 season? Rank below to be added in the Power Rankings and to have a chance to win a gift card to LAZADA, Amazon, Fanatics.com, or more that is specific to you. Join the contest by ranking below.