Scouting 101: NFL Linebacker Rankings
by Matt Miller
It is fun to see other sites following our lead. Only three positions left in our Scouting 101 series. Here are the linebackers.
1 Merriman, Shawne Chargers LB $2,643,620 (10)
2 Urlacher, Brian Bears LB $5,850,510 (10)
3 Willis, Patrick 49ers LB $4,081,000 (10)
4 Peterson, Julian Seahawks LB $7,300,000 (9)
5 Lewis, Ray Ravens LB $9,428,574 (9)
6 Tatupu, Lofa Seahawks LB $2,070,000 (9)
7 Ware, DeMarcus Cowboys LB $2,157,000 (9)
8 Thomas, Adalius Patriots LB $5,406,720 (8)
9 James, Bradie Cowboys LB $3,350,000 (8)
10 Ryans, DeMeco Texans LB $1,276,250 (8)
11 Briggs, Lance Bears LB $5,471,666 (8)
12 Hawk, A.J. Packers LB $4,827,970 (8)
13 Howard, Thomas Raiders LB $1,001,240 (8)
14 Beason, Jon Panthers LB $1,718,740 (8)
15 Morrison, Kirk Raiders LB $1,893,840 (8)
16 Brooks, Derrick Buccaneers LB $3,750,000 (8)
17 Witherspoon, Will Rams LB $5,805,760 (8)
18 Scott, Bart Ravens LB $5,573,388 (8)
19 Suggs, Terrell Ravens LB Franchise Tag (8)
20 Phillips, Shaun Chargers LB $6,637,912 (8)
21 Johnson, Derrick Chiefs LB $2,216,240 (8)
22 Williams, D.J. Broncos LB $1,626,000 (8)
23 Jackson, D’Qwell Browns LB $1,105,000 (8)
24 Sims, Ernie Lions LB $2,605,000 (8)
25 Vilma, Jonathan Saints LB $4,097,500 (8)
26 Bulluck, Keith Titans LB $7,864,908 (8)
27 Peterson, Mike Jaguars LB $4,933,335 (8)
28 Farrior, James Steelers LB $4,503,550 (8)
29 Pierce, Antonio Giants LB $5,300,000 (8)
30 Pace, Calvin Jets LB $2,833,333 (8)
31 Vrabel, Mike Patriots LB $4,192,720 (7)
32 Hill, Leroy Seahawks LB $1,068,250 (7)
33 Bruschi, Tedy Patriots LB $1,706,720 (7)
34 Barnett, Nick Packers LB $4,108,571 (7)
35 Crowder, Channing Dolphins LB $1,197,385 (7)
36 Henderson, E.J. Vikings LB $4,321,305 (7)
37 Porter, Joey Dolphins LB $7,400,000 (7)
38 Hayes, Gerald Cardinals LB $1,506,240 (7)
39 Foote, Larry Steelers LB $3,392,300 (7)
40 Brackett, Gary Colts LB $2,723,750 (7)
41 Greenwood, Morlon Texans LB $5,517,000 (7)
42 Mitchell, Kawika Bills LB $4,006,720 (7)
43 June, Cato Buccaneers LB $3,666,666 (7)
44 Thornton, David Titans LB $4,806,720 (7)
45 Fujita, Scott Saints LB $3,005,760 (7)
46 Chillar, Brandon Packers LB $3,256,250 (7)
47 Ayodele, Akin Cowboys LB $3,500,000 (7)
48 Harris, David Jets LB $1,121,240 (7)
49 Greenway, Chad Vikings LB $1,958,860 (7)
50 Brooking, Keith Falcons LB $7,942,226 (7)
51 Smith, Daryl Jaguars LB $3,691,667 (7)
52 McIntosh, Roger ‘Rocky’ Redskins LB $1,520,000 (7)
53 Boley, Michael Falcons LB $2,023,720 (7)
54 Washington, Marcus Redskins LB $6,445,416 (7)
55 Thomas, Zach Cowboys LB $1,250,000 (7)
56 Barton, Eric Jets LB $4,115,000 (7)
57 Tinoisamoa, Pisa Rams LB $4,005,760 (7)
58 Hobson, Victor Patriots LB $491,720 (7)
59 Ruud, Barrett Buccaneers LB $1,035,750 (7)
60 Shanle, Scott Saints LB $2,600,000 (7)
61 Davis, Thomas Panthers LB $2,196,250 (7)
62 Edwards, Donnie Chiefs LB $4,839,572 (7)
63 Jones, Dhani Bengals LB $1,866,666 (7)
64 Harrison, James Steelers LB $1,550,470 (7)
65 Fowler, Ryan Titans LB $2,506,720 (6)
66 Crowell, Angelo Bills LB $1,968,750 (6)
67 Cooper, Stephen Chargers LB $2,306,120 (6)
68 Peek, Antwan Browns LB $2,433,333 (6)
69 Posluszny, Paul Bills LB $873,720 (6)
70 Keiaho, Freddy Colts LB $551,000 (6)
71 Brooks, Ahmad Bengals LB $605,187 (6)
72 Wilkinson, Gerris Giants LB $595,195 (6)
73 Gaither, Omar Eagles LB $486,845 (6)
74 Tulloch, Stephen Titans LB $559,095 (6)
75 Leber, Ben Vikings LB $3,600,000 (6)
76 Banta-Cain, Tully 49ers LB $3,266,666 (6)
77 Carpenter, Bobby Cowboys LB $1,755,000 (6)
78 Lawson, Emanuel ‘Manny’ 49ers LB $1,690,000 (6)
79 Harris, Napoleon Chiefs LB $3,700,000 (6)
80 Woodley, LaMarr Steelers LB N/A (6)
81 Poppinga, Brady Packers LB $1,028,750 (6)
82 Simoneau, Mark Saints LB $1,246,666 (6)
83 Burnett, Kevin Cowboys LB $890,625 (6)
84 Timmons, Lawrence Steelers LB $1,755,470 (6)
85 Rivers, Keith Bengals LB Rookie (6)
86 Mayo, Jerod Patriots LB Rookie (6)
87 Fletcher, London Redskins LB $3,440,000 (6)
88 Anderson, Charlie Dolphins LB $1,833,333 (6)
89 Davis, Andra Browns LB $3,600,000 (6)
90 Torbor, Reggie Dolphins LB $2,100,000 (6)
91 Moore, Brandon 49ers LB $1,570,000 (6)
92 Bailey, Rodney ‘Boss’ Broncos LB $1,565,000 (6)
93 Draft, Chris Rams LB $1,363,333 (6)
94 Chatham, Matt Jets LB $875,834 (6)
95 Williams, Leon Browns LB $564,220 (6)
96 Lofton, Curtis Falcons LB Rookie (6)
97 McGinest, Willie Browns LB $3,666,668 (6)
98 Johnson, Landon Panthers LB $1,705,000 (6)
99 Williams, Demorrio Chiefs LB $1,606,240 (6)
100 Haggans, Clark Cardinals LB $1,355,760 (6)
101 Nece, Ryan Buccaneers LB $1,160,000 (6)
102 Greisen, Nick Ravens LB $989,573 (6)
103 Lewis, De’Andre ‘D.D.’ Seahawks LB $485,000 (6)
104 Polk, Carlos Chargers LB $736,120 (6)
105 Lewis, Alex Lions LB $1,456,720 (6)
106 Thomas, Robert Raiders LB $2,006,240 (6)
107 Lenon, Paris Lions LB $1,800,000 (6)
108 Diggs, Na’il Panthers LB $1,400,000 (6)
109 Bradley, Stewart Eagles LB $541,720 (5)
110 Hillenmeyer, Hunter Bears LB $1,500,000 (5)
111 Ingram, Clint Jaguars LB $623,750 (5)
112 Barnes, Antwan Ravens LB $472,386 (5)
113 Blackburn, Chase Giants LB $674,320 (5)
114 Connor, Dan Panthers LB Rookie (5)
115 Clark, Danny Giants LB $1,500,000 (5)
116 Dizon, Jordon Lions LB Rookie (5)
117 Hagler, Tyjuan Colts LB $1,417,000 (5)
118 Kassell, Brad Jets LB $770,000 (5)
119 Ulbrich, Jeff 49ers LB $2,281,000 (5)
120 Crable, Shawn Patriots LB Rookie (5)
121 Clemons, Chris Eagles LB $1,500,000 (5)
122 Durant, Justin Jaguars LB $695,500 (5)
123 Wilhelm, Matt Chargers LB $3,656,120 (5)
124 Smith, Derek M Chargers LB $1,256,120 (5)
125 Bentley, Kevin Texans LB $1,250,000 (5)
126 Webster, Nate Broncos LB $1,030,000 (5)
127 Williams, Sam Raiders LB $875,000 (5)
128 Joe, Leon Buccaneers LB $485,000 (5)
129 Koutouvides, Niko Broncos LB $1,278,146 (5)
130 Thomas, Dontarrious 49ers LB $866,720 (5)
131 Stills, Gary Ravens LB $836,720 (5)
132 Winborn, Jamie Broncos LB $1,750,000 (5)
133 Brayton, Tyler Panthers LB $1,525,000 (5)
134 Lehman, Teddy Buccaneers LB $1,250,000 (5)
135 Black, Quincy Buccaneers LB $576,250 (5)
136 Ayanbadejo, Brendon Ravens LB $1,096,720 (4)
137 Beisel, Monty Cardinals LB $906,240 (4)
138 Morgan, Dan Saints LB $780,000 (4)
139 Fox, Keyaron Steelers LB $491,720 (4)
140 Siler, Brandon Chargers LB $386,801 (4)
141 Gardner, Gilbert Lions LB $485,000 (4)
142 Hodge, Abdul Packers LB $647,000 (4)
143 DeOssie, Zak Giants LB $484,945 (4)
144 Pettway, Kenneth Jaguars LB $520,000 (4)
145 Jordan, Akeem Eagles LB $1,476,720 (4)
146 Thompson, Chaun Texans LB $1,025,000 (4)
147 Adibi, Xavier Texans LB Rookie (4)
148 Campbell, Khary Redskins LB $861,720 (4)
149 Izzo, Larry Patriots LB $491,720 (4)
150 Diles, Zach Texans LB $384,228 (4)
151 Slaughter, T.J. Patriots LB $451,720 (4)
152 Waters, Anthony Chargers LB $525,620 (4)
153 Cash, Antoine Buccaneers LB $525,000 (4)
154 Manning, Roy Bengals LB $520,000 (4)
155 Chukwurah, Patrick Buccaneers LB $760,064 (4)
156 Boiman, Rocky Eagles LB $771,720 (4)
157 Bell, Beau Browns LB Rookie (4)
158 Anderson, James Panthers LB $613,640 (4)
159 McMillan, David Browns LB $573,720 (4)
160 Frazier, Andre Steelers LB $566,720 (4)
161 Williams, Jamar Bears LB $555,470 (4)
162 Wheeler, Philip Colts LB Rookie (4)
163 Avril, Cliff Lions LB Rookie (4)
164 Ruud, Bo Patriots LB Rookie (4)
165 Spencer, Cody Jets LB $750,000 (4)
166 Babin, Jason Seahawks LB $963,723 (4)
167 Gooden, Tavares Ravens LB Rookie (4)
168 Nicholas, Stephen Falcons LB $493,595 (4)
169 McClover, Darrell Bears LB $564,220 (4)
170 McCoy, Matt Buccaneers LB $620,000 (4)
171 Ciurciu, Vinny Vikings LB $817,500 (4)
172 Smith, Bryan Eagles LB Rookie (4)
173 Pope, Derrick Vikings LB $485,000 (4)
174 Kyle, Jason Panthers LB $916,240 (4)
175 Farwell, Heath Vikings LB $1,423,360 (4)
176 Harris, Marques Chargers LB $1,423,120 (4)
177 Stamer, Josh Titans LB $698,740 (4)
178 Okwo, Michael Bears LB $531,095 (4)
179 Woods, Pierre Patriots LB $451,720 (3)
180 Howard, Marcus Colts LB Rookie (3)
181 Blackstock, Darryl Bengals LB $520,000 (3)
182 Ellison, Keith Bills LB $478,470 (3)
183 Blades, Horatio ‘H.B.’ Redskins LB $403,345 (3)
184 Davis, James ‘Buster’ Lions LB $301,720 (3)
185 Sartz, Dallas Vikings LB $301,360 (3)
186 Applewhite, Antwan Chargers LB $301,120 (3)
187 Hayes, Geno Buccaneers LB Rookie (3)
188 Everett, Earl Falcons LB $301,720 (3)
189 Curry, Donte Panthers LB $795,000 (3)
190 Session, Clint Colts LB $462,500 (3)
191 Schlegel, Anthony Bengals LB $445,000 (3)
192 Iwuh, Brian Jaguars LB $445,000 (3)
193 Jeanty, Rashad Bengals LB $445,000 (3)
194 Shaw, Tim Panthers LB $415,965 (3)
195 Herring, Will Seahawks LB $410,775 (3)
196 Prescott, Burgess Ravens LB $395,636 (3)
197 Taylor, Tony Falcons LB $379,720 (3)
198 Gilbert, Tony Jaguars LB $610,000 (3)
199 Goff, Jonathan Giants LB Rookie (3)
200 Keglar, Stanford Titans LB Rookie (3)
201 Alston, Jon Raiders LB $451,240 (3)
202 Alexander, Rufus Vikings LB $329,547 (3)
203 Trucks, Anthony Steelers LB $301,720 (3)
204 Biermann, Kory Falcons LB Rookie (3)
205 Vaughn, Cameron Falcons LB $301,720 (3)
206 Griffin, Kris Browns LB $933,720 (3)
207 Amato, Kenneth Titans LB $929,222 (3)
208 Snow, Justin Colts LB $790,000 (3)
209 Johnson, Brandon Bengals LB $445,000 (3)
210 Cain, Jeremy Titans LB $526,720 (3)
211 Dobbins, Tim Chargers LB $493,120 (3)
212 Taylor, Hilee Panthers LB Rookie (3)
213 Evans, Troy Saints LB $665,000 (3)
214 Thomas, Patrick Chiefs LB $451,240 (3)
215 Sinclair, Matt Redskins LB $376,720 (3)
216 White, Tracy Packers LB $860,000 (3)
217 Green, Louis Broncos LB $956,480 (3)
218 Schneck, Mike Falcons LB $736,720 (3)
219 Williams, Thomas Jaguars LB Rookie (3)
220 Maxwell, Jim Bengals LB $605,000 (3)
221 Smith, Mike Ravens LB $526,720 (3)
222 Fincher, Alfred Lions LB $520,000 (3)
223 Kehl, Bryan Giants LB Rookie (3)
224 Roach, Nick Bears LB $376,720 (3)
225 DiGiorgio, John Bills LB $455,054 (2)
226 Wallace, Rian Redskins LB $451,720 (2)
227 Orr, Shantee Browns LB $445,000 (2)
228 Grant, Larry 49ers LB Rookie (2)
229 Beck, Jordan Broncos LB $451,480 (2)
230 McCune, Robert Ravens LB $451,720 (2)
231 Mays, Corey Bengals LB $445,000 (2)
232 Nande, Terna Chargers LB $376,120 (2)
233 McGarigle, Tim Rams LB $375,760 (2)
234 Cordova, Jorge Titans LB $451,720 (2)
235 Miles, Edmond Dolphins LB $376,760 (2)
236 Archer, Brandon Broncos LB $376,480 (2)
237 Kershaw, William Broncos LB $376,480 (2)
238 Bowen, Alvin Bills LB Rookie (2)
239 Keglar, Stanford Titans LB $295,000 (2)
240 Studebaker, Andy Eagles LB Rookie (2)
241 Humpal, Mike Steelers LB Rookie (2)
242 LaRocque, Joey Bears LB Rookie (2)
243 James, Robert Falcons LB Rookie (2)
244 Larsen, Spencer Broncos LB Rookie (2)
245 Mays, Joe Eagles LB Rookie (2)
246 Vobora, David Rams LB Rookie (2)
247 Darche, J.P. Chiefs LB $805,000 (2)
248 Brown, Ricky Raiders LB $451,240 (2)
249 Havner, Spencer Packers LB $301,240 (2)
250 Abbate, Jon Texans LB $295,000 (2)
251 Daniels, Torrance ‘Tank’ Giants LB $449,320 (2)
252 Harris, Nate Chiefs LB $376,240 (2)
253 Hayward, Adam Buccaneers LB $395,500 (2)
254 Mackey, Jerry Jets LB $301,240 (2)
255 Cannon, Anthony Lions LB $460,954 (2)
256 Wilson, Rodriques Bears LB $451,720 (2)
257 Condo, Jon Raiders LB $451,240 (2)
258 O’Neil, Keith Giants LB $449,320 (2)
259 Nkang, Chad Jaguars LB $379,062 (2)
260 Campbell, Kurt Titans LB $301,720 (2)
261 Pimentel, Mickey Chiefs LB $301,240 (2)
262 Church, Marcello Dolphins LB $300,760 (2)
263 Keasey, Zak 49ers LB $450,520 (1)
264 Mitchell, Marvin Saints LB $375,760 (1)
265 Haley, Dennis 49ers LB $451,000 (1)
266 Smith, Tyson Cowboys LB $370,000 (1)
267 Muncy, Matt Titans LB $301,720 (1)
268 Williams, Travis Falcons LB $376,720 (1)
269 Holloway, David Cardinals LB $301,240 (1)
270 Johnson, Rory Giants LB $299,320 (1)
271Freeman, Jerrell Titans LB $297,500 (1)
272 Laury, Lance Seahawks LB $445,000 (1)
273 Washington, Mark Dolphins LB $375,760 (1)
274 Costanzo, Blake Bills LB $375,760 (1)
275 Culberson, Quinton Rams LB $375,760 (1)
276 Smith, Kelvin Dolphins LB $375,760 (1)
277 Guzman, Ramon Colts LB $371,666 (1)
278 Coley, Kevis Texans LB $295,000 (1)
279 Shotwell, Kyle Colts LB $295,000 (1)
280 Jamison, Brandon Panthers LB $451,240 (1)
281 Togafau, Pago Eagles LB $376,720 (1)
282 Rogers, Justin Cowboys LB $376,720 (1)
283 Allred, Colin Titans LB $376,720 (1)
284 Herron, David Vikings LB $376,360 (1)
285 Baldwin, Johnny Chiefs LB $376,240 (1)
286 Trusnik, Jason Jets LB $376,240 (1)
287 Tucker, Jyles Chargers LB $376,120 (1)
288 Worsley, Victor Colts LB $370,000 (1)
289 George, Tearrius Cowboys LB $295,000 (1)
290 Verdun Wheeler, Danny Redskins LB $295,000 (1)