Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner joins Russell Wilson in ESPN’s series on the top 10 NFL players at each of their positions, landing squarely at number one on the “Top 10 Linebackers” list. The voting panel consisted of more than 50 players, coaches, executives, and scouts across the league.
“(He’s a) damn good player,” said a scout of Wagner. “That’s all there is to say.”
Wagner led the league in tackles last season with 159, marking his fourth consecutive season of 130 or more, and was named to his fifth career All-Pro team and his sixth career Pro Bowl. Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranked him at no. 17 on this year’s PFF50 list, which ranks the NFL’s best 50 players heading into 2020.
As it stands, the outlook of the Seahawks defense poses more questions than answers. The 2019 unit was statistically the worst in the Pete Carroll era in total yards allowed per game (381.6), passing yards allowed (263.9), sacks (28), and opposing red zone touchdown percentage (61.5 percent), ranking 26th or worse in all four categories.
Wagner is one of the only sure things in the 2020 squad, along with fellow linebacker K.J. Wright and Pro Bowl cornerback Shaquill Griffin. The Seahawks drafted linebacker Jordyn Brooks and defensive end Darrell Taylor in the 2020 NFL Draft while adding edge rushers Bruce Irvin and Benson Mayowa in free agency to address their coverage and pass rushing issues.
