The NFC West has some talented linebackers in the division. And when trying to rank the units in the division, it is a little tough because two teams have a 3-4 defense and the other two run 4-3 defenses. So two of the teams have their edge rushers as linebackers.
That said, here is how the teams would rank at the position.
No. 4: San Francisco 49ers
Lineup: Fred Warner, Kwon Alexander, Elijah Lee/Dre Greenlaw
This isn’t to say the 49ers have a bad group of linebackers. They just rank behind the rest of the division. Part of that is being a 4-3. Alexander is very good but is coming off an ACL injury. Warner could break out this year. The third spot is more of an unknown.
No. 3: Los Angeles Rams
Lineup: Clay Matthews, Cory Littleton, Micah Kiser, Dante Fowler
They upgraded the edge late last season and in the offseason with Fowler and Matthews. Littleton is a stud. Kiser is unproven.
No. 2: Arizona Cardinals
Lineup: Chandler Jones, Jordan Hicks, Haason Reddick, Terrell Suggs
This group could vault itself to the top of the division. Jones is one of the best off the edge. Suggs is a future Hall of Famer. Hicks is one of the most dynamic linebackers in the game if he stays healthy and Reddick has the physical tools. Hicks’ health and Reddick’s development is key. If both happen, this group will be dominant.
No. 1: Seattle Seahawks
Lineup: K.J. Wright, Bobby Wagner, Mychal Kendricks/Shaquem Griffin/Barkevious Mingo
Wagner is simply the best linebacker in the game. His presence elevates the group. Wright is also very underrated. That third spot has a lot of potential. They don’t have the edge presence here because of the scheme, but they still get the edge over Arizona because they have the steady production and the Cardinals have more potential at the moment.
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