The NFC West has some very talented off-the-ball linebackers. The Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams, with their 3-4 scheme, play with two. The Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers play with three.
So there are 10 starting linebackers in the division.
Who are the top five?
No. 5: Kwon Alexander, 49ers
Alexander is coming off ACL surgery and is the Niners’ prize addition in free agency. he has had volume tackles. He has had sacks and interceptions. The knee is a question.
No. 4: Jordan Hicks, Cardinals
Hicks is dynamic but has had many injuries. He can do it all. He can pile up tackles. He had three sacks last season. He has had as many as five interceptions in a season. He is athletic moves well. Staying completely healthy, he could move up this list.
No. 3: K.J. Wright, Seahawks
His teammate, Bobby Wagner, is so good that people forget just how good Wright is. He was limited by injuries last season, but he had over 100 tackles the previous five seasons. He can pressure the quarterback and is great in the running game.
No. 2: Cory Littleton, Rams
Littleton is probably the best linebacker in the league people don’t know about. The former defensive back is a stud on special teams and on defense. He had 125 tackles, four sacks and three interceptions. He is a perfect fit for Wade Phillips’ defense and should be huge for years to come.
No. 1: Bobby Wagner, Seahawks
Some argue that Wagner is the best player in the entire league. He is everything to that Seahawks defense. It is his skills that make him so good. He can do anything. He might have to look over his shoulder for Littleton soon, but he is still the top dog at linebacker in the division.
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