AFC North Top 5: Outside Linebackers
Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Elvis Dumervil (58) sacks Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during an AFC wild card playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. The Ravens defeated the Steelers 30-17. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
In the next installment of the AFC North Top 5 series, we’ll be examining the outside linebacker position. The Baltimore Ravens have been known for breeding some of the top outside linebackers in the NFL, including Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil. The rest of the division is not short on talent at the position, however, as there are other players who are bound to make an impact in the 2015-16 season.
Here are the Top 5 outside linebackers in the AFC North for 2015.
Honorable Mention:
- James Harrison, Steelers
- Jarvis Jones, Steelers
- Arthur Moats, Steelers
- Courtney Upshaw, Ravens
5. Bud Dupree, Pittsburgh Steelers
It will be interesting to see if the Steelers’ first round draft pick will start in 2015. He has been receiving some snaps with the first team this summer, but some believe that Arthur Moats will start over him. Talent-wise though, Dupree has the potential to emerge from the crowd as the best outside linebacker on the team. He is a freak athlete who possesses the power and explosiveness to make him an extremely fierce pass-rusher. If Dupree can firmly grasp the defense and adjust well to the transition from college to the pros, there is no reason he can’t be a star in the NFL.
4. Vontaze Burfict, Cincinnati Bengals
Aug 24, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Here’s a guy who has all of the potential in the world, but has yet to realize it for himself. Although he hasn’t played poorly, he could be even better. Burfict led the Bengals in tackles in 2012 (73) and 2013 (114). But, in 2014, he suffered a knee injury which caused him to miss 11 games. Cincinnati is hoping that Burfict can bounce back from this injury because if not, it could be a long year for the Bengals defense. A player with such talent is so hard to come by. If he can stay healthy and keep his head on straight, Burfict can be scary good.
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3. Terrell Suggs, Baltimore Ravens
Although Suggs is now 32 years old and is no longer in his prime, per say, he is still one of the most feared pass-rushers in the entire NFL. In 13 seasons in Baltimore, ‘T-Sizzle’ has amassed 729 combined tackles, 106.5 sacks, 27 forced fumbles and seven interceptions. While Suggs is a beast on the field, his impact cannot simply be measured by the numbers. He is the vocal leader of the Ravens and the heart and soul of the defensive unit. Suggs still has a few good years left, but his biggest impact may come in the way he mentors the younger players as they continue to develop.
2. Paul Kruger, Cleveland Browns
May 26, 2015; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns linebacker Paul Kruger (99) during organized team activities at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Kruger is another testament to how well the Ravens develop young linebackers. Kruger spent four seasons in Baltimore and his 2012 season really put him on the map. He racked up nine sacks and that earned him a big payday in Cleveland. Kruger struggled in his first season with the Browns, recording only 4.5 sacks, but he did bounce back last season. He notched 11 sacks and four forced fumbles under his belt. He was simply a disruptive force all season long. Kruger has the ability to produce even bigger numbers, but that will depend on if the Browns can develop another outside linebacker opposite him.
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1. Elvis Dumervil, Baltimore Ravens
Dumervil is pretty much a no-brainer at No. 1. For the majority of his career, he’s been a model consistency. Dumervil had one of his better seasons to date in 2014, recording 17 sacks, which is a new Ravens single-season record. He is one of the elite in terms of pressuring the quarterback and he continues to impress at 31 years of age. Dumervil has enormous expectations for 2015. He wants to get 23 sacks, which would break Michael Strahan’s single-season record (22.5). If he can do that, the Ravens will be in line for another Super Bowl run.