The Baltimore Wire
Fansided

AFC North Top 5: Inside Linebackers

By Brandon Austin

facebooktwitterreddit

Dec 28, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker C.J. Mosley (57) gets introduced prior to the game against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Next up in The Baltimore Wire’s AFC North Top 5 series: inside linebackers. The race is fairly tight for the top spot, as there are a number of players whose stocks have risen in the past year or so. A few names on this list may surprise some people, but that’s what is so great about sports. There is always room for debate.

Let’s take a look at the Top 5 inside linebackers in the AFC North for the 2015-16 season.

Honorable Mention:

5. Ryan Shazier, Pittsburgh Steelers

Shazier’s rookie season was one plagued by injuries, but now, fully healthy, he is ready to prove that he is the guy who belongs in the middle. He possesses the speed and athleticism to make him a force on defense. In five games last season, Shazier recorded 27 tackles and he’ll look to improve on those numbers in 2015. If he can remain healthy for a full season, that second inside linebacker position should be his to lose.

4. Daryl Smith, Baltimore Ravens

Oct 12, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Daryl Smith (51) during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Smith is one of the more underrated and under-appreciated players in all of football. He doesn’t demand the notoriety or recognition. He simply goes about his business and he does it very well. In two seasons with Baltimore, Smith has totaled 251 tackles. Smith is entering his 12th NFL season, but he really isn’t showing signs of slowing down. One of the reasons he has been so successful in the NFL is because he flat-out outworks everyone else on the football field.

More from Baltimore Ravens

3. Karlos Dansby, Cleveland Browns

In terms of talent, Dansby does belong here. However, he must lead his troops and improve on a dreadful run defense, which ranked dead last in the NFL. Dansby knows he could’ve done a better job last season and should be better in his second season playing under the new defensive scheme. In 2014, he finished with 93 total tackles, three sacks and an interception. Expect his numbers to improve in 2015.

2. Lawrence Timmons, Pittsburgh Steelers

Aug 21, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tight end Brent Celek (87) makes a catch and has his helmet knocked off by Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons (94) during the first quarter of a game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Timmons made a very strong case for the No. 1 spot on this list. There are two leaders on the Steelers’ defense: Cameron Heyward and Timmons. Timmons was all over the field last season, racking up 132 tackles to go along with two sacks. He is one of the few constants on that defense. Pittsburgh is known for its rich history at the linebacker position and Timmons is one of the best we’ve seen in recent years. He’s only 29, so he’ll still be wreaking havoc for years to come. 

More from The Baltimore Wire

1. C.J. Mosley, Baltimore Ravens

C.J. Mosley is an fast-emerging NFL star. Mosley impacted the game in every way possible as a rookie with the Ravens. The former Crimson Tide star recorded 133 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble. Mosley led all middle linebackers in snaps last season, which is very impressive for a first-year player. He had a smooth transition to the professional ranks, which is a testament to his skill, as well as his football I.Q. Mosley was selected to the Pro Bowl. If his rookie campaign was any indication, Mosley will likely be the next great Ravens linebacker.

More from AFC North Top 5: QB | RB | WR | TE | OL | DL | OLB

Next: Top 5 AFC North Outside Linebackers

Home/Baltimore Ravens