Photo: Derrick Thomas - Chosen 4th overall by the Kansas City Chiefs in 1989
Ranking the Top five linebacker classes in NFL Draft History
Linebackers play a pivotal role in the defensive schemes of NFL teams, often serving as the backbone of the defense. We'll take you through the top five linebacker classes in NFL draft history, with a focus on their longevity and overall NFL production. We'll also provide a brief summary of the key achievements. So, get ready to relive some of the most iconic moments in football history as we celebrate the incredible athletes that make up these legendary linebacker classes!
1. Unstoppable Force: The 1981 Linebacker Class
The 1981 NFL Draft boasts one of the most impressive linebacker classes in history, featuring numerous standout players who left a lasting legacy on the league. Here are some of the most notable linebackers from the 1981 class:
- Lawrence Taylor - Drafted 2nd overall by the New York Giants, Taylor is widely regarded as one of the greatest linebackers of all time. Over his 13-year career, he earned 10 Pro Bowl selections, eight First-Team All-Pro honors, and two Super Bowl championships. Taylor was also named the NFL's Most Valuable Player in 1986 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999.
- Mike Singletary - Selected 38th overall by the Chicago Bears, Singletary became the heart and soul of the legendary "Monsters of the Midway" defense. During his 12-year career, he accumulated 10 Pro Bowl selections, seven First-Team All-Pro honors, and a Super Bowl championship. Singletary was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998.
2. Sack Masters: The 1989 Linebacker Class
The 1989 NFL Draft brought forth another exceptional class of linebackers, with many players contributing significantly to their teams' success. Here are some of the most prominent linebackers from the 1989 class:
- Derrick Thomas - Chosen 4th overall by the Kansas City Chiefs, Thomas became one of the most dominant pass rushers in NFL history. Over his 11-year career, he earned nine Pro Bowl selections, two First-Team All-Pro honors, and was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1989. Thomas recorded 126.5 career sacks and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009.
- Pat Swilling - Drafted in the 3rd round (60th overall) by the New Orleans Saints, Swilling played a crucial role in forming the Saints' "Dome Patrol" linebacker corps. During his 12-year career, Swilling accumulated five Pro Bowl selections, two First-Team All-Pro honors, and was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1991.
3. Relentless Hitters: The 1996 Linebacker Class
The 1996 NFL Draft produced another group of talented linebackers who enjoyed lengthy and successful careers in the league. Some of the top linebackers from this class include:
- Zach Thomas - Selected in the 5th round (154th overall) by the Miami Dolphins, Thomas became one of the most consistent and productive linebackers of his era. Over his 13-year career, Thomas earned seven Pro Bowl selections and five First-Team All-Pro honors, solidifying his place as one of the top linebackers of the 1990s and 2000s.
- Tedy Bruschi - Drafted in the 3rd round (86th overall) by the New England Patriots, Bruschi played a pivotal role in the Patriots' dynasty during the early 2000s. Over his 13-year career, Bruschi accumulated three Pro Bowl selections, one First-Team All-Pro honor, and three Super Bowl championships.
4. Millennium Marvels: The 2000 Linebacker Class
The 2000 NFL Draft ushered in a new millennium and another impressive group of linebackers who made their mark on the league. Some of the standout linebackers from this class include:
- Brian Urlacher - Selected 9th overall by the Chicago Bears, Urlacher quickly emerged as one of the NFL's elite linebackers. Over his 13-year career, Urlacher earned eight Pro Bowl selections, four First-Team All-Pro honors, and was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2000. Urlacher was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018.
- LaVar Arrington - Drafted 2nd overall by the Washington Redskins, Arrington quickly became a force on the field, earning three Pro Bowl selections during his seven-year career. Although his time in the NFL was cut short due to injuries, Arrington remains one of the most memorable players from the 2000 linebacker class.
5. Modern-Day Menaces: The 2012 Linebacker Class
The 2012 NFL Draft brought in a fresh wave of linebacker talent, with several players quickly establishing themselves as key contributors to their teams. Some of the top linebackers from this class include:
- Luke Kuechly - Drafted 9th overall by the Carolina Panthers, Kuechly made an immediate impact, earning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. Over his eight-year career, Kuechly amassed seven Pro Bowl selections, five First-Team All-Pro honors, and was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2013.
- Bobby Wagner - Selected in the 2nd round (47th overall) by the Seattle Seahawks, Wagner has been a cornerstone of the Seahawks' defense. With six Pro Bowl selections, five First-Team All-Pro honors, and a Super Bowl championship to his name, Wagner continues to be one of the league's premier linebackers.