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2025 NFL Linebacker Power Rankings: Fred Warner, Roquan Smith Dominate the Top 10
Aug
Ranking the NFL’s Top Linebackers for 2025: Fred Warner and Roquan Smith Still Lead the Pack
Every dominant defense in NFL history has been anchored by a game-changing linebacker — the kind of player who controls the middle of the field, sets the tone, and keeps everyone else in check. But who are the elite linebackers right now?
To answer that, FOX Sports asked its panel of NFL writers to rank the top 10 linebackers entering the 2025 season. Some familiar names remain at the top, while a new wave of talent has broken through. In fact, five fresh faces made the list compared with last year’s rankings, a testament to how quickly the position continues to evolve.
Let’s break down who earned a spot among the league’s best.
- Daiyan Henley, Los Angeles Chargers
(2024 rank: Unranked)
A college receiver turned linebacker, Henley has blossomed into one of the NFL’s premier sideline-to-sideline defenders. Entering his third season, the L.A. native is aiming for All-Pro status after racking up 142 combined tackles in 2024 — the seventh-most by a Charger in the past 20 years. What sets him apart? His versatility. He was the only NFL player last season to record 120+ tackles along with more than seven pass breakups.
- Zaire Franklin, Indianapolis Colts
(2024 rank: T-10, up one spot)
Franklin might not get the national spotlight, but his production is impossible to overlook. Despite playing for a struggling Colts defense, he has logged 160+ tackles in three straight seasons, including a league-leading 178 in 2024. Coverage isn’t his strongest suit, but his instincts in the run game make him invaluable.
T-7. Dre Greenlaw, Denver Broncos
(2024 rank: Unranked)
Denver signed Greenlaw in free agency to toughen up its front seven, and even after missing most of last season recovering from an Achilles injury, his resume speaks for itself. In six years with San Francisco, he collected 455 tackles. Fully healthy, he’s expected to surpass the 100-tackle mark as the Broncos’ new defensive centerpiece.
T-7. Bobby Wagner, Washington Commanders
(2024 rank: 8th, up one spot)
When Washington signed Wagner at 33, many assumed he was brought in purely for leadership. Instead, he delivered his 11th straight All-Pro season and proved he’s still one of the NFL’s best linebackers. With 132 tackles in 2024 — his 13th straight season over 100 — Wagner didn’t just mentor Washington’s young core, he transformed the defense from league-worst in 2023 into a respectable unit.
- Frankie Luvu, Washington Commanders
(2024 rank: Unranked)
Luvu, who spent his early career grinding with the Jets and Panthers, finally had the chance to shine on a strong roster — and he made the most of it. Last season, he recorded a career-best eight sacks while playing multiple linebacker spots. At just 28, his energy and disruptive play style suggest he may only be scratching the surface of what he can do under defensive-minded coach Dan Quinn.
- Lavonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
(2024 rank: 4th, down one spot)
At 35, David remains a timeless talent. He has the fifth-most tackles of any player since 1987 and continues to direct Tampa Bay’s defense with precision. He may not always post eye-popping numbers, but his longevity, consistency, and leadership make him a strong Hall of Fame candidate.
- Nick Bolton, Kansas City Chiefs
(2024 rank: Unranked)
While Chris Jones often gets the headlines, Bolton has been the glue of Kansas City’s defense during its recent Super Bowl runs. Known for his run-stopping ability, Bolton is the reason the Chiefs have remained stout against the ground game. He’s the kind of linebacker who doesn’t just rack up stats — he changes games.
- Zack Baun, Philadelphia Eagles
(2024 rank: Unranked)
Originally brought in for special teams, Baun’s breakout has been nothing short of remarkable. Under Vic Fangio, he evolved into a do-it-all linebacker, finishing 2024 with 151 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and an interception. He capped it off with a diving pick in the Super Bowl, cementing himself as a rising star. His versatility in coverage and against the run makes him far more than just a “system player.”
- Roquan Smith, Baltimore Ravens
(2024 rank: 2nd, no change)
Few linebackers embody the modern middle linebacker role like Smith. With five straight seasons of 150+ tackles and three consecutive first-team All-Pro selections, his résumé speaks for itself. While his coverage skills aren’t elite, his football IQ, instincts, and run-stopping ability make him one of the most dependable defenders of his generation.
- Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers
(2024 rank: 1st, no change)
Still the gold standard at his position, Warner continues to redefine what it means to be a three-down linebacker. Equally dangerous in coverage, against the run, and as a blitzer, the 49ers star has earned three straight first-team All-Pro honors. In 2024, he recorded 131 tackles, joining Wagner and Smith as the only linebackers with 130+ in each of the past four seasons. With 10 sacks and 10 interceptions in his career, Warner also joins Keena Turner as the only Niners linebacker to ever reach that milestone. Simply put: he’s the complete package.
Early 2025–26 Defensive Player of the Year Odds
Aidan Hutchinson, Lions: +650
Micah Parsons, Cowboys: +750
Myles Garrett, Browns: +850
T.J. Watt, Steelers: +950
Will Anderson Jr., Texans: +1300
Jared Verse, Rams: +1500
Maxx Crosby, Raiders: +1600
Nick Bosa, 49ers: +2000
Jalen Carter, Eagles: +2200
Trey Hendrickson, Bengals: +2200
Final Thoughts
This year’s rankings showcase a fascinating mix of established legends and emerging stars. Veterans like Warner, Wagner, and David continue to set the bar, while fresh names such as Henley, Baun, and Bolton prove the linebacker position is as deep as ever.
As the 2025 season approaches, one thing is certain: if you want to field a championship-caliber defense, you’d better have one of these players running the show in the middle.
