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10 Greatest Linebackers of the 2020s

By Annie Chaudhury #BestOf #MSN #NFL #The Big Lead lists
10 Greatest Linebackers of the 2020s

The 2020s have already unearthed a new generation of linebacker heroes. These players can combine sideline-to-sideline speed, pass coverage instinct, and leadership that sets the tone for elite defenses. Below, you’ll find the 10 greatest NFL linebackers of the 2020s.

1. Demario Davis 

1. Demario Davis 
Carson, CA, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis (56) during a joint practice against the Los Angeles Rams at the Dignity Health Sports Park. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Teams: New York Jets (2012–2015), Cleveland Browns (2016), New York Jets (2017), New Orleans Saints (2018–present)

Career Highlights: First-team All-Pro (2019), 4x Second-team All-Pro (2020–2023), 2x Pro Bowl (2022, 2023), NFL solo tackles co-leader (2017)

2. Lavonte David

2. Lavonte David
Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) hangs on to the ball for a complete in front of Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David (54) in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Teams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2012–present)

Career Highlights: Super Bowl champion (LV), First-team All-Pro (2013), 2x Second-team All-Pro (2016, 2020), Pro Bowl (2015)

3. Shaquille Leonard

3. Shaquille Leonard
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Shaquille Leonard (53) reacts after a defensive stop against the New York Giants during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Teams: Indianapolis Colts (2018–2023), Philadelphia Eagles (2023)

Career Highlights: NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2018), 3x First-team All-Pro (2018, 2020, 2021), Second-team All-Pro (2019), 3x Pro Bowl (2019–2021), NFL forced fumbles leader (2021), NFL solo tackles leader (2018), NFL combined tackles leader (2018)

4. C. J. Mosley

4. C. J. Mosley
Santa Clara, California, USA; New York Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley (57) before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Teams: Baltimore Ravens (2014–2018), New York Jets (2019–2024)

Career Highlights: 5x Second-team All-Pro (2014, 2016–2018, 2022), 5x Pro Bowl (2014, 2016–2018, 2022)

5. Foyesade Oluokun

5. Foyesade Oluokun
Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (23) walks on the field during an NFL scrimmage event at EverBank Stadium, Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. Credit: Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union

Teams: Atlanta Falcons (2018–2021), Jacksonville Jaguars (2022–present)

Career Highlights: 2x NFL solo tackles leader (2022, 2023), 2x NFL combined tackles leader (2021, 2022)

6. Micah Parsons

6. Micah Parsons
Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons (11) reacts after the game against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Teams: Dallas Cowboys (2021–present)

Career Highlights: NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2021), 2x First-team All-Pro (2021, 2022), Second-team All-Pro (2023), 4x Pro Bowl (2021–2024)

7. Roquan Smith

7. Roquan Smith
Orchard Park, New York, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith (0) takes the field before the game against the Buffalo Bills in a 2025 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium. Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Teams: Chicago Bears (2018–2022), Baltimore Ravens (2022–present)

Career Highlights: 3x First-team All-Pro (2022–2024), 2x Second-team All-Pro (2020, 2021), 3x Pro Bowl (2022–2024)

8. Bobby Wagner

8. Bobby Wagner
Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) walks on the field before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Teams: Seattle Seahawks (2012–2021), Los Angeles Rams (2022), Seattle Seahawks (2023), Washington Commanders (2024–present)

Career Highlights: Super Bowl champion (XLVIII), 6x first-team All-Pro (2014, 2016–2020), 5x second-team All-Pro (2015, 2021–2024), 10x Pro Bowl (2014–2021, 2023, 2024), NFL solo tackles co-leader (2017), 3x NFL combined tackles leader (2016, 2019, 2023)

9. Fred Warner

9. Fred Warner
Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (54) looks on after losing to the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

Teams: San Francisco 49ers (2018–present)

Career Highlights: 4x First-team All-Pro (2020, 2022–2024), 4x Pro Bowl (2020, 2022–2024)

10. T. J. Watt

10. T. J. Watt
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson (65) battles with Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers (2017–present)

Career Highlights: NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2021), 4x First-team All-Pro (2019–2021, 2023), 2x Second-team All-Pro (2019[a], 2024), 7x Pro Bowl (2018–2024), NFL records of most sacks in a season (22.5), most seasons leading NFL in sacks (3), and most consecutive seasons leading NFL in sacks (2)

Conclusion

Conclusion
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) catches a pass in front of Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (23) during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

From instinctive field generals like Fred Warner to versatile game-wrecker Micah Parsons, the linebackers of the 2020s have blended youth and experience with elite athleticism. They’ve become foundational to their defenses, showing just how crucial linebacker play remains in today’s pass-first NFL.

By Annie Chaudhury

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