Ranking the Top Linebackers Ahead of the 2026 NFL Season
As the NFL gears up for the 2026 season, Fred Warner's position as the top linebacker is under scrutiny following his recovery from a serious ankle injury that cut his 2025 season short. Warner, a four-time first-team All-Pro, remains a strong contender, receiving first-place votes alongside Jack Campbell of the Detroit Lions and Roquan Smith of the Baltimore Ravens in recent rankings.
The rankings feature several notable linebackers, including Devin Lloyd, who secured a lucrative contract with the Carolina Panthers after a successful Pro Bowl season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Nick Bolton, another standout, recorded over 100 tackles for the Kansas City Chiefs for the second consecutive year, while Ernest Jones IV earned second-team All-Pro honors after a career-high performance.
Other players making the list include Azeez Al-Shaair, who was named a Pro Bowler, and Jordyn Brooks, who led the NFL in total tackles in 2025. The rankings highlight the competitive landscape of linebackers in the league, with each player bringing unique strengths to their teams as they prepare for the upcoming season.
