SAM Linebackers

As an NFL fan, you invariably know that there are 3 key linebacker positions with the 4-3 format. These include a SAM, MIKE and WILL. The strong side linebacker position is posted on the strength-side of the defense. On this side, there are the greatest number of blockers, and this linebacker is the chief run defender among all the linebackers.

This position requires the linebacker to run with plenty of coverage with tight ends. Guys like Joshua Perry performed really well in this position.

MIKE Linebackers

The middle linebacker position, otherwise known as MIKE is akin to the QB of the defense, since this linebacker is stationed in the middle of the pack. This player is about 3 yards – 5 yards out from  line of scrimmage. As the QB of the defense, MIKE is second behind SAM as the run defender.

To this end, this linebacker’s primary responsibility is to defend the weak side linebacker, otherwise known as WILL by maintaining an impenetrable defense on the second level. Players like Denzel Perryman served well in this capacity.

Deion Jones

Deion Jones is an NFL linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons. At a height of 6'1" tall and a weight of 227 lbs, this youngster has a tremendous career ahead of him. He began in 2016 with the Atlanta Falcons, and has continued with them to the present day. On defense, he managed 70 solo tackles in 2016, 85 solo tackles in 2017, 32 solo tackles in 2018, and 59 solo tackles in 2019.

While he was beset by injury in 2018, he came back strong in 2019 and played 16 games for the Falcons, notching up 59 solo tackles, and 42 assists.

Jaylon Smith

Jaylon Smith stands 6'2" tall and weighs in at 248 lbs of brute-force power. He plays for the Dallas Cowboys #54, and boasts some pretty impressive stats starting out in 2017. In his breakout year with the Cowboys, he played 16 games and recorded 48 solo tackles, in 2018 he played 16 games and recorded 76 solo tackles, and in 2019 he played 16 games and recorded 80 solo tackles.

That brings his total tackle count to 204 over 3 seasons with 7.5 sacks thrown in for good measure. He has gone from strength to strength!

Darius Leonard

Darius Leonard plays for the Indianapolis Colts with jersey #53. At a height of 6'2" tall, and a weight of 230 lbs, Leonard is an experienced linebacker. In his breakout year, in 2018 he managed 93 solo tackles in 15 games. In 2019, he managed 49 solo tackles in 13 games. His sack total is 12, in just 28 games. With 102 assists to date, and 130 yards gained in two seasons, he's certainly a cut above the rest.

To think that he had 7 sacks and 2 interceptions in 2018, and followed that up with 5 sacks and 5 interceptions in 2019 is pretty phenomenal.

Bobby Wagner

Bobby Wagner (#54) stands 6 feet tall and weighs in at 242 lbs. He began his professional football career in 2012, where he was involved in 77 solo tackles, 53 assists, 2 sacks. He maintained consistency between 2013 and 2015 where he completed 63, 60, and 64 solo tackles with 48, 37, and 47 assists respectively. He stepped up his game big time in 2016, with 82 solo tackles, 82 assists, and 4.5 sacks. 

In 2017, he managed 88 solo tackles, 36 assists, and 1.5 sacks.  In 2018 and 2019, he managed 72 and 71 solo tackles respectively, with 50 assists in 2018 and 73 assists in 2019. His total tackles throughout his career are 577+, with lots more to come.

Denzel Perryman

Denzel Perryman stands 5'11" tall and weighs 240 lbs.He plays for the Los Angeles Chargers, and started with then San Diego Chargers in 2015. With 57 solo tackles and 9 assists in his breakout year in 2015, he also added 2 sacks for an impressive opening season. He upped his game in 2016 with the San Diego Chargers, with 53 solo tackles and 16 assists, along with 2 sacks.

The Los Angeles Chargers got limited use out of him when he was recruited, since he only played 7 games in his first season in 2017, followed by 9 games in 2018, and 14 games in 2019. He improved his solo tackle rate to 46 in 2019, with 18 assists to boot.

Luke Kuechly

One nickname this NFL star didn't get called is ‘Luke the Fluke’. He's a super-talented linebacker, and has been since entering the NFL in 2012. He has an incredible range of achievements to his credit, including All-Pro awards several times over. Although he has retired from professional football, he was phenomenal as a linebacker.

He played with the Carolina Panthers throughout his career, over 8 seasons, scoring 660 solo tackles, 402 assists, 12.5 sacks, and a total of 1062 overall. In total he played 118 games. His best year for solo tackles is a tie between 2012 and 2014, when he managed 98 apiece.

2014 was also a great year for Luke with 3 sacks and 54 assists.