ESPN’s 2026 Off-Ball Linebacker Rankings: Executives, Coaches and Scouts Pick the Elite

ESPN released its seventh-annual ranking of the NFL’s top off-ball (inside) linebackers for the 2026 season. More than 70 league executives, coaches and scouts submitted ballots, which were compiled using vote totals, composite averages and follow-up interviews. The list reflects the players deemed “the best right now,” not future projections.

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The annual position-by-position survey, coordinated by ESPN NFL analyst Matt Bowen and ESPN Research, asks voters to name their top ten at each spot. Results are announced throughout July, with linebackers slated for July 14. This year’s off-ball group featured five first-time entrants and one returning player, underscoring a blend of established veterans and emerging talent.

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• Bobby Warner (29, NFC West) – Retained the No. 1 spot despite missing most of the 2025 season with an ankle injury. In six games he logged 51 tackles, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

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• Myles Smith (23, Baltimore) – Ranked No. 2; recorded at least 130 tackles for six straight seasons, joining Warner as the only players with that streak.

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• Luke Schwesinger (25, rookie) – Debuted at No. 3 after posting 156 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, two interceptions and 10 tackles for loss, earning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.

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• Jordan Baun (29, Philadelphia) – Returned to No. 1 in the voting, becoming the only linebacker with 120+ tackles and ten disrupted dropbacks (sacks, interceptions or defended passes).

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• Jihaad Campbell (28, Detroit) – Climbed into the top ten after a 176-tackle season, the most for a Lions player since 1994.

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All five top-ranked linebackers appeared on every ballot, highlighting broad consensus among voters.

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• Warner’s 51 tackles in six games translate to 8.5 tackles per appearance, the highest per-game rate among the top five.

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• Smith’s six-year streak of 130+ tackles places him alongside only Warner in that metric.

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• Schwesinger’s 156 tackles and 10 tackles for loss made him the first rookie to match Shaquille Leonard’s 2018 benchmark of double-digit sacks, interceptions and tackles for loss.

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• Baun’s 120 tackles and ten disrupted dropbacks were unique among linebackers last season.

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• Campbell’s 40 % run-stop win rate ranked fifth among non-pass-rush linebackers.

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Voters praised Warner’s mental processing: “He diagnoses faster than anyone… Processes the game at an incredibly fast level.” (NFL coordinator)

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Smith was lauded for his instinctive play: “Still has the instincts, physicality and playmaking that’s a class ahead of the others outside of Fred.” (NFL coordinator)

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Schwesinger’s rookie impact drew admiration: “Plays fast, excellent instincts, good in coverage… Impressive for a rookie.” (high-ranking AFC evaluator)

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Baun’s scheme fit was highlighted: “He’s perfect for Vic’s [Fangio] scheme, can play close to the line and get pressure or can play off the ball.” (NFL personnel evaluator)

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Campbell’s physical style earned a vivid comparison: “He’s the Dennis Rodman of linebackers… He gets in everyone’s head. He can run all day and can play every down.” (NFL personnel evaluator)

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Some evaluators cautioned that certain players need sustained performance before solidifying top-two status. Regarding Schwesinger, one scout noted, “Some scouts and coaches want to see him do it again before placing him in the top two.” Additionally, a veteran AFC evaluator described Warner’s play as “too inconsistent for my taste,” suggesting variability remains a concern for even the highest-ranked linebacker.

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The ranking methodology combines vote totals with qualitative interviews, but the exact weighting of each factor was not disclosed, leaving uncertainty about how much influence “dozens of interviews” had versus raw vote counts. Moreover, while Warner’s limited 2025 game count is documented, the list does not clarify whether injury-adjusted per-game metrics were considered, creating a gap in understanding the comparative evaluation.

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• “He diagnoses faster than anyone,” — NFL coordinator

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• “Still has the instincts, physicality and playmaking that's a class ahead of the others outside of Fred,” — NFL coordinator

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• “He's f---ing nasty coming downhill,” — NFL personnel evaluator

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• “Plays fast, excellent instincts, good in coverage,” — high-ranking AFC evaluator

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• “He gets in everyone's head. He can run all day and can play every down.” — NFL personnel evaluator

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These statements, together with the statistical data, illustrate why the surveyed executives, coaches and scouts consider these five linebackers the premier off-ball defenders heading into the 2026 NFL season.

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