Best linebacker corps are Seahawks. But you knew that already.
Pro Football Focus ranked the NFL’s best position groups, and the Seahawks linebackers ranked number one at their spot. No shock there, right 12s?
The draft is over, the hot free agents have signed, and we’re two months away from training camp. It’s the perfect time to stir up trouble with a list. So that’s exactly what Pro Football Focus did for ESPN Insider. The good folks of PFF ranked the best position groups in the NFL, and the Seahawks linebackers were named as the best in the league.
Two bits of housekeeping before we get to revelling in the joy of that. First, you won’t see a link to the article here. ESPN Insider is a subscription service, and I’d rather not irritate a lot of people by linking to an article they have to pay to read. Insider is absolutely worth it, make no mistake about it. I’m pretty sure if you found us, you can find them if you want to subscribe, or already do.
The second bit is the teaser that’s revealed if you do decide to chase the article down. Here’s a hint: google “ESPN insider NFL position” and it’s your first link. You’re welcome, and for those of you who don’t want to subscribe, you’re welcome too. The teaser reveals their ranking for the most important position in football: the quarterback. PFF selected the Patriots, by virtue of the presence of demigod Tom Brady. Absolutely, he had a great year, but isn’t this a position ranking, not a starter ranking? Right, the starting quarterback basically is the position, but what if he goes down? Jimmy Garoppolo has a new address these days, as we know.
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Is it about the star, or the entire group?
I can think of a team that has a great starter and a really good backup. Sorry, for once I’m not talking about the Seahawks. Nick Foles is even the first name mentioned in the article. You know, Nick Foles, the guy that won that big game against Tom Brady back in February? No, he isn’t better than Brady, but he is better than Brian Hoyer. And he backs up Carson Wentz. Food for thought, for those of you who acknowledge teams other than the Seahawks exist. Not that they matter.
Which leads me to the Seahawks linebackers. Based solely on the presence of the NFL’s absolute best linebacker, Bobby Wagner, the Seahawks would win the position ranking. I’m pretty sure you know about Mr. Wagner already. You may remember how he was in the running for the Defensive Player of the Year. Pro Football Focus graded him at 96.7, best in the league for 2017. He’s hardly a one year wonder, either. All 12s know this, but it’s good to see an impartial source recognize it too, as PFF graded Wagner above 90 in 2016, too.
For the Seahawks it’s all about the group
Of course there isn’t just one linebacker on the field, and that’s where K.J. Wright steps in. Wright posted a grade of 82.1 last season, and that was his lowest grade since 2012. In his “down” year of 2017, Wright had over 100 total tackles, defended six passes, and had a pick six. Not too shabby for the “other” linebacker.
I can’t say I’m surprised Pro Football Focus didn’t bring up Barkevious Mingo. I think he’s going to play a very big role for the Seahawks. Obviously, they do too, or they wouldn’t have signed him for two years. The article did mention the Seahawks have some rookie named Griffin. Apparently they like him almost as much as we do. Which is the same as you do, which means we love the guy. Griffin certainly won’t start, but every time he’s on that field, the opponent is going to know it.
The only team I see pushing the Seahawks for best linebacker corps is the Jacksonville Jaguars. They don’t have anyone as good as Wagner, but their trio of Telvin Smith, Paul Posluszny and Myles Jack are just about as good as anyone else. Just not quite.