​Off-ball linebackers today are exceptionally mobile. They no longer merely rush the quarterback; they must drop into coverage against running backs and tight ends, while also setting the edge against the run. To capture the top talent at this position entering the 2026 season, ESPN conducted a survey of NFL executives, coaches, and scouts, producing a ranked list of the 10 best off-ball linebackers. Among those receiving votes were Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner, who spent the 2025 season with the Washington Commanders. It’s somewhat surprising to see Wagner still garnering consideration; he had a storied career and will likely earn a place in the Hall of Fame someday, but his 2025 campaign in Washington showed him repeatedly exploited in pass coverage.
1. Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers: Warner’s prowess is evident even though he only appeared in six games in 2025. The personnel surveyed kept him at the top spot. The Commanders face Warner in Week 6 on the road, and they are hoping they have found their own version of him in Sonny Styles.
2. Roquan Smith, Baltimore Ravens: Smith is one of just two players to record at least 130 tackles in each of the past six seasons, the other being Bobby Wagner.
3. Carson Schwesinger, Cleveland Browns: With only one NFL season under his belt, Schwesinger’s No. 3 ranking is particularly notable. He was one of three players last season to post at least two sacks, two interceptions, and 10 tackles for loss.
4. Zach Baun, Philadelphia Eagles: Baun was one of two linebackers to appear on every top-10 ballot. The Commanders will see him twice each season within the NFC East.
5. Jack Campbell, Detroit Lions: Campbell has risen steadily in the linebacker ranks, reaching the top 10 after recording 176 tackles—the most by a Lions player since Chris Spielman in 1994.
7. Jordyn Brooks, Miami Dolphins: A first-team All-Pro, Brooks led all off-ball linebackers with a 5.9% run-stop percentage and ranked second at his position with 13 tackles for loss last season.
8. Nick Bolton, Kansas City Chiefs: Bolton’s 4.6% career run-stop percentage leads all linebackers since he entered the league in 2021.
9. Edgerrin Cooper, Green Bay Packers: Cooper’s 17 career tackles for loss are the most by a Packers player through their first two seasons since Clay Matthews III had 35 in 2009–10.
10. Devin Lloyd, Carolina Panthers: Lloyd was the only NFL player last season to post five interceptions and five tackles for loss.
Washington has overhauled its linebacker corps this offseason, adding free-agent Leo Chenal to join Sonny Styles and Frankie Luvu to form a newly revamped unit. The goal is to create a modern, versatile group capable of handling the multifaceted demands of today’s game, where linebackers must excel in run defense, coverage, and pass rush.
This overview originated from Commanders Wire as part of coverage exploring how a single offseason can reshape a team’s linebacker landscape and potentially impact the 2026 season. The material emphasizes how the Commanders’ linebacking corps has evolved and what that could mean for their performance in the upcoming year.