Field Visions Top 10 Off-Ball Linebackers in Coverage
As we continue to look at off-ball linebackers, today our Havoc Ratings reveal that linebackers that our best in coverage. These linebackers help their teams’ versatility by being able to run down the seam in coverage, cover a running back out of the backfield, or matchup against a tight end over the middle. Having an elite coverage linebacker at your disposal adds a lot of multiplicity to a defense. All ratings reflect Coverage Havoc Ratings only.
Here are Field Vision Sports Top 10 Coverage Off-Ball Linebackers.
C.J. Mosley, New York Jets (100)*
C.J. Mosley comes in as our top pass coverage linebacker after making the list of run-stoppers at number 9. Mosley is especially effective in man coverage rankings first in our 2024 man coverage Havoc Ratings. His versatility allows him to cover multiple positions in coverage and he’s keen on reading the quarterbacks eyes and anticipating plays. He had 7 passes defended and an interception in 2023. Mosley took a slight restructured pay cut this off season to stay with the Jets and he’ll be a key piece on one of the elite defenses in the NFL.
Matt Milano, Buffalo Bills (99.3)*
Matt Milano played just 5 games a season ago, but he ranks as our best zone coverage linebacker in 2024 Havoc Ratings. In those 5 games in 2023, he accounted for 2 interceptions. Milano also had 3 interceptions in a 2022 playing a full season. In that season, he had 11 passes defended and made first team All-Pro. Milano also ranks in the top 20 in pass rush ability among off-ball linebackers making him a true threat for the Bills on passing downs.
Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers (98.6)*
Fred Warner is a true difference maker for the 49ers with his ability in man coverage. His ability to run the seam with receivers gives San Francisco’s defense more flexibility in their zone schemes as well. Warner was a turnover machine a year ago forcing 4 fumbles and recording 4 interceptions. He also added 11 passes defended and 132 tackles in route to a first team all pro selection. Warner is one of many stars on a loaded San Francisco roster that is taking advantage of another season of a well below market value Brock Purdy.
T.J. Edwards, Chicago Bears (98)*
T.J. Edwards has put together consecutive very good seasons. First with the Eagles, and then signing a 3-year deal to play with his home town Bears that showed a lot of signs of being a very good defense down the stretch last season. He has the 2nd best havoc rating in zone coverage heading into 2024 accounting for 3 interceptions last season. He is also solid in both run defense and pass rush coming in as top 30 in both. He’s had over 150 tackles each of the last 2 seasons and 18 tackles for loss in that span.
Foyesade Oluokun, Jacksonville Jaguars (97.3)*
Foyesade Oluokun is a stalwart for a Jaguars defense that was middle of the pack last season. Oluokun is a complete off-ball linebacker ranking in the top 5 in both coverage Havoc and run defense. He had 6 passes defended and an interception last season to go with 2.5 sacks. He’s a sure tackler in space accounting for over 170 tackles and more than 100 solo tackles in each of the last 3 seasons. His new 3 year extension means he’ll be a big part of new DC Ryan Nielsen’s plans.
Bobby Okereke, New York Giants (96.6)*
Bobby Okereke had by far the best season of his career in his first season with the Giants in 2023. He led all inside linebackers in raw Havoc rating. He is our 3rd best linebacker against the run and top 10 in both zone and man coverage. He filled up the stat sheet last season with 2 Interceptions, 10 passes defended and 2.5 sacks. He also added 149 tackles including 92 solo stops. He’ll look to replicate those numbers in his second year on a Giants defense that also added edge rusher Brian Burns this off season
Demario Davis, New Orleans Saints (95.9)*
Demario Davis is a huge piece of a Saints defense that is now the strength of the New Orleans team. Davis does most of his damage against opposing passing games rankings 7th overall in coverage while also rankings as the 4th best pass rushing off ball linebacker. It’s a rare combination that gives the Saints linebacking corps flexibility against opposing passing attacks. He’s had 6.5 sacks each of the last 2 seasons being used as a blitzer in Dennis Allen’s schemes. Davis has made 5 consecutive all-pro teams and is still going strong heading into his 13th season.
Kyzir White, Arizona Cardinals (95.3)*
Kyzir White is a coverage linebacker that had his best year yet in 2023 on a per game production basis. In his first year in Arizona, he recorded an interception, 2 sacks and 90 tackles in just 11 games. White’s raw Havoc Rating has shown steady improvement over the last 5 years with the exceptions of a dip in 2022 with the Eagles. White is recovering from a season endings biceps injury a year ago and the Cardinals are hoping he shows his 2023 form on his return.
Nick Bolton, Kansas City Chiefs (94.6)*
Nick Bolton is an instinctual linebacker that consistently makes big plays for the reigning super bowl champs. Playing in only 8 games last regular season, Bolton defended 3 passes and recorded an interception. According to a recent ESPN article, one NFL defensive coach called him “the closest thing to Fred Warner” in the NFL because of his football instincts. He’ll be a key piece for Steve Spagnuolo who lost Willie Gay Jr. to the Saints this off-season.
Tyrel Dodson, Seattle Seahawks (93.9)*
Tyrel Dodson had by far the best season of his career for the Bills last season excelling in zone coverage. He defended 2 passes and had 57 solo tackles in 10 starts for the Bills last season. The Seahawks are hoping he can replicate that performance and add some much needed speed to the middle of their defense as they re-work their linebacking corps.
*Denotes Covererage Havoc Rating only
As we continue to roll-out our Havoc Ratings to the world, we look forward to the conversation, debate and your feedback as always. Hit us at @fieldvisionmi on X, @fieldvisionsports on Instagram, and on our website fieldvisionsports.com
