AFC North Depth Chart Rankings: Off-Ball Linebackers
AFC North Depth Chart Rankings: Off-Ball Linebackers
Continuing with the defensive position rankings, after taking a look at the defensive lines within the AFC North, our focus shifts to the linebackers. We all know how important the defensive line is, but what about the linebackers? After years in the NFC North with the Chicago Bears, Roquan Smith occupies the top spot in the division with the Baltimore Ravens.
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Patrick Queen, and Logan Wilson can’t be forgotten as well.
Let’s discuss the linebacker rooms in the AFC North.
#1. Cincinnati Bengals
Starters: Germaine Pratt (WLB), Logan Wilson (MLB)
Backups: Akeem Davis-Gaither, Joe Bachie, Devin Harper, Shaka Heyward, Maema Njongmeta (UDFA), Aaron Casey (UDFA)
Why is Cincinnati #1?: Linebacker has always been a strength for the Cincinnati Bengals since 2021, and this room is currently the best in the division as it stands right now. The room might not have popular names but the group itself is talented.
When it comes to Logan Wilson, he’s currently the best linebacker in the room and some can argue he’s one of the many underrated linebackers in the league. Germaine Pratt deserves a lot of credit, considering how last season he was stout alongside Wilson. In terms of depth, the Bengals have that as well.
Akeem Davis-Gaither, who the Bengals drafted a while back has made strides in his game and is a reliable depth/special teams piece that the Bengals can rely on if needed.
The room might not have household names but it’s talented and they have depth to match it. Cincinnati occupies the best linebacker room in the AFC North.
#2. Baltimore Ravens
Starters: Roquan Smith (LILB), Trenton Simpson (RILB)
Backups/Depth: Chris Board, Malik Harrison, Josh Ross, Yvandy Rigby (UDFA), Josh Ross, Deion Jennings
Why is Baltimore #2?: This may come off as controversial to some but I believe the Ravens will be fine after losing Patrick Queen in free agency to AFC North rival Pittsburgh Steelers. Roquan Smith is still there and the Ravens have confidence in second-year player Trenton Simpson to step in place of Queen.
As far as the depth goes, it’s more of a question mark. Chris Board, who is a special teams ace, will likely be the main backup if anyone goes down. Malik Harrison and Josh Ross are two players who will determine if the Ravens choose to go after any veterans on the market or trade for a linebacker if things don’t pan out, but those two will get extended looks during training camp and the preseason.
The depth is questionable and losing Queen does hurt but the Ravens have a plan in place and it’s only right to trust them.
#3. Pittsburgh Steelers
Starters: Patrick Queen (LILB), Elandon Roberts (RILB)
Backups/Depth: Cole Holcomb, Payton Wilson (R), Mark Robinson, Tyler Murray
Why is Pittsburgh #3?: Make no mistake, Queen is an upgrade over what Pittsburgh had last season. However, Queen benefitted from playing next to Roquan Smith and considering how he struggled before Smith arrived in Baltimore there are questions to how he will look without Smith next to him.
Elandon Roberts was the best linebacker for Pittsburgh last season and he’s still the best until Queen proves himself.
Cole Holcomb was playing well for Pittsburgh before suffering a season-ending injury and how he looks post-injury will be key. Despite injury concerns, rookie Payton Wilson stands out. If he’s healthy, he will likely have a larger role on the defense this year. Mark Robinson is primarily on special teams but he contributes in that area.
It’s a room that has talent but there are question marks surrounding specific players.
#4. Cleveland Browns
Starters: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (WLB), Jordan Hicks (MLB), Devin Bush (SLB)
Backups/Depth: Mohamoud Diabate, Nathanial Watson (R), Caleb Johnson, Tony Fields II, Winston Reid (UDFA)
Why is Cleveland #4?: Last season, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah broke out and emerged as one of the best linebackers in the league for the CBrowns. JOK is currently the best linebacker on the team right now, but outside of him the rest of the room has some issues.
Losing Anthony Walker in free agency was expected but Sione Takitaki leaving was more of a surprise. Depth and talent are a concern.
Jordan Hicks comes in as the veteran who can provide some leadership, familiarity when it comes to the defensive scheme (Hicks and DC Jim Schwartz were together with the Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl team in 2017-18) and reliability. Devin Bush comes over after a one-year stint with the Seattle Seahawks, but Bush has limitations (Steelers fans know more about Bush than anyone).
Rookie Nathanial Watson is someone to keep an eye on. Tony Fields II has been with the team for a while but he’s more suited for special teams (which isn’t a bad thing).
Could Cleveland add to the room before the season starts? Wouldn’t count it out considering how the room looks now.
How would you rank the linebacker groups in the division?
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