Linebackers have many jobs on the football field, and the more a certain player can do the more valuable he will be to his team! Certain teams like to use four LBs on the field at once, while others like to go with three. In a three linemen/four linebacker scheme, a player who lines up on the outside must be able to rush the passer off the edge. The players in the middle of this scheme must be quick and able to shed any linemen who try to block them. With a four linemen/three linebacker scheme, the LBs must be solid in coverage against TEs and HBs out of the backfield, while the MLB must work the whole field and make tackles. A truly great LB will also be able to stay in the game in nickel and dime packages when the opponent is throwing the ball, even though most of his position mates will be taken out of the game. With all the different styles and positions of LB, make sure you are maximizing your players’ ratings and putting them in a position for success!
EA SPORTS’ TOP 5 LBS
Name | Team | OVR | SPD | POW | TAK | PUR | |
5 | Jerod Mayo | Patriots | 94 | 85 | 91 | 96 | 98 |
4 | Aldon Smith | 49ers | 95 | 84 | 90 | 90 | 97 |
3 | Clay Matthews | Packers | 95 | 86 | 95 | 90 | 97 |
2 | Von Miller | Broncos | 97 | 88 | 89 | 95 | 99 |
1 | Patrick Willis | 49ers | 97 | 90 | 98 | 96 | 93 |
PRIMA’S TOP 5 LBS
Name | Team | OVR | SPD | POW | TAK | PUR | |
5 | Navorro Bowman | 49ers | 93 | 83 | 91 | 99 | 97 |
4 | Lamarr Woodley | Steelers | 89 | 82 | 90 | 90 | 93 |
3 | Von Miller | Broncos | 97 | 88 | 89 | 95 | 99 |
2 | Clay Matthews | Packers | 95 | 86 | 95 | 90 | 97 |
1 | Patrick Willis | 49ers | 97 | 90 | 98 | 96 | 93 |
VON MILLER IS A FORCE WHILE RUSHING THE PASSER.
TOP 5 ROOKIE LBS
Name | Team | OVR | SPD | POW | TAK | PUR | |
5 | Vontaze Burfict | Bengals | 77 | 74 | 95 | 89 | 85 |
4 | Zaviar Gooden | Titans | 65 | 90 | 87 | 69 | 74 |
3 | Alec Ogletree | Rams | 77 | 83 | 89 | 79 | 93 |
2 | Corey Lemonier | 49ers | 68 | 85 | 90 | 74 | 87 |
1 | Barkevious Mingo | Browns | 76 | 87 | 78 | 80 | 91 |
TOP 5 SLEEPER LBS
Name | Team | OVR | SPD | POW | TAK | PUR | |
5 | Bruce Carter | Cowboys | 81 | 88 | 90 | 86 | 89 |
4 | Thomas Davis | Panthers | 79 | 84 | 91 | 77 | 88 |
3 | Thomas Howard | Free Agent | 82 | 87 | 77 | 79 | 91 |
2 | Joe Mays | Broncos | 79 | 78 | 98 | 97 | 87 |
1 | Manny Lawson | Bills | 82 | 88 | 73 | 77 | 94 |
JOE MAYS IS A SOLID LB WHO CAN REALLY LAY SOME BIG HITS THIS SEASON.
Check out the Top 5 Defensive Ends. When you’re ready for more, check out the FREE Madden NFL 25 Prima guide!