Highlights
Linebackers have a captivating role in the NFL, serving as the driving force behind sack and fumble opportunities in Madden NFL 24, as teams frequently send them on blitzes.Matthew Judon undoubtedly merits a superior ranking owing to his remarkable accomplishments, which include earning four consecutive Pro Bowl selections and setting a career-high in sacks last year.
Bobby Wagner, a highly acclaimed middle linebacker, has established himself as one of the greatest of all time. With a Super Bowl victory and eight consecutive Pro Bowl honors under his belt, his return to the Seahawks has generated much anticipation.
In the current landscape of the NFL, linebackers find themselves in an exhilarating phase. While defensive linemen focus on blocking and safeties are burdened with tackling responsibilities, linebackers have the exciting role of generating sacks and fumbles, resembling the gameplay in Madden NFL 24. It is becoming increasingly common for teams to frequently blitz their linebackers.
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The level of aggression inherent in this role injects an exhilarating element into the game, perpetually leaving opposing offenses uncertain and flustered. Those who excel in the linebacker position capitalize on this newfound freedom by relentlessly decimating rival backfields in Madden NFL 24, effectively thwarting the progress of running backs and ensuring they never surpass the line of scrimmage.10 Matthew Judon - LOLB - 89 OVR
Matthew Judon's case for being higher on this list is compelling. He has consistently been selected for the Pro Bowl for the past four years and recently achieved a career-high in sacks. His exceptional performance has been consistent, even before his recent peak.
It is worth considering that New England's decline as a team may have influenced Judon's lower ranking. Interestingly, Judon was the sole Patriot to make it to the Pro Bowl. Predictions made by gamers regarding the placement of top-ranked players resulted in a notably low score for Judon.
9 Bobby Wagner - MLB - 89 OVR
After spending a year with the Rams, Bobby Wagner has returned to the Seahawks, the team with which he achieved Super Bowl victory and received eight consecutive Pro Bowl accolades. In terms of career accomplishments in the linebacker position, Wagner would rank as the highest MLB on the list.
Undoubtedly, he is considered one of the greatest of all time. Despite not being selected for the Pro Bowl last year, he attained personal bests in games played and sacks, indicating that his exclusion was more a result of the Rams' poor performance rather than his own contributions. Seattle fans will be eagerly hoping that he remains a permanent fixture with the team.
8 Haason Reddick - LOLB - 90 OVR
The Eagles reached the Super Bowl last year thanks in part to their acquisition of Haason Reddick. Reddick's exceptional performance, including tying for the league lead in forced fumbles and earning a Pro Bowl selection, contributed greatly to Philadelphia's success. Although there are several potential candidates for the Madden NFL 24 cover, it can be argued that Reddick would have been a strong contender if the Eagles had won the Super Bowl. If the team maintains their offensive momentum, they have a great chance of winning it all in the upcoming season.
7 Demario Davis - MLB - 90 OVR
Demario Davis, with an impeccable attendance record of only missing one game in over eleven years, is currently showcasing his exceptional skills on the field. In 2022, he earned the honor of making his first Pro Bowl and managed to achieve personal bests in both interceptions and sacks. This remarkable performance poses a daunting challenge for opponents attempting to pass or evade the veteran linebacker.
Having demonstrated his expertise on four different teams, Davis has solidified his reputation as a reliable middle linebacker. In 2023, the Saints have chosen to retain him, hoping his presence will contribute to resolving any issues plaguing their offense. With unwavering dedication, Davis is prepared to make significant contributions to his team's success on the defensive side of the game.
6 Lavonte David - MLB - 91 OVR
Despite having eleven years in the NFL and being eight years removed from his lone Pro Bowl season, Super Bowl champion Lavonte David's unwavering consistency renders him irreplaceable. Throughout his career, he has never started fewer than 12 games in a single season, and in the previous season, he started all 17 games. Furthermore, David's tackle numbers have seen an increase. With him performing at such a high level, Tampa Bay possesses a formidable Super Bowl team, especially with the right quarterback. If David can maintain this level of play for a few more years, the Buccaneers have a legitimate chance of securing him a second title.
5 Joey Bosa - LOLB - 91 OVR
Joey Bosa has missed most of the seasons due to injuries, with only three full seasons played out of the seven he has been in the league. Despite his limited playing time, Bosa's impact on the game is undeniable, evident by his four Pro Bowl selections.
The Chargers possess one of the finest safety players in football, which greatly contributes to their ability to defend against passing plays. If Bosa manages to remain healthy and effectively stops the running game, the Chargers have the potential to become championship contenders. Los Angeles only requires Bosa to maintain good health and receive the recognition he deserves in order for him to be acknowledged as a true superstar.
4 Roquan Smith - MLB - 92 OVR
Chicago made the unfortunate decision to trade Roquan Smith to Baltimore in the middle of the season, a move they quickly came to regret. Smith not only earned his first Pro Bowl selection, but also achieved personal bests in tackles and interceptions. He proved to be a formidable force in shutting down some of the league's most skilled quarterbacks in the middle of the field.
As long as Smith continues to excel on the defensive side of the ball, the Ravens only require a stroke of luck in terms of staying healthy. If the team can emulate his exceptional defensive play, they have the potential to be serious contenders for a championship.
3 T.J. Watt - LOLB - 94 OVR
Despite missing seven games last season, T.J. Watt's performance remained noteworthy and he even secured a spot in the Pro Bowl. While he didn't surpass his remarkable NFL single-season sack record set in 2021, his determination to overcome injury was commendable. Looking ahead, Watt has the potential to further enhance his statistical achievements, particularly if Pittsburgh invests in bolstering their talented team.
2 Maxx Crosby - LOLB - 94 OVR
Maxx Crosby earned his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection after an outstanding 2022 season. He excelled in tackles and sacks, providing much-needed support to a struggling defense. Despite Crosby's exceptional performance, the Raiders experienced a downfall on offense and defense last season.
Looking ahead, it is crucial for Las Vegas to provide Crosby with additional assistance through roster changes. It is remarkable to consider Crosby's remarkable performance, even when facing constant double teams. With one of the top wide receivers in football, the Raiders have the potential to significantly improve their overall performance, but it relies on Crosby maintaining his current level of play.
1 Fred Warner - MLB - 96 OVR
Middle linebackers are frequently underestimated by fans due to their responsibility of stopping running plays and preventing quarterbacks from throwing the ball, which are not typically reflected in statistics. However, the ratings adjusters diligently acknowledge the impact of Warner's performance.
Warner demonstrates fearlessness when facing top-notch running backs, effectively containing their ground game and compelling opponents to attempt longer, more precarious passes. The 49ers defense, led by Warner, is widely acclaimed as one of the best in the game.
Madden NFL 24 will be released on August 18th, 2023 for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.