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Who are the Best Middle Linebackers in the NFL Currently?

The heart of any great NFL defense beats loudest at middle linebacker, where instincts and intelligence collide with raw physicality to create game-changing moments. In the 2025 season, middle linebackers have become the tip of the spear, commanding huddles, blowing up running lanes, and dropping into coverage against some of the league’s fastest tight ends and slot receivers. Their versatility and leadership have never been more important, and the numbers prove it, tackles are up, big plays are rising, and game plans are being rewritten to feature these dynamic defensive stars.​ This year’s crop of middle linebackers landing on the Top 10 Best Middle Linebackers in NFL 2025 rankings list is producing at historic levels, with several young stars stepping into the spotlight and veterans showing they still have elite fuel in the tank.

From locker room leadership to on-field dominance, these athletes are changing what it means to play the position. Through nine weeks, their contributions have helped define playoff races and establish defensive identities throughout the NFL.​

One thing is for certain, teams with a great middle linebacker continue to produce at a high level while having a captain in the middle of the defense to hold the puzzle together. Here is a look at the Top 10 Best Middle Linebackers in NFL 2025 rankings list:

Honorable Mention

Eric Wilson

Team: Minnesota Vikings

One of those talented middle linebackers putting together a strong season is the Minnesota Vikings veteran Eric Wilson. WIlson has been strong all season for the Vikings posting 57 tackles through the first eight games of the season while anchoring down the middle of the defense. In addition the solid linebacker has posted a career high 3.5 sacks to go along with two forced fumbles and 4.5 stuffs to start the season. Wilson’s aggression and consistency have made him a reliable piece for the Vikings, and while he’s just outside this year’s top 10, his impact during key moments keeps his name on the radar for future Pro Bowl consideration.

Top 10 NFL Middle Linebackers 2025 Rankings

10. Devin White

Team: Las Vegas Raiders

Anchoring down the back half of the Top 10 Best Middle Linebackers in 2025 NFL rankings list is the talented Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White.

After spending his first five seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and last season with the Houston Texans, White signed with the Las Vegas Raiders during the off-season. The move has been a strong one to start the season as White has posted 87 tackles over his first nine games of the season while also adding one sack, one forced fumble, and one interception. White has displayed tremendous versatility both against the run as well as in pass situations.

A strong stretch over the final few weeks of the season could land White his fourth 100 tackle season of his career. 

9. Ernest Jones IV

Team: Seattle Seahawks

The 2025 NFL season has seen many great players shine on the field including at the linebacker position.

One of those linebackers is the second year Seattle Seahawks middle linebacker Ernest Jones IV who entered the season looking for his fourth 100 plus tackle season. Jones has thrived in Seattle’s aggressive scheme, tallying 65 tackles, 0.5 sacks, five tackles for loss, and three interceptions through the first nine games, making him one of the most productive middle linebackers up to this point.

Jones’s ability to impact passing lanes is particularly notable, ranking among the league leaders for linebackers in interceptions. Despite a recent knee injury that kept him out in Week 9 against Washington, Jones’ season remains one marked by versatility, leadership, and big-play capability. If healthy, he could vault even higher in year-end rankings.

8. Nick Bolton

Team: Kansas City Chiefs 

Entering the off-season Nick Bolton was one of the hottest names on the free agency list while ranking among the best middle linebackers in the game.

Bolton, who was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft has showcased his ability to play both against the run and pass. In nine games this season, Bolton has registered 75 tackles, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.

The talented linebacker signed to a hefty three-year deal this spring, continues to be the anchor of an aggressive Chiefs defense, regularly hitting double-digit tackle totals and excelling in run defense. Bolton is once again on track for triple-digit tackles — a testament to his durability and positional awareness.

7. Cody Barton

Team: Tennessee Titans

After spending one season with the Denver Broncos last year, Cody Barton was a key acquisition of the Tennessee Titans during the off-season.

Barton, who was coming off three 100 plus tackle seasons, landed a three year deal to help solidify the Titans defense. The move has paid off strong as Barton has stabilized the Titans’ linebacker unit with 51 tackles, three interceptions, and a pick-six, showcasing his newfound playmaking ability.

Despite not registering any sacks, his three interceptions reflect an evolution in coverage skills, giving Tennessee hope for greater defensive cohesion moving forward.

6. Bobby Wagner

Team: Washington Commanders 

At 35-years-old Bobby Wagner of the Washington Commanders continues to set the league standard for consistency, amassing at least 100 tackles in 13 straight seasons to start the season.

That trend continues for Wagner as he approaches another 100 season after posting 90 tackles through the first nine games of the season. Despite the Commanders’ struggles, Wagner’s tackling remains elite, his leadership unmatched, and his football IQ evident with each snap.

As he closes in on yet another 100-tackle season, Wagner’s Hall of Fame credentials only grow deeper in 2025.

5. Jordyn Brooks

Team: Miami Dolphins

Rounding out the best five linebackers on the Top 10 Best Middle Linebackers in NFL 2025 rankings list is Jordyn Brooks of the Miami Dolphins.

The Dolphins have had a miserable season from the first week of the season through now struggling to find consistency on both sides of the football. Despite those struggles, Brooks has played at an All-Pro level all season while being one of the team’s bright spots on defense.

After posting 143 tackles last season in his first with the Dolphins, Brooks is at it again this season posting 93 tackles through nine games while adding two sacks, one fumble recovery and 8.5 stuffs at or behind the line of scrimmage.

As the centerpiece of Miami’s defense, Brooks continues to excel both in run support and as a sideline-to-sideline force.

4. Roquan Smith

Team: Baltimore Ravens

The 2025 NFL season has not gone well for the Baltimore Ravens as a team known for their defense has struggled each week.

Those struggles increased after losing Roquan Smith for multiple games while also having him limited early on while battling an injury. Since returning the Ravens have won two straight games, and the defense has looked strong while Smith has played at an All-Pro level. The former first round pick of the 2018 NFL Draft has posted 58 tackles this season in just six games while also posting one fumble recovery, one pass defensed, and 5.5 stuffs.

Smith remains one of the game’s best downhill linebackers, capable of making plays in space and blowing up runs in the backfield. 

3. Tremaine Edmunds

Team: Chicago Bears

As you start to look around at the best middle linebackers in the NFL, many of the names landing among the Top 10 are each well worthy of the top overall spot.

One of those linebackers is Tremaine Edmunds of the Chicago Bears. Edmunds, who started his career with the Buffalo Bills has been an anchor for the Bears since arriving back during the 2023 NFL season. Since arriving in the league in 2018, Edmunds has posted at least 100 tackles in each season entering the 2025 NFL season.

Through eight games this season, the talented linebacker has posted 73 tackles to go with one sack, six passes defensed, and a league leading four interceptions. All and all, Edmunds is one of the most well rounded and versatile linebackers in the NFL playing well against the pass or run.

2. Fred Warner

Team: San Francisco 49ers

Widely recognized as the prototype for modern middle linebackers, Fred Warner got off to another hot start for the San Francisco 49ers before landing on the Injured Reserve.

The former third round pick has been one of the anchors within the 49ers defense since arriving as a rookie back during the 2018 NFL season. In six games this season, Warner posted 51 tackles with two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. The injury is expected to derail seven straight seasons posting triple digit tackle totals.

Warner’s leadership and football IQ set the tone for the Niners’ dynamic defense, and his play has only elevated as the season progresses. When Warner is on the field, the 49ers defense has ranked among the best in the league.

1.  Jack Campbell

Team: Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions’ ascending third year starter, Jack Campbell, claims the top spot on the Top 10 Best Middle Linebackers in NFL 2025 rankings list.

Since arriving with the team during the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Campbell has been an anchor in the middle of the Lions defense. Through eight games this season, Campbell has posted 73 total tackles to go along with four sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one pass defended.

Campbell’s advanced instincts, ability to shed blocks, and nose for the football have made him not just Detroit’s defensive MVP, but arguably the most complete middle linebacker as the second half of the 2025 NFL season gets underway.

As the second half of the 2025 NFL kicks off, who do you have ranked among the best middle linebackers in the NFL this season?

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