• Fred Warner is the NFL’s most valuable linebacker: The 49ers' defensive playmaker is the highest-graded linebacker in the NFL.
• Roquan Smith continues to play at a high level: The Ravens standout is the fourth-most valuable player at the position.
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Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Linebacker is an interesting position, as there are big differences in approach by teams considered smart team builders.
On the one hand, you have the Baltimore Ravens, who spent big on Roquan Smith and used a first-round pick on Patrick Queen. Conversely, you have the Philadelphia Eagles, who have avoided spending too much at the position.
Here are the most valuable players at the position through 14 weeks, according to PFF WAR.
1. Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers
Warner's 90.6 overall grade leads all players at the position, and he ranks inside the top 10 in both PFF run-defense and coverage grades. He’s been a useful blitzer, too, picking up 13 total pressures from 45 pass-rushing snaps.
2. Quincy Williams, New York Jets
Williams has produced 63 defensive stops, nine more than any other linebacker, while his 90.1 PFF coverage grade is the second-best at the position. He is tied with Roquan Smith for the second-most pass breakups among linebackers, with six through 14 weeks.
3. Bobby Wagner, Seattle Seahawks
While he hasn’t been amazing in coverage this season, Wagner remains an elite run-stopper. His 90.8 PFF run-defense grade is the third-best mark among his peers, while his 54 defensive stops are second. He has missed just 3.7% of the tackles he has attempted this season.
4. Roquan Smith, Baltimore Ravens
Smith is tied with Quincy Williams with six pass breakups, ranking second among all linebackers. He has earned PFF grades above 80.0 both against the run and in coverage and has missed just 5.4% of the tackles he has attempted.
5. Demario Davis, New Orleans Saints
Davis’ 88.8 overall grade through 14 weeks is the third-best mark at the position. His 85.5 run-defense grade is tied for sixth, his 80.6 coverage grade ranks 11th and his 20 total pressures trail only Ernest Jones.
6. Foyesade Oluokun, Jacksonville Jaguars
Oluokun has earned PFF grades above 75.0 both as a run defender and in coverage. His 16 total pressures, coming on 82 pass-rushing snaps, are tied for the seventh-most at the position.
7. Blake Cashman, Houston Texans
In his first year as a full-time starter, Cashman has arguably been the breakout player at the position. His 87.8 PFF grade is tied for fourth among all linebackers. His 87.8 run-defense grade puts him fourth at his position, and he has missed just 7.8% of the tackles he has attempted.
8. C.J. Mosley, New York Jets
Mosley is on track for a career-best PFF grade in 2023, ranking eighth among linebackers at 84.7. His 49 defensive stops are the fifth-most at the position.
9. Jahlani Tavai, New England Patriots
The Pats linebacker has given up just 127 yards in coverage this season, the second-fewest allowed by any linebacker who has been on the field for 200 or more coverage snaps. His 84.7 coverage grade ranks tied for fifth at the position.
10. Robert Spillane, Las Vegas Raiders
Spillane's three interceptions are tied for second among all linebackers this season, but he has been better as a run defender. His 85.2 run-defense grade ranks ninth at the position, while he has also added 17 pressures from 46 pass-rushing snaps.
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