Ranking the top 25 NFL linebackers

So what's the buzzword for an elite NFL linebacker, no matter whether he plays outside or inside? Playmaking. Whether it's making tackles, rushing the passer, covering receivers, it's all about making an impact. These are the very best of the impact players at the position:

2. Brian Urlacher, Chicago Bears. Urlacher does everything well, which makes him the ideal field general for the Bears' Tampa 2 scheme. In addition to being a top run defender with the speed to chase from sideline-to-sideline, he is also adept in coverage and can be an effective blitzer. Urlacher is tough, a tremendous leader, and still played well despite injuries in 2007. With some more help from his defensive tackles, he should once again be a dominant player after a slight decline. more...