Top Free Agents by Position: Linebacker Edition
Linebackers
Blake Martinez
De’Vondre Campbell
Cory Littleton
Joe Schobert
Nick Kwiatkoski
Honorable Mention
Jamie Collins
Danny Trevathan
Kyle Van Noy
Nick Vigil
Jon Bostic
De’Vondre Campbell
Campbell has shown to be one of the most improved linebackers over the last two years. He led the Falcons in total tackles this past season and became one of the leaders on that defense. He also showed the ability to cause turnovers with two interceptions this season. His only downside is that he is more of two down linebackers due to his lapses in coverage against more athletic players in space. He has good speed and instincts which has helped him in run-stopping and blitzing, but that will only get you so far in the NFL. Versatile pieces are the most valued commodities nowadays. If he can improve his coverage skills, then he will be an incredible young player for the future. Until then, he shouldn’t command too high a price tag this offseason and can get picked up by a few teams. His best options are with the Raiders, Bengals, Giants, and Ravens. All these teams can use help at that position, but none more than the Raiders. They can grab Campbell and pair him with a coverage linebacker from the draft and they can build a great tandem for the future.
Cory Littleton
Cory Littleton has shown great strides every year in the league. Last season he was excellent in coverage and racked up over 130 tackles. He also caused some turnovers with two forced fumbles and two interceptions, while also adding in 3.5 sacks. Littleton is definitely in line for a serious pay upgrade and will have plenty of suitors willing to pay up. He got options like the Bengals, Raiders, Rams, Ravens, Jets, Packers, Bears and Cardinals. His best fits are the Rams, Ravens, and Bears. The Rams would like to keep their prized linebacker and keep the defense intact. The Ravens need an upgrade at inside linebacker. They need one to be able to play all three downs and cover well against tight ends and running backs. The Bears can use another linebacker with the departure of two inside guys this offseason. If you pair him with Roquan Smith then they will have a lethal tandem that can play the run, blitz the quarterback and cover in space.
Danny Trevathan
This guy is the elder statesmen of the group of free agents. He has been a leader for the bears over the last few years. He has been a serious factor for the Bears whether it be run-stopping or coverage. Unfortunately for him, he only managed to make a full season of play once with the Bears. He has missed 18 games over the last four season and seven of them came last year. Luckily the Bears had Roquan Smith and Nick Kwiatkoski to help replace him in the lineup in terms of production. If he can manage to stay healthy then he should have a few more good years left in the tank. A team looking for an experienced veteran to pair with a young stud would work wonders with him. Teams like the Steelers, Lions, Dolphins, Browns, Jets, Rams, and Texans. The best fits overall would be the Steelers, Rams, and Dolphins. The Dolphins have a young up and comer in Jerome Baker who can learn from Trevathan as he grows into his own. Devin Bush is a stud already his rookie year and will only get better after getting help from Trevathan on some of the tips and tricks of the trade. Lastly, if the Rams can resign Littleton then give him Trevathan to be a pair in crime, then the Rams can solidify the interior of the second level for a while.
-By: Darren Braxton
Writer/Interviewer