Fansided

NFL Rankings: 10 Best Linebackers in the League

By Phil Watson

Dec 22, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) reacts in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the Saint 17-13 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) reacts in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the Saint 17-13 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 23, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Patrick Willis (52) prevents the pass intended for Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (88) during the second quarter of the final regular season game at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Patrick Willis (52) prevents the pass intended for Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (88) during the second quarter of the final regular season game at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

2. player. 42. . . San Francisco 49ers. Patrick Willis

Patrick Willis can do a little bit of everything from his inside linebacker spot.

Need the run stopped? Willis had 104 tackles in 14 games.

Need to get to the quarterback? Willis had three sacks.

He’s also had as many as 12 pass breakups in a season and had three interceptions in 2009.

The 11th overall pick out of Ole Miss in 2007, Willis has been picked for the Pro Bowl in each of his seven seasons.

Willis may be asked to take up some of the slack in the absence of inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman, still out with a knee injury.

“Whatever is going to be best for the defense is whatever coach Vic [Fangio] decides,” Willis said. “I’m going to play my very best at either/or.”

Willis was the 2007 Defensive Rookie of the Year and has been an All-Pro selection five times.

Next: QB on Defense for Carolina

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