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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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Nov 28, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions outside linebacker DeAndre Levy (54) intercepts a pass during the third quarter of a NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions outside linebacker DeAndre Levy (54) intercepts a pass during the third quarter of a NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

50. . . Detroit Lions. DeAndre Levy. 10. player

The Detroit Lions took DeAndre Levy in the third round out of Wisconsin in 2009 and he emerged in 2014 as one of the most effective outside linebackers in run support and coverage that there is today.

Levy finished with 117 tackles and was a monster in the passing game, with six interceptions (including one returned for a touchdown) and broke up 15 passes.

His six interceptions tied him for second in the NFL behind only Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman.

It was the most interceptions for a linebacker since Thomas Howard snared six for the Oakland Raiders in 2007 and it was just the 31st time in NFL history that a linebacker had at least six interceptions in a single season.

“He’s not a real vocal guy,” Lions linebackers coach Bill Sheridan told DetroitLions.com. “But if he didn’t say a word, if you were a young guy and you wanted to know what it means to be a competitive, professional, prepared NFL defensive player, just watch how he goes about his work every day.”

In five NFL seasons, Levy has 11 picks, 28 pass breakups, one sack and 456 tackles.

Next: Sack Artist in KC

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