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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
9 of 11
Next
Nov 25, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith (99) sacks Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith (99) sacks Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Aldon Smith. 3. player. 42. . . San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers are likely to be without linebacker Aldon Smith for awhile to start the season. He’s facing a suspension for some off the field trouble.

But the only trouble Smith creates on the field is for opposing defenses.

Smith was an All-Pro in 2012 after logging 19½ sacks and last season managed 8½ despite missing five games because of a self-imposed trip to rehab following a DUI arrest in September.

49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio was impressed with Smith early in camp.

“I think everything’s good for him right now,” Fangio told ESPN.com. “I think he’s in a really great spot. Both physically, like he said, and I think he’s in a great spot mentally, emotionally.”

Only Hall of Famers Reggie White (52) and Derrick Thomas (43½) recorded more sacks in their first three NFL seasons than Smith, who has 42 since San Francisco took him seventh overall out of Missouri in 2011.

Next: What You talkin' About Willis?

Home/Carolina Panthers