Derrick Brooks and Willie McGinest

[ChrisPozz]

Their top five current LBs in the NFL. From NFL Network:

Derrick Brooks:

1. Patrick Willis
2. Terrell Suggs
3. DeMarcus Ware
4. London Fletcher
5. Lance Briggs

He would have put in Bowman as his "5 1/2" LB if they would have let him.


Willie McGinest:

1. DeMarcus Ware
2. Terrell Suggs
3. Patrick Willis
4. Lance Briggs
5. Tamba Hali

 

[I_am_1z]

Correct me if I'm wrong but Derrick Brooks didn't get to retire on his own terms...
Just awful that he was shown the door like he was

 

[wartyOne]

Tamba Hali? Who?

Honestly, I don't even know who he plays for or what his credentials are. I have to investigate.

 

[wartyOne]

Tamba Hali? Who?

Honestly, I don't even know who he plays for or what his credentials are. I have to investigate.

Even as a 3-4 OLB, his numbers aren't top-5 LB in the league. Willie McGinnest should go get his head checked for PTSD due to concussions.

 

[Jikkle]

Not a fan of putting 3-4 OLB on the list in the first place and they should have their own list.

A 3-4 OLB is more akin to a DE standing up than your Butkus, Singletary, Lewis type of LB. It would be like comparing Guards and Tackles or CBs and Safeties.

 

[luckyluke22]

Hali is on KC and can be a force. He had a pretty stellar year and signed a huge extension then played well last year if I remember correctly.
I wouldn't say top 5, but probably top 10. The guy really has great hands and technique.

 

[NinerSickness]

Totally random thought, but does anyone think Ahmad Brooks has the potential to reach that elite level of LB play? He was a terror towards the end of the year and in the postseason last year. He's always had great physical ability. I know it's probably optimistic to hope his play will get better after signing a huge contract, but he's only been playing OLB for 3 seasons. And before coming to SF, Brooks was kind of a screw up.

 

[Bemular]

Totally random thought, but does anyone think Ahmad Brooks has the potential to reach that elite level of LB play? He was a terror towards the end of the year and in the postseason last year. He's always had great physical ability. I know it's probably optimistic to hope his play will get better after signing a huge contract, but he's only been playing OLB for 3 seasons. And before coming to SF, Brooks was kind of a screw up.

Good question - Brooks, by my analysis, is about a 1/2 step shy of being Aldon. If Brooks can work on his release and/or improve his various techniques to pick-up that 1/2 step then I believe he can be a double-digit sack master.