The Sports World News free agency primer continues until free agency starts on March 11th. With hours to go before the start of free agency we’ll rank and predict the top three linebackers on both the inside and the outside. The top three at the positions and predictions:
NFL Free Agency Primer: Defensive Line
Inside Linebacker: Solid group that was picked apart a little with the likes of Donald Butler and D’Qwell Jackson. The names remaining can take their time and gauge the market. The names are older and experienced, but perfect for the teams with young linebacker cores.
1) Karlos Dansby: Dansby is a double edged sword. He was incredible in 2013 and played every snap, but he will be 33 this year. He played well enough to warrant a large contract, but for his sake he should pick the perfect fit for him. Solidifying the Titans linebacker situation will be worth his time and money
Prediction: Titans
2) Daryl Smith: The Ravens got a bargain when they got Smith. He has always been a player that has made his presence known, but he rotted away in Jacksonville. He is as technically sound as any player in the league and brings no suprises to the table. He is a tackling machine that has some wear and tear at 32, but still has plenty of tread left on the tires. Rejoice Raven fans you keep him around.
Prediction: Ravens
3) Jon Beason: Back from the dead, Beason played well when he was traded to the Giants. He was a solid centerpiece at middle linebacker and was part of the teams win streak after the disastrous start. Giants will want him to stick around.
Prediction: Giants
NFL Free Agency Primer: Tight Ends
Outside Linebacker: The market for outside linebackers was bare until Lamarr Woodley got cut.
Now it's mediocre. The talent level just drops off after the top two.
1) Wesley Woodyard: Woodyard was never the same after he suffered a stinger in 2013. He was eventually benched and never returned to the starting lineup. He can be a starter in this league, but he has to play the weak side or he will struggle. At the right price, the Cowboys could be interested
Prediction: Cowboys
2) LaMarr Woodley: Woodley has teetered off from being one of the league's brightest young stars and his success is tied to his work ethic. Woodley can let his body go and lose motivation easily as a season wears on. If that wasn’t the worst part, he is also injury prone the past few season. Two things that don’t mix, but he has it in him to bounce back to a premier linebacker. Perfect fit for the Titans new 3-4 hybrid scheme.
Prediction: Titans
3) Calvin Pace: Pace is declining because of his age and at this point can’t play every down. Someone will need his ability to get to the passer, but could be a liability otherwise. Jets have to wrestle with the idea of giving an aging player 10 sack player money.
Prediction: Jets
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