ESPN recognized more off-ball linebackers than any other group thus far in their annual rankings of NFL players by position. 32 players in all, from 25 teams. That means just seven teams did not have a single off-ball linebacker land in one of the three tiers – top ten, honorable mention, or other receiving votes (ORV).
Those would seem like favorable odds if you're a Seattle Seahawks fan hoping the hometown boys got some love.
ESPN is distinguishing “off-ball” linebackers from outside linebackers whose primary responsibility is to rush the passer. For instance, in Seattle defensive nomenclature, DeMarcus Lawrence may be considered a linebacker, but in reality, he is a hybrid of an outside linebacker and a defensive end.