Alyssa Barbieri
June 5, 2024 12:15 pm CT
The Chicago Bears defense is looking to establish itself as a top unit heading into the 2024 season, and there is no shortage of talent on the roster. That includes a loaded linebacker group that will play a key role in the success of this defense.
Last offseason, Chicago overhauled the linebacker position with the additions of Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards, who both played key roles in 2023, to join former undrafted rookie Jack Sanborn. They also have some solid depth, including last year’s fifth-round pick Noah Sewell.
ESPN’s Mike Clayhas released his 2024 projections, including ranking every linebacker group in the NFL. Where does Chicago’s linebackers rank among the rest of the league? Here’s a look:
32. Tennessee Titans
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 29: Cole Kmet #85 of the Chicago Bears runs with the ball while being tackled by Kenneth Murray Jr. #9 of the Los Angeles Chargers in the fourth quarter at SoFi Stadium on October 29, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)
Kenneth Murray, Jack Gibbens, Cedric Gray, Otis Reese, Garret Wallow
31. Los Angeles Chargers
Nov 1, 2020; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Chargers middle linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Denzel Perryman, Nick Niemann, Daiyan Henley, Junior Colson, Troy Dye
30. Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean (17) reacts after Kansas City Chiefs placekicker Harrison Butker (7) misses a field goal attempt during the first quarter in Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Feb. 12, 2023.
Nfl Super Bowl Lvii Kansas City Chiefs Vs Philadelphia Eagles
Devin White, Nakobe Dean, Oren Burks, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Ben VanSumeren
29. Green Bay Packers
Jan 7, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker (7) tackles jChicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) during the first quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Quay Walker, Edgerrin Cooper, Isaiah McDuffie, Ty’Ron Hopper, Eric Wilson
28. Arizona Cardinals
Oct 1, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) stiff arms Arizona Cardinals linebacker Kyzir White (7) in the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Kyzir White, Krys Barnes, Mack Wilson, Owen Pappoe, Markus Bailey
27. Indianapolis Colts
Oct 22, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Pierre Strong Jr. (20) runs the ball while Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin (44) defends in the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Zaire Franklin, E.J. Speed, Segun Olubi, Grant Stuard, Jaylon Carlies
26. Denver Broncos
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 01: Alex Singleton #49 of the Denver Broncos tackles Cole Kmet #85 of the Chicago Bears during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field on October 01, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775992302 ORIG FILE ID: 1712033035
Alex Singleton, Cody Barton, Jonas Griffith, Justin Strnad, Durell Nchami
25. Dallas Cowboys
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Eric Kendricks (6) rushes Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) on Sunday, November 19, 2023, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Eric Kendricks, Damone Clark, Markquese Bell, DeMarvion Overshown, Marist Liufau
24. Minnesota Vikings
Sep 14, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Boston Scott (35) runs with the ball past Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. (40) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Ivan Pace Jr., Blake Cashman, Kamu Grugier-Hill, Brian Asamoah, Abraham Beauplan
23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sep 11, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David (54) reacts during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Lavonte David, K.J. Britt, SirVocea Dennis, J.J. Russell, Vi Jones
22. Los Angeles Rams
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JANUARY 08: Ernest Jones #53 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after a defensive stop during the first quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on January 08, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)
Ernest Jones, Christian Rozeboom, Troy Reeder, Jake Hummel, Olakunle Fatukasi
21. Houston Texans
Jan 7, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans linebacker Caleb Murphy (42) and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (2) during pre-game warmups Jacksonville Jaguars at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
Azeez Al-Shaair, Christian Harris, Henry To’oTo’o, Del’Shawn Phillips, Jake Hansen
20. Las Vegas Raiders
Dec 31, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew (10) passes the ball while Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) defends in the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Robert Spillane, Divine Deablo, Luke Masterson, Amari Burney, Tommy Eichenberg
19. Atlanta Falcons
Nov 12, 2023; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) is down short of the goal line against Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) in the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-Arizona Republic
Kaden Elliss, Troy Andersen, Nate Landman, JD Bertrand, Milo Eifler
18. New York Giants
New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) goes after Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) just before sacking him in the second quarter, Sunday, January 7, 2024.
Bobby Okereke, Micah McFadden, Isaiah Simmons, Matthew Adams, Darius Muasau
17. Miami Dolphins
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) pushes away Seattle Seahawks linebacker Jordyn Brooks (56) during the third quarter at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Jan. 7, 2024.
Jordyn Brooks, David Long Jr., Duke Riley, Anthony Walker, Channing Tindall
16. Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes (55) celebrates an interception from Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield with linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) and linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (42) during the second half of the NFC divisional round at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024.
Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, Jalen Reeves-Maybin
15. Baltimore Ravens
Sep 24, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith (0) reacts after a play during the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Roquan Smith, Malik Harrison, Trenton Simpson, Chris Board, Josh Ross
14. Seattle Seahawks
Oct 22, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Jerome Baker (55) returns an interception for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Jerome Baker, Tyrel Dodson, Tyrice Knight, Jon Rhattigan, Drake Thomas
13. Pittsburgh Steelers
Dec 17, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen (6) warms up before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Patrick Queen, Cole Holcomb, Elandon Roberts, Payton Wilson, Mark Robinson
12. New England Patriots
Nov 5, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley (8) celebrates after sacking Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
Ja’Whaun Bentley, Jahlani Tavai, Sione Takitaki, Christian Elliss, Joe Giles-Harris
11. Kansas City Chiefs
Jan 16, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud (14) runs the ball as Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Nick Bolton (54) makes the tackle in an AFC Wild Card playoff football game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquill, Leo Chenal, Jack Cochrane, Cam Jones
10. Cincinnati Bengals
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) barrels into Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson (55) during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023.
Logan Wilson, Germaine Pratt, Akeem Davis-Gaither, Joe Bachie, Devin Harper
9. Carolina Panthers
Dec 18, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson (7) takes the field during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Shaq Thompson, Josey Jewell, Trevin Wallace, Chandler Wooten, Tae Davis
8. Buffalo Bills
Jan 2, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson (84) runs with the ball as Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Matt Milano (58) defends during the first half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Milano, Terrel Bernard, Nicholas Morrow, Deion Jones, Dorian Williams
7. Cleveland Browns
Dec 31, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Patrick Taylor (27) runs the ball as Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) and linebacker Danielle Hunter (99) move in for the tackle as center Josh Myers (71) blocks during the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Jordan Hicks, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Devin Bush, Tony Fields II, Nathaniel Watson
6. New Orleans Saints
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) is pressured by New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis (56) during the first quarter of their game Sunday, September 24, 2023 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
Demario Davis, Pete Werner, Willie Gay Jr., Khaleke Hudson, Jaylan Ford
5. Chicago Bears
Dec 31, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards (53) celebrates after intercepting an Atlanta Falcons pass in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
T.J. Edwards, Tremaine Edmunds, Jack Sanborn, Noah Sewell, Micah Baskerville
4. New York Jets
Nov 20, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) sacked by New York Jets defensive end John Franklin-Myers (91) and linebacker Quincy Williams (56) in the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
C.J. Mosley, Quincy Williams, Jamien Sherwood, Chazz Surratt, Marcelino McCrary-Ball
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
Dec 31, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd (33) tackles Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) during the first quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-USA TODAY Sports
Foye Oluokun, Devin Lloyd, Chad Muma, Ventrell Miller, Caleb Johnson
2. San Francisco 49ers
Nov 19, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (54) gestures after a defensive stop against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamash*ta-USA TODAY Sports
Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw, De’Vondre Campbell, Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, Dee Winters
1. Washington Commanders
SEATTLE, WA – NOVEMBER 15: Bobby Wagner #54 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates with K.J. Wright #50 of the Seattle Seahawks in the end zone after recovering a fumble by Carson Palmer #3 of the Arizona Cardinals (not pictured) and returning it for a touchdown during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field on November 15, 2015 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
Bobby Wagner, Frankie Luvu, Jamin Davis, Mykal Walker, Jordan Magee
More 2024 season
