Linebackers are the heart and soul of many defenses and can change the course of games. Whether it's a tackle that prevents a first down, a pass deflection or a forced fumble, linebackers can make their presence felt in many ways. The players on this list have the potential to do all of those things.
LaMarr Woodley Steelers: Woodley didn't start a game in his rookie season but still managed to get 4 sacks. Now that Clark Haggans left for the Cardinals. Woodley has his chance to start for the Steelers and show why he has the upside to be one of the best pass rushers in the league. Woodley has the potential and opportunity to put up a Pro Bowl season in his first full year as a starter.
Ernie Sims Lions: Sims has already established himself as one of the best linebackers in the league as he has 258 tackles in his first two seasons. So why is Sims on this list? That's because he plays for the Lions. Other than Thanksgiving day, football fans around the country don't get to watch Sims and they are missing out. He has already shown what he is capable of and is similar to a young Derrick Brooks. Another good season and Sims should be headed to Hawaii for his first Pro Bowl.
Jon Beason Panthers: If not for Patrick Willis, Beason would have been talked about for his incredible rookie season. Beason had 140 tackles and 1 interception. He is in a similar boat as Sims as the Panthers don't get much national attention either. But if Beason keeps putting up numbers like that, it will be hard for most football fans to not pay attention.
David Harris Jets: As a rookie, Harris only started 9 games. But he was a tackling machine as he had 127 on the year. Harris also had 5 sacks and forced 2 fumbles. With a full year starting, Harris could prove to be one of the best young linebackers in the league.
Paul Posluszny Bills: If Posluszny didn't have a season ending arm injury in week 3, he would be in the same discussion as Willis and Beason. In 3 games, he had 26 tackles which would have put him on pace for 139 tackles. Now Posluszny is healthy and with the Bills poised to make the playoffs, Posluszny has the chance to become a star in his second year.
D'Qwell Jackson Browns: In his second season,Jackson showed flashes of his potential as he had 101 tackles, 1 sack and an interception. But because he plays for the Browns, nobody knows who he is yet. That should change this year as the Browns have 5 prime time games this season and with the additions of Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams up front, Jackson could be even better this year.
Thomas Howard Raiders: Howard has all the makings to turn into a star in his 3rd season. He had 95 tackles last year and is one of the best linebackers in the league in pass coverage as he had 6 interceptions. With his 4.4 speed, Howard ended up taking two of those for touchdowns. With the Raiders improved defense, look for Howard to make his first Pro Bowl appearance in the near future.
Justin Durant Jaguars: When Mike Peterson went down with an injury, the unknown Durant stepped in as a rookie and had 49 tackles and 1 interception. The most impressive part was how in his first playoff game against the Steelers, he stepped in and had 12 tackles. With Peterson returning to the middle, Durant will most likely move to the outside where he can utilize his speed and has the opportunity to be a game changing linebacker for years to come.
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