2023 NFL Preview: Best AFC South Inside Linebackers -

In a division filled with electric rushing attacks and passing threats, which AFC South middle/inside linebackers rule?

While the rest of the NFL sleeps, quiet divisions like the AFC South continue to build. As evidenced by the Jaguars stunning the Chargers, the least-discussed division improves. Today, we discuss the middle/inside linebackers that really are the field general types that run an entire defense. With that said, instead of selecting four, the list stands at just three.

3. Denzel Perryman (Texans)

After two seasons in Las Vegas, Perryman heads east to lead a young Texans defense that looks talented on the back end and unproven up front. Additionally, Perryman’s influence will start permeate the defense. DeMeco Ryans, a former standout linebacker himself, understands the need of a veteran to guide such a young team. Armed with the green dot, Perryman will be the one to execute what Ryans wants. A sound tackler, the former Miami product excels versus the run. He darts into the wash, extracting the ballcarrier, dropping him to the ground. From a technique aspect, Perryman plays such a clean game of football. However, coverage remains his career-long nemesis. The AFC South has a violent hitter in Houston. More importantly, the Texans found their leader.

2. Shaquille Leonard (Colts)

Returning from a season-injury is tough. Not to mention the type of injury is a serious concern. In April 2022, Leonard underwent back surgery. The surgery sent pain shooting to his leg and ankle. For a linebacker whose game features explosion and burst, Leonard could not get healthy. Despite trying to play through the pain, Indianapolis shut him down, allowing a second surgery. With that, questions now abound whether Leonard can return to his perennial Pro Bowl form? Similarly, will the back injury inhibit Leonard’s ability to thrive in coverage? Twelve interceptions for a linebacker signifies three-down capability. Every team will test Leonard early, as well they should.

EP 136: Week 3 Studs and Duds
by Full Press Coverage on September 26, 2023 at 7:01 pm

MORE PODCASTS From FPC

Around Full Press Coverage

OPINION: Morten Andersen: The Toughest Place To Kick? For Me, It Was This Place

NFL: NFL 2022: Five Key Statistics for Week 2

NFL: Kansas City Chiefs Stock Report: Week 2 2022

FULL PRESS BETS: NFL MVP Odds: Patrick Mahomes Leapfrogs Josh Allen For Top Spot

FANTASY FOOTBALL: Fantasy Football Value Picks In Every Round

PODCAST: Full Press NFL Podcast Ep 54: Chargers At Chiefs Preview

1. Foyesade Oluokun (Jaguars)

First, how did the Falcons let the league’s leading tackler? After tallying 192 stops, Oluokun left the A for Duval County. Seamlessly, Oluokun fit squarely into the Jacksonville defense. What makes Oluokun notch the top spot is his mix of skills. Without a doubt, the processing and play diagnosis jumps to the top of the list. Of course, a player with an economics degree from Yale would flash the consistent ability to sniff a play out. Concomitantly, the Jacksonville ILB possesses the foot speed and instinct that buttress that brain. In the last two seasons, Oluokun tallied 376 tackles. Meanwhile, he only missed twenty-one stops. In the middle of the Jaguars defense, Oloukun provides not only the intellect but the speed to get to the play.