As football offenses have become increasingly pass-focused, the role of inside linebackers has transformed significantly. To effectively counter the evolution towards spread offenses, these players must now excel in pass coverage to defend against agile tight ends and running backs. This change has diminished the value of traditional two-down linebackers, leading to a scarcity of first-round draft picks in the past decade. With emerging prospects having mixed potential for NFL adaptability, teams are likely to continue prioritizing other positions over inside linebackers in upcoming drafts.
Football's offensive evolution has necessitated a shift in defensive strategies, particularly making inside linebackers more adept at pass coverage to counteract spread offenses.
The number of two-down linebackers is declining as teams seek versatile players capable of defending athletic tight ends and backs coming out of the backfield.
Collection
[
|
...
]