Just as important as it is for middle linebackers to anchor a defense, it's crucial for outside linebackers to read offenses and chase players down.
After revealing the best middle linebackers to use in the upcoming Madden NFL 16, EA Sports has released the top-rated outside linebackers to utilize in the game as well. This group of players is so good that one could easily make the argument for any of them to be rated as the best outside linebacker in the NFL, especially the top three.
Here's EA's Top 5 outside linebackers.
1. Von Miller, Denver Broncos
After only playing nine games in 2013, Von Miller returned to form last season and wreaked havoc with 14 sacks. EA credited him with a 97 overall rating in naming him the best outside linebacker in the game. His 99 rating in finesse moves (FNM), 93 in block shedding (BKS), 89 in power moves (PWM), 98 in pursuit and 99 tackle made him the OLB Madden king.
2. Justin Houston, Kansas City Chiefs
Justin Houston is the epitome of a young stud football player. At 6-3, 258 pounds, the 26-year-old inked a six-year, $101 million deal, including $52.5 million guaranteed, with the Kansas City Chiefs earlier this month, in the most-lucrative deal for a linebacker in NFL history. This came after he led the NFL in sacks last season with 22. He's every bit worth his 97 overall rating, including the 97 he received in pursuit, 92 for tackle and 88 play recognition. Houston could have easily been No. 1 amongst outside linebackers...he would have been on our list for what it's worth.
3. Terrell Suggs, Baltimore Ravens
At 32 and entering his 14th NFL season, Terrell Suggs's motor is still running at outside linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens. His 12 sacks and 61 combined tackles are proof of that. His 93 overall rating—including 97 in power moves and 91 in strength—have him No. 3 on the OLB list from EA Sports.
4. Dont'a Hightower, New England Patriots
Dont'a Hightower helped the New England Patriots to a Super Bowl victory in February. At 6-3 and 270 pounds, Hightower received a 95 in tackle, 92 pursuit and 90 for hit power. Boom!
5. DeAndre Levy, Detroit Lions
With Ndamukong Suh having left Detroit for Miami earlier this offseason, DeAndre Levy will have that much more chances in 2015 to wreak havoc. Gamers should key in on him and his 95 player recognition-rating.
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