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9. Brian Urlacher- Our #9 linebacker has carried on a tradition of great linebackers in Bears history. Ever since Chicago drafted Urlacher in 2000, he has racked up 1,192 tackles, 41.5 sacks, and 18 interceptions. Urlacher has also been to seven Pro Bowls and has been a four time first team All-Pro selection. Even though Urlacher is 33, he continues to steer one of the most feared defenses in NFL history in the right direction. He is probably the most valued player on the Bears as Urlacher missed the whole season in 2009 and the team went 7-9. The following season, Urlacher returned to help the Bears to a 11-5 record and an appearance in the NFC title game.

8. Lofa Tatupu- The Seahawks drafted this USC product in the 2005 draft and it has paid out nicely for the team up north. Tatupu has recorded 543 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and 10 interceptions while being voted to three Pro Bowls and being a All-Pro selection in 2007. During Tatupu's first three season in the league, he led the Seahawks in tackles and was voted voted to the Pro Bowl. Thanks to his play on the field, Tatupu has emerged as the fiery leader for the Seahawks defense.

7. A.J. Hawk- This Buckeye product is apart of a linebacker core that includes Nick Barnett and Clay Matthews. In his five year career, Hawk has recorded 511 tackles, nine sacks, and eight interceptions. Hawk finished third in the Defensive Rookie of the Year voting and in 2010 helped the Packers win their first Super Bowl since 1996. Hawk has also become the fiery leader for the Packers and was recently signed to a new five year contract.

6. Shaun Phillips- For a team known for its electrifying offense, Phillips helps keep the Chargers defenses on track. Since being drafted in 2004, Phillips has racked up 381 tackles, 56.5 sacks, and four interceptions. In 2010, Phillips appeared in his first Pro Bowl as he helped San Diego rank #1 in total defense (despite missing the playoffs). While Shawne Merriman was the vocal leader for this team for years, Phillips seems like he will take over this impressive young defense.

5. Clay Matthews- While Matthews might be the youngest player on this list, you can't deny the talent this guy has. Matthews also has strong bloodlines as both his father and uncle played in the NFL and he might become better then both of them. In just two years, Matthews has been to two Pro Bowls while racking up 111 tackles and 23.5 sacks. Despite not winning defensive player of the year last season, Matthews helped the Packers win Super Bowl XLV. If he can stay healthy, Matthews will be headed straight to the Hall of Fame.

4. Jon Beason- Despite playing for one of the worst teams in the NFL, Beason has become one of the best linebackers in the game. In his four year career, Beason has had 540 tackles, four sacks, and eight interceptions. Sometimes when I am watching Beason, it feels like I am watching Patrick Willis, that is how good he is. Over the past three season, Beason has made it to three straight Pro Bowls and has been two time All-Pro selection. Last season Beason switched to outside linebacker and even though his stats were down from previous years, he was still a tackling machine.

3. Demarcus Ware- The best outside linebacker on our list, Ware has had a very successful career with America's Team. So far in his six year career, Ware has had 420 tackles and 80 sacks. Ware has also been to five Pro Bowls and has been a five time All-Pro selection. In 2008, Ware showed what a sack machine he was by tying an NFL record with at least one sack in ten straight games. Despite the Cowboys having a disappointing 2010 season, Ware recorded 56 tackles and 15.5 sacks on his way to an appearance in the Pro Bowl.

2. Ray Lewis- The model for great linebackers starts with Lewis and only Lewis. In 1996, the Ravens made Lewis only their second draft choice of their history. Lewis paid them back by recording 1909 tackles, 38.5 sacks, and 30 interceptions. Lewis has also has been to 12 Pro Bowls and has been selected to a first team All-Pro seven times. All of these stats mean nothing. The importance of Lewis as a vocal leader for the Ravens means more more then any stat I could bring up. He is no doubt one of the greatest players ever to play the game.

1. Patrick Willis- Sure Ray Lewis is one of the best players ever to play in the NFL, Willis will be even better when his career is over. Since getting drafted by the 49ers in 2007, Willis has been to four straight Pro bowls and has been a three time first team All-Pro. Willis has also recorded 595 tackles, 15 sacks, and four interceptions. When the 49ers did draft Willis, then defensive coordinator Mike Singeltary said that Willis would become the best linebacker in the game. In 2011 he is.

Who did I miss? Tell me in the comment section below.