LA Rams: 15 greatest linebackers of All Time

Sometimes, it feels as though the accomplishments of the NFL today are only possible because the NFL is comprised of far better athleticism in the rank and file. Was it really that much easier to be a star in the NFL  back in the day? Was the game simpler then, or have we simply forgotten just how physical this sport used to be over the course of time? How have the LA Rams changed over time?

At one point in the NFL, it was quite commonplace to witness players with blood on their uniforms, even trickling out of busted lips or busted noses, broken or busted fingers that were taped together braced with a popsicle stick, black eyes, and broken bones. Over time, rules changed and equipment improved to the point that players were not bloodied, battered, and bruised by the end of a game.

Still, there is a bit of nostalgia whenever I hear the pads pop. That throwback to yesteryear, when the linebacker was the guy who did more than stuff the run, he punished the running back. Small speedy rushers were simply no match against them, forcing offenses to go bigger in the backfield, and even to double up with fullbacks to block.

While those days are gone, and the game itself has changed, is the inside linebacker position getting a new lease on life in the LA Rams defense? After winning Super Bowl LVI with the help of rookie inside linebacker Ernest Jones, the Rams have definitely committed to the position by signing All-Pro veteran inside linebacker Bobby Wagner.

How will Wagner stack up to the legendary linebackers of yesteryear? For that matter, will Ernest Jones and his Super Bowl Ring earn a place among the All-Time Franchise best? Why not take a look at those linebacker greats from the past?

Beyond the immediate effect of making me a happy camper, it opens up the question about the linebacker position overall. Who were the best linebackers at their respective positions for the Rams franchise over the years?  How will the current group stack up against them? Let’s take a look because the organization has definitely witnessed some of the best linebackers in the game.