The NFC South has one of the better groups of linebackers in the NFL. Every team in the division runs a 3-4 defense, which makes comparing players a little different than in other divisions.
Outside linebackers aren’t only asked to rush the quarterback. They also drop into coverage against running backs, tight ends, and sometimes slot receivers. Inside linebackers have to stop the run, cover the middle of the field, and make sure everyone is lined up correctly before the snap. Since their jobs overlap so much, separating them into inside and outside linebackers didn’t make much sense. Instead, this list looks at which linebackers have the biggest overall impact on their defense.
For years, the NFC South was defined by veterans like Lavonte David and Demario Davis. With David now retired and Davis signing with the New York Jets, a new generation of linebackers has taken over, making this one of the most intriguing position groups in the division.
A few good players just missed the cut, but these are the five linebackers who stand out heading into the 2026 season.
Ranking the Top NFC South Linebackers for 2026
Honorable Mentions
Pete Werner, New Orleans Saints
Werner has become one of the Saints’ most reliable defenders.
He plays fast, tackles well, and is rarely out of position. Werner doesn’t put up as many splash plays as some of the players on this list, but week after week, he gives New Orleans solid play in the middle of its defense.
Arnold Ebiketie, Atlanta Falcons
Ebiketie has improved every season since entering the league.
His speed off the edge has helped him earn a bigger role in Atlanta’s defense, and his pass-rushing numbers continue to climb. If he keeps developing, don’t be surprised if he’s in the top five next year.
5. Yaya Diaby, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Diaby has become an important part of Tampa Bay’s defense.
He has the size to hold up against the run and the athletic ability to pressure quarterbacks. As his technique has improved, so has his production. The Buccaneers continue to give him more responsibility, and he has responded with some of the best football of his career.
Another strong season could move him even higher on this list.
4. Kaden Elliss, Atlanta Falcons
Elliss does a little bit of everything for Atlanta’s defense.
The Falcons use him as a blitzer, ask him to cover, and trust him to help stop the run. That flexibility makes him one of the most valuable linebackers in the division because offenses never know exactly how he’ll be used.
Elliss has also become one of Atlanta’s leaders on defense. His steady play has helped him earn a spot among the NFC South’s best linebackers.
3. Carl Granderson, New Orleans Saints
Granderson has quietly become one of the Saints’ most dependable defenders.
He regularly gets pressure on quarterbacks and has become the team’s top pass rusher. While sacks get most of the attention, Granderson’s ability to pressure the quarterback throughout a game is just as important.
He has also become a better run defender over the past few seasons, making him one of the more complete linebackers in the division.
2. Jaelan Phillips, Carolina Panthers
The Panthers made one of the biggest moves of the offseason by signing Jaelan Phillips.
When healthy, Phillips has been one of the NFL’s best pass rushers. He wins with speed, quickness, and his ability to turn the corner, making him a tough matchup for offensive tackles.
Carolina also values what he can do away from the line of scrimmage. In a 3-4 defense, Phillips has the athletic ability to drop into coverage when needed, giving the Panthers another versatile player on defense.
If he stays healthy, Phillips has the talent to finish as the clear number one edge rusher in the NFC South. And earn an All-Pro selection by the end of the season.
1. Devin Lloyd, Carolina Panthers
Devin Lloyd takes the top spot after putting together one of the best seasons by any linebacker in the NFL.
In 2025, he earned Second-Team All-Pro honors and his first Pro Bowl selection after recording five interceptions, 1.5 sacks, and a defensive touchdown. He made plays all over the field, whether it was stopping the run, covering receivers, creating turnovers, or getting after the quarterback.
That’s exactly why Carolina made him one of its biggest free-agent signings. Lloyd gives the Panthers a linebacker who can stay on the field in every situation and make an impact in several different ways.
There are plenty of talented linebackers in the NFC South, but no one enters the 2026 season with a stronger résumé than Lloyd.
