Colts’ Darius Leonard ranked 5th among NFL LBs

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard was ranked fifth among linebackers in the NFL entering the 2021 season by Mark Schofield of Touchdown Wire.

“Since coming into the league in 2018 Darius Leonard has been one of the NFL’s most consistent performers at the linebacker position. Leonard is a force against the run, has the ability to put pressure on opposing passers when tasked with blitz responsibilities, and can handle the zone and man coverage responsibilities asked of linebackers in today’s game.”

The linebackers ahead of Leonard on the list were Bobby Wagner, Fred Warner, Lavonte David and Eric Kendricks.

Though Leonard will take exception to this list, there is no denying he has been one of—if not the most—productive linebackers in the game since he entered the league as a second-round pick in 2018.

Leonard should be in line for a big extension this offseason as the Colts are hoping to get the deal done before Week 1 arrives. That new contract for Leonard could reset the market at linebacker if they get it done before the 49ers and the aforementioned Warner.

Being ranked at No. 5 probably won’t sit well with Leonard but he is certainly in consideration to be the future of the linebacker position even after being in the league for three seasons.