Who Are the Tallest Linebackers in the NFL? (2023-24)
I’ve been a Sports Performance Coach for twenty years and I’ve always found it impactful to show the Linebackers I coached the sizes of NFL players at their position. This has proven over the years to be motivational for players needing to add size and sometimes served as a harsh reality check.
I did the same research this season that I do every year. I poured through the 53-man active rosters for the 2023 NFL season, immediately following the final preseason cuts, a total of nearly 1700 players and broke them down by position.
By popular demand, I have put together this guide focusing on the NFL’s tallest Linebackers. Get ready to learn some random, yet interesting, football facts that you can show off to your friends.
The Tallest NFL Linebackers
In the NFL, the linebacker position often features players with significant height, which plays a significant role in their versatility and coverage abilities. The four tallest linebackers in the league stand at an imposing height of 6’6″ or taller. This height is considerably above the average for linebackers, who typically stand around 6’2 1/4″.
Additionally, there is a substantial group of about 25 linebackers who come close to this height, each standing at 6’5″. This group underlines the trend of prioritizing height in the linebacker position, aiding in the effectiveness of pass coverage, tackling range, and ability to disrupt offensive plays.
I’ve included both groups of players here.
Anthony Nelson
- Height: 6’7″
- Weight: 271 lbs
- Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- College: Iowa
- Draft: 2019, 4th round (107th overall)
- Years in NFL: 4
Marcus Davenport
- Height: 6’6″
- Weight: 265 lbs
- Team: Minnesota Vikings
- College: UTSA
- Draft: 2018, 1st round (14th overall)
- Years in NFL: 5
Tavius Robinson
- Height: 6’6″
- Weight: 258 lbs
- Team: Baltimore Ravens
- College: Guelph, Mississippi
- Draft: 2023, 4th round (124th overall)
- Years in NFL: Rookie
Andre Carter II
- Height: 6’6″
- Weight: 256 lbs
- Team: Minnesota Vikings
- College: Army
- Draft: Undrafted
- Years in NFL: Rookie
6’5″ Linebackers
Here is that second group of Linebackers, all listed at 6’5″.
| Player Name | Team |
|---|---|
| Cameron Brown | New York Giants |
| Drew Sanders | Denver Broncos |
| Arden Key | Tennessee Titans |
| Randy Gregory | Denver Broncos |
| Jack Campbell | Detroit Lions |
| Myjai Sanders | Arizona Cardinals |
| Justin Hollins | Green Bay Packers |
| Tremaine Edmunds | Chicago Bears |
| Jermaine Johnson II | New York Jets |
| Josh Allen | Jacksonville Jaguars |
| Jadeveon Clowney | Baltimore Ravens |
| Odafe Oweh | Baltimore Ravens |
| Player Name | Team |
|---|---|
| D.J. Wonnum | Minnesota Vikings |
| Kayvon Thibodeaux | New York Giants |
| Joe Tryon-Shoyinka | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| Ochaun Mathis | Los Angeles Rams |
| Danielle Hunter | Minnesota Vikings |
| Jaelan Phillips | Miami Dolphins |
| Lorenzo Carter | Atlanta Falcons |
| Preston Smith | Green Bay Packers |
| Lukas Van Ness | Green Bay Packers |
| Travon Walker | Jacksonville Jaguars |
| Rashan Gary | Green Bay Packers |
| Joey Bosa | Los Angeles Chargers |
| Jihad Ward | New York Giants |
Final Thoughts
The tallest linebackers in the NFL, especially those standing at 6’6″ or above, highlight a physical advantage beneficial for coverage and tackling. However, it’s crucial to emphasize that their success is not solely dependent on height.
The effectiveness and impact of a linebacker stem equally from work ethic, technical skill, tactical acumen, and physical fitness. These athletes exemplify that while height provides an edge, it is their dedication to rigorous training, skill development, and strategic play that truly elevates their performance on the field.
