2. Harold Landry: OLB
There is no doubt in my mind that by the way the “OLB” grouping is structured, that Harold Landry should be a Pro Bowler.
First let me tell you some stats on Landry to show you just how dominant he has been for his career, and then specifically this season.
The Tennessee #Titans drafted Harold Landry with the 41st pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He was one of 72 front seven players drafted that year, and he was the 11th front seven player taken in that draft.
— Ran GMC(arthon) (@jlomas72) November 4, 2019
In that class he ranks
-2nd in sacks
-T-2nd in TFLs
-3rd in QB hits
From this crop of “OLBs” in the AFC, Landry is currently leading in TFLs, second in sacks in this group behind Watt and tied for third in interceptions. That is extremely impressive for a guy who is asked to do so much dirty work that plays for a team that rarely has the lead.
His competition isn’t incredible either since most of the top “OLBs” listed are in the NFC.
The best names in the AFC aside from Landry are:
–T.J. Watt (absolutely deserves it)
–Jamie Collins (maybe? his play has really trailed off the last few weeks)
–Bud Dupree (more rushes for fewer sacks and the same number of turnovers)
-Darius Leonard (He shouldn’t be in this grouping, but he missed several games and hasn’t had a “better” season per game than Landry)
–Whitney Mercilus and Von Miller (both bigger names than production this season)
Last year four linebackers made it to the game so if I had to choose my four, I would say that in order it would be: T.J. Watt, Harold Landry, Bud Dupree, and then either Darius Leonard or Whitney Mercilus based on whether or not you want to vote for Leonard in what really seems like an EDGE role.