The 4 Tallest Linebackers in the NFL (2023)
In the NFL, where quickness, strength, and agility are prized, a select group of linebackers is standing tall, quite literally, above the rest. An exhaustive analysis of over 230 linebackers from the 2023 Week 1 rosters has revealed the four tallest in the league, each measuring at an imposing height of 6’6″ or taller.
These players are redefining the linebacker position, bringing a unique combination of size and athleticism that is reshaping how defenses are structured and how offenses approach them.
This article will highlight the careers and distinct playing styles of these four towering linebackers. Their exceptional height offers them an advantage in everything from tackling to pass coverage, allowing them to cover more ground and disrupt passing lanes with greater ease.
Tallest LBs in the NFL
| Name | Height | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Anthony Nelson | 6’7″ | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| Marcus Davenport | 6’6″ | Minnesota Vikings |
| Tavius Robinson | 6’6″ | Baltimore Ravens |
| Andre Carter II | 6’6″ | Minnesota Vikings |
The exceptional height of these linebackers, all over 6’6″, provides a notable advantage compared to the average NFL linebacker’s height of just over 6’2″. This difference allows them to cover more ground, disrupt passing lanes more effectively, and intimidate opposing receivers with their extended reach and visibility.
While taller players might typically face challenges with agility, these linebackers blend their size with athleticism, challenging traditional perceptions and redefining the linebacker role in the league.
Anthony Nelson
- Height: 6’7″
- Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Anthony Nelson, with an imposing stature of 6’7″, plays as an outside linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Drafted in the fourth round in 2019 out of the University of Iowa, Nelson has developed into a key player in the Buccaneers’ defense.
Known for his length and athleticism, he has shown effectiveness in both pass-rushing and run defense. His height gives him an advantage in batting down passes and reaching quarterbacks, making him a disruptive presence on the field.
Nelson’s continued development and utilization of his physical attributes have made him an integral part of the Buccaneers’ linebacker corps.
Marcus Davenport
- Height: 6’6″
- Team: Minnesota Vikings
Marcus Davenport stands tall at 6’6″ and is a formidable defensive end for the Minnesota Vikings. Originally drafted 14th overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 2018 NFL Draft, Davenport has established himself as a powerful pass rusher.
His combination of height, speed, and strength makes him a challenge for opposing offensive linemen. Known for his ability to disrupt the backfield, Davenport’s skills extend beyond just pass-rushing; he’s also effective in setting the edge against the run.
His impact on the field is heightened by his ability to leverage his size to make pivotal plays, exemplifying how height can be a significant advantage on the defensive side of the ball.
Tavius Robinson
- Height: 6’6″
- Team: Baltimore Ravens
Tavius Robinson, at an impressive height of 6’6″, is a promising talent for the Baltimore Ravens. Transitioning from Canadian college football at the University of Guelph to the NFL, Robinson has brought a unique skill set to the Ravens’ defensive unit.
His height, combined with his athletic prowess, makes him an intriguing prospect as an edge rusher. Robinson’s ability to utilize his long reach and leverage against opposing linemen can disrupt passing lanes and hinder quarterbacks, adding a new dimension to the Ravens’ pass rush and overall defensive strategy.
Andre Carter II
- Height: 6’6″
- Team: Minnesota Vikings
Andre Carter II is a notable presence on the Minnesota Vikings’ defense. His collegiate career at Army showcased his physicality and ability to pressure the quarterback, qualities that made him an appealing prospect in the NFL.
Carter’s significant height and athletic frame give him an edge in overpowering offensive linemen and batting down passes at the line of scrimmage.
As he adapts to the professional level, his size and skill set position him to potentially become a key player in the Vikings’ defensive playbook, particularly in situations where disrupting the opponent’s aerial attack is crucial.
Final Thoughts
These four linebackers – Anthony Nelson, Marcus Davenport, Tavius Robinson, and Andre Carter II – each standing at 6’6″ or taller, are bringing a new dynamic to the linebacker position in the NFL.
Their exceptional height provides them with unique advantages, from disrupting passing lanes to challenging quarterbacks and offensive lines. These players demonstrate that while traditional linebacker roles have often emphasized speed and agility, incorporating significant height can add a valuable dimension to a defense’s strategy.
As they continue to develop their skills and adapt to the professional level, these players are not only redefining the expectations for linebackers but also inspiring future generations of players who might possess similar physical traits.
