As part of its annual tradition, ESPN released its 2025 rankings of the NFL’s top 10 off-ball linebackers, a list curated through votes from NFL executives, coaches, and scouts. The rankings aim to spotlight the league’s elite at the position based on traits, performance, and impact. Making the cut at No. 6 was Chicago Bears linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, a selection that sparked both praise and raised eyebrows across league circles.
Tremaine Edmunds Ranked Sixth in ESPN’s Top 10 Linebackers
GettyChicago Bears linebacker Tremaine Edmunds #49.
Edmunds’ placement among the top 10 reflects the league’s continued belief in his immense physical upside. At 6’5 and 250 pounds with long arms and rare athleticism, he fits the mold of a modern linebacker. He has the length to disrupt passing lanes and the frame to shed blocks and fill gaps.
According to one NFL personnel director, “He has the prototypical physique, athletic ability and speed that you covet in an ILB in today’s game. He can diagnose playing downhill in the box, he can play sideline to sideline and has the coverage ability to match up in zone or man coverage.”
But despite his impressive frame and athletic profile, Edmunds’ production still lags behind his potential, with an abysmal 59.2 overall PFF grade (119th/189 qualified LBs). This adds to why his high ranking is so controversial, and puts some pressure heading into the 2025 season.
A Big Contract with Bigger Expectations
When the Bears signed Edmunds to a four-year, $72 million contract in 2023, they believed they were locking in a foundational piece in the absence of Roquan Smith. He brought experience as a five-year starter for the Buffalo Bills despite being just 25 years old at the time. Yet through two full seasons in Chicago, the return on investment hasn’t lived up to expectations.
Statistically, Edmunds had one of his least impactful seasons last year. While he showed value in coverage with eight pass deflections (his most since 2019), he registered just three tackles for loss, a career low. That lack of disruption raised concerns about his instincts and play recognition. One NFL coordinator put it bluntly: “Smart, but not as instinctive as you’d hope. If you put his ability with [teammate T.J. Edwards’] instincts, you’d have an All-Pro.”
This quote underscores the issue. Edmunds doesn’t lack the tools; he lacks the consistent awareness and aggression that separates great linebackers from good ones. While Edwards, who also joined the Bears in 2023, may not have Edmunds’ athletic traits, his instincts allow him to constantly be around the football and make key plays. For Edmunds, too many snaps go by where he fails to make his presence felt.
Now entering Year 3 in Chicago, Edmunds needs to match the lofty expectations that come with his contract and ranking. The Bears’ defense is being built to fly around, create turnovers, and fuel a team ready to contend for the playoffs. If he can sharpen his reaction time, trust his reads, and become more decisive downhill, he can finally deliver on the promise that got him to No. 6 in the rankings.
Otherwise, his spot among the top linebackers may continue to feel like it’s based more on projection than production, and the Bears can’t afford to wait any longer.
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