Jerrell Freeman was a notable snub who was left off Pro Football Focus’ list of top 50 players for 2017, and you can see why here:
The top linebackers from 2016 pic.twitter.com/9IwfIhy4PO
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) June 12, 2017
Freeman served a four-game suspension for PEDs in 2016, but the 93.8 grade that falls into PFF’s elite category speaks to his performance when he was on the field. Being listed above the likes of Luke Kuechly and Sean Lee means you’re doing something right. According to PFF, Freeman had the fifth-best tackling efficiency and his 94.9 coverage grade was the best among NFL linebackers.
As long as Freeman can stay on the field, his ability to replicate his career-best season would go a long way toward helping a linebacker corps that aims to dominate in 2017.
Five wide receivers made the #PFF50 pic.twitter.com/KqOnLoMHUq
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) June 12, 2017