Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks has cracked the top 10 in the latest rankings.
After a year where Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks "received votes," he has now officially moved into the top 10 of this position. After leading the NFL with 183 total tackles, it makes sense as to why he would be ranked as one of the better off-ball defenders.
Brooks comes in at No. 7 overall on the ESPN off-ball linebacker rankings. While that might seem a bit low, he is up against players like Fred Warner, Roquan Smith, and more.
"Brooks is back in the top 10 after a lull. The 27th pick of the 2020 draft was an ascending player with the Seahawks before suffering an ACL tear late in the 2022 season, compromising his 2023 campaign. He rebuilt his career in Miami, where he became a first-team All-Pro. His 5.9% run stop percentage topped all off-ball linebackers, and his 13 tackles for loss ranked second at his position last season. Brooks was the first Dolphins player to lead the NFL in tackles since Zach Thomas in 2006," the ranking states.
It is an impressive feat to lead the NFL in tackles, even more so considering Brooks is the first Dolphins player to do so since the era of Hall of Famer Zach Thomas.
On top of the 183 total tackles, Brooks also tacked on 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and 13 tackles for loss. In terms of an all-around defender, that is impressive, even more so for a linebacker.
Brooks has emerged as a leader on the Miami team, and it still begs the question of whether his performance and leadership will produce a long-term deal. The Dolphins front office has been plenty patient on that front, but there is a strong belief that a new deal is coming.
Brooks has taken on a mentorship role for Jacob Rodriguez, the fellow Texas Tech rookie who has a ton of upside. That, and the veteran being the model for hard work, should be strong factors in his receiving a new extension.
Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley also described Brooks as one of the "pillars" for the team's future. Two of the three pillars mentioned have received their new deals, which are center Aaron Brewer and running back De'Von Achane.
Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle was described in the same breath, but has since been traded to the Denver Broncos, leaving the wait on Brooks seem a bit dubious.
Training camp is right around the corner, and the Dolphins brass might be angling to get a deal done with the defensive leader before then. At the very least, Brooks' performance in 2025 should lead to plenty of suitors if the Miami organization balks on offering him a new extension.
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