NFL 2018: Ranking the 5 best offseason moves at linebacker

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 18: Running back Taquan Mizzell #33 of the Chicago Bears is hit after a catch by linebacker Bradley Chubb #55 of the Denver Broncos in the second quarter during an NFL preseason game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 18, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - AUGUST 18: Running back Taquan Mizzell #33 of the Chicago Bears is hit after a catch by linebacker Bradley Chubb #55 of the Denver Broncos in the second quarter during an NFL preseason game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 18, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
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The NFL season kicked off on Thursday night. Meanwhile, what were the five best moves this offseason at both inside and outside linebacker?

After a slight delay due to weather, the 2018 NFL regular season kicked off last night. The Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles got off to a late start. But when it was all said and done, the defending Super Bowl champions held on for an 18-12 victory.

Meanwhile, the look at the best offseason additions by positions continues. This series started a few weeks ago with the offensive side of the football: Quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end and the offensive line. It continues with a look at the other side of the football and it began with the key moves at both defensive end and defensive tackle.

Now it’s time to check out the additions by teams made at both inside and outside linebackers. As that adage goes, defense does indeed win championships. That can mean a dynamite performer at inside or middle linebacker or a playmaker outside presence, be it the 4-3 or 3-4 scheme.

So here’s a glance at the five best offseason moves when it came to all the linebacking spots. It includes a pair of rookies, an underrated pro, a former first-round pick and a one-time NFL Defensive Players of the Year.

And, regardless of how they were obtained, their new teams are expecting instant results.