2025 Full-Time and Green Dot Linebackers: Week 5
What did Week 5 teach us about the state of the green dot LBs for 2025?
In Week 5, we saw a new green dot in Carolina, and the green dot replacement in Baltimore with Roquan Smith missing a few weeks. Also, we’re monitoring Miami’s LB situation, as Tyrel Dodson exited with a head injury this week.
What is the green dot?
Think of him as the quarterback of the defense. He has the comms helmet with the green helmet sticker, relays play calls from the defense coordinator to the rest of the defense, and is responsible for getting everyone aligned before the snap. Most of the time, it’s a linebacker wearing the dot, but we’ve seen safeties take on that role, too.
Here’s how the snaps and usage played out in Week 5.
*-Injured
Arizona Cardinals
Mack Wilson was the lone three-down LB for the Cardinals in Week 5. Wilson saw 100% of the snaps with the dot. The Cardinals were in dime/single-LB for nearly half of the game (30 snaps), as Akeem Davis-Gaither saw 54% of the snaps. Davis-Gaither was on for most nickel/2-LB snaps, but was off on single-LB. The Cardinals weren’t in their base for any of the snaps. You can leave Davis-Gaither on waivers.
Week 5 Green Dot: Mack Wilson
Atlanta Falcons
Bye week.
Week 5 Green Dot: Bye Week
Baltimore Ravens
With Roquan Smith expected to miss the next four weeks, and Kyle Hamilton inactive in Week 5, it was Teddye Buchanan who wore the dot with a three-down role. For those who started him, he responded in kind with 15 tackles. The Ravens were still in nickel for most of the game, and Trenton Simpson was on the field for all but 4 snaps. Even when Hamilton returns, Buchanan looks like a weekly LB2 with Smith out. Simpson could be a waiver add in deeper leagues if he’s going to see 90% of the snaps. I would have liked to see Jay Higgins get some snaps in the blowout.
Week 5 Green Dot: Teddye Buchanan
Buffalo Bills
The Bills were in nickel for the majority of the game, but were in base for about 20 snaps. Terrel Bernard was the lone three-down LB for the Bills and wore the dot. Matt Milano returned in Week 5, but saw 53% of the snaps, as he rotated with Shaq Thompson (67%) in nickel. It might have been a case of easing Milano in after missing a few games, but Milano might not be a full-time player. It’s obvious his body can’t handle it anymore. Bernard hasn’t been efficient as a three-down player, and it might make sense to bench him if you have better options.
Week 5 Green Dot: Terrel Bernard
Carolina Panthers
Trevin Wallace is our new green dot in Carolina and was on the field for 100% of the snaps. It might have been a good thing for Christian Rozeboom, as he easily had his best PFF grade of the season (82.5). Maybe without the responsibility, he can go after the ball. He was also much better in coverage, allowing just 8 yards when targeted. The Panthers were in dime/single-LB a bit more than average this week, as Carolina had 17 single-LB snaps. Rozeboom was on the field for 69% of the snaps. Even with the decreased usage, Rozeboom is still an efficient tackler and should have IDP value with the bye weeks.
Week 5 Green Dot: Trevin Wallace
Chicago Bears
Bye week.
Week 5 Green Dot: Bye Week
Cincinnati Bengals
There wasn’t as much of a rotation with Logan Wilson and Barrett Carter this week. Wilson was on for 100% of the snaps and wore the dot. The rotation was with Demetrius Knight Jr. and Carter. Knight saw 36 snaps (61%) while Carter saw 30 snaps (51%). Even with the reduced usage, Knight tied Wilson for the lead in tackles (8). If he’s going to see fewer than 70% of the snaps, production will be inconsistent. The Bengals were in nickel for just over half the game, and in base for the other half.
Week 5 Green Dot: Logan Wilson
Cleveland Browns
The Browns were in their typical nickel defense against the Vikings in Week 5. Devin Bush had his usual full-time role, as he saw 85% of the snaps. Carson Schwesinger was in on 100% of the snaps with the dot, and although he had 11 tackles, 2 were solo. Still, he was all over the field
Week 5 Green Dot: Carson Schwesinger
Dallas Cowboys
Kenneth Murray ended up being active despite popping up on the injury report with a knee injury. Murray played 100% of the snaps with the dot. Jack Sanborn departed after just 16 snaps with a concussion. The surprise out of Dallas was Shemar James. James took over the LB2 in nickel and recorded 15 tackles. Marist Liufau was the LB3 in base and saw just 21 snaps, with 0 snaps in nickel. If Sanborn misses Week 6, James looks like the waiver pickup. James was on for 100% of the nickel/2-LB snaps once Sanborn left.
Week 5 Green Dot: Kenneth Murray
Denver Broncos
Alex Singleton was the lone three-down LB in Week 5, as he saw 100% of the snaps with the dot. A sack saved him from an average day with his 6 tackles. After seeing just 27 snaps in Week 4, Justin Strnad saw 77% of the snaps. I still find his usage to be inconsistent. If byes or injuries have you in a bind in deeper leagues, he’s more of an LB4/5.
Week 5 Green Dot: Alex Singleton
Detroit Lions
There were no major changes with the Lions defense. They were still nickel/base heavy in Week 5. Jack Campbell and Alex Anzalone were both on the field for 100% of the snaps, with Campbell wearing the dot. Derrick Barnes had his usual LB3 role and played 50% of his snaps on the edge.
Week 5 Green Dot: Jack Campbell
Green Bay Packers
Bye week.
Week 5 Green Dot: Bye Week
Houston Texans
The rotation at LB2 continued in Week 5, with EJ Speed outsnapping Henry To’oTo’o once again. The Ravens only managed 43 offensive plays (and they were offensive). To’oTo’o is droppable in shallow leagues, as he saw 58% of the snaps in Week 5. Speed was on for 65% and looks to be ahead in the LB2 rotation when Houston is in nickel. To’oTo’o was on the field for just 44% of the nickel/2-LB packages.
Week 5 Green Dot: Azeez Al-Shaair
Indianapolis Colts
A sack saved an average game for Zaire Franklin. Franklin managed 7 tackles, and hasn’t had more than 7 tackles all season. Franklin sat out during the 4th quarter with the game in hand, as he was on for 81% of the snaps. There wasn’t a full-time LB2, as Joe Bachie saw just 19 snaps, but there looks to be a new LB2 in Indianapolis’ nickel. Austin Ajiake saw 34 snaps (54%). The Colts weren’t in dime or base at any time during the game. I have yet to see any news on Jaylon Carlies, so he’s someone to think about as we look ahead to Week 6.
Week 5 Green Dot: Zaire Franklin
Jacksonville Jaguars
Updated after Monday Night Football.
Week 5 Green Dot: TBD
Kansas City Chiefs
Updated after Monday Night Football.
Week 5 Green Dot: TBD
Las Vegas Raiders
Could the end be near for Germain Pratt? He was a surprise inactive ahead of Week 5 due to a coach’s decision. No word on any injuries or issues, so we’ll have to await word on what happened with Pratt. Devin White was on for 100% of the snaps and wore the dot. Elandon Roberts got the start in Pratt’s absence and was on the field for all but 4 snaps, as the Raiders were in nickel for most of the game. Jamal Adams got snaps at off-ball LB (13) but was mostly used in the slot (17). This Pratt situation is odd, but if Pratt continues to be inactive, Roberts could have some IDP value with the bye weeks.
Week 5 Green Dot: Devin White
Los Angeles Chargers
Daiyan Henley was in on 100% of the snaps and wore the dot for the Chargers in Week 5. Los Angeles was in nickel more often in this game and had just 9 dime/single-LB snaps. Troy Dye was in on 84% of the snaps. Dye has 24 tackles over the last two weeks and is averaging an 85% snap rate over the last two games. With bye weeks, Dye might be a useful LB3 in deeper leagues.
Week 5 Green Dot: Daiyan Henley
Los Angeles Rams
Nate Landman was the lone three-down LB for the Rams in Week 5 and wore the dot when on the field. Landman was taken off for Troy Reeder for one snap, and the Rams went zero-LB for a few snaps. I think the surprise was Omar Speights’ usage: just 44%. He was on the field for 62% of the first downs, but just 31% of the total 2nd/3rd down snaps. The Rams were in dime/single-LB for 52% of the snaps.
The Rams also operated a modified base with a single off-ball LB and 6 up front. Definitely not great for Speights after seeing a usage rate of 70%+ in three of four games. I might have been to combat San Francisco’s personnel, but they looked to be in 12/21-personnel for most of the game.
Week 5 Green Dot: Nate Landman
Miami Dolphins
Keep an eye on Tyrel Dodson, as he left with a head injury. It wasn’t Jordyn Brooks who took over the play-calling; it was KJ Britt. Britt started the final 3 defensive series and was a three-down LB once Dodson left. I wouldn’t even bother with Willie Gay, as he’s a non-factor in the defense. Brooks was on the field for all but one snap in Week 5. The Dolphins remained a nickel defense this week. If Dodson is out for any period of time, it looks like Britt is the target off waivers.
Week 5 Green Dot: Tyrel Dodson (KJ Britt took over when Dodson left)
Minnesota Vikings
Eric Wilson saw a three-down role in Week 5, as he was on for 100% of the snaps with the dot. Wilson tied his season high in tackles with 9. Ivan Pace Jr. saw his lowest usage of the season with just 69% of the snaps. A sack saved his day, as he finished with 3 solo tackles. It looked like they were in 3-safety/dime for 16 snaps and a modified base with 6 DL and a single off-ball LB. Pace looked to be off the field for most 3rd downs, as he saw just 4 snaps on 3rd down.
Week 5 Green Dot: Eric Wilson
New England Patriots
Robert Spillane was the lone three-down LB for the Patriots in Week 5. Spillane was on for 100% of the snaps and wore the dot. There was a messy rotation at LB2 when the Patriots were in nickel. Christian Elliss was on for 54% of the snaps and he led the rotation. Jack Gibbens saw 35% of the snaps, and his 3-tackle game is a big reason why you can’t trust an LB who’s getting fewer than 60% of the snaps on a weekly basis. Jahlani Tavai returned this week and saw 15 snaps. Even Marte Mapu saw snaps at off-ball. Spillane is the only LB I trust in New England’s defense.
Week 5 Green Dot: Robert Spillane
New Orleans Saints
Pete Werner had a full-time role in Week 5 and was on the field for 88% of the snaps, as the Saints were in nickel for most of the game against the Giants. Werner’s usage has been a bit of a yo-yo this season. Over the last two weeks, he had a 72% snap rate. Demario Davis was on the field for 100% of the snaps with the dot. Werner will have IDP value with the bye weeks as an LB3/4. Davis is a weekly starter.
Week 5 Green Dot: Demario Davis
New York Giants
Bobby Okereke was the lone three-down LB for the Giants in Week 5. Okereke was on for 100% of the snaps with the dot and now has 10+ tackles in three of the first five weeks of the season. Darius Muasau was the LB2 in nickel and was on the field for 69% of the snaps and had a decent IDP day with 9 tackles (6 solos). The Giants were in dime/single-LB for 31% of the snaps. If bye weeks are hell for your roster, Muasau is an IDP filler if you need the help.
Week 5 Green Dot: Bobby Okereke
New York Jets
Jamien Sherwood was on the field for 100% of the snaps and wore the dot in Week 5. Francisco Mauigoa was on the field for 83% of the snaps. The Jets were in nickel for the majority of the game.
Week 5 Green Dot: Jamien Sherwood
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles have opened Nakobe Dean’s practice window, so he’ll have the next few weeks to ramp up (if he needs it). Zack Baun was on the field for 100% of the snaps with the dot and recorded 12 tackles. Jihaad Campbell was on for all but 3 snaps and produced his first double-digit tackle game of his career. The Eagles were in nickel for the majority of the game as they featured two off-ball LBs. It’ll be interesting to see what Dean’s role will be in Fangio’s defense.
Week 5 Green Dot: Zack Baun
Pittsburgh Steelers
Bye week.
Week 5 Green Dot: Bye Week
San Francisco 49ers
There was no difference in what the 49ers did defensively in Week 5 from an LB deployment standpoint. They were in nickel for all but a few snaps. Fred Warner and Dee Winters were on the field for 100% of the snaps, with Warner wearing the dot. We’re in Week 5, and Warner has hit the 50-tackle mark. Winters managed just 4 tackles. The 49ers remain a nickel-heavy defense, and with Winters’s usage, he’s a weekly LB3.
Week 5 Green Dot: Fred Warner
Seattle Seahawks
Ernest Jones was the lone three-down LB in Week 5. He was on for 100% of the snaps and wore the dot. There was still a rotation at LB2 in nickel, but Tyrice Knight outsnapped Drake Thomas this week. Thomas started the first two series, but then Knight took over the last 6. Neither saw close to a full-time role. Knight saw just 48% of the snaps while Thomas was on for 42%. The LB2 in Seattle is now a situation to avoid, even in deeper leagues.
Week 5 Green Dot: Ernest Jones
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Lavonte David was the lone three-down LB, but SirVocea Dennis was on the field for all but 5 snaps. David wore the dot, as usual. David had a big INT that helped win the game for the Buccaneers. The Buccaneers were in nickel for most of the game, so nothing major for Tampa Bay’s defense in terms of any updates.
Week 5 Green Dot: Lavonte David
Tennessee Titans
Cody Barton was on for 100% of the snaps with the dot. After seeing a near three-down role last week, Cedric Gray’s usage dipped a bit to 81%, but was still productive from an IDP standpoint, with his second consecutive game of 10+ tackles. He has 29 tackles over the last two weeks. The Titans were in nickel for most of the game, but did go single-LB a bit more often this week. Gray might be the better IDP option at this point over Barton.
Week 5 Green Dot: Cody Barton
Washington Commanders
No major changes with the Commanders. They remain a nickel defense featuring two off-ball LBs. Bobby Wagner saw 100% of the snaps with the dot while Frankie Luvu was on the field for all but one snap. Luvu saw more edge snaps this week than he had over the last two weeks, with 28. After recording 15 tackles the previous two weeks as more of an off-ball, Luvu had just 4 tackles with the increased edge snaps.
Week 5 Green Dot: Bobby Wagner
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