0 of 19

Dustin Bradford/Getty Images

The hybrid nature of modern NFL defenses requires players to do more than ever, and 3-4 outside linebackers are no exception. It's the rare "endbacker" who stays in one place throughout every snap of a game, let alone every snap of a season.

Now, outside linebackers in three-man base fronts line up more often than not as defensive ends in four-man fronts with nickel and dime secondaries. In addition, many players categorized as outside linebackers who would have played exclusively on the edge in another era now also serve as linebacker depth.

As such, pass-rushing linebackers are still linebackers, which means they're tasked with breaking from the line of scrimmage and covering zones as well as individual offensive skill players in man defenses.

With the passing game as indispensable as ever, the need to pressure quarterbacks is equally crucial. It's why established 3-4 linebackers such as Von Miller, Justin Houston and Chandler Jones make roughly $20 million per year—QB money. No 3-4 defense is complete without at least one elite outside linebacker, and the need for two has become more apparent.

NFL1000 linebackers scout Derrik Klassen watched every NFL edge-rusher all season, and these are his final grades for outside linebackers in 3-4 base defenses. Scores are based on the following:

Pass Rush: 30 points. A player's entire pass-rushing skill set, from looping around tackles to performing stunts to gap versatility.

Run Defense: 20 points. How complete is this linebacker? Can he put the brakes on and adjust to become a positive force against the run to his side?

Coverage: 15 points. Though line-of-scrimmage linebackers generally rush the passer and read the run from the line, they're also tasked to drop back in coverage. How well, and how often, do they deal with backs, receivers and tight ends?

Tackling: 25 points. Can this player complete the stop with form-tackling fundamentals?

Position Value: 8/10. The value of the player's base position versus other positions.

Make sure to check out all of the NFL1000 rankings from the 2017 season.