Ranking the 10 Best Players in the NFL

7. Patrick Willis, ILB

Nov 19, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis (52) celebrates during the game against the Chicago Bears at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Bears 32-7. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

Patrick Willis is your prototypical NFL inside linebacker, as he anchors one of the best (if not the best) linebacking cores in the league. Willis is the type of player opposing offenses have to account for on a weekly basis.

Willis’ presence on the field is similar to that of Ray Lewis, who not only brought a high level of play, but also a leadership quality that got the best out of the other players around him. These linebackers are quarterbacks on the field, which allows them to put their defense in position to defend the opposition.

Willis’ physical presence and the intangibles he brings to the field for the San Francisco 49ers make him the best inside linebacker in the NFL.