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The Washington Commanders were praised when they signed linebacker Frankie Luvu to a three-year deal last March. Many believed Luvu was an ascending player, and head coach Dan Quinn would take advantage of his versatile skill set.
They were right. Luvu was phenomenal in his first season with Washington, starting all 17 games, playing 98% of the defensive snaps and earning second-team All-Pro honors. Now, has earned even more respect, as a panel of NFL executives, coaches and scouts named him a top-five off-ball linebacker in the league for 2025. Precisely, the ESPN panel ranked Luvu at No. 5.
Luvu’s first year as a Commander vaulted him into the top-10 conversation. He received a few votes last year but was largely a nonfactor in the voting. But this year he appeared in the top five of many ballots.
While some evaluators believe No. 5 is rich for Luvu, he earned the votes and this is a composite ranking.
“I have so much respect for him — he’s been one of the best tone-setters in the NFL,” a veteran NFL defensive coach said. “His production over the last three years is as good as anyone.”
Head coach Dan Quinn deploys Luvu somewhat similarly to Micah Parsons in Dallas, a hybrid linebacker with pass rush ability off the edge. Luvu capitalized in a big way with 8.0 sacks, 12 tackles for loss and 7 pass deflections on his way to second-team All-Pro honors.
“Versatile, playmaking in the run game, the pass game and with pass rush,” an NFL coordinator said. “His play style is all over the tape.”
One knock on Luvu: He’s a bit of a scheme fit. “Can’t play in every scheme. Can’t ask him to play in man coverage consistently,” an NFC executive said.
It’s fair to say Luvu doesn’t thrive in coverage. However, he excels in almost every other area. Everyone said the Commanders need an edge rusher. While that’s true, Washington may not feel that need isn’t as urgent as some on the outside. Why? Because they could play Luvu more as a pass rusher. He was second on the team with eight sacks last season.
You could make the case that Luvu was Washington’s best defensive player last season. It was either him or fellow linebacker Bobby Wagner. The Commanders believe Luvu can be even better in his second year in the defensive system.
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