49ers' Willis has quickly risen to top of inside linebacker list

In every great defense lies an inside linebacker who acts as the heart and soul of the unit.

From the Ray Nitschke-led Green Bay Packers teams of the 1960s to the Chicago Bears' 1980s "Monsters of the Midway," fronted by Mike Singletary, inside linebackers have always set the tone for the defense with their menacing scowls and bone-jarring hits.

These defensive field generals skillfully orchestrate the chaos that overwhelms offenses on Sundays. But their scope of responsibilities expands beyond leadership, as they often have the role of playmaker in their respective schemes. Counted on to produce game-changing plays at pivotal moments, elite inside linebackers dutifully wear multiple hats as they seamlessly change from hard-hitting run stuffers to lockdown pass defenders on a down-by-down basis.

Although the production of some elite inside linebackers is impacted by the scheme employed by their respective teams, the standouts at the position shine in all situations. Whether roaming freely as a downhill player in a 4-3 or plugging the middle in a 3-4, the presence of a stalwart at the position raises the level of the defense.

With the memories of legends gone by serving as the standard for the position, here is one man's look at the best inside linebackers in the game today:

1. Patrick Willis, 49ers

The two-time Pro Bowler has quickly ascended to the top of the charts after taking the league by storm since his arrival in 2007. The 49ers' tackling machine displays outstanding instincts and awareness while patrolling the middle of the field. Whether punishing ball carriers in the hole or delivering bone-jarring shots on receivers, Willis provides the kind of impact that is expected from a designated playmaker.

2. DeMeco Ryans, Texans

The Texans' unheralded star is widely regarded as one of the top players at the position because of his exceptional skills and playmaking ability. Ryans instinctively flows to the ball and acts as the designated hitter in the team's resurgent defense. Though his game lacks the sizzles of some of his counterparts, Ryan's consistency and production garners rave reviews from coaches and scouts throughout the league.

3. Lofa Tatupu, Seahawks

Tatupu has been a model of consistency at the position since entering the league as a second-round draft pick in 2005. As an instinctive playmaker with outstanding awareness, he specializes in producing turnovers. Although Tatupu failed to play to his lofty standard last season, the three-time Pro Bowler remains a dominant linebacker worthy of inclusion in this list.

4. Lance Briggs, Bears

On the surface, Briggs doesn't seem to make sense for inclusion on this list because most think of him as an outside linebacker. But Briggs lines up next to middle linebacker Brian Urlacher on the weakside, which technically is inside the framework of the Bears' defense. He has been overshadowed by Urlacher, but insiders recognize Briggs as one of the top playmakers at the position. Briggs shows an outstanding feel for the game and seemingly is always around the ball at critical moments. He's also a punishing tackler, and few linebackers are capable of matching his skills or stellar production.

5. Ray Lewis, Ravens

The 10-time Pro Bowler still plays at a high level after 13 years in the league. A menacing hard-hitter with superb instincts, Lewis still flies to the ball with reckless abandon. Though his speed and athleticism have declined as he has aged, Lewis' ability to produce big plays hasn't waned.