B/R NFL 1000 2013: Top 60 Inside Linebackers
ByMatt Miller
(NFL Draft Lead Writer) on April 5, 2013
10. James Laurinaitis, St. Louis Rams
Joe Robbins/Getty Images
Run Defense
25/30
A true "Mike" linebacker, James Laurinaitis is an expert against the run. He?s strong enough to shed blockers and use his bulk to keep offensive linemen from pushing him upfield. He doesn?t show elite speed to track the ball on outside plays, but teams won?t find space against the St. Louis linebacker between the tackles. Our team loved his tough style of play in Jeff Fisher?s defense.
Pass Rush
5/10
In the 4-3 defense, it?s rare to see Laurinaitis make plays as a pass-rusher. He?ll put some pressure on the pocket as a delayed blitzer, but he rarely gets home to sack the quarterback.
Coverage
15/20
Earlier in his career, Laurinaitis didn?t look like a coverage linebacker due to stiff hips and slower feet, but that started to change in 2012. He showed better quickness and anticipation in the Rams? new defensive scheme, which allowed him to be more impactful as a cover man. Laurinaitis isn?t a top-level coverage linebacker, but he?s no longer a liability.
Tackle
33/40
A sure-tackler with hard hits and good technique when coming up to put a play on the ball, Laurinaitis does a good job breaking down in space. He can get heavy-footed at times and allow runners to shake him. You don?t see him make contact and lose the tackle, though.
Overall
78/100
More of a two-down linebacker, Laurinaitis bucked some of the doubts in his game in 2012, showing a more well-rounded approach.