St. Louis Rams Roster Preview: Linebackers

Dec 21, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; New York Giants tight end Daniel Fells (85) is tackled by St. Louis Rams outside linebacker Alec Ogletree (52) during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. New York defeated St. Louis 37-27. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Linebackers on the Roster: Akeem Ayers, James Laurinaitis, Jo-Lonn Dunbar, Alec Ogletree, Bryce Hager, Daren Bates, Cameron Lynch, Keshaun Malone, Marshall McFadden, Korey Toomer

The St. Louis Rams have been building a strong front seven for quite some time. With a stout defensive line full of pass rushing ability, they also need a strong group of linebackers to thrive in Jeff Fisher’s defensive system.

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The group of Jo-Lonn Dunbar, James Laurinaitis, Alec Ogletree and free agent addition Akeem Ayers bolster the linebacker group that will need to perform well to help the Rams move up in the hard-nosed NFC West.

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The Rams defense is led by their middle linebacker, James Laurinaitis. He has been a stalwart on the St. Louis defense for six years, never missing a start in his career. Laurinaitis has averaged nearly 100 solo tackles per season, and over 100 total tackles per season. He has also been a team captain and the signal-caller for the defense. His toughness and ability to cover the entire field in both pass and run coverage make him an invaluable member to Jeff Fisher’s system.

Next to Laurinaitis is third-year linebacker Alec Ogletree. In just his second season, Ogletree led the Rams in both solo tackles and total tackles. His terrific athleticism and speed has allowed him to become an impact player that is allowed to roam the field and make plays. He also flashed a good ability to make plays on the ball. Ogletree defended 12 passes, had two interceptions and four forced fumbles in 2014.

St. Louis Rams middle linebacker James Laurinaitis (55) and Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) line up against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

On the other side is Dunbar. While he is not the player he once was during his time with the Saints, or even his first season with the Rams, he is still a valuable piece on the defense. Dunbar brings a veteran leadership presence and a toughness to the defense. Dunbar only managed 36 total tackles, but did play in every game in 2014.

The Rams made a smart free agent addition to couple with Dunbar, signing Akeem Ayers away from the New England Patriots. Ayers made an impact with the Patriots as a rotational player, especially on passing downs. He totaled four sacks, a majority of them coming while Ayers filled in for injured players. Being able to rotate Dunbar and Ayers on rushing and passing downs will maximize the skills of each player. Ayers will also be able to come in on sub packages to provide extra pass rush from the linebacker position, or with his hand in the dirt.

Both Toomer and Bates provide little value on defense, but tremendous special teams value. Both players have established their roles as top special teams players on the Rams, making their value much higher than many would believe.

One name to keep an eye on as a potential special teams contributor and end of the roster player is rookie Bryce Hager. He had a productive college career, piling up 202 solo tackles. He was a seventh-round draft pick, but he has the ability to cover the field and make tackles, which could help him crack the bottom of the roster. Hager can also provide some special teams help while he learns the NFL game.

Projected Depth Chart

ROLB – Jo-Lonn Dunbar, Akeem Ayers, Korey Toomer

MLB – James Laurinaitis, Daren Bates

LOLB – Alec Ogletree, Korey Toomer

Next: 5 Players Under 25 to Watch for the St. Louis Rams

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