St. Louis Rams Training Camp Predictions
By Matt LaPan
Akeem Ayers Becomes A Starter
Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Akeem Ayers (55) kisses the Vince Lombardi Trophy as he celebrates with his family after defeating the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Akeem Ayers was a key addition to the New England Patriots during their Super Bowl run in 2014. He had four sacks and an interception in nine games with the Patriots. After getting his first Super Bowl ring, Ayers will bring competition to a strong linebacker group.
Ayers ability to play down hill, drop back to defend the pass and rush from anywhere on the field make him a great fit next to James Laurinaitis and Alec Ogletree. His ability to be multiple will help him move past the incumbent outside linebacker, Jo-Lonn Dunbar.
Ayers has also shown the ability to be durable, starting all 16 games of his first three years in the NFL, and appearing in all nine games with New England. While Dunbar still brings value to the linebacker group, Ayers’ ability will lead him into a starting role in his first year in St. Louis.
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