NFL: Each Team’s Biggest 2015 X-Factor

Nov 16, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams outside linebacker Alec Ogletree (52) celebrates after intercepting a pass from Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (not pictured) during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams won 22-7. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

St. Louis Rams OLB Alec Ogletree

With 118 and 111 tackles in each of the past two seasons, ten forced fumbles combined, and nine and 12 passes defended in these two years, Alec Ogletree has established himself as a bona fide playmaking OLB in this league. Few players at the position are as quick and as explosive as him, and if he can continue to make strides in coverage, he could be one of the best coverage linebackers in the NFL due his rare athletic traits.

Ogletree has consistently looked better as a run defender with each progressing game, laying down some big hits and showing plenty of range out there. Last season, he finished ninth in Pro Football Focus’s Run Stop%, but the Rams will be hoping that he can cut down on the insane 20 missed tackles.

He’s very much a boom-or-bust player, but if he can cut down on those “bust” plays in his third season, he could become the next star on the Rams defense.

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