Rams in review: LB

Dallas Morning News

Alec Ogletree (111 tackles, no sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 2 INT, 12 pass breakups) – C-

I’d expected Ogletree to have a breakthrough season after his strong rookie year showing, but he was frustratingly inconsistent as a sophomore. Gregg Williams misused him early in the season and played him tight to the line too much, when his strengths are his speed and ability to play in space. But Ogletree compounded his problems for himself by showing up for camp out of shape and assumedly not getting into proper condition until well into the season. That was a huge disappointment, not just Ogletree’s poor discipline, but the Rams’ apparent failure to make sure their players with discipline issues in their past were doing what they were supposed to in the offseason. Ogletree got blocked out of a lot of plays and failed miserably in the role for which he was drafted, to be the spy defender against Colin Kaepernick and Russell Wilson. He was largely responsible for Wilson becoming the first player in NFL HISTORY to throw for 300 and rush for 100 in the same game. Fortunately, Ogletree came on late in the season, flashing his turnover-forcing ability from his rookie year and becoming a fine blitzing weapon, especially with his ability to knock down passes while flying in off the edge. But Alec should know now he needs to bring it every week of the season. Every week of the offseason, too. If he does that in 2015, he’ll get back on the all-pro track he was on.

James Laurinaitis (109 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 3 pass breakups) - C

Started the season injured, which may have caused his fairly slow start. Had early problems missing tackles and failing to get off blocks. The most frustrating part of Laurinaitis’ game this season was the number of times he bit on play-fakes, which really seemed like a lot for a 6^th-year veteran. He was extremely ineffective as a blitzer at the start of the season, but blitzed better and played better overall by the end. His goal line fumble recovery preserved a win in San Francisco. A fully healthy Laurinaitis at MLB in 2015 should improve on this grade.

Jo-Lonn Dunbar (36 tackles) – C-

Made more plays than you’d think on first reflection. Since he’d already played for Gregg Williams, he was one of the most comfortable players in the system to start the season. Dunbar was responsible for some clutch short-yardage stops. But, as the Rams went to a lot of nickel defense, his playing time and playmaking dropped off, and he essentially lost his job to Mark Barron.

Looking ahead: Just looking at the roster, the Rams don't look very deep at LB with just Daren Bates and Will Herring backing up the “first unit”, but with Barron a de facto LB anyway, you could say Dunbar actually provides them decent depth. 

RamView's move: I don't want to spend much in free agency here, and the Rams didn't leave me much to work with the third day of the draft, so start listing Barron on the program as a LB, I guess. 

Shoot the moon: The Rams already shot it trading for Barron last year.

Rams predictions: Nothing to see here. Bates is a keeper because he's so good on special teams. Herring's also valuable there. Dunbar's a keeper because he's still not too bad and he's a Williams guy. The Rams have what they need at LB, especially if Ogletree makes the leap to the next level.

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