Linebacker Prospects Scouting Resport

Wake Forest OLB Aaron Curry
Height: 6-3, Weight: 240

Strengths: Naturally strong…explosive first step…offers exceptional versatility at the NFL level where he could play strong side in a 4-3 or 3-4 defense or in the middle of a 4-3…nose for the football with 6 career interceptions…ideal size with the desired bulk…adequate in coverage…experienced, team leader…excels at shedding blockers…should be able to make an impact immediately…attacks the ball 

carrier…good player recognition skills…decent speed for a player his size…

Weakness: Like many star college LBs, he can go over pursue at times…coverage skills are only adequate if asked to play man coverage…will struggle if forced to match up extensively with top tier TEs…

Overall: The best overall linebacking prospect seen since Lavar Arrington, even a more complete player than A.J. Hawk or Keith Rivers. Curry’s versatility will serve him well and allows him to be an option for many different schemes. Curry will make an impact immediately and serve to make any defense he plays on better immediately. Curry, a four year starter at Wake, was named the 2009 Butkus Award winner over fellow standouts James Laurinaitis and Rey Maualuga.

USC LB Rey Maualuga 

Height: 6-3, Weight: 250 

Strengths: Ideal size and bulk…freakish natural athlete who is incredibly strong…ultra aggressive with an attacking style…an intimidating player…has a knack for the big hit…will make a lot of highlight reel type plays…still improving as a player and took big steps forward in 2008…demonstrated good ball skills in zone coverage…good burst off the line of scrimmage…

Weakness: His aggressiveness can be his downfall at times as he goes for the big hit instead of wrapping up…tends to over pursue and run himself out of plays…still needs to improve his play recognition skills…timed speed is only average…will struggle to handle man coverage, as he can be a bit stiff…concerns about his maturity level, especially after some off the field issues and hits that injured teammates at USC…more of a “thumper”….

Overall: One of the flashiest players in college football, Maualuga will be on NFL highlight reels for year to come. His aggressive style and tendency for big hits will make him an asset in the NFL, especially if he can keep his emotions under control. He could play MLB in either a 3-4 or a 4-3 scheme, but would probably struggle if asked to play in a Cover 2 type scheme. Maualuga is probably a little overrated by the general public but he is still a solid NFL prospect with a ton of upside.

Ohio State LB James Laurinaitis 
Height: 6-3, Weight: 240

Strengths: Solid NFL frame with good bulk...good closing speed when rushing the passer...explosive hitter...better ball skills than given credit for...demonstrates good instincts and always flowing towards the ball...does a great job in zone coverage...dominate college player...works well through trash to locate the ball carrier...offers some scheme versatility....

Weaknesses: Needs to improve his functional strength...may struggle to shed blockers at the next level...will not be able to add a lot of bulk at the next level...probably a low upside player...played with several other NFL caliber players...probably a little overrated because he will struggle to make a lot of impact plays.

Overall: Following in the steps of recent Buckeye linebackers such as A.J. Hawk and Bobby Carpenter, James "Little Animal" Laurinaitis is probably a little overrated by the general public but still projects as a solid NFL starter. Laurinaitis is one of the most decorated collegiate linebackers in recent history, including a Butkus Award win. He can probably start in virtually any scheme but projects best on the weakside or in the middle of a standard 4-3 defense.

Opinion: The Rams really need to solidify their linebacking group specially the middle linebacker position since Will Weatherspoon is back at his original position which is the weakside LB spot and veteran Chris Draft manning the middle for now. If the Rams do get a Linebacker on the 1st round its obviouse the Aaron Curry will land on the #2 pick overall but personally it's highly unlikely because the Rams are sure to get an offensive tackle on the 1st round.

Round 2 is where the Rams have a success (Donnie Avery, Pisa Tinoisamoa, Ron Bartell, etc.) so here the Rams can draft the top 2 Middle Linebackers namely Rey Maualuga and James Laurinaitis. Both are high on my list.