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Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

James Laurinaitis (Ohio St.) - 2009 NFL Draft Pick #35 by STL

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for James Laurinaitis

Player: James Laurinaitis

College: Ohio State University

Position: Linebacker

Draft Year: 2009

Overview

James Laurinaitis was a standout linebacker at Ohio State, renowned for his leadership, intelligence, and playmaking ability. As a three-time All-American and two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Laurinaitis established himself as one of the top linebacker prospects in the 2009 NFL Draft.

Strengths

  • Instincts: Laurinaitis possesses exceptional football instincts, allowing him to read plays quickly and react effectively.
  • Tackling: He is a sure tackler with a strong ability to take down ball carriers in the open field.
  • Leadership: Known for his leadership qualities, Laurinaitis was a team captain at Ohio State, earning the respect of coaches and teammates alike.
  • Durability: Throughout his college career, he demonstrated remarkable durability, rarely missing games due to injury.
  • Coverage Skills: Laurinaitis has the agility and awareness to cover tight ends and running backs effectively in pass coverage.

Weaknesses

  • Speed: While he is quick for a linebacker, some scouts question his top-end speed compared to other elite prospects.
  • Size: At 6'2" and around 240 pounds, he may be considered slightly undersized for some NFL linebacker positions.

Projected Draft Position

Laurinaitis was projected to be selected in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft, with potential to go in the late first round depending on team needs and preferences.

Conclusion

James Laurinaitis entered the NFL Draft with a solid resume and the potential to become a reliable starter in the league. His combination of football IQ, tackling ability, and leadership made him a highly regarded prospect.