2009 NFL Draft - James Laurinaitis Scouting Report
by Clint Clearwater
NFL Draft Analyst


Prospect: James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State
Ht: 6'2 Wt: 244 40: 4.76

Strengths: Laurinaitis is a tremendous athlete with great size and skills.  He was a college standout with 366 tackles during the three years he was a starter.  He was the 2007 Butkus Award winner and Big Ten defensive player of the year.  He has great game speed.  Even though he ran a very mediocre 40 at his pro day, he flies around the football field during games.  He is very intelligent and has great play recognition.  He flows well with plays, and can make big hits.  Good coverage skills for a linebacker and has the ability to intercept the football.  He does a great job of reading the quarterback’s eyes.  Good tackler.  He is a playmaker who has a nose for the football.  He is a natural leader with a great character.                        

Weaknesses: Sometimes he will wait for the big hit, instead of delivering it.  Although he can tackle relatively well, he can be a little inconsistent in this area.  He often overpursues.  He needs to learn how to consistently break down to tackle instead of running in full speed.  He is very easily juked out because of this.  Occasionally he will be tangled up with blockers and is not able to initially get free.  Not great timed speed.

Summary: James Laurinaitis is a natural born leader.  He has the size scouts want from an NFL linebacker.  He is a playmaker that can take control of a game.  He flies to the football and plays with great intensity.  Laurinaitis will need to improve of basic techniques to be an elite professional player; however he has a great character and a good work ethic.  He was a stellar college athlete with a great future ahead of him.

Draft Projection: 1st round


Last updated - 4/3/09


• Abromowitz's 2009 NFL Mock Draft - 7 Rounds
• Cox's 2009 NFL Mock Draft - 4 Rounds
• Mock Draft Database