| Strengths: |
A smart, cerebral, instinctive linebacker. James does a solid job diagnosing the play and flowing to the ball. Rarely fooled by misdirections plays. A hard hitting, fundamentally sound tackler. Shows ability to run sideline to sideline, chasing down the play. Plays with more than adequate speed. Is solid in zone coverage, working the middle of the field and does a great job reading the quarterbacks eyes. Aggressive in pursuing the rusher, James can also pack a punch when he tackles. Extremely productive at the college level. A very fundamentally sound player. Would have been a first round pick in 2007 but decided to stay for his senior season. A team leader and high character player, it's hard to not like Laurinaitis. HIgh football IQ who might be a can't miss prospect. |
| Weaknesses: |
Doesn't shed blockers as well as you'd like. Can have a hard time making his way through traffic to get to the ball carrier, James has sometimes relied on the defensive line taking up blockers so he is free to roam. Limited pass rushing ability. Doesn't have ideal strength. |
| Quick Hits: |
A 3 year starter in the Big 10, Laurinaitis is extremely well accomplished and has won multiple awards; 2006 Nagurski award for best defensive player in the country, 2007 Butkus Award for nations best linebacker, and 3 first team, All-Big 10 honors. James is the son of a former pro wrestler and has been around the national spotlight his entire life. Could have very easily been the first linebacker taken in the 2007 draft, but chose to return for his senior season. A hard working, high character player that should make an NFL team very happy. Best fit is probably as a Mike (middle) LB in a 4-3 defense, but could possibly play outside in a 4-3 in the right scheme. May not ever be a true superstar in the NFL, but will be a very consistent starter at the least.
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