St. Louis Rams Closing Evaluations: What Grades Do the Linebackers Receive?

Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

The St. Louis Rams had an interesting year at the linebacker position, which began on a sour note. The team began the year with only five linebackers on the roster, and the three starters (the only three who were getting action from scrimmage), particularly outside ‘backers Alec Ogletree and Jo-Lonn Dunbar, got off to a rough start. Following two major statements at the position–the release after Week 5 of backup Ray-Ray Armstrong, and the Week 7 benching of Ogletree–the overall play at the position drastically improved.

At the end of the season, Ogletree and middle linebacker James Laurinaitis were two of the more consistent players on the roster. Ultimately, eight different linebackers saw time on the roster, with all three of the in-season additions making positive contributions during their time with the Rams.

Please advance through the following slides to see what grades the Rams’ linebackers received for their efforts during 2014.

Next: Alec Ogletree