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

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Daren Bates: Along with Chase Reynolds, second-year player Daren Bates was one of the Rams’ special teams MVPs this season. The undersized linebacker collected 10 special teams tackles over 14 games, and he also had one of the Rams’ most memorable plays of the season in Week 16 when he leaped over New York Giants long snapper Zak DeOssie to block a field goal attempt.

It was also a momentous season for Bates in that he saw his first action from scrimmage, getting in on a total of 11 plays at linebacker during the season according to Pro Football Focus. Though his time on the field was limited as the Rams spent much of their time in sub packages and later used safety Mark Barron as a de facto linebacker, Bates established himself as a trusted backup at the position who is capable of contributing from scrimmage if necessary. With Jo-Lonn Dunbar unlikely to be re-signed, Bates should go into 2015 as the Rams’ top backup at linebacker and possibly a captain of the special teams units.

GRADE: A+

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