Is James Laurinaitis a tackle vulture? Should his nickname be changed to Little Assist Tackle? Let's look at the numbers. Here are this season's tackle stats for the top 5 rated ILB in the draft. Rey Maualuga http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=174151 solo 52 total 80 solo percentage 65% James Laurinaitis http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=173999 solo 52 total 130 solo percentage 40% Gerald McRath http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=162567 solo 70 total 128 solo percentage 55% Darry Beckwith http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=176382 solo 23 total 51 solo percentage 45% Scott McKillop http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=163208 solo 82 total 137 solo percentage 59%
RM had zero sacks and 2 INTs this year. JL had 4 sacks and 2 INTs. Both had 52 solo tackles, but JL had a ton more assist tackles. Both had slower 40 times than their fans expected. Time for Joey Clinkscales to earn his money. And maybe he earns it by deciding McKillop is better than both.
Really good observation, this could just be an issue of teams explicitly not going in his direction because they know how good he is
Thank you for the compliment, but this point is not my own, its copy righted by every Laurinaitis hater on the planet.
well I still like Laurinitis, I mean tackles sometimes can really overrate a player especially on Defense ie Eric Barton
McKillop will play inside, with the addition of Scott, no need to look for a ILB early in this draft. I have no problem looking for depth later in day 2. I do believe McKillop will be a a fine prospect and may be every bit the player of the projected 1st Rd Linebackers.
I'm really hoping he's there for us at #42, I think this kid can really learn something from Rex and our nice linebacker core.
You mean #52.........you really want to spend a second rd pick on a ILB....after signing Scott?? We have more needs.
I think that there are 2 factors to consider with those numbers: 1) Teams avoid going straight at Laurinaitis if at all possible because of his skill and reputation 2) Ohio State had a very good defense that swarmed the ball on almost every running play. The ball gets run a lot in the Big 10, so Laurinaitis often wasn't alone getting to the RB.
It's arguements like this that I don't buy. You're penalizing a guy who makes the first hit and his teammates come in and gang tackle. There may be no worst stat in sports then tackles.
Less productive 2008 season, slow 40 at the combine. JL was probably a top ten pick last year...........strike while the Iron is hot. When you're a top ten pick....it's time to leave. In contrast, BJ Raji made himself alot of money staying last year. Last year considered a late Rd 1 pick, this year a Top Ten prospect.
i'll pass on JL and RM...give me Beckwith anyday. The guy is a warrior and has so much untapped potential.
