Alec Ogletree goes to Rams

Source: Draft Sharks

The Rams spent their 2nd pick of Round 1 on Georgia OLB Alec Ogletree.  Character concerns likely knocked the talented LB down the the 30th spot.  A former safety, Ogletree brings loads of cover ability and athleticism to the weak side for the Rams.  Look for him to start right away and cut into MLB James Laurinaitis' tackle domination just a bit.  Ogletree looks like a LB4 in redraft fantasy football leagues for the coming season.

Rams | Five players fully practice

Source: Footballguys.com

St. Louis Rams WR Austin Pettis (shoulder), C Scott Wells (knee), LB James Laurinaitis (back), CB Cortland Finnegan (thigh) and FS Craig Dahl (knee) fully participated in practice Thursday, Dec. 27.

Fantasy Football Rankings: LB - Week 17

Source: KFFL.com NFL

Top-tier tackler James Laurinaitis has one more week to suplex someone.

Rams | Three miss practice

Source: Footballguys.com

St. Louis Rams CB Cortland Finnegan (thigh), LB James Laurinaitis (back) and C Scott Wells (knee) did not practice Wednesday, Dec. 26.

Rams | Four players listed as probable

Source: Footballguys.com

St. Louis Rams C Scott Wells (knee), DE Robert Quinn (illness), LB James Laurinaitis (back) and CB Bradley Fletcher (illness) fully participated in practice Friday, Dec. 21, and are listed as probable for Week 16.

Rams | Two players limited during practice

Source: Footballguys.com

St. Louis Rams C Scott Wells (knee) and LB James Laurinaitis (back) were limited during practice Thursday, Dec. 20.

Rams | Two miss practice

Source: Footballguys.com

St. Louis Rams CB Cortland Finnegan (ankle) and LB James Laurinaitis (back) did not practice Thursday, Dec. 13.

Fantasy Football Rankings: LB - Week 15

Source: KFFL.com NFL

Adrian Peterson equals LB tackles. For James Laurinaitis, what a rush, indeed.

Week 8 IDP – LB Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Kevin Liles / US PRESSWIRE

It was a frustrating beginning to Luke Kuechly’s career as we had a hard time figuring out just what to make of his role, or changes in role(s) in the Panthers linebacking core, through preseason and September. It appears the talented rookie has finally settled in at middle linebacker, and with Jon Beason done for the year, his job is secure going forward.

Situation has a lot to do with Kuechly vaulting up to No.2 on my rankings this week because performance wise, I’m a little disappointed that he only has 27 solos out of his 51 tackles. What helps make

Lames: Cam’s Week 8 matchup, fashion sense highly questionable

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

Each week the Noise highlights 10 bold names who he believes are destined to torpedo your teamleave egg on his face. For those playing the Lames home edition, each player must be started in at least 50 percent of Yahoo! leagues to qualify. As an accountability advocate, results, whether genius or moronic, will post the following week using the scoring system shown here. If you're a member of TEAM HUEVOS, post your Week 8 Lames in the comments section below.

Cam Newton, Car, QB (60-percent started)
Matchup: at Chi
In Cam's

Week 7 IDP – LB Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Steven Bisig / US PRESSWIRE

Seahawks rookie Bobby Wagner continues to come on strong after  winning a three down role a couple weeks ago. I pointed out last week, that his matchup against the Patriots was a big test to see what his value would be going forward and if he would be trusted on third downs, going forward.

Test results game back well as Wagner helped his team in a victory over the Patriots and he posted seven solo tackles and seven assisted tackles in the game.

This weeks matchup against the 49ers is a terrific play for not just Wagner but K.J. Wright, Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman. We should have a heavy run game on both sides, and Wagner should get a few opportunities to

Week 6 IDP – LB Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Dale Zanine / US PRESSWIRE

It was hard to like Rey Maualuga after such a horrible let down in his first season at middle linebacker a year ago. Maualuga played in the middle in college, and it only made sense he would at least give us respectable LB3 numbers for a cheep price but he struggled, perhaps because of poor conditioning and little time to work in the off-season with this coaching staff, because of the lockout.

Whatever the reason(s) Maualuga is putting together the kind of numbers we expected last year and it appears he has a firm grasp on a three down role.

What Did We Learn

Week 3 IDP LB Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Mike DiNovo / US PRESSWIRE

With Pat Angerer down with an injury, an unlikely undersized linebacker received an opportunity to start as one of the Colts inside linebackers, in the preseason. Since that time Jerrell Freeman has performed like an LB1 for fantasy leagues and while we should expect him to move back to an exclusive sub-package role when Angerer returns, he’s worth having in your lineup while starting.

Playing in the Colts defense, you know Freeman will have opportunities weekly to make plays, and big plays have been a part of his game early on with an interception, forced fumble, sack and touchdown through two weeks.

Don’t expect Freeman to post double digit solos, he’s

Week 2 IDP Rankings – Linebackers

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Evan Habeeb / US PRESSWIRE

Just in case you were wondering if a leaner Ray Lewis would be up to the challenge of maintaining LB1 status, the old man rips off 14 tackles (11 solos) a sack and a forced fumble against the Bengals. Perhaps is the fan in me, but I have Lewis ranked No.1 on the list this week, but admittedly, Daryl Washington is probably top dog as the Cardinals head out to New England.

Week 2 IDP  Rankings – QB |

Rams give LB James Laurinaitis a five-year, $41.5 million extension

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

Middle linebackers don't usually earn big money contracts in spite of their often high-profile roles with their teams. That's why St. Louis Rams middle linebacker James Laurinaitis should be proud to have inked a five-year, $41.5 million contract extension which includes $23.5 million in guarantees. Laurinaitis is entering the final year of his rookie contract and will make $620,000 this year. The Rams are going the extra mile to secure their front seven defenders. FANTASY ANALYSIS: Laurinaitis had 142 total tackles last season, good enough to make him a very reliable IDP in tackle-heavy scoring formats. He's entering his fourth season out of Ohio State. The Rams' defense could improve dramatically this season with the additions of rookie

Rams lock up LB Laurinaitis for 5 yrs, $41.5M - James Laurinaitis | STL

Source: Rotoworld Football

Rams signed MLB James Laurinaitis to a five-year, $41.5 million contract extension.

Rams lock up MLB Laurinaitis for five years - James Laurinaitis | STL

Source: Rotoworld Football

Rams signed MLB James Laurinaitis to a five-year, $41.5 million contract extension.

Rams | James Laurinaitis signs extension

Source: Footballguys.com

The St. Louis Rams have signed LB James Laurinaitis to a five-year contract extension worth $41.5 million. The deal includes $23.5 million in guaranteed money.

2012 IDP Fantasy Football Week 1: Linebacker (LB) Rankings

Source: Bleacher Report NFL

IDP fantasy owners' hearts dropped when Desmond Bishop fell to the ground with a leg injury against the Chargers and was helped off the field. Now, D.J. Smith will fill in for the all-world fantasy stud, but playing against the 49ers won’t be the first time he’s replaced Bishop.

Last season, Bishop missed three games with an injury and Smith stepped up to provide respectable fantasy numbers. What I like about Smith is that he has had plenty of reps and preseason action with the first team to come out of the gates and perform like a LB2 for us.

Bishop was arguably the top linebacker for IDP leagues, and Smith, while not as talented as Bishop, will inherit a terrific situation in Dom Capers' defense. Hopefully

IDP – Week 1 LB Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Kirby Lee / US PRESSWIRE

IDP fantasy owners hearts dropped when Desmond Bishop fell to the ground with a leg injury against the Chargers and was helped off the field. Now D.J. Smith will fillin for the all world fantasy stud but playing against the 49ers won’t be the first time he’s replaced  Bishop.

Last season Bishop missed three games with an injury and Smith stepped up to provided respectable fantasy numbers. What I like about Smith is that he has had plenty of reps and preseason action with the first team to come out of the gates and perform like a LB2 for us.

Bishop was arguably the top linebacker for IDP leagues and Smith, while not as talented as Bishop, will inherit a

Rams | Working on James Laurinaitis extension

Source: Footballguys.com

The St. Louis Rams are expected to complete a contract extension with LB James Laurinaitis before the start of the season, according to league sources.

Rams | Having contract talks with James Laurinaitis

Source: Footballguys.com

The St. Louis Rams are pretty far along in contract extension talks with LB James Laurinaitis. He will be entering his final year of his contract.

Rams | Will work on signing Chris Long, James Laurinaitis

Source: Footballguys.com

The St. Louis Rams will make every effort to sign DE Chris Long and LB James Laurinaitis to contract extensions this season since both are in the final year of their contracts.

Juggernaut Index No. 31: The St. Louis Rams

Source: Roto Arcade by Andy Behrens

Another year, another new offense for Rams quarterback Sam Bradford. He enters his third NFL season with his third offensive coordinator. Bradford had a promising rookie campaign in 2010 in Pat Shurmur's West Coast system, completing 60 percent of his throws for 3512 passing yards, but he took a backward step in 2011 under Josh McDaniels. He'll now look to bounce back in 2012, directing Brian Schottenheimer's version of the Coryell offense. Maybe next year he'll run the Wishbone.

Bradford's new head coach, Jeff Fisher, clearly isn't going to allow his team to dwell on the mistakes and low-lights of last season. He's hitting the re-set button and moving forward, as the team has turned over a significant percentage of the

Rams | Have started extension talks with two players

Source: Footballguys.com

St. Louis Rams vice president of football operations Kevin Demoff said the team has begun preliminary contract extension talks with DE Chris Long and LB James Laurinaitis.

Linebackers – 2012 IDP Projected Stats

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Don McPeak / US PRESSWIRE

When Barrett Ruud finally missed action as injuries mounted, rookie Colin McCarthy received an opportunity to start in the middle and took advantage. McCarthy quickly became an active player in the defense with at least six tackles in each if the final eight games, with three pass deflections, two forced fumbles and an interception.

Unlike inside linebackers like Patrick Willis, Daryl Washington or Jon Beason, McCarthy isn’t one of he stoutest linebackers for the middle, but like we’ve seen from London Fletcher over the years, you don’t have to the biggest guy to make a huge

Rams | Michael Brockers to start inside

Source: Footballguys.com

St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher said rookie DT Michael Brockers, the team's first-round selection, is explosive and instinctive. Fisher said it was important for the team to add a player like Brockers in their division, which features some downhill runners. 'One person I know that's smiling right now is (LB) James Laurinaitis,' Fisher said.

Rams | Jo-Lonn Dunbar expected to play OLB

Source: Footballguys.com

St. Louis Rams LB Jo-Lonn Dunbar is expected to start at one of the outside linebacker spots this season. Dunbar said he is most comfortable at middle linebacker but the team is not expected to move LB James Laurinaitis from that spot.

Week 16 IDP – LB Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Aldon Smith @ Seahawks –

It took Aldon Smith a few games into his rookie year to make an impact for the 49ers, but since his breakout game week four against the Eagles, Smith has gone on to post 13 sacks in the past 11 games. In that time, Smith has only failed to post a sack in three games, and he has five and a half sacks in his last three games. A hobbled Ben Roethlisberger felt the wrath of Smith, and he should have had three and a half sack on Monday Night, but one was taken away on a weak penalty, in the secondary.

When Smith was drafted as the seventh overall pick, it was thought that he would be a project player as he only played about two seasons of football at Missouri and was going to make an adjustment to

Week 15 IDP – LB Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Sean Lee @ Buccaneers –

A few weeks back it almost looked like Sean Lee would be lost for the season as he broke his wrist against the Philadelphia Eagles. At first Lee had a hard time playing with a cast, but it appears he’s finally found how to make things work, as he looked solid against the Giants last week. Lee should have a respectable performance against Tampa Bay this week, but I’m a little concerned for his odds of racking up over ten tackles if the Buccaneers can’t sustain drives throughout the game.

Jerod Mayo @ Broncos –

The stud linebacker is having a down year overall, struggling through injuries, but Jerod Mayo has put up the numbers to be a worthy starter at this point. With the Broncos

Fantasy Football Rankings: LB - Week 14

Source: KFFL.com NFL

Marshawn Lynch will keep James Laurinaitis busy under the Monday night lights.

Week 14 IDP – LB Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Colin McCarthy vs. Saints –

Since filling in for Barrett Ruud, the Titans middle linebacker of the future Colin McCarthy has played like a LB-1 of late. In what should be another solid mathcup, McCarthy will likely surpass 10 total tackles as the Saints figure to dominate in time of possession, giving McCarthy more opportunities to make plays.

We’ve seen the Titans middle linebacker position put up some good tackle numbers in recent years as Stephen Tulloch was a top five star a year ago, so continue to start McCarthy during the playoffs.

Rey Maualuga vs. Texans –

Look to Rey Maualuga as a solid LB-2 play this week as he faces a Texans team that is sure to keep the football on the ground and pound out

Week 13 IDP – LB Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Von Miller @ Vikings –

Before the news that Von Miller underwent thumb surgery on Wednesday, I had him ranked as the second linebacker on our week 13 linebacker rankings. Miller is on fire of late with ten total tackles each of the past two games, as he continues to rack up sacks weekly. Clearly, the defensive rookie of the year, Miller is showing us why it is ok to select an outside linebacker in the top five picks, on draft day.

At this time, Miller is vowing to play, but many times players feel like they will be on the field only to be held out come game day. If Miller should play this week, make sure you get him in the lineup, so keep an eye on his progress this weekend.

Desmond Bishop @ Giants –

James Laurinaitis active, along with Chris Long

Source: Draft Sharks

Rams MLB James Laurinaitis and DE Chris Long are active today. Both were officially questionable but put in limited practices during the week. Each is a solid IDP play against Arizona.

Rams | Three expected to play

Source: Footballguys.com

St. Louis Rams RB Cadillac Williams (calf), DE Chris Long (ankle) and LB James Laurinaitis (foot) were limited during practice Friday, Nov. 25. They are listed as questionable for Week 12 but are expected to play.

Rams | Five players limited

Source: Footballguys.com

St. Louis Rams RB Cadillac Williams (calf), WRs Danario Alexander (hamstring) and Austin Pettis (knee), DE Chris Long (ankle) and LB James Laurinaitis (foot) were limited during practice Thursday, Nov. 24.

Week 12 IDP – LB Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Chad Greenway @ Falcons –

What a tear Chad Greenway has been on of late as the veteran now has 88 total tackles (60 solos) this year and is playing like one of the best IDP linebackers around. As IDP goes, it’s hard to find those players that put up trust-worthy numbers’ year after year, and even harder when they play from the strong-side at linebacker.

Greenway has earned the right to be a matchup proof starter down the stretch, but with the Vikings defense on the field, most of the time (especially when All Day is out), Greenway could finish as one of the top five scorers at his position at the end of the year.

Von Miller @ Chargers –

Another string-side linebacker, having a solid season, rookie

Rams | Two players undergo MRI

Source: Footballguys.com

St. Louis Rams DT Justin Bannan (shoulder) and LB James Laurinaitis (foot) underwent MRIs Monday, Nov. 21, but the results of them are not known at this time.

Week 11 IDP – LB Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Daryl Washington @ 49ers –

I had high expectations for Daryl Washington when I learned he would likely win a starting job this summer. The Cardinals have had a long history of IDP success from the inside linebacker positions and Washington seemed like the next possible, low end, LB-1 of the future. Washington has struggled through some injuries, and has had lack luster stretches, but in recent weeks Washington has been playing well.

Look for Washington to have another double digit tackle game as the Cardinals defense figures to be on the field a decent amount against San Francisco. Look for the 49ers to run the football early and often likely going with Kendall Hunter most of the time.

Ray Lewis Out –

Week 10 IDP – LB Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Sean Weatherspoon vs Saints –

Last week was supposed to be a bad matchup for Sean Weatherspoon, but he still managed to post ten tackles against the Colts meager offense. While Curtis Lofton remains an active linebacker in the middle, Weatherspoon is clearly one of the better outside linebackers for tackles in the league. In five of Weatherspoon’s first eight games, this year (70 on the year, 49 solos), he has at least ten tackles and unlike Lofton, Weatherspoon sprinkles in some sacks throughout the season as well.

After his performance against the Colts, consider Weatherspoon matchup proof as the Falcons tend to rely on their two star linebackers to make most of the plays.

Jerod Mayo @ Jets –

One

Week 9 IDP – LB Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

DeMarcus Ware vs Seahawks –

Somewhere in the Cowboys horrible loss to the Eagles, IDP fantasy owners with DeMarcus Ware were loving like as he posted four sacks. Another reminder of how talented this linebacker is, especially when you consider that the Eagles kept the football on the ground for the most part, with LeSean McCoy ripping through the defense for over 170 yards.

This week the Seahawks come to town and while no one can predict another four sack effort, Ware should have some opportunities to walk away with at least two in this contest. The Bengals got to Seattle’s quarterbacks four times last week, and in all likeliness, the Cowboys should move out to a big lead in the first half.

Look to Ware as a

Week 8 IDP – LB Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Jerod Mayo @ Steelers -

Don’t be surprised if Jerod Mayo is back this week, but I’m not sure he will return to the stud linebacker, we watched last year, at least for IDP purposes. The Patriots will be using a decent amount of 4-3 scheme looks, and when they go to that setup, they tend to use Gary Guyton and move Mayo out of the middle.

Navarro Bowman vs Browns –

Coming off another strong performance, Navarro Bowman should perform as a LB-1 this week going against the Browns. Linebackers have been putting up big days against the Browns as David Hawthorne and Leroy Hill both gave IDP owners’ strong stat-lines last week. Don’t expect the Browns to run the football as much as last week but Bowman and

Week 7 IDP – LB Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Daryl Washington vs Steelers –

The Cardinals second year linebacker was slowed down early in the year with an injury, but it appears, he healthy and ready to produce like a regular starter. Last week middle linebacker Paul Posluzny had a monster game against the Steelers and I expect Washington to have success as Rashard Mendenhall will likely get over 20 carries again.

Arizona has a long history of productive IDP inside linebackers and Washington should be viewed as a potential LB-1 to finish out the year. Get him in the lineup as long as he’s healthy.

London Fletcher @ Panthers –

The Redskins veteran linebacker London Fletcher got back on track last week against the Eagles with a twelve tackle

Week 6 IDP – LB Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

James Anderson @ Falcons –

With Jon Beason and Thomas Davis gone for the season, James Anderson is putting together another respectable year for IDP fantasy owners. A couple of weeks ago we saw David Hawthorne and Leroy Hill both put up solid days against the Falcons.

Paul Posluszny vs Steelers –

Going back and watching video of the Jaguars in recent weeks, it’s clear that Paul Posluszny is getting comfortable with this new team. Posluszny started out like he was going to be one of the bigger busts for IDP leagues, but he should be at least a respectable LB-2 going forward.

Mason Foster vs Saints –

The Buccaneers were horrible against the

Week 4 IDP – LB Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Patrick Willis / Navarro Bowman @ Eagles –

If you’re a little little disappointed by Patrick Willis thus far, you may continue to be throughout the year as fellow inside linebacker Navarro Bowman is making his presence felt in the 49ers defense. Still a worthy LB-1 play, Willis should continue to be a top ten linebacker through the entirely of the season, but Bowman is going to eat up some opportunities.

Rolando McClain vs Patriots –

Another big week should be in store for Raiders middle linebacker Rolando McClain as he’s posted two strong weeks against pass heavy offenses. The Jets threw the football often against the Raiders, and it seems that would be the best way to attack this group as their front