Best St. Louis Rams Draft Picks - #9: James Laurinaitis

I'll admit, when the Rams picked him at #35 overall, I was a bit disappointed. I liked Rey Maualuga out of USC more than JL55, and I cursed Spags and his damn 4 pillars as the pick was made.

Today couldn't be more different. Laurinaitis has teamed with Chris Long to provide the Rams locker room with consistent leadership since being drafted. I have the utmost respect for JL55 and love that he has become the consummate professional.

But you don't get on this list simply by being a good leader. You gotta produce. Laurinaitis has produced at a high level since being drafted. He led the Rams in tackles in each of his first 4 seasons before conceding the torch to Alec Ogletree in 2013.

Historically speaking, Laurinaitis holds the record for most career tackles by a Rams player. Say what you will about him being overpaid, overhyped, or limited in coverage... this man is an Animal and a tackling machine.