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The Atlanta Falcons must target recent L.A. Rams’ cuts

By Nicholas Moody

Nov 30, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams middle linebacker James Laurinaitis (55) calls a play during the first half against the Oakland Raiders at the Edward Jones Dome. St. Louis defeated Oakland 52-0. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams middle linebacker James Laurinaitis (55) calls a play during the first half against the Oakland Raiders at the Edward Jones Dome. St. Louis defeated Oakland 52-0. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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James Laurinaitis

James Laurinaitis
Nov 30, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams middle linebacker James Laurinaitis (55) calls a play during the first half against the Oakland Raiders at the Edward Jones Dome. St. Louis defeated Oakland 52-0. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

James Laurinaitis is like Chris Long in many ways. Laurinaitis is 29 years old, and isn’t really a long-term option for the Falcons just like Long, but Laurinaitis is a solid, consistent player who could improve the Falcons run defense by three or four spots alone. Laurinaitis is the (St Louis) Rams all time leading tackler, with over 100 tackles in seven straight seasons. Laurinaitis is a great tackler, rarely missing tackles. You will catch maybe two or three missed tackles a year from James, which is something the current Falcons linebackers do per game. James greatest strength however, is his leadership and football IQ. James has a natural ability to lead an entire defense, and has extreme amounts of play recognition and awareness.

Laurinaitis does struggle in the overall pop of a middle linebacker. He isn’t blazing fast anymore, and don’t expect to see pure athleticism on many plays. Laurinaitis is a solid, dependable linebacker that could come in and lead the linebackers and train the young talent. The Falcons can get James for around four to six million a year, which could help them with a struggling linebacker corps.

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