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In researching Rams linebackers, there were a few things that I considered. Should I breakdown and make a list of all time Inside or Middle Linebackers and Outside linebackers? But there were too many grey areas where guys spent some years in the middle and some on the outside. There were a few years of a 3-4 where guys were more used as Defensive Ends, and there were multiple interior linebackers. So I ultimately listed the greats on one list, and like some of the others, extended it. This time to top 20.
(Which brings me to my regret. As was discussed in the Defensive End thread, Leonard Little was listed as an OLB, on the site I use for research, and I went against my memory of his role and omitted him from the DE list. My apologies. He should have, in my opinion been listed somewhere around #9 on that list. I considered putting him on this list, but it felt out of place. He was not a LB.)
There may be some controversy in the #1 through #3 selections. I consider, again: *Greatness and accomplishments, *Contributions toward Ram success, *Longevity, and *Not having Niner stench.
uke: Maybe that last qualification slipped my memory in previous posts.
I also have listed the top ten Special Team Ace Linebackers over the years, Ten notable free agents and Six notable high draft picks that disappointed. Now our top ten...uh... twenty:
The Top Twenty Ram LINEBACKERS of All Time (Pro Bowls in Parenthesis):
Ten Special Teams Linebacker Aces:
There we have it. Next list: CORNERBACKS :cheers:
(Which brings me to my regret. As was discussed in the Defensive End thread, Leonard Little was listed as an OLB, on the site I use for research, and I went against my memory of his role and omitted him from the DE list. My apologies. He should have, in my opinion been listed somewhere around #9 on that list. I considered putting him on this list, but it felt out of place. He was not a LB.)
There may be some controversy in the #1 through #3 selections. I consider, again: *Greatness and accomplishments, *Contributions toward Ram success, *Longevity, and *Not having Niner stench.
uke: Maybe that last qualification slipped my memory in previous posts.I also have listed the top ten Special Team Ace Linebackers over the years, Ten notable free agents and Six notable high draft picks that disappointed. Now our top ten...uh... twenty:
The Top Twenty Ram LINEBACKERS of All Time (Pro Bowls in Parenthesis):
- Isaiah Robertson 71-78 (6) I think he belongs in the HOF myself. Forget the famous blow he took from Earl Campbell. He was a tough SOB. And a ball hawk.
- Les Richter 54-62 (8) HOF.
- Jack "Hacksaw" Reynolds 70-80 (2) He was a tough MLB all the way through the Seventies for us. Then he went to shower with the boys of San Francisco.:rant:
- Maxie Baughan 66-70. (4)
- Kevin Greene 85-92 (1) Hoping he will join the Hall of Fame class of '16 with Kurt and Pace. Too many of his great years with Pitt. to be higher on the list.
- Jack Pardee 57-72. (1) longevity with the team and great play had to put him high on the list.
- Jim Youngblood 73-83. (1) Not related to Jack, but this brother from another mother was great.
- Carl Ekern 76-88. (1) Consistent hard hitting player and leader.
- Don Paul 48-55 (3) Early days. Three time Pro Bowler.
- London Fletcher 98-01. I would love to slide him up the list as well, but only time with Rams considered.
- Mel Owens 81-89. played alongside Ekern through much of the 80's and contributed sacks.
- Roman Phifer 91-98. How could you not like Roman? One of my favorite Rams.
- James Laurinitis09-15. Has fallen off a bit, and is criticized for not shaking blockers, but he has been a pillar and model of consistency, and leadership.
- :bow:Mike Jones 97-00. One play put him in the hearts of all Ram fans, but he was very good.
- Pisa Tinoisamoa 03-08. Another fan favorite high effort player.
- Alec Ogletree 13-15. Injuries cut short his '15 season, but his talent could have him jump ten slots on this list, or more before he is done.
- Jim Collins 81-88. (1) from the solid group of linebackers in the '80's.
- Bob Brudzinski 77-80. Took a big payday in Miami, or would be a bit higher on the list.
- Will Witherspoon 06-09, 13. A good defensive leader and tackler.
- George Andrews, 79-84 High draft pick, played well for a few years.
Ten Special Teams Linebacker Aces:
- Darren Bates
- Ken Geddes
- Chris Chamberlain
- Josh Hull
- David Vobora
- Thomas Homco
- Larry Grant
- Brett Faryniarz
- Mark Jerue
- Brandon Chillar
- JoLonn Dunbar, ushered in the overgrown Praying Mantis, Colin Kaepernick.
- Shane Conlan. Came to us with zero knee cartilage.
- Dexter Coakley. Came from the Cowgirls. Yeah he was pretty much done too.
- Lorenzo Styles
- Todd Collins
- Jamie Duncan. Ex Buc, tended to suck.
- Robert Jones. Another Cowpuke
- Chris Martin
- Don Davis
- Henry Rolling
- Robert Thomas (1)
- Kevin McLain (1)
- Frank Stams (2)
- Tommy Polley (2)
- Brian Smith (2)
- Brian Allen (3)
There we have it. Next list: CORNERBACKS :cheers:
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