[WAR]

Rey Maualuga, USC
Height: 6-3. Weight: 260.
Projected 40 Time: 4.68.
Projected Round (2009): Top 15 Pick.
12/7/08: The top 3-4 inside linebacker in this class, Rey Maualuga qualified for the All-America First Team. Through 10 games, he has 68 tackles, 2.5 TFL and two picks (one returned for a touchdown).

5/11/08: Rey Maualuga put up solid numbers in 2007 despite going through some nagging injuries. Maualuga had 75 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and a fumble recovery.

2007: Slated to be the next great linebacker at USC, Rey Maualuga has the size and speed of a top-15 prospect. Had 78 tackles, two sacks and one pick in 2006, qualifying for the All-Pac-10 First Team.



James Laurinaitis, Ohio State
Height: 6-3. Weight: 243.
Projected 40 Time: 4.54.
Projected Round (2009): Top 20 Pick.
12/7/08: The top 4-3 inside linebacker in this class, James Laurinaitis has 121 tackles, 5.5 TFL and four sacks as a senior. He was a first-team All-American.

5/11/08: James Laurinaitis probably would have been chosen seventh overall if he declared for the 2007 Draft. He has a shot to run a high 4.4 at the combine, which will blow everyone away.

2007: James Laurinaitis had two key interceptions at Washington.

Was the first sophomore to ever win the Nagurski Award (defensive player of the year). When looking at his production, it's not hard to figure out why. Laurinaitis recorded 115 tackles, five interceptions and four sacks in 2006.

RaiderNation who do you believe is the better backer? I'm going with the "Son Of The Animal" Laurinaitis. He needs to add a little weight...but he flat out brings it...Not to mention I'm from Ohio.

[hmmm!]

laurinaitis is extremely overrated. lol at the tackles, 70% of them are assists. i dont even have to look at stats, id bet rey has had more solo tackles over the last 3 seasons, with the nagging injuries.

laurinaitis might be faster than rey but i have yet to see it on an actual field. rey is more explosive and easily the most instinctive linebacker in the nation. much stronger as well.

rey's game transitions into the nfl 10x better. this isnt as close as "experts" would think.

[#32 Allen]

Laurinaitis is 3 time 1st team All-American. So he cant be extremely overrated. He knocked 2 QBs out of the game.(this season) This guy loves to hit especially HARD. I wouldnt mind to have him. I think he'd be better than Morrison. EDIT: a lot better.

[hmmm!]

his collegiate awards are exactly what make him extremely overrated.

[GataRaider35]

i think theyd both be great additions, id say, pick one of them up in the first (if we get a good runblock dt in fa, and if we get a dc that has a somewhat decent schemes). and adress offensive line in the second round, and imo wed be fine and get a defensive playmaker.

[#32 Allen]

Originally Posted by hmmm!

his collegiate awards are exactly what make him extremely overrated.

Uuuummmmm, uuummmmm, he only won one award this year which is Lott award.

[raiderArt]

both are good players. I like Maualuga better though.

[the_new_Jerry]

Originally Posted by raiderArt

both are good players. I like Maualuga better though.

yeah... it's hard.. but as a buckeye fan... I still have to agree with this statement.

[ItsmeLane]

If you are looking to draft a MLB take Rey Maualuga.
If you are looking for a coverage and quicker MLB and/or OLB take James Laurinaitis.
End of story.

My projection on the 40 yard dash time for Rey Maualuga will most likely be 4.69
James Laurinaitis' 40 yard dash time will most likely be 4.53
Mark my words.

[psycho5150]

They both are good LB as well as Curry and Spikes but imo Rey's game transfers better to the pro ranks!

[Snoop750]

Laurinaitis.

Either one would please me, but Laurinaitis is my preference.

[Anotharaiderfan]

Originally Posted by Snoop750

Laurinaitis.

Either one would please me, but Laurinaitis is my preference.

I agree

And i don't necessarily like OSU but James is a better tackler,reads plays faster, and is better in coverage.

Rey would be better in 3-4 defense
Laurinatis would be better in a 4-3 defense

[Raiders Own You]

Aaron Curry is better than both of them... But neither Maualuga/Laurinaitis are worth the 7th pick .

[pigspigs76]

Ugggg i wouldn't draft a MLB this year i don't think ether of them are the right fit for Oakland. but if i had to take one i would go with James Laurinaitis, he always seems to be in position to make tackles even if it is only an assist.

[disposeablehero]

Originally Posted by hmmm!

laurinaitis is extremely overrated. lol at the tackles, 70% of them are assists. i dont even have to look at stats, id bet rey has had more solo tackles over the last 3 seasons, with the nagging injuries.

laurinaitis might be faster than rey but i have yet to see it on an actual field. rey is more explosive and easily the most instinctive linebacker in the nation. much stronger as well.

rey's game transitions into the nfl 10x better. this isnt as close as "experts" would think.

LOL, so you're an expert then, USC fan right, gee.