The Leading Authority of the NFL Draft

Washington Redskins TE Chris Cooley said during an interview on the NFL Network that DE Brian Orakpo has been working at strongside linebacker and dropping back into pass coverage. Rookie SS William Moore ran as a backup as the Falcons began minicamps. St. Louis Rams LB James Laurinaitis will miss all of the Rams' organized team activities this off-season because graduation at Ohio State is not held until June 14, and rookies are not allowed to participate in off-season programs until their university's graduation.

Mancini's Take: I don't see Orakpo as being much of a coverage guy. He's never shown great change-of-direction skills. He may be too stiff and bulky to defend certain tight ends and running backs. Laurinaitis, on the other hand, is the type of player that can immediately become a team leader. He has the size and strength to take on and shed blocks, and brings down his man once he wraps his arms around him.

Mandel's Take: Orakpo was drafted to rush the passer, not for his coverage abilty so it makes sense to see him working on the part of his game that needs improvement. I wouldn't expect him to line up anywhere other than the defensive line when passing situations arise. Moore is a tackling machine in the making, and he'll produce this season in the Falcons' secondary even if it's as a back-up. Laurinaitis will certainly make some highlight shows with his hard hits, and his leadership qualities will endear him to his teammates and the St. Louis fans. His lack of speed may prove to be a problem, but he's such a smart player that his anticipatory skills may be able to compensate. The former Buckeye is certainly going to be an improvement over what the Rams had there last season.

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