It took a while, but rookie MLB James Laurinaitis, the Rams’ second-round pick in this year’s draft, has clearly grown on daily team observers. “I have to say I’ve been pleasantly surprised,” one veteran team insider said of the three-time All-American out of Ohio State. “I was more in the Rey Maualuga camp (drafted by the Bengals three spots behind Laurinaitis) because he was supposed to be more a thumper. But Laurinaitis turned out to be much stronger at the point of attack than I expected. He also has displayed very good range, going wide to bring guys down and dropping into coverage.’ But what has impressed observers the most about Laurinaitis is his intelligence and work habits. “He’s very heady and prepares for a game to the nth degree,” the insider said. “He does everything he can to give himself a chance to succeed, and it’s starting to look like he could be the first real middle linebacker we’ve had around these parts since London Fletcher.”

Kickoff is coming! PFW's annual Kickoff Issue goes on sale at PFWstore.com Monday evening and at newsstands and bookstores later this week. Also, be sure to buy copies of the Pro Football Weekly/Yahoo! Sports 2009 NFL preview magazine, as well as the Pro Football Weekly/Yahoo! Sports Fantasy Football Guide 2009, both of which are now available at bookstores, newsstands and retail outlets where magazines are sold. Or order your copies online at PFWStore.com.