Player Profile Series: LaMarr Woodley

The Facts:   LaMarr Woodley is an OLB for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Woodley was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2007 NFL Draft. Woodley played college football at the University of Michigan where he posted 12 sacks as a senior and won the Lombardi Award as the nation’s best defensive lineman.

Positives:   Woodley had a so-so rookie season posting 4 sacks in 13 games.  Woodley had a breakout season in his first season as a starter in 2008 where he posted 11.5 sacks, an interception, 60 tackles. Woodley has continue his strong consistent play the last couple of seasons. In 2009 Woodley had 13.5 sacks and 62 tackles. This past season Woodley posted 50 tackles 10 sacks, and 2 interceptions. Woodley is one of the NFL’s premier outside linebackers, he has great instincts and has a knack for getting to the quarterback. Woodley is very strong at the point of attack and can bull rush linemen with his power.

Negatives:   It is hard to find negatives for one of the NFL’s premier OLB, especially when you play OLB for Dick LeBeau’s blizting scheme.  Woodley can be handle from time to time by bigger and more physical offensive linemen. He needs to develop more pass rushing moves. If he can find some more pass rushing moves the opposing team’s offense will be in trouble week in to week out.