NFL Draft 2013: St. Louis Selects UGA LB Alec Ogletree with 30th Pick

Dec 1, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Alec Ogletree (9) tackles Alabama Crimson Tide running back T.J. Yeldon (4) during the third quarter of the 2012 SEC Championship game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Paul Abell-USA TODAY Sports

As the 1st round wound down, it seemed as if Alec Ogletree may be in store for a long night (and day) of waiting until day two kicked off on Friday. Then, the St. Louis Rams stepped in and selected the University of Georgia linebacker with the 30th overall pick, and Ogletree arrived in a fantastic situation.

Ogletree’s stock slipped in the offseason as a result of off-field issues, but on the field, he was an absolute terror this season. He made 112 tackles on the season, putting together big-time on-field production with insanely impressive measurables. At 6’2 and a half, 242 pounds, the UGA linebacker ran a 40-time in the 4.5-4.6 range, and he was considered by most to be the most athletic linebacker in the draft.

In St. Louis, Ogletree should step in right away as a starter, and I am extremely high on his abilities. His biggest strength is in the passing game, as the former safety is able to cover huge amounts of ground, and when combined with his explosive hitting, Ogletree is a monster in the open field. Because of his safety background, however, some are concerned that his size will limit him in the trenches, and if there is an on-field concern, it is with his ability to take on blocks.

As a rule, a first-round selection is rarely “underdrafted”, but in my opinion, this is too low for Ogletree, and if he can keep the off-field issues to a minimum, he will outperform this draft position. I believe he is a star in the making, and he will make Georgia fans proud for years to come.