Positives and negatives about McClain

[keds]

My thoughts on McClain...

First the positives...

1) If he makes the team, his size and physicality can improve the middle of our goal line defense...

2) Could be effective as a situational player creating a rotation at linebacker in which players stay fresh by not taking too many snaps...

3) Read that he did not squander all of his money, put his money in the hands of a professional investor early in his career... doesn't appear to have money problems...

4) Has kids so he is returning to play football to be a positive role model for his kids...

5) Has cut ties with many childhood friends who tried to exploit him for money...

6) Has admitted he has found faith in God, which can be a stabilizing force in a young person's life...

7) According to an article I read, in college spent a lot of time in film room... did well when he had a strong support system in place...

The negatives...

1) Based on an article I read about him.... has a personality that engages in risky behavior, ex. driving recklessly, high potential to get in trouble with the law and cause distractions to the team...

2) Questions about him being mentally and physically ready for camp...

3) High potential to quit team at first sign of adversity...

4) Would have benefited from a hands on role model like Sean Lee...

 

[waving monkey]

Based on trade cost I'm surprised other teams didn't go after him.
If his good for two seasons and then loses his way it's all good.
Marinelli might be just the guy for him if he can adopt to hard coaching.
If not we took a shot. He must know his running on borrowed time.

 

[Bizwah]

We've had some success with reclamation projects in the past. This is a low-risk move. The potential reward is us having a stout LBer in the middle.

 

[lqmac1]

Love the addition. Let's not forget where this guy was drafted (pick not team). Great upside; low risk-high reward! People deserve second chances, let's hope he takes full advantage!

 

[GoCowboysGo]

Due to smart financial choices after his first contract, he doesn't need the money. Big positive!

 

[keds]

McClain seems to have a very similar past to Dez Bryant ... unstable family environment, absent father... volatile relationship with mother... unable to control his emotions... lack of maturity, self control...

Looks like their success with Dez weighed heavily on taking the chance with Rolando...

 

[RS12]

LOL! At everybody talking about where he was drafted. Ryan Leaf was the second pick in the draft. He couldnt play either.

 

[Wheeltax]

LOL! At everybody talking about where he was drafted. Ryan Leaf was the second pick in the draft. He couldnt play either.

and if Leaf had gotten his brain together, he could have had a long NFL career too

 

[yentl911]

Being he is now a Cowboy I am pulling for him to fulfill his potential not only on the field but off.

Maybe Garrett talked about the kid with Sabin and felt like he was worth a shot.

 

[blindzebra]

I am betting his agent hand picked Dallas.

 

[jday]

My thoughts on McClain...

First the positives...

1) If he makes the team, his size and physicality can improve the middle of our goal line defense...

2) Could be effective as a situational player creating a rotation at linebacker in which players stay fresh by not taking too many snaps...

3) Read that he did not squander all of his money, put his money in the hands of a professional investor early in his career... doesn't appear to have money problems...

4) Has kids so he is returning to play football to be a positive role model for his kids...

5) Has cut ties with many childhood friends who tried to exploit him for money...

6) Has admitted he has found faith in God, which can be a stabilizing force in a young person's life...

7) According to an article I read, in college spent a lot of time in film room... did well when he had a strong support system in place...

The negatives...

1) Based on an article I read about him.... has a personality that engages in risky behavior, ex. driving recklessly, high potential to get in trouble with the law and cause distractions to the team...

2) Questions about him being mentally and physically ready for camp...

3) High potential to quit team at first sign of adversity...

4) Would have benefited from a hands on role model like Sean Lee...

Question about your last negative: Even though Sean Lee is on IR, he could still be role-model, right? Is there a rule against that? Sean Lee is a natural born leader...this could be a perfect role for him while he is down...though he may be mentoring his replacement if he can't stay healthy...

 

[blindzebra]

Question about your last negative: Even though Sean Lee is on IR, he could still be role-model, right? Is there a rule against that? Sean Lee is a natural born leader...this could be a perfect role for him while he is down...though he may be mentoring his replacement if he can't stay healthy...

Wally Pipp.

 

[whynot]

+ve:
Costs next to nothing if he works out, nothing if he doesn't.

-ve:
Adds more ammo for whiny CZ posters.

 

[cowboys1981]

Could help with our LB corps if he is committed.

Negative-
His lack of desire to play in the past. I know he started out in Oakland, but his handling of his status in Baltimore is my concern. I will say it's a minor one since we stand to lose nothing if he doesn't pan out.

I hope he has mellowed out and gives us the production everyone expected out of him coming out of college.

 

[EPL0c0]

Two words: Cole Beasley.

McClain may be more wishy-washy about retirement/quitting and playing than Beasley was, but Dallas got him back and he looks like a guy ready to play and contribute this season.

Hopefully the guys on D can bring him into the fold and motivate him the way Beasley was motivated to stay and play.

 

[jday]

Wally Pipp.

If Sean Lee actually mentored his replacement, it's worse than a Wally Pipp. We could create a new word - Sean Leed...

 

[SportsGuru80]

The guy can play... I would love to see him make it with the blue star on his helmet.

 

[lostar2009]

This is a win big or lose small for the cowboys. Dallas can not go into the season with Bruce Carter as the only season LB on this team. We have potential but no one proven. If he win at the least we have a body that can produce if we loose oh well. We lost some value on a late round pick next year. The only thing I dislike about this trade is the fact it is getting kind of late and training camp is right around the corner.

 

[Hoofbite]

I'd file any sort of financial security in the negative column.

For him personally, it's great. For any team relying on him probably not so much.

 

[GusTheo]

I'd file any sort of financial security in the negative column.

For him personally, it's great. For any team relying on him probably not so much.

I understand where your coming from, a guy needing money, contract year type stuff, he'll be hungrier.

But in this case it's a positive because what is being questioned is his desire to play. The number one reason most people would guess for him to come back would be because he needs money. If that isn't in fact the case, maybe the guy has that fire again to be good or whatever the case may be.