Positives and negatives about McClain

[guag]

To those complaining about losing a 6th in favor of a 7th -- keep in mind that the Ravens are probably likely to have a high 7th, whereas we're probably looking around something like a mid 6th (maybe a little better, maybe a little worse depending on what you believe)... so this is probably only about a move 15 spots back at the end of the draft. Practically nothing if you ask me.

 

[Doomsday101]

The positive is getting a guy with very good talent and the negitive is having a guy who seems to have doubts about wanting to play. I would hope the Cowboys sat down and talked with him to get a read on what he wants to do in terms of an NFL career and if he is willing to put in the work and effort. You can't play this game half hearted and if he does he will not make it out of camp. All in all given the fact it is late round pick we will give up I'm in favor of adding him

 

[cowboy_ron]

I trust the FO did their due diligence with Rod before making this move so let's let the caching staff do their job on it....low risk high possible reward move....I would do those all day long

 

[erod]

No harm, no foul, but I see no way this guy makes a difference whatsoever.

 

[DCBoysfan]

I wasn't to thrill about the trade until ai heard the details. If he doesn't make it it cost nothing, if he contributes this year he cost a 6th pick. No guaranteed money I don't see an issue with the trade now. I personally think it's going to be difficult to make the team, with him being a year away from football.

 

[cowboy_ron]

I wasn't to thrill about the trade until ai heard the details. If he doesn't make it it cost nothing, if he contributes this year he cost a 6th pick. No guaranteed money I don't see an issue with the trade now. I personally think it's going to be difficult to make the team, with him being a year away from football.

The point is, you simply cannot do nothing and expect different results....I'm glad the FO is atleast trying to do something....we know his past but at this point who knows unless we try...maybe Rod's style of coaching finally sinks in where others have failed we don't know unless we try....this I what makes TC interesting

 

[Risen Star]

I am betting his agent hand picked Dallas.

~talking with agent~

McClain: I want to play again but who in God's name would ever trade for me?

 

[Angus12]

~talking with agent~

McClain: I want to play again but who in God's name would ever trade for me?

Well, there you go. You said it yourself, and when all is said and done, that's all that matters.

 

[Yakuza Rich]

He seemed to love it just fine when he was in the college bubble at Alabama. It all changed when he went to Oakland and everyone (family&friends) had their hand out.

Did he love the game at Alabama or just liked the success at Alabama?

Easy to be just fine when you're playing on a powerhouse team that can do no wrong versus going to Oakland and going 4-12 each year.

And I think we are closer to being Oakland than being Alabama at this point in time.







YR

 

[speedkilz88]

Did he love the game at Alabama or just liked the success at Alabama?

Easy to be just fine when you're playing on a powerhouse team that can do no wrong versus going to Oakland and going 4-12 each year.

And I think we are closer to being Oakland than being Alabama at this point in time.







YR

They weren't a powerhouse when he signed on. They were coming off a 6-7 record and then went 7-6 (4-4)in the SEC where he started as a true freshman.

 

[Wayne02]

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

-ve:
Adds more ammo for whiny CZ posters.

And it also adds more ammo for posters like yourself to whine more about what another poster posts rather than what the team is doing.

 

[speedkilz88]

And it also adds more ammo for posters like yourself to whine more about what another poster posts rather than what the team is doing.

What do you think you are doing?

 

[Yakuza Rich]

They weren't a powerhouse when he signed on. They were coming off a 6-7 record and then went 7-6 (4-4)in the SEC where he started as a true freshman.

He wasn't playing for them when they weren't a powerhouse.

In 2008 they went 12-2 and then 14-0.

A 33-8 record versus playing for the Oakland Raiders.

Big difference.





YR

 

[speedkilz88]

He wasn't playing for them when they weren't a powerhouse.

In 2008 they went 12-2 and then 14-0.

A 33-8 record versus playing for the Oakland Raiders.

Big difference.





YR

You make no sense. He was starting in 2007 as a true freshman.

 

[Wayne02]

What do you think you are doing?

I've never said that I don't do it, I was just pointing out how dumb it is for people to make statements like that when everybody on this board is guilty of whining, whether it's about the team, or about another posters opinions.

 

[Yakuza Rich]

You make no sense. He was starting in 2007 as a true freshman.

They went 7-6 when he was 18 years old. That's STILL better than what the Raiders have done.

And that 'not being a powerhouse' lasted all of 1-year for him. They then went 12-2 in 2008 and 14-0 in 2009.

He has yet to prove to anybody that he loves the success the game brings him versus purely loving the game.





YR

 

[xwalker]

Agree,,,Good move with hardly any cost!!

It's fun to whine about whiney folks isn't it? Lol..::

Darn it, I'm tired of people whining about about other people whining about people being whiney.

Now I need some cheese to go with my whine.

 

[xwalker]

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...

Add in there somewhere that he was only 20 when drafted and is only 24 now.

What is the rate that 20 year old kids would flake out if given fame and fortune? I would guess more would flake out than wouldn't.

 

[Macnalty]

Enough conjecture on our part, lets let him earn some comments at Oxnard, at this point he is camp ballast just like all the rookie UDFA IMO. We have a similar project/talent already on the team in Martez Wilson DE/LB( from the Saints) who no one is discussing 6'4" 252 lbs 4.49 40 yard (James Hanna has same stats) and he is slowly turning into a player.

 

[jobberone]

40 Yard Dash: 4.68 seconds (combine)
20 Yard Dash: 2.72 seconds
10 Yard Dash: 1.62 seconds
Bench Press: 24 reps (225 lb)
Wonderlic: (N/A) (0-50)
Vertical Leap: 35 inches
Broad Jump: 9.1 inches
20 Yd Shuttle: 4.38 seconds
Three Cone: 7.16 seconds
60 Yd Shuttle: (N/A) seconds
Rolando McClain was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in Round 1 with the #8 overall pick of the 2010 NFL Draft.

OVERVIEW
McClain has great length and strength for the position and has been the Crimson Tide's most active defender in 2009. Rolando is an instinctive player that makes all the calls from the middle linebacker position. He sheds blockers well to leverage the ball and understands angles to maintain proper run fits to the line of scrimmage. McClain is disruptive attacking a crease when blitzing the quarterback. He is powerful as a tackler and keeps good balance in the open field. McClain is somewhat limited in man coverage and may be a liability in this phase of his game at the next level. He does understand route progressions and can be effective in short zone coverage schemes. McClain is a good football player that should have an immediate impact as a rookie on special teams while working into a starting role.

ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS
McClain’s been an extremely productive player during his time at the college level. He has ideal size and toughness for an inside linebacker. Is stout vs. the run and doesn’t mind playing in a phone booth. Plays with a high motor. Possesses elite instincts – was essentially a coach on the field at Alabama. Displays impressive hand usage when disengaging from blockers.
WEAKNESSES
McLain only possesses adequate lateral quickness when scraping down the line against the run. Is capable in coverage but can struggle at times when asked to play man. Very sound in his reads and pursuit but isn’t a true sideline-to-sideline guy against the run.

http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/rolando-mcclain?id=496941
Rolando McClain Scouting Report
By Matt McGuire

Strengths:

• Huge frame for ILB

• Very long arms

• Good level of production

• Comfortable in coverage

• Excellent tackling technique

• Stacks and sheds blocks well

• Very good pass rusher

• Love his timing on blitzes

• Nice agility; smooth change of direction

• Highly experienced

• Takes good angles to the ball

• Stays in control

• Nice versatility especially in 3-4 defense

• Vocal leader

• Intelligent

• Very young prospect (20 years old)

• Doesn't take plays off

• Outstanding instincts

• Well versed in 3-4 defense
  
  Weaknesses:

• Unimpressive speed

• Over pursues against run

• Questionable 4-3 inside linebacker

• Average sideline-sideline range

• Good, but not an exceptional athlete

• Could be exposed in man scheme

• Doesn't have huge upside

• A little uncomfortable in space
  
  Summary: I really don't think McClain is a 4-3 inside linebacker. The speed and lateral range just isn't there for me, and I think he would be exposed because he will overpursue gaps. McClain is great for 3-4 teams because he can play inside, but also move over to the outside if needed temporarily. His best fits are at 3-4 inside linebacker and 4-3 strongside linebacker. McClain is a solid prospect who will likely come off the board in the top 20 picks.
  
  Player Comparison: Bart Scott. Scott has great instincts and size, and is a leader at inside linebacker in the 3-4 defense

• http://BAN-INCOMING-IN-3-2-1/scoutingreport2010rmcclain.php