Rolando McClain's Future

[Galian Beast]

Many people from the get go didn't want us to even re-sign this guy, but I feel like when he plays well he is a pro bowl caliber linebacker.

So I wonder how people would feel if he puts together a career year this year AND Jaylon Smith returns healthy? What would you suggest?

I think it would be interesting to see what kind of defense we could have if we move Lee to the strong side position and have a linebacker corps of Smith - McClain - Lee. I think it would be absolutely stunning.

I think more likely the McClain days are over and Smith will be slotted as a middle linebacker, but I don't even know if that is the best position for him to be honest. I think it is also possible that Lee moves back to middle and Jaylon takes over at the will and McClain is still out, but I would like to see this kid put things together here.

 

[J_Allen]

He has all the talent in the world but he's just not as motivated as he needs to be. If he even sticks around another year it will be another one-year contract. The team just cannot trust him.

 

[ConceptCoop]

It kind of feels to me like he just doens't love football, and is doing it as a job. No problem with that, but it will likely keep him from living up to his potential. Just a thought.

 

[Tabascocat]

Ro is sorely needed here, at least for this season.

 

[speedkilz88]

He's a bridge to Jaylon. They won't pay him next year if Jaylon's prognosis is good in 2017.

 

[JohnnyHopkins]

 

[ConceptCoop]

He's a bridge to Jaylon. They won't pay him next year if Jaylon's prognosis is good in 2017.

I actually think he's worth keeping, as long as he's willing to accept short deals. I wouldn't mind a Smith/McClain/Lee group when/if Smith gets back. He's not great, but I think he'll look a lot better playing next to two guys with crazy range. He's a solid, cheap 2 down guy.

 

[speedkilz88]

I actually think he's worth keeping, as long as he's willing to accept short deals. I wouldn't mind a Smith/McClain/Lee group when/if Smith gets back. He's not great, but I think he'll look a lot better playing next to two guys with crazy range. He's a solid, cheap 2 down guy.

The strong side lb is a part time position because of all the passing offenses. 5 million that can be spent elsewhere. Like keeping that OL together.

 

[Denim Chicken]

If he keeps eating perhaps he can have a future on the Oline.

 

[Doomsday101]

At age 26 it is not too late for Ro to turn his career around. With what at least appears all past troubles behind him he has the opportunity to live up to his expectations. I think it is all in his hands of what he wants out of his career. The talent is there.

 

[rpntex]

Many people from the get go didn't want us to even re-sign this guy, but I feel like when he plays well he is a pro bowl caliber linebacker.

So I wonder how people would feel if he puts together a career year this year AND Jaylon Smith returns healthy? What would you suggest?

I think it would be interesting to see what kind of defense we could have if we move Lee to the strong side position and have a linebacker corps of Smith - McClain - Lee. I think it would be absolutely stunning.

I think more likely the McClain days are over and Smith will be slotted as a middle linebacker, but I don't even know if that is the best position for him to be honest. I think it is also possible that Lee moves back to middle and Jaylon takes over at the will and McClain is still out, but I would like to see this kid put things together here.

I, too, believe McClain is a goner once Smith become healthy, but Smith is not going to be in the middle. His pass rushing skills are so strong – maybe his best defensive ability – I believe he will end up on the weak side, where pass rushing is more common. Meanwhile, Sean Lee is excellent in coverage, which is ideal for a middle linebacker. I know you somewhat fragile, but his skills are suited for the little while Smith Is a prototypical weak side linebacker.

 

[speedkilz88]

Marinelli says he's a natural middle linebacker but can play both.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

We have to keep McClain and hope that he comes around. We are talking as if Smith will recover and that he will be a dominating player. None of that is a guarantee.

 

[ConceptCoop]

The strong side lb is a part time position because of all the passing offenses. 5 million that can be spent elsewhere. Like keeping that OL together.

Only 3 counts towards the cap, and that's all I care about. I don't care what Jerry pays above and beyond that.

I'm not saying he's a core piece or anything, so if it comes down to him or Frederick - pay Frederick, of course.

 

[tm1119]

Jaylon better be eating cheeseburgers in between rehabbing because 223 pounds is going to be rough sledding as an NFL Mike...

Love the guy and he's obviously a much better player than Ro, but Sean Lee needs to be looking over his shoulder after 2016 as well. Last year was a big step, but if he can't stay on the field it's going to be hard to pay him his $8M(ish) a year with WIL being Smith's likely best position.

 

[noshame]

I was with you until you said move Lee to SAM. He'd last about 1 game before they carted him off.

 

[TX_Yid]

You can't rely on that guy.

Hope is not a plan.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

I was with you until you said move Lee to SAM. He'd last about 1 game before they carted him off.

I agree. We tried that and lost him to a season of injuries. He plays at an All Pro Level at the position he is at.

 

[speedkilz88]

Jaylon better be eating cheeseburgers in between rehabbing because 223 pounds is going to be rough sledding as an NFL Mike...

Love the guy and he's obviously a much better player than Ro, but Sean Lee needs to be looking over his shoulder after 2016 as well. Last year was a big step, but if he can't stay on the field it's going to be hard to pay him his $8M(ish) a year with WIL being Smith's likely best position.

 

[robjay04]

Ro is one game at a time. If he puts it all together, I believe he could see a moderately long term contract after this season.

As much as I love Lee, I'm not ready to depend on him...if he reverts back to his old injury prone ways in 2016, Ro would be even more appealing to bring back even with Smith.