Rolando McClain

[grimace]

Thoughts on this guy in the NFL, is he the beast we all think he's going to be? The next Patrick Willis, an LB who is as valuable as Top Flight RBs in IDP settings?

[hosler427]

I love this guy and am hoping he falls just a bit and the Giants can trade up a few spots from 15 to get him. He is a leader on the field and will be really valuable to his team as well as FF owners. I think he will be in the elite LB arena with Willis, Beason, and my personal favorite...David Harris as well as a few others.

[grimace]

I keep reading more and more, he has the size and athletic ability, but really get's me is this guy is smart. He's an academic All American, and Alabama coaches have said he's like a coach on the field.

[hosler427]

I keep reading more and more, he has the size and athletic ability, but really get's me is this guy is smart. He's an academic All American, and Alabama coaches have said he's like a coach on the field.

Which is exactly what the Giants need

Antonio Pierce is a leader on the field but he hasn't had the ability to be a good MLB for probably the last 3 years. I like McClain a lot but I have a feeling someone will snag him between 7-12.

[blacksheep]

Very special player and one writer did compare him to Willis. Wish he'd come back for another year for the Tide. Most mocks I've seen has him going as the 9th thru 11th pick...mostly to either Denver or Miami, althoooooough...I did see one going to the 49ers at 17 but he'll be long gone before then.

[BradyT]

He´s not as fast as Patrick Willis.

[grimace]

He´s not as fast as Patrick Willis.

But Willis is not as smart as McClain...

The smarts factor alone has given me a man crush on this guy. We'll see come next fall. The one thing I worry is if the Raiders take him, could they kill his ability even though he plays defense?

[hosler427]

I agree Geoff. Top end speed isn't essential for a stud linebacker. McClain is plenty fast enough though...Along with great instincts and the intelligence, I see great things for him and have my fingers crossed that he falls. I doubt it though....

[blacksheep]

ILBs need to only cover the gaps from DE to DE where quickness, anticipation AND smarts are bigger factors than true speed. The Willis comparision is a little premature but gives an idea to his potential.

[thewhyterabbit]

ILBs need to only cover the gaps from DE to DE where quickness, anticipation AND smarts are bigger factors than true speed. The Willis comparision is a little premature but gives an idea to his potential.

id rate him more as a ray lewis than a willis. willis has elite physical tools... ray, not so much... ray has always been better because of his inner drive.

iv watched him play and dont see what all the rave is about... his speed underwhelms me alot.

[hosler427]

ILBs need to only cover the gaps from DE to DE where quickness, anticipation AND smarts are bigger factors than true speed. The Willis comparision is a little premature but gives an idea to his potential.

id rate him more as a ray lewis than a willis. willis has elite physical tools... ray, not so much... ray has always been better because of his inner drive.

I like the Ray Lewis comparison Spencer. I think that is closer to what McClain is. All I know is he is a beast!!

[blacksheep]

ILBs need to only cover the gaps from DE to DE where quickness, anticipation AND smarts are bigger factors than true speed. The Willis comparision is a little premature but gives an idea to his potential.

id rate him more as a ray lewis than a willis. willis has elite physical tools... ray, not so much... ray has always been better because of his inner drive.

iv watched him play and dont see what all the rave is about... his speed underwhelms me alot.

I can see that.

[thewhyterabbit]

ILBs need to only cover the gaps from DE to DE where quickness, anticipation AND smarts are bigger factors than true speed. The Willis comparision is a little premature but gives an idea to his potential.

id rate him more as a ray lewis than a willis. willis has elite physical tools... ray, not so much... ray has always been better because of his inner drive.

iv watched him play and dont see what all the rave is about... his speed underwhelms me alot.

I can see that.

i think he would fit better in a 3-4... his coverage and drop is decent... and his big enough to engage and get off.. but i dont think he has the speed to be a true stud like beason, willis.... the next stud linebacker will be rennie curran.

[Phish Brigade]

There are a lot of people in Buffalo that are hoping McClain is our first pick. If it happens, that might indicate that a switch to a 3-4 isn't that far away. I wouldn't hate the pick, but the OLine is still a huge need. If McClain doesn't go in the top 10, I can see Miami going after this guy... and that would be depressing. Caught between a rock and a hard place.

[Risky bidness]

I agree Geoff. Top end speed isn't essential for a stud linebacker. McClain is plenty fast enough though...Along with great instincts and the intelligence, I see great things for him and have my fingers crossed that he falls. I doubt it though....

That says it all. If he's got that, then you've got yourself a stud. I think McClain is bigger then Willis and Lewis. At least coming out of college anyways.

Bigger, faster, stronger with instincts, intelligence and technique. Vernon Gholston is a speciman, but is garbage.