Rolando McClain

[Shep]

I'm hearing a lot of stuff about this kid that interests me. I admit to not watching Alabama much before the Florida game and never keying on him, so this is all homework:

1. "Unprecedented" speed for his size.
2. The brains of a very complicated defense; coach on the field.
3. Gruden said he's a "superstar" and a "centerpiece" at the next level.
4. Plays in a 3-4 defense at 'Bama.
5. Could play inside or out.

I keep coming back to this guy. Drafting seventh, Dez Bryant and Rolando McClain appeal to me, partially because I don't get any wood over corners (!). Seems like we could find another way to get a serious corner, maybe a veteran.

[Solon16]

Originally Posted by Shep

I'm hearing a lot of stuff about this kid that interests me. I admit to not watching Alabama much before the Florida game and never keying on him, so this is all homework:

1. "Unprecedented" speed for his size.
2. The brains of a very complicated defense; coach on the field.
3. Gruden said he's a "superstar" and a "centerpiece" at the next level.
4. Plays in a 3-4 defense at 'Bama.
5. Could play inside or out.

I keep coming back to this guy. Drafting seventh, Dez Bryant and Rolando McClain appeal to me, partially because I don't get any wood over corners (!). Seems like we could find another way to get a serious corner, maybe a veteran.

I have warmed to McClain....i loved him last year...this year much like berry hasn't had exceptional year....IF we don't go QB....dez bryant, Joe Haden or McClain are very interesting to me!

[Shep]

McClain had career highs in tackles (101, up from 91) and sacks (4). Tied his INT high (2). He was the best linebacker in the nation and a first team All American.

[Solon16]

well....like you said you didn't watch him play....but this explains the man love you have for DQ....stats don't tell the whole story....I am NOT a DQ fan (in this Defense)! McClain is playing ILB ii Sabans 3-4....I loved him last year....this year I witnessed him getting lost in the pile and had a problem with some of the "effort" on some plays...but I have warmed to him as the Browns still need a identity in the Middle and he'll give us one.....one way or the other!

[Shep]

I'd buy that if the Alabama defense wasn't dominating, but it is... and he's the leader and best player on that side of the ball.

[Solon16]

Originally Posted by Shep

I'd buy that if the Alabama defense wasn't dominating, but it is... and he's the leader and best player on that side of the ball.

Ummmm....Cody is the best NT in college....don't sluff him off! Having him in front of McClain is HUGE....pun intended

[Shep]

Agreed. But I think 101 tackles can only be deceptive in a negative way if your defense isn't performing.

[Solon16]

I'm am a big believer in tackles at the line of scrimmage...I'll take those over tackles allday

[Vegasdogg]

Tackles on a bad Browns defense is misleading when the TOP favors the opposition every game. When you're on the field all the time and teams can run on you, you make a lot of tackles at ILB - if not beyond the LOS.

[Shep]

Agree, Veg. Tackles on a GOOD defense are tough to diss.

[Shep]

McClain had 12.5 TFLs, 4 sacks, and 2 picks along with the 101 tackles. Repeatedly credited with being the "quarterback" of the complex Alabama defense.

I'm just struggling with seeing him NOT in the Top 10.

[Solon16]

I am not dissing McClain...I am warming to him....but I'll take TFL's and 1~2 yards gains (tackles) over andre davis type numbers! feel me? I have advocated a stud ILB almost every year since Mike johnson left!