Archive for February 2nd, 2010
Rolando McClain
- Height: 6-4
- Weight: 258
- LB
- Alabama
- NFL.com
| Attribute | Rating |
| Speed/Acceleration |  |
| Pass Coverage | |
| Run Defense | |
| Strength | |
| Agility | |
| Football I.Q | |
| Tackling | |
| Durability | |
Scouting Report
As the reigning Butkus Award winner, Rolando McClain is this year’s primo linebacker prospect. He has prototypical size and length for a middle linebacker (and for 3-4 OLB), and his outstanding football intelligence will endear him to any NFL team looking for a leader for their defense. He is a battle-tested prospect, having played for a championship team in the SEC, and offers a low bust factor.
Expected value: mid 1st-round, somewhere between 10 and 20.
Speed/Acceleration: Decent top end speed, but doesn’t have the extra gear to be a true sideline-to-sideline player. Good initial burst off the edge.
Pass Coverage: As a read and react type, he naturally relies on his ability to read the QB’s eyes. Displays clean footwork, and doesn’t have many wasted steps. Athletic enough to cover most tight ends, but should be best in zone coverage, where his instincts are most valued. In terms of pass rushing, McClain has several things going for him. He times his blitzes well, offers pretty good versatility (can line up inside and out), and he institutes a solid bull rush. His great length allows him to bat down passes at the line of scrimmage. However, he has limited potential as a 3-4 OLB because he lacks pass rush moves, and doesn’t seem to have that hunter’s mentality desired in pass rushers.
Run Defense: Strong against the run, doesn’t get moved off the ball very easily. Can stand up against big linemen when he attacks the line. Elite diagnosis skills in run game, and reacts quickly to all but misdirection plays. Doesn’t take on and shed blockers consistently enough. Lacks the nasty football demeanor of a true middle linebacker in the NFL, and seldom violently charges with the intention of blowing up a play. Since he shows a tendency to watch the backfield, he can get surprised by oncoming blockers. Needs to do a better job protecting feet, and can be easily taken out with cut blocks. Lackluster in pursuit and won’t give full effort when chasing from behind.
Strength: Plays with good leverage, and seems to be strong in both lower and upper body.
Agility: Usually pretty smooth changing directions, but not an elite athlete in space.
Football I.Q: Well-versed in a complex college defense run by Nick Saban. Diagnoses plays before the snap, and is more than capable of making pre-snap adjustments. A cerebral player/ film-room junkie. Sniffs out screens and reverses. McClain’s ability to read and react gives him a jump on most plays, which makes up for his average speed. Naturally, should be a defensive captain at the next level.
Tackling: Adept tackler in space and in closed-quarters. Flashes the ability to deliver a pop and will drive through his hits when he gets a full head of steam. Because of his long arms, once he wraps up, it is difficult to get away from him. Can be caught lunging with a lazy arm tackle. Not a consistently explosive hitter.
Durability: Excellent stamina, plays every down on defense. Managed to stay healthy throughout his college career.
Videos for you to watch:
(Video thanks to CkParrotHead at Universaldraft.com)
Universal Draft Presents LB Rolando McClain of Alabama – Part 2 of 2
