Daily NFL Draft Prospect Profile: Rolando McClain, MLB, Alabama
by Ed Valentine on Feb 3, 2010 7:00 AM EST
in 2010 NFL Draft
131 comments
Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain somehow falling to No. 15. This is the dream scenario for the New York Giants, who desperately need to shore up the middle of their defense.
If 14 teams somehow let McClain slide to the Giants I really don't care what else General Manager Jerry Reese accomplishes. Grab this guy and you can call your draft a success.
Let's look at what it is about McClain that makes Giants' 'draftniks' drool at the thought of him taking over for Antonio Pierce.
Rolando McClain Scouting Reports
McClain is a dominating physical presence at 6-foot-4, 256 pounds. He has the size, strength and athletic ability to be the best Giants middle linebacker since -- dare I say it -- Harry Carson. I am not saying he will be that good, but it sure is nice to think about. It's highly unlikely McClain will be available to the Giants at No. 15. If he is, though, I don't see how the Giants can pass him up.
NFLDraftSpot summarized McClain this way.
McClain has all the physical traits you look for as well. He's big, and highly athletic with a rare size/speed combination. McClain is a sound tackler who can "lay the wood," but also does a good job wrapping up. McClain has a knack for rushing the passer. He is also a very versatile player who can probably play any linebacker position in any scheme.
SB Nation's Mocking the Draft succinctly summed up McClain's skills.
McClain is the most sure-thing as a middle linebacker prospect in the draft since Patrick Willis. He's a prototypical combination of size, athleticism and intelligence."
NFL Draft Board Insider had this to say.
Each draft there is a linebacker who sets the bar for the rest of the class. McClain is that guy this year, like Aaron Curry was last year, and Patrick Willis before that. Sort of like Joe Haden, McClain is very clearly the best linebacker in this draft. McClain is a big thick dude, with a powerful lower body and low body fat. He has an explosion when he plays, and an intensity that is unrivaled in this class. There are few flaws to McClains skill set. He is great at diagnosing the play, getting to it in a hurry whether that means shedding a blocker, working around one, or simply in pursuit. When he gets to the ball, he usually brings the pain with a devastating paired up with great technique. He can drop and cover in the short zone, shows solid instincts for the game, and does very well on blitzes and twists.
Why McClain fits with the Giants
We can -- and probably will -- argue for the next few months about which is the Giants' biggest position of need. Let's look at it this way, though. The Giants are kind of like an out-of-shape middle-aged man -- meaning they are soft through the middle. Of all of the players available to the Giants at defensive tackle, middle linebacker and safety is there a player who is a safer bet to address one of those needs? I don't think so. If he is available to the Giants, this feels like a no-brainer to me.
Why the Giants should pass
Personally, I have not thought of ANY reason why the Giants would pass on McClain if he somehow falls to them at No. 15. The only thing I can think of that might convince the Giants to pass is if they choose to sign a free-agent middle linebacker before the draft. Some draft profiles have raised the concern that McClain might actually be too big to be a 4-3 middle linebacker. I'm not buying that, since I think these 235-pound guys are often not physical enough to run-stopping forces. The only thing that scares me about McClain is this -- am I the only one who thinks he looks just a little bit like Plaxico Burress?
(E-mail Ed at bigblueview@gmail.com)
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OMG Ed ...
the Plax likeness was my first thought when I pulled this up. Scary. Let’s hope he passes on the goatee.
Other than that, the only debate on this thread should be do we trade up to get him. I’m not for that in general, but this guy is tempting.
Trade up?
Nah, I am almost never in favor of that. At 15 there will be lots of quality players available, even in McClain is gone. The NFL is about depth, as we have seen too often. Can’t be surrendering picks. I am a ‘trade down and add picks’ guy — if you move at all.
Trade up?
I have seen all sorts of estimates on what it would take to trade up to get McClain and all are excessive. Giants cannot trade away their 2010 draft for one player.
But neither am I convinved that those estimates are accurate so I would leave the door open to JR making a sensible trade. Maybe player instead of choices.
The Giants desperately need this guy if they can make it happen.
TRADE UP! lol
no question mark in my opinion this is a necessity…Trade to OAK David Carr, our 1st and 3rd round picks (maybe 1 other player) and we get the 8th pick
"What do the Detroit Red Wings and the Titanic have in common?
They both look good until they hit the ice!"
Visit> http://www.bronxbaseballdaily.com/
although...
it is oakland we could prob give them Carr and Moss they easily fooled lol =P…in all seriousness though they could hold onto #15 get Brian Price or Jason PierrePaul and then hopefully someone like Brandon Spikes (ILB) falls to us in the 2nd
"What do the Detroit Red Wings and the Titanic have in common?
They both look good until they hit the ice!"
Visit> http://www.bronxbaseballdaily.com/
by SportsDalaiLama on Feb 3, 2010 7:50 AM EST up reply actions
I know you're kidding but
I’m pretty sure Carr and Moss are no longer ours to trade anyway?
You play to win the game!
by Simms-McConkey on Feb 3, 2010 8:07 AM EST up reply actions
yes thankfully lol
"What do the Detroit Red Wings and the Titanic have in common?
They both look good until they hit the ice!"
Visit> http://www.bronxbaseballdaily.com/
by SportsDalaiLama on Feb 3, 2010 8:11 AM EST up reply actions
Rolando McClain aka "Pipe dream"
IF the Giants somehow manage to get some extra picks…whether they trade someone on the roster, or someone signs one of their RFA’s…then trading up is an option.
Its not an option right now. Period. Even for McClain.
I’d love to get him at #15
You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there
Extra picks
Free, you know the only way to get those extra picks is to trade down. And, to be honest, 15 is the perfect spot to do it from. They can still get quality later in the first round (Hakeem Nicks last year), and you add a pick or two to increase your shot at building some depth. I love that approach.
you never know.
there’s plenty of scenario’s that they could end up with an extra 2nd and/or3rd just by the RFA rules (there’s plenty of other teams with extra 2nd’s and 3rd’s).
I dunno who’s gonna want any of the Giants RFA’s, and trading Osi, Jacobs, Kiwi…whoever, is probably far down the list of options.
But yes, realistically, I think trading down is an ideal situation if McClain is not there (or if they don;t like Earl THomas, Brian Price or any other option at #15 for whatever reason).
I will disagree with you on the 235lbs LB’s can’t be physical. Jon Beason and Jon Vilma have been doing it for years..as did Zach Thomas. Patrick Willis is 6"1 240.
There’s many many more too. Boley can’t do it at 230lbs cuz that’s not his mentality. Guys like Darryle Washington, who may be 230, have that mentality. Pat Angerer is 235…and well, its in his name, he plays that way.
You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there
sellout--
mortgage the future…. which is uncertain for 2011 anyway. give up someone and future draft picks get this guy now!!!
good point
use the check book to make up for the draft picks we give up for 2011…if they are comparing him to Willis its like your getting two players for one pick, could be that good…can you imagine a willis clone (only bigger) bringing back the tradition to the giants LBs…i want a NYG McClain jersey!
by LT's Will Power on Feb 3, 2010 9:17 AM EST up reply actions
this is the Giants
not the yankees. They won’t just buy the all-pro team.
You play to win the game!
by Simms-McConkey on Feb 3, 2010 10:00 AM EST up reply actions
More importantly ...
it’s the Giants not the Redskins. If the Giants were so inclined (and I agree with you that they are not), there is little evidence that you can buy a title in football, and lots that you can in baseball.
to be fair
nobody’s talking about going all out in free agency – they’re suggesting “selling out” to move up in the draft
2009 Did Not Happen
I'm not saying to sellout
If we do trade up, use 2011 picks instead of this years. Theres a reason this years a deep draft, it is because of the uncertain 2011 status. Jr.‘s this year know this, so they’re trying to get what they can before any rookie contracts are restricted (which the owners will push hard to get)! So the 2011 draft will probably be less talented overall with less Jr.’s coming out.
I don't like that idea...
there’s no such species as a weak, uncertain draft.
There’s PLENTY of GREAT prospects in next years draft.
There will be JR’s coming out, there’s plenty of JR’s who went back who could’ve been top 20 picks this year.
You do not use 2011 picks.
The Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears will tell you that.
You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there
by FreeBradshaw on Feb 3, 2010 11:59 AM EST up reply actions
I was only implying
That given all the underclassman declaring this year, it will probably have an affect on next years draft and Jr.‘s too, only in the terms of the uncertainty for 2011! I know some years vary positionally with quality etc., but given the facts that all these guys did declare, it makes this year probably a year to have more picks than say next year. Thats why i implied on next years picks, though if we do move up a few spots, it shouldn’t cost too much anyways?!
Just saying though, out of the underclassman that have declared, i’ve seen close to 30 players mentioned one way or another. Mostly in a positive way.
Kevin Basped DE Nevada
Arrelious Benn WR Illinois
Eric Berry DB Tennessee
Jahvid Best RB California
Navorro Bowman LB Penn State
Sam Bradford QB Oklahoma
Dezmon Briscoe WR Kansas
Antonio Brown WR Central Michigan
Dez Bryant WR Oklahoma State
Bryan Bulaga OT Iowa
Morgan Burnett DB Georgia Tech
Bruce Campbell OT Maryland
Jimmy Clausen QB Notre Dame
Rennie Curran LB Georgia
Anthony Davis T Rutgers
Carlos Dunlap DE Florida
Jonathan Dwyer RB Georgia Tech
Dominique Franks DB Oklahoma
Clifton Geathers DE South Carolina
Thaddeus Gibson DE Ohio State
Jermaine Gresham TE Oklahoma
Everson Griffen DE Southern California
Rob Gronkowski TE Arizona
Joe Haden DB Florida
Aaron Hernandez TE Florida
Kareem Jackson DB Alabama
Chad Jones DB Louisiana State
Reshad Jones DB Georgia
Linval Joseph DT East Carolina
Darius Marshall RB Marshall
Ryan Mathews RB Fresno State
Rolando McClain LB Alabama
Gerald McCoy DT Oklahoma
Joe McKnight RB Southern California
Shawnbrey McNeal RB Southern Methodist
Carlton Mitchell WR South Florida
Joshua Moore DB Kansas State
Derrick Morgan DE Georgia Tech
Jerell Norton DB Arkansas
Jason Pierre-Paul DE South Florida
Maurkice Pouncey C Florida
Brian Price DT UCLA
Dennis Rogan DB Tennessee
Jevan Snead QB Mississippi
Amari Spievey DB Iowa
Golden Tate WR Notre Dame
Demaryius Thomas WR Georgia Tech
Earl Thomas DB Texas
Donovan Warren DB Michigan
Damian Williams WR Southern California
Mike Williams WR Syracuse
Jason Worilds DE Virginia Tech
Major Wright DB Florida
Speaking of Plax
My little Brother bought a Plax Jersey on Giants.com yesterday for $15 hahaha
President of the Ramses Barden Fan Club
It would be a good pick
First off Ed… I think this would be a great pick if he was there. Of the couple of draft boards I’ve seen so far he was available then he wasnt. So right now this is kind of a toss up. There might be a couple of LB’s available during free agency, but after how we spent a lot of money bascially on nuthin last year its hard to say the G-Men will be proactive in there approach this yr. during free agency… But McClain might be the next P. Willis or make a name for himself. The reason why I say this because at Bama he played in a 3-4. He’s 6-4 and almost 260, so he had to take on blocks and shed them and what not. Also, he had Mt. Cody in front of him which is bascially 2 linemen as if he’s in a 4-3…LOL… So with his skill set you put him in a 4-3 and your right he might be the next Carson or McClain himself so it will be very interesting to see how this plays out but I hope he is there for us at No. 15!
I would trade down and get Iupati. That guy is a beast. I would use 2nd and 3rd picks and whatever we get for trading down on defense.
Might happen
you never know…
They could trade down, then grab Spikes in the late 1st, maybe get Morgan Burnett with the 2nd, and take Lamarr Houston with the extra second.
OR
Grab Jared Odrick with the 2nd if he’s there, and Reshad Jones or Darell Stuckey with the extra 2nd. Of Course if Chad Jones is still there you take hime before any of the other Safetys.
Awaiting the draft :/
by I_Formation27 on Feb 3, 2010 10:06 AM EST up reply actions
***Trading down might happen***
but yeah I wouldn’t take Lupati.
Awaiting the draft :/
by I_Formation27 on Feb 3, 2010 10:08 AM EST up reply actions
one rookie on defense is not gonna solve all the holes.
If iupati is the BPA in the first…take him. OL is a need. They’re gonna need to start overhauling it. They seemingly got their LT of the future, why not LG of the future?
You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there
by FreeBradshaw on Feb 3, 2010 11:59 AM EST up reply actions
Because
Like Troy said there are far too many holes on D, and drafting 2-3 potential contributors on Defense (meaning sooner rather than later) is IMO more important than drafting a LG of the future. Of course we don’t know what will go down in FA in terns of helping the D but as of right now i think defense is a bigger concern. Grab a LG sure, but does it have to be in the first couple of rounds? I just don’t think so.
Awaiting the draft :/
by I_Formation27 on Feb 3, 2010 12:35 PM EST up reply actions
And Dielh could be the LG of the future – wasn’t that where he played when Barber had really good rushing years?
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 3, 2010 12:42 PM EST up reply actions
Exactly
and that’s prob gonna happen anyway if Will Beatty moves to LT.
Awaiting the draft :/
by I_Formation27 on Feb 3, 2010 1:00 PM EST up reply actions
Iupati does not impress me at all
There was alot of hype about this guy prior to the Senior Bowl. All I saw was a big lazy guy with poor hands and feet technique. He was consistently beat off the ball and was caught numerous times trying to hold on for dear life. Plus, all I heard was how poorly he did when moved out to OT. I would not waste a 1st round pick on this guy no matter where in the first.
by Larry Soprano on Feb 3, 2010 10:07 AM EST up reply actions
Totally agree on his Senior Bowl performance ...
Every time they iso-ed him on film, he was holding. The minute the defender tried to twist away and not cooperate by just standing in front of him, he seemed like his only response was to grab.
EXACTLY. "His Senior Bowl" performance...
It wasn’t good at all, but it also wasn’t the only game he played this season. Players have bad games.
We didn't even have a chance for the "perfect season", but we did have the perfect ending.
actually...
when they put him back to his natural LG position, he dominated just like he did in practices.
The practices are more improtant then the one senior bowl game (which BTW..has the same rules as the Pro Bowl….).
You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there
by FreeBradshaw on Feb 3, 2010 12:01 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, but in the Senior Bowl ...
everyone is in a one-game “contract year”. In the Pro Bowl, it’s almost as if you aren’t cool if you look like you’re trying hard. The effort level was way, way different, and it’s the first time some of these guys are competing against other players near their level.
Iupati was horrific in the Senior Bowl
most DT’s ABUSED him in pass protection
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 3, 2010 12:22 PM EST up reply actions
Other then the first drive where Dan Williams manhandled him (while he was out of position at RG)
I completely disagree…Iupati was pretty damn good getting to the 2nd level.
Throughout practice and as the game went along, Iupati cemented himself as a first rounder and the best OG in the draft. The only question is how high?
You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there
by FreeBradshaw on Feb 3, 2010 12:27 PM EST up reply actions
That DT from Georgia
Atkins or something like that – he was beating him every time they passed the ball.
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 3, 2010 12:30 PM EST up reply actions
Besides who gives a first for a guard that can’t pass block?
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 3, 2010 12:31 PM EST up reply actions
no one...
I thought we were talking about Iupati?
You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there
by FreeBradshaw on Feb 3, 2010 12:31 PM EST up reply actions
We are talking about Iupati
and he can’t pass protect to save his (or eli’s) life
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 3, 2010 12:34 PM EST up reply actions
fair enough...
I have no idea where you saw that..but fair enough.
You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there
by FreeBradshaw on Feb 3, 2010 12:35 PM EST up reply actions
That wasn't Iupati...
Atkins came from the others side.
When Iupati was on the LG side, he wasn’t going against Atkins.
You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there
by FreeBradshaw on Feb 3, 2010 12:31 PM EST up reply actions
from walterfootball
Geno Atkins, DT, Georgia Draft Stock Up
Geno Atkins was unblockable in the Senior Bowl. He constantly put pressure on the opposing quarterbacks, senselessly beating Mike Iupati on numerous occasions.
Mike Iupati, G, Idaho Draft Stock Down
While Mike Iupati was solid in run-blocking, he was completely abused in pass protection by Geno Atkins. Iupati was beaten numerous times, was called for holding once, and should have been whistled for holding two other times. Let’s not get carried away and call Iupati the best offensive lineman in the 2010 NFL Draft, like Mike Mayock did before the Senior Bowl. Iupati is a tremendous run-blocking guard who is raw in pass protection.
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 3, 2010 12:35 PM EST up reply actions
what about during the practice?
which is more relevant….one game doesn’t prove anything…..
that’s why I don’t like walterfootball…I use if for some stuff, but they base that off the game and not the practices?
You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there
by FreeBradshaw on Feb 3, 2010 12:40 PM EST up reply actions
they have stuff from practice too
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 3, 2010 12:42 PM EST up reply actions
And I would think that how a player looks in an actual game is more important than practice
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 3, 2010 12:47 PM EST up reply actions
we talkin' 'bout
practice????
You play to win the game!
by Simms-McConkey on Feb 3, 2010 1:34 PM EST up reply actions
not a game with pro bowl rules
not a game where its your first experience with teammates.
Its comparable to a preseason scrimmage that’s played with a little bit more emphasis.
Even that’s over exaggerating on how much to get out of the game.
Most of the player’s stocks that are rising and falling is b/c of the practices.
You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there
Matt Mosley from ESPN
Is the only guy so far who has expressed doubt about McClain’s ability, saying that he was kind of protected in Nick Saban’s scheme in Alabama. But that sounds minor to me.
Does anyone know how many picks the Giants have this year? Besides their initial seven that is.
The Giants only have those 7
Awaiting the draft :/
by I_Formation27 on Feb 3, 2010 10:07 AM EST up reply actions
I'll say it again
On McClain…" I would leave the door open to JR making a sensible trade. Maybe a player instead of choices".
Underline sensible. NOT a first and third and Kiwi or Osi. But perhaps swap firsts with OAK and give up a player we CAN affort to lose. No loss of picks.
One player does not a team make but the Giants need an MLB. It should be a #1 priority.
If McClain is the real deal all possibilities should remain open. Of course, if the Giants think Spikes can do it then that is another matter.
Is this scenario likely – no. But JR is a shrewd negotiator and largely a good evaluator of talent. ( yeah, he has missed a bit of late but overall he has done pretty well).
Oakland & Trading Up
Few problems here though. First, McClain might be gone by then. I’ve seen mocks where he’s gone by the time Oakland picks, and to trade up we’d have to give up our very valuable late picks. I gather that McClain is a potential legend in the making, but unless he falls to us, I don’t want to sacrifice our entire defense for him. We still need to fill in spots in our Safety, Defensive Tackle, and Offensive Line, while possbily looking for other Linebackers, Defensive Ends, and Runningbacks. We grab McClain by trading up, and we lose our valuable 2nd and 3rd round picks.
I look at it this way. Last year the Giants could have traded up to grab Crabtree, Maclin, whatever. We grabbed Hakeem Nicks where he was, and he was still a star. If we can’t get McClain, that’s fine. There is a lot of depth to grab in the later rounds that would help fill our spots. McClain would be a steal at 15, but I don’t want to risk the rest of our defense to grab him.
by RolloT on Feb 3, 2010 11:05 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Makes sense RolloT
But I would disagree with anyone who thinks that MLB is not a top priority.
MLB – for the Giants anyway – is the QB of the D and remains a critical component. Safety is as well but not at the level of MLB.
Assuming – a big if – that Phillips plays at 95% and Ross can make a transition I am more comfortable with safety than with Goff at MLB
Ross at S next year
along with Rashad and Kenny coming back
Safety doesn’t look so bad anymore, especially considering we had Butler back there a few years ago.
Front 7 players are more important for the Giants I think
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 3, 2010 12:33 PM EST up reply actions
MLB is not the #1 priority.
That would be safety, where we don’t have anybody.
Jon Goff is less of a question at MLB then any of the Giants safeties. Hell, Antonio Pierce and Dan Blackburn are less questionmarks then the safety position.
You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there
by FreeBradshaw on Feb 3, 2010 12:07 PM EST up reply actions
I agree but they need to pick the best available player on the board...
To be honest Safety is the number 1 priority but if nothing is there then take the best player on the board..I don’t see this draft being very deep in safeties, so they’ll have to go down another avenue to solve that major problem…I have little hope that KP will be the KP we were hoping for so they need to do something for sure..Ross is not the answer.
"When I was a boy and had no sense I got my pecker stuck in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair and tickled my balls, and made me shit in my overalls"
This draft sure is deep in safeties...
I agree, don’t reach for one…but don’t reach for a MLB either.
That’s why most people are taling about Brian Price at #15, cuz he’s most likely to be there..and between him and Earl Thomas…I dunno yet. I have Thomas there b/c of the need for the position.
But aside from the seemingly sure-fire 1st round safeties in Eric Berry and Thomas, you got Nate Allen, Morgan Burnett, Chad Jones, Myron Rolle..plenty of other late round guys like Terrell Skinner from Maryland as well as the inevitable few CB’s who are converted to S, like Myron Lewis who’s 6"2 205 and probably better off as a S.
This is a good draft to need safeties, actually. Cuz if the Giants need 2, there’s a good reason to get 2.
You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there
by FreeBradshaw on Feb 3, 2010 12:25 PM EST up reply actions
They are good but we need immediate help at Safety..None of them will be there
at 15 and none of them will start..We need to fix safety some other way by getting a proven starter..If they don’t we’re screwed.
"When I was a boy and had no sense I got my pecker stuck in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair and tickled my balls, and made me shit in my overalls"
that doesn't always work either...
see 2009 Giants.
You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there
by FreeBradshaw on Feb 3, 2010 12:42 PM EST up reply actions
Disagree..no one knew KP would be IRed..No one knew Ross would have a
Terminal hamstring and CC brown would be a flop..I still think Rouse might work out okay..but you ain’t gonna find anyone in this draft that is going to walk on the field and be effective..that will not happen..Now the Giants had a major late dilemna on their hands and had to take what they could get and it didn’t work out at all..so I don’t blame JR on that..
"When I was a boy and had no sense I got my pecker stuck in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair and tickled my balls, and made me shit in my overalls"
You don’t think anyone from the first round will be an improvement over what we have right now?
At the safety position at least Berry, Thomas, Chad Jones, Morgan Burnett and Nate Allen would be starters from day one.
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 3, 2010 2:31 PM EST up reply actions
That's not true..they wouldn't start from day one..
If they did we’d get burned big-time..they aren’t going to start in the NFL without work..hence we need to find a proven field veteran and sign him. We can’t afford to do nothing less than find a guy with experience to start the season.
"When I was a boy and had no sense I got my pecker stuck in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair and tickled my balls, and made me shit in my overalls"
maybe...
I see what your saying Bobbi, they did this with KP as well where he didn’t start till around the end of the year.
I’d love to get a mix of FA’s and draft picks. Multiple draft picks actually.
The thing about the draft…you’re looking at these guys making an impact for 2012 and beyond, usually 3 years down the road.
This season, 2010, we’re looking at that 2008 class and what they do in their 3rd season.
We got Kehl, Goff, TT, KP..there’s 2 LBs, a CB and a S. What do they do this year?
People who we thought less of then these guys have came through in their 3rd year was well (Tuck, Webster).
So…most likely, we’ll be relying on those guys.
Its usually super-rookies that start right away, and no one has a clue until they go through TC and the offseason stuff (and of course, they don’t hold out for more money).
I’m all for getting a mix of players. No one has a clue on if any of the top talent in the draft…from Big Suh, Eric Berry, McClain…no one has a clue if they’re gonna be starting from day one.
You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there
Excellent post Free..I agree
I am looking at 2010..yeah we need to fill positions for the future but we have holes that need help now..I don’t want to wait for this team to run into the situation where we build up certain skills over time and then have another one to worry about..that is a very bad habit and I as many out here have seen that..We need a smart MLB (which is why I like this McClain) but he isn’t going to start…I’m hoping Goff fits the bill..and we need DTs that can apply pressure . I’ve said this before, shit rolls down-hill..If that D-line fails, then the LBs then the secondary..
"When I was a boy and had no sense I got my pecker stuck in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair and tickled my balls, and made me shit in my overalls"
its all about building for the future.
they are in a position at #15 where, unlike the past, where they are likely to get an impact player, like Price, Thomas, Williams or hopefully McClain.
The thing is…this also means they are fairly high in the other rounds (obvious, I know). That means they get teh pick of the litter in basically every round.
7 rounds..I’d like to see them get a DB, MLB, DT, OL, RB, with the extra 2 picks being a CB and a OG.
Its a deep draft, and trading away picks could mean a starter at one position.
You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there
Dan Blackburn
little brother of Chase, 5’7 175 at MLB
You play to win the game!
by Simms-McConkey on Feb 3, 2010 1:36 PM EST up reply actions
Doesn't Steve Smith's bro play linebacker as well?
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 3, 2010 1:45 PM EST up reply actions
I was just making fun of Bradshaw
for writing Dan Blackburn
You play to win the game!
by Simms-McConkey on Feb 3, 2010 1:48 PM EST up reply actions
O...
I guess former Rangers Goalie’s got stuck in my head today…
Hopefully the Giants never get someone named Lundqvist, or they’d be calle the next KING.
You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there
This McClain would absolutely be a no brainer..
If he falls our way..I’m with Ed..it would be a waste to trade up..there is alot of talent out there under the radar screen to be had and I’m certain the Giants will take advantage of that…The one interesting thing about the comparison in looks to Plax is this kid has a brain.
"When I was a boy and had no sense I got my pecker stuck in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair and tickled my balls, and made me shit in my overalls"
Rolando McClain
If the Giants really believe he is the next Patric Willis or Harry Carson then they should do what it takes to move up. The Jets moved up last year to get Sanchez. How did that work out? The 49’ers moved up to get Jerry Rice. How did that work out? The Patriots kept trading down last yr. and got a bunch of 2nd’s and 3rd’s. can you name any of those picks that made any contribution? We all know there are many cases of teams that traded up and got burned and we know of many teams that traded down and got burned. JR and his guys are pretty good at evaluating college talent, not so good at FA, so if they really believe that MClain is going to be a stud LB for the next 10 to 12 yrs. then go get him. If they think that there is someone close to him in the 2nd RD then stay pat or trade down. We are not the experts although sometimes we think we are. Some of us think that teams would never make foolish trades, but when they do make them we say what were they thinking. Didn’t the Browns make a foolish trade with the J E T S J E T S J E T S. Just remember we always have Al Davis to steal from ( Randy Moss to the Pats for a 4th).
The Browns got and excellent C in Alex Mack....got some talent at the WR position
and actually, no all the trades the Browns made turned out pretty good. It made zero sense for them to draft another QB with Quinn on the roster without a legit shot at the spot.
And again, QB is different then MLB. Its basically impossible to find a NFL QB in the later rounds, plenty of MLB’s are found from the 2nd and on.
The point you make about the Patriots is a good one. As in…no rookie, or rookie class, is gonna be the sole reason the Giants D takes the next step.
The reason, would be the guys on the roster. The Rooks hopefully help, but they aren’t gonna take the Giants to the promised land (and no..they didn’t do it in 2007 either, that would be #10 as well as Plax, Toom, Strah, Robbins, AP..etc.)
That’s why the Patriots D took step back. Jerrod Mayo was out for a while, they traded Seymour, Bruschi and Harrison retired…they have no vets on the squad.
Pat Chung, Darius Butler, Ron Brace, Myron Pryor…these guys are all good (yea..I named em off the top) and rookies and will get better.
You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there
by FreeBradshaw on Feb 3, 2010 12:13 PM EST up reply actions
I don't know how Brandon Meriweather made the pro bowl
that guy misses more tackles than he makes
You play to win the game!
by Simms-McConkey on Feb 3, 2010 1:38 PM EST up reply actions
Where do the Giants pick in later rounds?
Perhaps Ed has posted this previously, but is there somewhere where I can find (or can someone post) the Giants’ round-by-round picks in the upcoming draft? Talk of drafting up is foolish imo unless they had a surfeit of picks, ‘cuz they need those picks as they have too many holes. In any event, we’d all be shocked if they traded up….you do that to get a franchise QB, not a LB when you need a S and DT just as much.
Giants' 2010 Draft Picks (per round)
First Round: #15
Second Round: #46
Third Round: #76
Fourth Round: #113
Fifth Round: #144
Sixth Round: #175
Seventh Round: #206
Opus smart , lascivio magis , intereo gauisus...
Sometimes you gotta climb up
Sup Ed! Sup everybody! I’m new on the posting side of the blog but I’ve been following various discussion here for a while. Just like everybody here I was sick to the stomach by this past season performance esp the D.
On the pt of draft spec on McClain, I don’t have any reservation on trading up and getting him. The dude is on the top 10 of most draftboards, the next guy(Spikes) should be at the tail end of the 1st if not the 2nd rd. We got needs at MLB, S and DT, but the MLB has been atrocious for yrs. AP ain’t got it no more. I rem we trade up to get Manning cuz the GM was sure about the guy, if JR is sure about McClain I would go for it. It’s like trying to get a fruit from a tree, you either climb up and get it or wait until it drops down to you….
trading up for this BEAST
would the best thing the Giants can do this year
If he is there at 10 JR would have to be stupid to not trade up and get him. Our first, next years 2nd and this years 4th or 5th for jacksonville’s 1st.
Our depth isn’t too bad, its our starters who are below par.
Quality over Quantity is what we need at the moment
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 3, 2010 12:28 PM EST reply actions
+1000
Quality over Quantity is indeed what we need. Trading down is nice if you’re trying to add depth and hoard picks but if you got needs and there’s a sure fill-in in that need I say we go for it.
quality quantity is better.
more picks, in a draft that is chock full of DB’s, MLB’s, LB’s in general, OG’s, Center’s especially (Matt Tennant would be a hell of a steal in the 4th).
You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there
just because its full of them doesn’t mean they are any good.
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 3, 2010 4:56 PM EST up reply actions
Just because McClain is a top 10 pick...
doesn’t mean he’s good. It means he’s better then people in the draft.
?
You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there
Hmmm no arguements on Rolo but...
Seems to me that some of Reece’s decisions will be predicated on who he thinks will be back at DL and LB. He already knows he has zippo at the safety spots and next to nothing at LB. Given how most drafts are falling, we grab a top notch safety here as McClain will be long gone. If it’s anywhere near a reach though look for the Giants to trade down again work their magic with picks 2 through 4.
DL is another matter in particular where several veterans will be in the 2nd year of rehabbing from the knee injury bug that has plagued us, as well as one (Alford) that will be in his first full year of recovery. A couple guys are aged but I think he has more room here to take a chance than in either of the other two areas. If he doesn’t like what he sees I really don’t see him going with DL but picking a safety here. He may then proceed to pick 2-3 LB’s and an OL with the next 4 picks.
So Free
let me get this straight. If JR thinks that McClain is the next Harry Carson and trades up to get him, you would label this as a dumb move? I don’t have a strong opinion one way or the other. Like I said if they think he is a stud LB for yrs. then trade up and get him. The Browns made a bad trade with the JETS. They could have done better or drafted Sanchez. How are they looking at QB now? Most experts have said the Pats outsmarted themselves last year in the Draft. The Pats could have gotten a #1 for Matt Cassel but they took a #2 because they didn’t want to pay the high dollar for a #1
yea...it is.
McClain is one player. There’s other fish in the sea that can make an impact. Why do we need McClain? Darryl Washington, Pat Angerer, Micah Johnson, Sean Weatherspoon….all have play some sort of Mike on their defense.
Micah’s 6"2 255, quick fast, smart…leader of his D.
Why do we need to trade that 2nd rounder for McClain? The Giants need that 2nd rounder…and you can bet your bunghole that’s what they’d be giving up.
Wouldn’t Brian Price DT or Dan Williams DT + Micah or Washington or Weatherspoon..be better?
They’d also be giving up the 4th rounder most likely..maybe the third.
….say they give up the 4th rounder. This draft is stocked to the brim with Center prospects…all that could be available in the 4th. THey’d be giving up potentially their center of the future.
…oh wait!! I didn’t mention that GAPING hole they have at the safety position!
Putting all your eggs in one basket sets yourself up to fail.
Cuz…no rookie’s a sure thing. Even if you think he’s a sure thing when you draft him.
The Browns did not have a bad draft…Sanchez hasn’t done a damn thing yet, and his career may be in jeopardy with his little knee issue (just like Joe Namath).
The Pats didn’t outsmart themslevs…all those guys I mentioned above are going to start one day, maybe this year. The Pats are just smarter then everyone else actually…
You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there
by FreeBradshaw on Feb 3, 2010 3:14 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
No its not better
Theres a reason why guys in the first round are taken there – they are more talented (most of the time) and better prospects. Theres a better chance that with the right coaching they can become great players.
That is why trading up for McClain would be a great idea. You get a guy from a great program whos been coached well and played well, who has great size for his position. On top of that a lot of teams want him because they’ve seen him be a good player.
The NFL isn’t only about size. You need to have the right mentality and technique. Those guys that we can get in the 3rd and 4th round are less likely to have that.
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 3, 2010 5:05 PM EST up reply actions
actually...
that’ last line could’nt be more false. That’s exactly why guys fall. Guys like Pat Angerer, Darryl Washington and Sean Weatherspoon fall because of the fact they aren’t 6"4 255 and play for the Crimson Tide! Under Nick Sabaen!
Trading up isn’t a good idea. It could work…its could also fail. The team has too many holes to fill not named MLB to trade up for one player.
You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there
No.
They fall because they aren’t as good.
I’d rather have Goff stay at MLB than Angerer or Washington
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 3, 2010 6:28 PM EST up reply actions
And besides – you’re the one whose saying “Micah Johnson! 255! and fast!!”
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 3, 2010 6:29 PM EST up reply actions
see part 2 of that...
Micah’s not a first round pick cuz he played at Kentucky. I don’t get what Micah Johnson has to do with this…unless your agreeing that keeping the 2nd rounder and getting Johnson’s a better option (which it is…)
I’d rather have Goff at MLB then trade up for McClain. Cuz I’d rather have Brian Price/Dan Williams at DT and Chad Jones at S in the 2nd and get Angerer for depth/competition.
You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there
I wanted to trade next years 2 not this years.
and no Micah is not a first rounder because on tape he hasn’t looked as good as McClain.
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 3, 2010 6:42 PM EST up reply actions
why would you trade next year's 2?
that’s no better then trading this year’s 2…not at all.
Since you like walterfootball..read this.
You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there
Because its likely to be a lower pick
and walter has good scouting reports for everyone
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 3, 2010 7:03 PM EST up reply actions
doesn't matter if its #64 or #33...
they need that pick.
You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there
and a safety.
You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there
I feel we have more options at safety than we do at MLB
Ross, KP, Rashad, Anderson, Rouse will all play some part of the safety situation.
At MLB right now our only options are Goff and Pierce.
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 3, 2010 8:24 PM EST up reply actions
You only need one MLB...
maybe 2 for backup. And don’t leave out Blackburn, cuz he’s likely on the squad and not Pierce.
Ross only has a couple games experience, KP you don’t know what he is..Rashad and Anderson are UDFA’s and never played a down, Rouse was OK (and that’s is putting it light as a feather).
The Giants have Kenny Phillips and Mike Johnson as the ’realistic starters for 2010 if they do nothing.
MJ is average at best (again..putting it lightly as a feather) and KP is a huge questionmark.
Goff and Blackburn, let alone Pierce…is a lot better then anything at S.
You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there
There are unlikely to be more than 4 S on the final roster anyway. And safeties are less involved in the game than the MLB.
MLB is basically the 2nd most important defensive player on the field after DE.
At least I think its more important for us to have a great MLB than it is to have a great S.
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 4, 2010 7:27 PM EST up reply actions
Indeed you are
No need to lose out on depth for McClain. The only way he is worth trading up for is a perennial pro bowler possible HoF. And it’s all a crapshoot. You can’t really risk it. Pray for him to drop but a guy like him is hard to pass on. It’s a deep draft. Let’s get a few more picks by trading down and hopefully Frees pick are read daily by Mr. Reese. We need talent at more positions on D.
I agree with both sides of the argument
but this year there seem to be too many holes to fill to give picks away. At the same time the “holes/players” on the team are competitive enough that people would like to think that we are playoff contender. Some of those “holes” are also really question marks more than anything ( KP, Alford, Brown, etc IR last years rookie FA’s ) So to trade up to get one guy sounds like the team is “rebuilding” and putting all their hopes into one player. So, I agree with Free and Wangstu and others here, that this years draft is deep enough to stay or trade down, considering the gold that JR has proven he can find in the later rounds
"The Next Harry Carson" might be a bit much.
He’s more like the next DeMeco Ryans…which doesn’t suck. The only way we move up is if the Raiders are acting stupid – not at all out of the realm of possibility. But I think we wait and see. Draft day is weird – especially with the Raiders in it. They’ll probably pick a punter or something. I could actually see them picking – and playing – Tebow.
I left my swagger in my other pants.
He didn't Say Next!
He said he could be the Next Great Middle Linebacker “SINCE” Harry Carson. Meaning we haven’t had a good/great linebacker since Harry Carson
We have no idea how McClain's pro career will turn out
Maybe he is the next Carson, or maybe he is better than Carson. Maybe he becomes a bust…. The only thing we know for sure is that hes had a fabulous college career which certainly improves his chances at becoming a great pro player.
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 3, 2010 1:49 PM EST up reply actions
He is a Beast!
I really like this guy man! Him and Sean Lee i think they both would be great for us. Sean Lee is like St.Louis Middle Linebacker.
My Birthday Present
My Bday is On April 28th and this would be the best Present ever!
If McClain is still available at pick 10
Its seems possible to trade the first pick and osi for the Jags pick. The jags are desperate for a pass rusher. They got something like 20+ sacks last year, with no more than 5 from any player. Osi would be an immediate upgrade as a pass-rush specialist. Furthermore, they don’t seem to have any needs that they couldn’t get at pick 10 just as well as 15 cough tebow cough. Seems plausible to me…
Too much
While I’m all about McClain, and trading up, if reasonable, recent history has shown me that this would be way too much to get #10. Braylon Edwards was supposedly worth a 1 and 3, Boldin was a 1 and 2 and Roy freaking Williams was a 1, 3 and 5. Granted Jones is a dumb mf’er, but still…
I’d be trying to hold onto Osi, give him another chance, but if we were to try to dump him off, based on these “deals” alone, it seems reasonable that he would be worth the #10 as is, without our 1. And I know that wouldn’t happen and it wouldn’t be worth it (to the Jags), but just saying.
"Uh-huh, uh-huh. Okay. Um, can you repeat the part of the stuff where you said all about the...things? Uh… the things?" - Homer Simpson
by GiantSunDevil on Feb 3, 2010 2:32 PM EST up reply actions
did you notice that you named WR's
Shhhh! Don’t Compare a WR to a MLB.
Actually it'd be a DE
Yes, those are all WR, but technically the DE would get us a pick, not necessarily a MLB. So it’s all good :)
"Uh-huh, uh-huh. Okay. Um, can you repeat the part of the stuff where you said all about the...things? Uh… the things?" - Homer Simpson
by GiantSunDevil on Feb 3, 2010 2:36 PM EST up reply actions
I'd give up Osi + a later pick (2nd, 3rd, whatever the lowest pick the Jags would take)
I think that would be a good move. Then the Giants could draft McClain + Williams or Thomas or whoever they want at 15. Two first round picks would be awesome.
2009 Did Not Happen
Maybe if the Jags also throw in a 3rd. We shouldn’t give up Umenyiora to only move up 5 spots.
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 3, 2010 2:33 PM EST up reply actions
Trading up...does it work?
Don’t forget the Jets trading up in front of us a couple years ago and getting a pretty good CB in the name of Revis!!! If they didn’t trade up, he would have been ours.
Well, there's this "Eli" fellow...
but whatever we do, do not trade Osi. (Unless it’s to the Raiders and we get Richard Seymour plus next year’s first plus a puppy.)
I left my swagger in my other pants.
He didn't say trade Eli !!!
He was referring to the question posted above him " Trading up….does it work" . If your a fan of Eli and the Draft Day trade in 04 then you would say yes. HughG16 was making a separate observation / suggestion about trading Osi
I somewhat agree...
I believe we don’t really have one number 1 priority.. we are soft down the middle…and thank god the Giants have more than just 1 draft pick and that overall the draft just doesn’t allow 1 draft pick to a team – that would plain suck! I think our priority should be to shore up our middle… be it MLB, S, DT… and the other positions for backup and growth..so I agree that MLB is a #1 priority, I also believe this would be a successful draft if we get all 3 positions I mentioned with quality players,,and yes, I think all 3 are #1 priorities —
in all seriousness, although it would be nice to get a star, I wouldn’t mind quality good players that can play in a team system and finding 1 star… that being said we do have 7 chances in this draft to find at least 1 budding star…whether it be from the 1st round to the 7th or even maybe more coming from UDFA….
Opus smart , lascivio magis , intereo gauisus...
The Supreme Authority
Free has spoken, so it all must be true. It does not matter that other teams have traded up to get great players. Shhhhhh don’t tell Free the Jets traded up to get Revis and Sanchez.. Oh I forgot Sanchez hasn’t done a damn thing! The rookie only led the Jets to the AFC Championship game. How did he do at Cinn and at San Diego? Didn’t do a damn thing! How’s Revis doing at CB. Some say he is the BEST in the NFL, But Free say’s its dumb to trade up. According to Free, McClain could be a bust, but all the guys he has pegged for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th round are can’t miss guys. Why? Because he says so! Free even knew that Sanchez would have trouble with his knee a year ago. Namath had bad knees so Free would never have drafted him. How many Super Bowl wins do theJets have. I forgot who their QB was in that one win in 69
Who says the Giants give up a 2 and 4 to move up. They could swap with Al and throw in ( I’m no second stringer OSI) I did not say to sell the farm for McClain. I said if the deal was right to do it. I would not give up a 2 and 4. Most experts say Belicheat’s arrogance got them in trouble. He thinks he can plug in any High School player, let Pro Bowl CB go to FA. trade PB Seymour, pass on 1st rd picks for 2nd rounders,etc etc. The experts say the Pats out smarted themselves. What do they know? Free is the Authority
interesting....
You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there
by FreeBradshaw on Feb 3, 2010 11:22 PM EST up reply actions
I honestly thought this was one of the guys Ed banned
I think this guy needs to chill out and reread what he’s saying.
Never assume skill at bouncing a ball makes you smarter than the guy who built the court.
When there's a WILL there's a WAY
I think alot of folks are jumping all over Free for no reason..
The guy does his homework and has reasonable opinions, some of which are arguable, but that is no reason get all over him about them..Like Ed and alot of the older fans like me out here, I don’t like to trade up for a pick..that is a huge gamble that almost always never pays off..So in my opinion we sit tight where were at or make a few deals in the middle or lower rounds..If a guy like McClain or a CJ Spiller, etc..happen to be there then we have to grab them..We have huge holes at DT and safety that need to get fixed..and none of them will get fixed in the draft..Actually the problems might not be as bad as we think, because injuries and bad coaching played a big role..so who knows?..Hopefully the people that count know and they are the coaching staff not us. I’m not going to get irritated by a fellow Giants fans comments..especially when they are reasonable and well thought out..Personally I truly believe that our problems may very well not be as bad as we witnessed this past season..So lay off a guy for having a well thought out opinion on the draft..the draft isn’t going to fix anything this year..Tom Coughlin doesn’t even have an answer to what we saw and he’s the fucking head coach.
"When I was a boy and had no sense I got my pecker stuck in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair and tickled my balls, and made me shit in my overalls"
I'm definitely down to drop next years 2 to slide up for mcclain
But don’t assume we go DEF the first 3 picks,what if a guy like Buluga falls?Somehow some way I think we’ll wind up w/ the RT of the future.If not maybe a guy like Pounckey who can play all over the line.I think we should trade Kiwi for extra picks, if anything so we can get more of some of the 2-4rd Def player range.I wouldn’t be surprised if we grab Geno Atkins in the 4th.What can we do….so much speculation,so little influence ya know!?!
we can't trade kiwi
we need to have some players on the team with some experience. It can’t be a team full of rookies or other unproven players. Kiwi in 2010 will play better than 95% of next years rookies.
Besides don’t forget that we aren’t loaded with DEnds. If we trade OSI or KIWI we are left with either an unproven rookie or Tollefson / Sintim at right end in our nickel package. Considering that most right tackles are not as polished in pass protection as their left brethren, against most teams we have a pretty good mismatch with Kiwi going up against him.
by mclaren_is_the_best on Feb 4, 2010 7:56 PM EST up reply actions
Wow
I never thought I’d hear so many wanting to trade away picks in rounds 2 and 3. Those are the picks that usually differentiate good teams from Super Bowl teams. Reese has had success finding guys after the 2nd round but that is a dicey game
Remember that while McClain may be as good as advertised, he can only play one position. Without a good DT in front of him and S behind him unlikely he will play his best.
There is a long list of can’t miss prospects that missed. If you miss and you give up multiple picks, you are really up the creek.
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