Daily NFL Draft Prospect Profile: Dexter McCluster, RB/WR, Ole Miss
by Ed Valentine on Mar 2, 2010 11:00 AM EST
in 2010 NFL Draft
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Print[Remember to check the '2010 NFL Draft' section for all stories relating to the draft.]
I honestly have not seen Ole Miss running back/wide receiver Dexter McCluster go to the Giants in any of the mock drafts I have looked at in recent weeks.
I have, however, seen McCluster's name mentioned quite often by some of you here at Big Blue View.
Obviously, the 5-foot-8, 170-pound Percy Harvin "hybrid" type is a guy who would bring a dimension to the Giants offense -- and special teams -- that they don't currently have.
I can already see the "Forget this, Kevin Gilbride wouldn't know how to use him, anyway" comments coming. Despite that, let's make McCluster the subject of today's Daily NFL Draft Prospect Profile
Dexter McCluster Scouting Reports
From SB Nation's Mocking The Draft.
A look at Dexter McCluster leads many to believe he is simply too small to hack it at the next level. But the explosion, quickness, and speed he is able to bring to the field every play of every week is going to possibly get his name called in the second round. McCluster is one of the most versatile playmakers in the country that can play a Wes Welker role as a receiver and a Darren Sproles role as a running back. He has plenty of experience in the wildcat formation and his return abilities will be used right away in the NFL. On top of all the physical ability, McCluster is one of the smartest players that Ole Miss coaching staff has ever dealt with. He is another coach on the field that can make sound, quick decisions. Playing at 165 pounds in the NFL cannot happen however, so he will need to bulk up if he is planning on taking 15-20 hits per game for a 16 week season. With this kind of athleticism though, McCluster is one of the safer bets of the 2010 draft class.
From Fantasy Football Toolbox.
It's simply impossible for him to impose his will physically on defenders. That said, he can certainly be a real weapon in the NFL just like he is in college. Teams could use him as a Darren Sproles-type running back, and could also be a lethal pass-catching option lining up in the slot. McCluster has all the makings of a special teams standout as well. Injuries (not surprisingly) have been a bit of a concern, but NFL teams can live with that because he is not going to be an every-down player. He will simply provide a home-run threat on occasional plays, and perhaps frequently in Wildcat formations. His athleticism, and speed in the low 4.3s of the 40-yard dash, should earn McCluster nothing worse than a 3rd round selection in the 2010 draft.
From NFL Draft Bible.
At the next level, the electrifying playmaker projects as a jack-of-all-trades role player who will be at his best with limited snaps. His best assets are his fearlessness in how he quickly reads his blocks and attacks the middle of a defense along with his fluid running style and quickness in and out of his breaks. His second gear in the open field make him a big play threat. If used properly, the little Rebel can excel in a Leon Washington-type role.
Why he fits with the Giants
Because the Giants have no one quite like him, and you can never have too many play makers. I am not buying the 'Gilbride won't know what to do with him' argument. KG coached a 'run 'n shoot' team at one time, so he knows how to utilize 'non-traditional' pieces on offense.
Why the Giants should pass
Because they don't have a huge need at either wide receiver or running back. McCluster feels like a 'luxury' pick for a team that has a lot of holes to fill, and can't afford 'luxury' picks. Oh, and if you put any stock in his Combine 40-yard dash time he isn't as fast as we had been led to believe.
(E-mail Ed at bigblueview@gmail.com. Follow Big Blue View on Twitter.)
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I Love this kid....
I would love to see McCluster in a Giants uniform, and I think he would fit in with our RBs and we could even put him in the slot, he is quick and has fast quick moves. A very dangerous weapon.
Hmmmm
We do need a pass catching back. If we are going to use a pick on a draft I would rather use it on a more traditional back that can also catch the ball, say CJ Spiller. Or an “every down back” like a Toby Gerhardt.
If we want a Darren Sproles type back we can just sign Darren Sproles and use our draft picks elsewhere.
except...
He would be a lot cheaper then Sproles would be and I dont think Spiller will fall to us
Spiller ran a 4.27 at the combine..
Right now he needs to decide if he should leave the country or accept his fate as an Oakland Raider
I don't need birthdays. I buy myself everything I need and because of my drinking its often a surprise
isnt Andre Brown supposed to be our pass catching option? A la Derrik Ward?
I don't need birthdays. I buy myself everything I need and because of my drinking its often a surprise
isnt Andre Brown recovering from a ruptured achilles?
"I'm not a scratch golfer. I don't know how to bowl. I can't read the stock market. Hell, I have a hard time rememberingmy wife's cell phone number. But I can call 'Flip right double X jet 36 counter naked waggle at 7 X quarter' in my sleep" - Gruden
by I_Formation27 on Mar 2, 2010 12:29 PM EST up reply actions
Ok, I should have elaborated...
..I mean assuming he’s recovering nicely Brown is our 3rd running back behind bradshaw and jacobs. Whatever the Giants decide to do with Gartrell Johnson and DJ Ware remains to be seen but do we have room o the roster for an experimental hybrid WR?
I don't need birthdays. I buy myself everything I need and because of my drinking its often a surprise
Yes
Some of those tendered guys will be gone IMO. S. Moss, CC Brown, Danny Ware – all gone. I’d be surprised if Gartrell made the roster next season. AP is already gone, Danny Clark and Kevin Dockery will prob follow. Robbins – gone.
Thats 8 extra spots right there. So yes we have room on the roster.
We also don’t know what will happen in a couple of years with guys like Manningham and Jacobs who might not be here. Anything is possible.
"I'm not a scratch golfer. I don't know how to bowl. I can't read the stock market. Hell, I have a hard time rememberingmy wife's cell phone number. But I can call 'Flip right double X jet 36 counter naked waggle at 7 X quarter' in my sleep" - Gruden
by I_Formation27 on Mar 2, 2010 2:25 PM EST up reply actions
If...
If it were up to me, add Bernard, Rouse, and Wilkerson, and now you are up to 11 players. I think Michael Johnson is going to be a backup this season, that’s why I added Rouse too. Can’t see them starting Johnson for 16 games?
The coaches
probably see some upside with Rouse, so I doubt he leaves, but I agree on the others.
"I'm not a scratch golfer. I don't know how to bowl. I can't read the stock market. Hell, I have a hard time rememberingmy wife's cell phone number. But I can call 'Flip right double X jet 36 counter naked waggle at 7 X quarter' in my sleep" - Gruden
by I_Formation27 on Mar 3, 2010 9:21 AM EST up reply actions
Ahem
Forget this, Kevin Gilbride wouldn’t kno… seriously though, sounds like a nice player, but not really a need.
I like McCluster as an idea
I don’t like him as a 3rd round pick (though of course that would be dependent on who is actually on the board)
Leon Washington is 5-8 200lbs
Darren Sproles is about right
Dave Meggett was 5-7 195
And they were all picked in 4th/5th round
He may make some GM look like a genius, but we have Hixon who will mainly be a special teamer, and how many carries/catches will there be for a RB unless the team plans on moving BJ/AB, the 3rd guy is mainly a spectator.
3rd is too early
+1
And if nothing else I wnt us to take a LB/OT in the 3rd, regardless of our selection in the 1st. We have to many holes to try and give MORE depth to on of our deepest areas (or two deepest if you cant him as a RB and WR)
I don't need birthdays. I buy myself everything I need and because of my drinking its often a surprise
Don't reach for him.
I’d love to have him, but you can get Brandon James late and you’ll have roughly the same impact.*
*I only say that because of the Killdrive factor. He wouldn’t know how to use him so the kid would end up returning punts, and get maybe one carry. But James is an equally electrifying punt returner, and will be there late.
I left my swagger in my other pants.
Me too...
As a 4th rounder, he would look good, certainly be an upgrade on ST, and maybe as a 3rd down back as well. BTW, please stop throwing the ball to Jacobs, he drops half of them. It took them almost 14 weeks to throw the ball to Bradshaw.
ive watched dex for 3 years...
and he is electrifying.
had he been the primary RB at ole miss this past season, i guarantee he wouldve been a heisman finalist.
check his second half stats…theyre better than gerhart, best, and “that guy” who won the heisman…
plus ole miss didnt have the OL that alabama had and we didnt have many other big time playmakers…minus shay hodge…
whoever takes him will be getting a great personality, a leader, and a top tier rb/wr/kr/pr.
Eli to Dex...
…looks good to me in the 4th. Ole Miss connection.
by Last year in Sec 127 on Mar 2, 2010 5:16 PM EST up reply actions
I've been sold since the Cotton Bowl
Has the potential to be an immediate impact player. If he is still there in the 3rd I would take him in a heartbeat.
To some he may seem like a luxury pick, however the Giants special teams sucks. Field position cost this team more than there shoddy defense. As a PR/KR he is an immediate improvement. Plus, get him 5 to 9 touches on offense and watch him go.
This team cannot draft only Defensive players. They need to improve their ST and could use a playmaker on O.
Not to mention, he will cost much cheaper than Spiller, Washington or Sproles.
I agree
we need to improve Special Teams big time. But you cant honestly say ST cost us more games than the defense.
I'm talking pre-giving up games
Consistent starting field position on your own 20 or less, which subsequently lead to opponents field position starting on their own 40 or better exposed this defense. Winning field position and time of possession battles is the key for the Giants to be successful.
by Larry Soprano on Mar 2, 2010 12:27 PM EST up reply actions
Larry, I don't disagree with you...
But I’m thinking that Zoltan Mesko (punter/kicker) as a later round draft pick might do as much and more to help the special teams. Instead of putting their offenses against our current weak point (defense) with a 60-yard field in front of them, requiring an 80 yard march might have more impact. Also, with a punter/kicker, the shelf life is much longer, and if good, one can hang in the league for many, many years. I have nothing against McCluster, but he’s likely to be injury prone and of short shelf life. Also, while I agree the special teams have been poor, I think Mesko and a coaching change would have more impact, and would also do more to help our defense, which is the biggest need area we have.
I'm not in love with him
So if they pass on him in the 3rd I won’t be upset. I have never been a fan of drafting a (punter/kicker), but if there is one there in the 6th or 7th round, they might have a better chance of making the team than someone else at that stage (see the Giants 2009 6th and 7th rounders).
I guess my point is that I have seen tons of bloggers cry out that we need to draft defense with every pick. I would agree that our D has some holes, but there are other aspects of the team that could use addressing and using a 3rd round pick on this kid wouldn’t be a waste IMO. I have a hard time believing that a 3rd or 4th or 5th guy will make a difference for the holes in the D in 2010. Even a 1st or 2nd is no guarantee either.
I just want to see JR draft the BPA’s and build for the future in the process. I think that if the injured guys get healthy (and not even including KP) that they are one FA signing and one draft pick away from getting the D shored up.
by Larry Soprano on Mar 2, 2010 2:03 PM EST up reply actions
I don't agree with the "injury prone" statement
He doesn’t have a history with injuries. Nor does his size automatically make him susceptible to injury. Based on the games I’ve seen him in and the highlight footage, he can handle himself pretty well against the bigger folk.
by Larry Soprano on Mar 2, 2010 2:06 PM EST up reply actions
It's certainly not a foregone conclusion that he'll be injury prone...
but he doesn’t seem like a guy whose going to carry much more weight without losing the quickness that makes him special, and there’s a big difference between the size and speed of average college tackler that he’s been against and an NFL player. I’m not saying he doesn’t have talent, but on a team with a lot of holes and question marks, he’s a bit like Beckum last year, a talented guy who probably isn’t going to get a lot time on the field cause there’s no natural role in the traditional Giants offense for him. A role could be created of course, but Gilbride isn’t noted for innovation, and TC isn’t famous for changing the status quo to highlight a rookie. I can see him being an upgrade over Hixon as a returner, but then I don’t think Hixon is awful, nor that he’s the problem with our special teams. I just don’t see him getting on the field a whole lot offensively and while you could be totally right, I do think the injury risk is above average.
He needs a haircut..
"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"
he already BULKED up from 160 to 170, no chance he ever breaks 190
this doesnt matter if all you want is a kick returner, slot WR! but he wont be a RB.
+1
How big is DeSean Jackson? an idea about these guys is that they are so quick and fast, getting hit is not an issue. But at RB, yeah, he would get murdered. I would love to see Jackson line up at RB and meet good old Tuck at the line. Wipe that smile off his face.
Jackson
actually has lined up as a RB on sweep plays and he took one to the house last season…He was smiling in the end-zone.
We could get the same result from McCluster. Gilbride has Screen passes up the wazoo and he would be perfect for them.
"I'm not a scratch golfer. I don't know how to bowl. I can't read the stock market. Hell, I have a hard time rememberingmy wife's cell phone number. But I can call 'Flip right double X jet 36 counter naked waggle at 7 X quarter' in my sleep" - Gruden
by I_Formation27 on Mar 2, 2010 1:04 PM EST up reply actions
Was that sweep against us?
I do not remember. I really want a Giant to clean Jackson’s clock next year. Living in Philadelphia and I cannot take anymore of their love affair with him here. Not one person was upset to see Westbrook go, stating that Jackson was their man. I would love to have a guy like McCluster, just to stick it to some Eagle fans down here.
lol I couldn't remember either
I’m assuming it was the lone rushing TD he had, which was against Washington – go figure.
"I'm not a scratch golfer. I don't know how to bowl. I can't read the stock market. Hell, I have a hard time rememberingmy wife's cell phone number. But I can call 'Flip right double X jet 36 counter naked waggle at 7 X quarter' in my sleep" - Gruden
by I_Formation27 on Mar 2, 2010 2:39 PM EST up reply actions
I dunno about that..
If Gilbride has screen passes up the wazoo, how come we don’t use them often?
As I mentioned earlier, it “only” took the OC about 14 weeks to figure out that they could screen to Bradshaw (and he was hurting big time by then)…I hate to admit it as a Giants fan, but they might be one of the worse in the league at utilizing the screen. Look at their neighbors down I-95, they utilize the screen very well.
Not that they didn't utilize the screen
they didn’t execute it properly and guys like David D were blocking “air” causing Bradshaw to get caught from behind on ankle tackles half the time.
"I'm not a scratch golfer. I don't know how to bowl. I can't read the stock market. Hell, I have a hard time rememberingmy wife's cell phone number. But I can call 'Flip right double X jet 36 counter naked waggle at 7 X quarter' in my sleep" - Gruden
by I_Formation27 on Mar 3, 2010 9:25 AM EST up reply actions
"Forget this, Kevin Gilbride wouldn't know how to use him, anyway"
you took the words out of my mouth.
However, this league is shifting its style to suit guys like this. Look how much things have changed since Reggie Bush got drafted. You dont have to be able to run up the middle anymore.
If we had a different OC, then we could use him like Bush or Harvin, but I think we are too ‘traditional’ for that. Also, we would need a much more athletic OLine. We are just not built to run a system where this guy fits.
No FreeBradshaw posting yet.
Anyway Free, here is a report on your boy Pat Angerer from si.com
Pat Angerer/LB/Iowa: Angerer ran faster than scouts expected and performed much better in drills than anyone could have imagined. His 40 times were in the high 4.6-area and Angerer looked terrific in pass coverage drills, dispelling the myth he’s just a two-down defender
Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/football/nfl/03/01/combine.dl/index.html#ixzz0h2XRDnXK
Finally!!!!!!
I am probably this biggest McCluster fan on this board and I have been on his bandwagon for a while.
Special teams: Hixon leave MUCH to be desired. The special teams in general have been pretty lackluster for a while. Jerry Reese always says they always look to upgrade at any position they see fit. Eli and the O would be in a better position to score if they were able to start out on say the 30+ yrd line on average, and even more on punt returns. Hixon is average. Wouldn’t you guys love to see a Josh Cribbs type return specialist in a Giants uniform? I know I would. If McCluster is BPA at some point, which he could be, I think JR would def have him on the radar.
He could also create multiple looks on offense in the Harvin mold. Just imagine a double back set wit Bradshaw, McCluster and Nicks/Smith/Manningham all on the field together! that would be insane.
Send Hixon back to Denver for all I care.
"I'm not a scratch golfer. I don't know how to bowl. I can't read the stock market. Hell, I have a hard time rememberingmy wife's cell phone number. But I can call 'Flip right double X jet 36 counter naked waggle at 7 X quarter' in my sleep" - Gruden
Hes Ready
Ive watched him his whole career, and though he might not be an every down back he has no fear, extreme speed,(dont know wth was wrong at the combine), hes a great leader and has a very good personality to handle the new york crowd. I’d love to see him as a giant perhaps second round because as bad as the giants need to pick up some solid defensive picks he would be a great asset to help out an ailing ST and 3rd down slot man.
Okay here is my Arabian barbecue experience..just to toss in a little humor..
Well..When I was over there I was invited to a for lack of a better term to describe it, a Saudi barbecue…Well, they had plates but no utensils (forks and knives)..but they did have knives believe me….Well, they had this goat on a rotissierie..and we were primed on Arabic etiquette prior to going, but I’m Left-handed (remember that)..It was a really nice setting inside of this big ‘ol tent…When the thing was ready to eat, they just started grabbing the meat with their hands and putting it on their plates..What I wasn’t told was this…They all used their right hands when pulling their food together on their plates…Well I observed and figured okay I can do this so I grabbed a hunk of meat for my plate with my “left-hand”..They went beserk !!..All of a sudden they were pulling knives out from under their robes…meanwhile I was reaching for my pistol (I figured I was going to take a few of these nuts out with me..I thought we got caught in a trap)..Well the interpreter..jumped in between me and these jeweled-knife wielding Saudis hollering a bunch of shit at them..and they all settled back down..As it turns out, the dinner sucked and I learned that over there they use their left-hand to wipe their asses..and never use their left-hand to eat with..So they were ready to kill me..The interpreter later told me what he said: “I hollered American American !! they use toilet tissue !!”)..That was funnier than hell..
"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're the freaking Indiana Jones of goat curry
You play to win the game!
by Simms-McConkey on Mar 2, 2010 1:33 PM EST up reply actions
LOL!!..They presented me with a knife before I left I can scan it and post it....
That was my first and last Saudi barbecue..My bosses questioned my “Diplomacy”
"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"
jeeeeez
bobbi you need to start your own blog called BobbiBlueView.com. You have some great stories
Please Mets.. over .500 this year? Please??
by Plaxico Burress on Mar 2, 2010 1:46 PM EST up reply actions
But...
You gotta love their food etiquette, funny shit.
Hahaha no "pun" intended, right?haha
Yep. they thought I was wiping that crappy tasting goats ass..I guess..haha..Not a good place to be left-handed..My next installment to break up the the pursuit of our drafting a team for our Giants will be…Guess what you see the Iraqi soldiers doing to each other at night as seen through night vision binnoculars.
"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"
ole miss
I love this player. I watched alot of ole miss this year just to watch him play. Even though we need defense,defense, defense in this draft if he is around in the 3rd round i wouldn’t take a minute to draft. He would be an answer to the breakaway back as well as a speed pass cathcher out of the backfield and fill a need on special teams. Lets not forget when Tiki came out of Virginia he was to small to be an everydown back and after a few years of third down back and return man Tiki turned out pretty well.
another point
ive also not seen anyone be reminded that year before last ole miss also had an unknown by the name of mike wallace , who did great things and suprised alot of people at pissburg this year. what isnt unknown is the fact that dexter had better feet , hands, and speed than mike…. just something to think about.
get him
at the very least he’s worth great headline/punchline material if he makes a mistake.
impossible
he’s half the traffic to the site
You play to win the game!
by Simms-McConkey on Mar 3, 2010 7:58 AM EST up reply actions
Question?
Ed will you be looking at Toby Gerhart during your profiles? possible 2nd rounder?
Gerhart
Yeah, I will get to him. I don’t think he goes that early, but I will get to him eventually.
I worry about inury with small players like that
Sproles is a unicorn, somehow he has stayed healthy for the most part and has been effective. Maybe a hester type player, but would it translate to the giants offense? Obviously a special teams player, but sproles is also a free agent, i would rather go after someone proven(although the money he will want does not make it worth it) Maybe if he is a late rounder, we pick him up
Maybe if he is there in the 3rd round
but some team will probably reach for him in the 2nd
by mclaren_is_the_best on Mar 2, 2010 3:47 PM EST reply actions
If he falls to us
If he falls like manningham did i would grab him, i would hate to miss out on the next desean jackson, chris johnson type of speed impact player, of course this would mean another toy for gilbride who is too basic to use all of the Giants talent on offense……..just think what some of these other coordinators would do ( mike martz, josh mcdaniel, etc……. and gilbride is a very good OC but he is basic and we dont have basic talent.
But dont tell em i told you that !!!!!
not every fast player is a desean jackson / chris johnson
by mclaren_is_the_best on Mar 2, 2010 4:22 PM EST up reply actions
I say pass on McCluster. First off…he ran a 4.58, so he ain’t no Desean Jackson. He’s quick tho, so its not all that important…he’s not just DJAX (more like “Knowshown Moreno” fast yet quick)
Gilbride’s head would explode with this guy too. And given there being 2 Gilbride’s on the team, I’d rather not tempt fate by eliminating one and hiring the other.
He could and probably will play RB. He might take a pounding, but he’s actually small enough to avoid hits..and is good at it.
I say pass. The passing game should get some infusion with Becks and Barden playing a role. The RB should get some from Andre Brown. I’d draft a RB, but unless we’re talking CJ Spiller, I wait for a Ben Tate or a Montario Hardesty in the 4 range (if they are there…) or if we’re looking at a poor man’s CJ Spiller, someone like Joe McKnight
He’d be a nice weapon, he may fall with that 4.58…but I dunno what exactly he’s gonna do for us. Well..I’d figure out something (tho apparently I know nothing…) but Gilbride would probably grow catatonic thinking of ways to use McCluster.
Master of the squeegee
KICK/PUNT RETURNER
Thats what he’s gonna do for us. It would be even better if he fell to the 3rd or 4th. He wouldn’t be the focal point of the offense so Gilbride wouldn’t have to “grow catatonic” or any of that nonsense. Despite his slow 40 time he is a very explosive player, and that can’t be said for anyone else on the Giants roster save for Bradshaw, but it’s hard to be explosive with 2 broken ankles now isn’t it. Becks and Barden certainly won’t bring any explosiveness to the offense….hell Barden doesn’t even know how to contribute on special teams.McCluster will do it all!
"I'm not a scratch golfer. I don't know how to bowl. I can't read the stock market. Hell, I have a hard time rememberingmy wife's cell phone number. But I can call 'Flip right double X jet 36 counter naked waggle at 7 X quarter' in my sleep" - Gruden
by I_Formation27 on Mar 2, 2010 4:39 PM EST up reply actions
You say
You could figure out how to use him on offense, they obviously did at Ole Miss too….I just honestly want to know what makes you think Gilbride wont be able to? Does he have a history of not being able to use guys like McCluster on offense? If so I really don’t remember it, I honestly don’t know why you feel that way. Could you just elaborate on that a bit? I honestly want to know ur opinion on that. I get that you think we could get better value with other guys, and also that we don’t exactly need him on O with other guys stepping up.
but c’mon man..“Nah..but OK.” lol gimme more than that at least
"I'm not a scratch golfer. I don't know how to bowl. I can't read the stock market. Hell, I have a hard time rememberingmy wife's cell phone number. But I can call 'Flip right double X jet 36 counter naked waggle at 7 X quarter' in my sleep" - Gruden
by I_Formation27 on Mar 2, 2010 4:57 PM EST up reply actions
OK (I guess I'm tired of arguing and people not reading what I'm saying..so it goes back and forth)
..that’s not you..so I’ll induldge.
Gilbride is a good OC, obviously he’s made the offense into a powerhouse when everyone’s healthy.
But he’s the most uncreative OC in the NFL..or at least the most “uncreative good OC” in the NFL.
McCluster would be the ideal wildcat RB. He’d be great put in the backfield, put in motion..all sorts of crazy things. This is the sort of thing I’d do with a McCluster on my team.
The kid was THE maestro in college football running the wildcat. That’s what he is. He’s either that or a slot WR (which is probably what Gilbride would do…not a bad thing I guess)
Can you honestly tell me that Gilbride would use McCluster as a wildcat RB?
Maybe he does…maybe they just don’t have the personell to use the wildcat, at least RB wise (the OL is athletic enough…when Diehl is pulling 20 yds upfield its a sight to behold).
I just see him as the next Sinorice Moss. Another waste of a Giants draft pick with good intentions.
Master of the squeegee
I understand wat u mean about ppl not reading/arguing
So thanks for responding anyway.
I can see where you’re coming from with those points. I was also thinking about the wildcat aspect even though I know Girlbride hasn’t come close to implementing anything remotely similar to the WC. So I guess it pointless to expect it now.
But I wonder if its more TC or even Mara/Tisch being oldschool and stubborn, and not wanting to seem like they are straying away from power football and using gimmicks? Maybe Gilbride would be all for the wildcat..I would hope so but maybe we’ll never know.
Drafting McCluster would kind of force Gilbride to think outside of the box and design some plays for the kid. I guess I just have hope that Gilbride can maybe change and be a bit more creative, and with a kid like McCluster I think theres a higher chance of that. I don’t know if the same could have been said for Moss but I def hope it wouldn’t be a wasted pick. I also think he would have much better results as a kick returner than Moss did….damn Moss truly is worthless.
Anyways I would be happy eve if he just started out as a kick returner and maybe as a RB on screens or even WR screens, or an occasional 3rd down appearance. It might be a bit improbable..I do get that but I have hope for Gilbride. I hope we can at least find a better kick returner than Hixon! I don’t care if it’s a UDFA!
"I'm not a scratch golfer. I don't know how to bowl. I can't read the stock market. Hell, I have a hard time rememberingmy wife's cell phone number. But I can call 'Flip right double X jet 36 counter naked waggle at 7 X quarter' in my sleep" - Gruden
by I_Formation27 on Mar 2, 2010 5:34 PM EST up reply actions
I would prefer it if we just got the basic fundamentals down and executed
Let’s see if we can get our Screen pass game going before we add a trick pony. We don’t need more elaborate, creative plays added at this time.
I’d be happy(and we’d be in the playoffs) if we simply executed all of our assignments, were gap sound and eliminated mistakes and poor tackling technique.
As TC says, we lost our identity, so no need to create a completely new one. We run the ball and stop the run, playing agressive, physical football. We get that down again and we are back in the playoffs. The passing games emergence is a bonus, but we have to get the running game fluid again. I believe we have the personnel already on the team to accomplish that.
NY Football Giants Defense is a tradition I’d like to see return to the Meadowlands. That side of the ball needs the most improvement. Let’s see what Fewell can do with what we’ve got and what we will get through FA and the draft.
Bleeding Blue since 1962
It wouldn't be creating a completely new identity at all
First and foremost, its an upgrade on special teams…it would be an added bonus to use him on offense eventually.
"I'm not a scratch golfer. I don't know how to bowl. I can't read the stock market. Hell, I have a hard time rememberingmy wife's cell phone number. But I can call 'Flip right double X jet 36 counter naked waggle at 7 X quarter' in my sleep" - Gruden
by I_Formation27 on Mar 3, 2010 9:37 AM EST up reply actions
I agree...
Its probably the owners and Coughlin who want the old school type stuff..its probably what causes them to become stagnant.
Heaven forbid they do something that the other team doesn’t expect…whether on offense or defense.
Hopefully that’s what Fewell does for the defense, brings a creativity to the defense.
I don’t expect as much from Gilbride…it’d be nice to think outside the box.
And no…outside the box is not a pitch out to Jacobs.
Master of the squeegee
Just a thought
Who was more old school than Paul Brown? Or Knute Rockne?
In football innovation is really the old school. Its always been the case that a bit of good deception can make up for a mountain of sins.
I’ve got no problem with power football, but they never use the opportunities it affords. At the goal line, Eli could boat leg for a TD at least 4 times per season. The opposition so over commits to the blast/dive plays, he could stroll in. ANd that would make the blast plays more effective.
I think for this head coach its more about stubborn than old school
Just asking..
Do we even have a wildcat formation, I don’t recall them using it last year?
The equation might change with a kid like this…
no we don’t.
I think they used it like twice in 2008 with Derrick Ward. Maybe they did something with a direct snap (tho I think Eli was in the Shotgun anyway) to Jacobs or AB, or something like that.
Not sure if its so much that its not in the playbook…as they don’t have anyone to run it.
Its probably moot. I mean..they get McCluster..that’s what he does best. But he’;s in the game…as usual, the offense is pretty predictable…cuz what else would McCluster be doing in there?
Master of the squeegee
James?
HughG mentioned Brandon James earlier, not familiar with him?
another midget RB (5"6 172). He’s a bout McCluster’s size, tho he touched the ball a little less and is not nearly as skilled (catching, vision..etc).
Strictly probably a ST type, KR..which he’d be an excellent option for that.
I’d rather go with him if we’re going strictly KR type too. McCluster’s gonna be drafted too high to be just a ST player.
Master of the squeegee
we are better off not using the wildcat...
The wildcat is a fad in the league, the Dolphins started it because they were having problems with running the ball, and they are really the only team that has any success with it. I think the wildcat is a turnover waiting to happen.
I think the lack of creativity stems from the head coach
Gilbride was probably to creative in his past within the run and shoot, and having heard him talk, I’m pretty sure he’d know what to do.
But Coach is obsessed with detail and execution, that sort of narrows the field on play selection
I'd love McCluster
Let’s get on that Ole Miss train. With him we could run the wildcat.. Done
President of the Ramses Barden Fan Club
We really are not built for a wildcat..
I don’t think we have a guy who could run or throw..I’d just like to see Eli back there tossing darts at what I really think is going to be a very formidible set of receivers this year..I am probably most excited about our passing game going into this season..I’m a little worried about our running game, but it sounds like our guys are getting healthy..Anybody have thoughts on a wildcat in our system?..and with our player make-up?..I just don’t see it.
"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"
The biggest thing the Giants would need is a RB who can do it. That’s McCluster. He’s not as big as Ronnie Brown, but he has a ton of experience doing it
That’s really it. I think the Giants OL is athletic enough, whether or not they put Beatty in there full time (Suebert when healthy is one of the better pulling LG’s in the game). The Dolphins OL, aside from Jake Long..isn’t great.
They’d have to practice for it of course to get the timing down.
It could work. But McCluster’s likely going in the 2nd or 3rd round to a team that really wants to get involved with the WC. Could that be the Giants? Guess we’ll see.
I’m finding it hard to believe its a bad thing tho. The amount of times the offense, as good as it was, was stagnant last year and now people are 100% against this cuz we want to go back in time?
They’re stagnant cuz they’re predictable. Maybe McCluster in the game shows that they’d be running a wildcat type thing….but really, it would either be something they didn’t practice for or something they’d have to practice for in the future.
Mike Vick running the WC gashed the Giants last year a bit didn’t he?
Master of the squeegee
wildcat?
is it really the wildcat offense when you have a QB running it? Vick is a QB, there is a reason RBs and WRs are not QBs, because they are not as good at throwing the ball as QBs. I think the Eagles having Vick roll out, is a little different then having a RB that you know is not gonna have a great arm roll out. Vick gashed teams before the wildcat, becaues he is a QB
I don't remember Vick doing hardly anything
You play to win the game!
by Simms-McConkey on Mar 3, 2010 8:01 AM EST up reply actions
uhmmmm vick never hurt a team with his arm, never hurt a team with his reads, the only way he ever won a game was with his feet. vick was and always will be an overpriced running back.
by GiantRebelFan on Mar 3, 2010 11:37 AM EST up reply actions
I can't see it either...
And TC doesn’t seem like the type to jump on a trend just to be “trendy” either. I don’t see that we have the personel at present, nor the leadership interest in it.
The wildcat is something for teams without a good QB to use
When the other team knows that you’re running the ball the wildcat works well because you take away the QB (who is not blocking anyone and is generally useless) and add another blocker.
When you have Eli Manning, Steve Smith and Hakeem Nicks out there the threat for play – action is always there – even if its 4 and goal from the 1.
by mclaren_is_the_best on Mar 3, 2010 8:27 PM EST up reply actions
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