[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.)