Rolando McClain

Rolando McClain NFL Draft Scouting Report

Inside Linebacker

Alabama


College Position: Inside Linebacker
School: Alabama
Grade: Junior
Height: 6-4
Weight: 255
Birthdate:
Draft Projection: Top 10
Overall Rank: 6
NFL Draft Position (Rank): Inside Linebacker (1)

Draft Result Drafted in the 2010 Draft by the Oakland Raiders in the 1st round with the #8 pick.
Rolando McClain is the best middle linebacker to enter the draft since Patrick Willis in 2007. At 6-4 250lbs he will be a force in the middle and a matchup nightmare for most guards. One of the biggest impacts McClain will have is in the locker room. He lives in the film room and provides a quarterback for the defense. This was a surprise selection by the Raiders because McClain is tremendous football player and not just a great athlete with raw talent.

Strengths
  • Highest football IQ of any player at any position in the draft. McClain makes adjustments at the line of scrimmage and does an excellent job of communicating. Most teams drafting in the top 10 are craving this type of leadership.
  • A big hitter in pass defense
  • Hard to block when blitzing. Not only a big target, but also has a great understanding of how to time a blitz
  • Runs through ballcarriers and rarely misses a tackle
 

Weaknesses
  • This is a unique weakness: Can McClain play in a 4-3? Spent entire college career in a 3-4 and might be too big to play 4-3 MLB
  • Must improve sideline to sideline quickness
  • Not as consistent as you would expect from a top player

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