I'm reminded every year on why there is so much of the combine that I don't like. The fact that players "opt" out of doing drills really irks me. They should add a rule that if you're invited and choose to go, you must then participate in all of the set drills unless you have a medical reason not to. This really drives me nuts!

 

#1 ILB on everyones board. Nothing he can do but hurt his stock.

 

In a sense, you're right. However, I don't think that he's listed as an elite ILB even though he might be the #1 ILB. Much like saying that he may be the "best", but the "best" this year isn't far and above the second best and not near what one would consider elite (e.g., Willis). He could potentially further distance himself with a good showing at the combine and may get people to think that he may be in that "elite" class (unless, of course, he truly isn't and/or won't be). Or if other ILBs do participate and have a good showing, maybe he comes down from that #1 status.

 

i think its disappointing. mcclain doesnt have to wow anyone. he just has to make sure he doesnt bomb. his strengths are in the mental aspect of his game. still this just reinforces that his speed and change of direction arent going to be that impressive in all likelihood

 

Yeah, I posted about this in the Combine thread in the NFL Draft Forum. I was pretty bummed when I heard them talking about it on NFLN. I also was looking forward to seeing him compete as well. Definitely changes my perspective on him. Can't help but think it may for "The Triumvirate" as well.

 

I agree, and maybe someone can enlighten me, but I don't see much in McClain to make me believe he's worthy of that pick. I never saw any Ray Lewis or Pat Willis plays out of the guy at Bama, nor do I think he's that much better than Brandon Spikes (who was a huge playmaker at UF).

I actually like what I've seen out of Weatherspoon moreso than McClain.

 

to me McClain is kind of a young Karlos Dansby. Not elite but in the next category. The thing that he has going is you will be hard pressed to find a smarter, more instinctual ILB. Reminds me of Harry Carson for an older reference. Spikes is too wild and takes too many bad plays to draft in the first round. I'm a big fan of Weatherspoon but McClain is much better in the wash. I would take Weatherspoon over Spikes in the 2nd though. Spikes is a better athlete but I think Weatherspoon is the better football player

 

No worries finyank. :up:

I'm kinda having the same sort of thoughts finyank. Two things are really starting to become more clear to me. One...drafting Bryant at #12 (assuming he's still there) would allow us to focus the rest of our draft on defense. And, two...trading down is looking better and better.

 

It was reported on NFL network that Mclains agent said that he is nursing a hammy and has had a couple MRIs since the senior bowl.

 

Yeah, I saw the same thing on NFL Network (don't know if it was a replay or not). Here's what I heard ... in response to sitting out the drills, McClain was asked why and he stated that he was fine [medically]. Apparently after his agent heard that McClain had said that, the agent then quoted to NFL Network that in fact McClain had been getting MRIs on his hammy since the Senior Bowl. In essence, McClain said he was fine and when his agent found out he said that, he came back with the MRI/hammy issue.

 

Hey bro I'm not saying I believe it! :sidelol:

 

He may be a bit slower than the typical player that gets drafted that high (12)