Jameel McClain OLB Potential

[BloodRaven]

We all know OLB James Harrison, Steelers resident badass, 2008 DPotY and general stick in our craw. What makes him different is he's not the typical OLB, he's considered extremely short at 6ft tall however his lack of height has proven to be a strength giving him natural leverage that a 6'4" player at the same weight would never possess. Another rushbacker who emerged following the same template is 5'11" Broncos OLB Elvis Dumervil, the leagues 2009 sack leader.

For years we've heard that pass rushers needed height and long arms but we've seen that's not entirely true. Short pass rushers are able to dip underneath blocks or drive under and through blockers winning the leverage battle, that leverage and low centre of gravity helps agility and change of direction as well.

Heres how Jameel McClain compares:

- Like Harrison/Dumervil the reason McClain's stock fell was because he was considered too small (just under 6'1") and inconsistent to be an effective pass rusher.

- All 3 posted "average" 40 times in the mid 4.7's but flashed burst, agility and natural strength at the POA.

How McClain differs:

Now it took 5 years for Harrison to go from erratic practice squad member to well rounded All-pro but McClain has already developed into decent starter on the inside, however he is still more of a pass-rusher who can cover and play the run.

Another thing to note is Harrison has become one of the strongest players in the league in the weight room and said he plays at 255lb (up from 242lb in 2002) McClain has a similar build with a thick lower body, but plays ILB leaner at 245lb (down from 256lb in college)

On a side note I think Ellerbe is the more natural ILB. Thoughts?

[Ed_Reed20]

It's a thought. I'd like to see McClain be given an opportunity to return to his natural position but I'm not confident it will happen.

I certainly agree Ellerbe is the more natural ILB though. Hopefully, he's re-signed.

[berad]

I would use a different adjective when describing Harrison as a [i]"____ass"[/i] but, that aside, he's a great player. McClain probably is better suited to be an OLB, he's shown he can be pretty good at any LB position. I don't know if McClain is nearly as strong or explosive as Harrison but few are...

Ellerbe needs to be starting next to Ray. He's the classic thumper that a 3-4 D linebacker corps needs.

[Clutch Ravens]

[quote name='berad' timestamp='1297113108' post='635010']
I would use a different adjective when describing Harrison as a [b][i]"____ass"[/i][/b] but, that aside, he's a great player. McClain probably is better suited to be an OLB, he's shown he can be pretty good at any LB position. I don't know if McClain is nearly as strong or explosive as Harrison but few are...

Ellerbe needs to be starting next to Ray. He's the classic thumper that a 3-4 D linebacker corps needs.
[/quote]

Dumb, Jack, Punk? Those are a few that fill that spot quite nicely.

We'd be aswell try him at OLB. It's not like he's a great ILB or that we have a lack of Inside Backers. At this point I'm willing to try anyone or anything opposite Suggs.

[berad]

[quote name='Clutch Ravens' timestamp='1297113411' post='635013']
[b]Dumb, Jack, Punk? Those are a few that fill that spot quite nicely.
[/b]
We'd be aswell try him at OLB. It's not like he's a great ILB or that we have a lack of Inside Backers. At this point I'm willing to try anyone or anything opposite Suggs.
[/quote]

take your pick

I wonder if he'll be upset that the President didn't invite the Steelers to the White House [i]"when [they] don't win"[/i]?

[BloodRaven]

When McClain was a rookie his physique was pretty soft but he showed good power, he's in better shape now but he would need some time to get to Harrisons weight room numbers, I wouldn't say he's too far off though.

[MKdave]

I've always thought he's better suited to OLB and I feel he's performed better on the field at OLB. So I'd be more than willing to give him time to craft his pass rushing abilities and play his opposite Suggs.

[XxSizzleXx]

Dumervil and Harrison are built like brick ****houses though.

[TDubbs]

I would not mind seeing Jameel at OLB. Im not a fan of his coverage, he is however an excellent tackler and a hard hitter. Id much rather see him get more playing time at that position while having Ellerbe as our 2nd string ILB. At the end Danelle seemed to find his way out of the JHs dog house, and was starting to play some real good football.

[Chadwiick]

Am I the only Kindle fan?!
xD

[berad]

[quote name='Chadwiick' timestamp='1297116557' post='635084']
Am I the only Kindle fan?!
xD
[/quote]

I love Kindle but he may not be ready to go next year, or ever. His status is up in the air. You can never have enough good OLBs in a 3-4, either.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Chadwiick' timestamp='1297116557' post='635084']
Am I the only Kindle fan?!
xD
[/quote]

There are a number of Kinlde fans on this forum. Looking at the facts though, we don't know whether he'll ever play football again.

[Chadwiick]

True, this is a bit off topic, but what happened exactly to him?
To keep it on Topic... ok so I played Madden 2011 and put McClain at OLB and he dominated... so EA agrees with McClain as OLB.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Chadwiick' timestamp='1297117648' post='635107']
True, this is a bit off topic, but what happened exactly to him?
[/quote]

What do you mean? The guy fractured his skull and then was busted with his second DUI. Right now, he's hoping to get medically cleared to practice in contact drills.

[Corvus]

I wondered before the 09 season began why exactly the staff was moving Jameel inside, a position he had never played in his life. While he did an admirable job beside Ray this year, it still made me wonder why you would move a kid who played 4-3 DE in college and outside linebacker his rookie season (where he had good success in his limited playing time) and introduce a new position to him. I suppose Ellerbe being in that infernal Harbaugh doghouse didn't help with the team's depth inside, but I for one would be interested in seeing Jameel as a pass rusher and Ellerbe back in the middle beside Ray where he can do what he does best and thump ball carriers. Lots of stuff waiting to happen for this upcoming season though so we shall see..

[Chadwiick]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1297118012' post='635113']
What do you mean? The guy fractured his skull and then was busted with his second DUI. Right now, he's hoping to get medically cleared to practice in contact drills.
[/quote]
Oh my God... how did I [i]NOT[/i] know that?! I didn't think it was that serious, and DUI... c'mon people.... But if he does come back I hope he decides that "you know what... what I did and what happened is not acceptable... I'ma come out there and tear them up".

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Corvus' timestamp='1297118369' post='635120']
I wondered before the 09 season began why exactly the staff was moving Jameel inside, a position he had never played in his life. While he did an admirable job beside Ray this year, it still made me wonder why you would move a kid who played 4-3 DE in college and outside linebacker his rookie season (where he had good success in his limited playing time) and introduce a new position to him. [b]I suppose Ellerbe being in that infernal Harbaugh doghouse didn't help with the team's depth inside[/b], but I for one would be interested in seeing Jameel as a pass rusher and Ellerbe back in the middle beside Ray where he can do what he does best and thump ball carriers. Lots of stuff waiting to happen for this upcoming season though so we shall see..
[/quote]

I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure Ellerbe only landed in John's doghouse in training camp last year. In '09, he was an undrafted rookie and was a pleasant surprise when he got some playing time.

[20ravens52]

I really feel like Mcclain could be a good balanced OLB.

He has some pass rushing moves and has made some pretty atheletic plays in coverage.

[ravenbeast]

The ravens need to sign mathias kiwinuka a hybrid de and olb which is what u need in a 3-4 at olb.He is a better pass rusher than everyone on our team except suggs.kiwinuka has experience in pass rush and coverage by playin both positions.the guy is a beast but dont get to play cause 2 of the best DE in the leauge are on the same team.he had 4 sacks 1ff and only played in 3 games and only started one.6ft 5in 265 pounds. only downside is he got injured last year. it will only be his 6th year in the leauge next year.

[True]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1297119319' post='635130']
I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure Ellerbe only landed in John's doghouse in training camp last year. In '09, he was an undrafted rookie and was a pleasant surprise when he got some playing time.
[/quote]
I read on [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=NFL&filter_teams=BAL&filter_position=LB&id=5542"](rotoworld)[/url] that he appears to be out of the doghouse.

Good thing since I like his potential the most out of the young LBs. If he has overcome his immaturity phase, he'll have a good opportunity at starting ILB next to Ray.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='True' timestamp='1297123941' post='635195']
I read on [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=NFL&filter_teams=BAL&filter_position=LB&id=5542"](rotoworld)[/url] that he appears to be out of the doghouse.

Good thing since I like his potential the most out of the young LBs. If he has overcome his immaturity phase, he'll have a good opportunity at starting ILB next to Ray.
[/quote]

Yeah, he was officially out when the Saints came to town. I agree with your second point.

[Corvus]

You are correct Ed Reed20, the way I typed that implied that Dannell had been in the "doghouse" both of his years in the league, haha. Ellerbe showboating against the Rams was a dumb mistake on his part, but when that results in the only play I remember him making in '10 was touching down an already "sacked" Brees, that is ridiculous. The kid has talent but he can't get better on the sidelines...

I was thinking about our linebacking corp and it makes even less sense to me why Jameel was moved inside. Suggs and JJ are the only real OLBs (other than Kindle) on the roster, which seems to me a recipe for disaster in a 3-4 defense. But with Jameel thrown in the middle we have a glut of ILB on the roster: Ray of course, Ellerbe, Gooden, Phillips, and Ayanbajejo (who was playing beside Ray early in 09 and seemed to be thriving there until he lost his season with the leg injury). Plus we have Burgess who I don't think I've ever seen play on defense, just special teams, go figure. Sounds to me like we need to do something to simply shore up our OLB depth, much less improve the unit's play.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Corvus' timestamp='1297130119' post='635267']
You are correct Ed Reed20, the way I typed that implied that Dannell had been in the "doghouse" both of his years in the league, haha. Ellerbe showboating against the Rams was a dumb mistake on his part, but when that results in the only play I remember him making in '10 was touching down an already "sacked" Brees, that is ridiculous. The kid has talent but he can't get better on the sidelines...

I was thinking about our linebacking corp and it makes even less sense to me why Jameel was moved inside. Suggs and JJ are the only real OLBs (other than Kindle) on the roster, which seems to me a recipe for disaster in a 3-4 defense. But with Jameel thrown in the middle we have a glut of ILB on the roster: Ray of course, Ellerbe, Gooden, Phillips, and Ayanbajejo (who was playing beside Ray early in 09 and seemed to be thriving there until he lost his season with the leg injury). Plus we have Burgess who I don't think I've ever seen play on defense, just special teams, go figure. Sounds to me like we need to do something to simply shore up our OLB depth, much less improve the unit's play.
[/quote]

Agreed. That play against the Rams was likely the reason Ellerbe was inactive the first two games of season. It was the Falcons game where he drew to two boneheaded penalties and loafed on a Falcons touchdown that led to him missing the next four contests. I understand wanting to send a message but I disagree with the way Harbaugh did it.

You're right. Only the coaches truly know why McClain was shifted inside but like we've said, the unit needs to be bolstered all around.

[Bltravens]

I think we briefly discussed this before Blood with Harrison's size being an advantage for the way he plays. I never liked the idea of McClain moving inside, I thought it was a bad move from the get go and pointless with what McClain's strengths were. He should be moved back to OLB tomorrow imo.

[63bru]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1297130742' post='635274']
Agreed. That play against the Rams was likely the reason Ellerbe was inactive the first two games of season. It was the Falcons game where he drew to two boneheaded penalties and loafed on a Falcons touchdown that led to him missing the next four contests. I understand wanting to send a message but I disagree with the way Harbaugh did it.

You're right. [b]Only the coaches truly know why McClain was shifted inside but like we've said, the unit needs to be bolstered all around.[/b]
[/quote]
I think that they saw hints of Bart Scott in McClain. A solid pass rusher from the inside that excels at taking on blockers and freeing up Ray Lewis. Unfortunately, it didn't quite work out that way. It's not too late though.

[hawkprey]

I really think Ellerbe is the better ILB for tackling and run-stoppage. McClain might still see snaps there for his cover ability. But I don't see why we can't try him out there or why we never did. All of our front seven seem to play multiple positions.

I think this will come down to who fits where in Pagano's scheme which nobody knows yet.

[BloodRaven]

McClain tries to play like Scott, he's physical and loves contact but tends to find himself in the wrong position from time to time. I just feel like the potential and tools are there for him to develop into the next elite OLB.

[Free Agent]

I don't like Gooden or McClain at ILB, but it would be interesting to see if the Ravens would try something like that. Dannell Ellerbe is the best ILb next to Ray Lewis because he seems really aggresive. But I dont think two undrafted free agents, McClain and Ellerbe, and Gooden, a third round pick, are the answers at ILB. Try McClain at OLB. Maybe he will be a good pass rusher.

[Rav'n Maniac]

[quote name='BloodRaven' timestamp='1297157891' post='635527']
McClain tries to play like Scott, he's physical and loves contact but tends to find himself in the wrong position from time to time. I just feel like the potential and tools are there for him to develop into the next elite OLB.
[/quote]
I have to agree with you there Blood. It just mystifies me that the team always seams to want players to adapt to their needs instead of utilizing them at the positions best suited for their play. I understand and respect the value in players knowing other positions but feel the team goes overboard at times and in certain situations. Then, it seems, the players never make it back to their original positions that the team drafted them for in the first place.

[Chadwiick]

[quote name='Rav'n Maniac' timestamp='1297173926' post='635569']
I have to agree with you there Blood. It just mystifies me that the team always seams to want players to adapt to their needs instead of utilizing them at the positions best suited for their play. I understand and respect the value in players knowing other positions but feel the team goes overboard at times and in certain situations. Then, it seems, the players never make it back to their original positions that the team drafted them for in the first place.
[/quote]
*Cough, Cough* Devin Hester *Cough, Cough*
Eh... I am not sure about Ellerbe... it's not looking like he's ready to claim it, and with the draft coming... he'll be lucky if we don't pick an ILB to claim it... then he'll rarely get a chance to shine.