Updated: Rolando McClain NOT (yet) released

[gabefergy]

[quote name='JO_75' timestamp='1354167919' post='1237755']


I agree completely. If a player gets released from a bad team of course you could always say, well he has to be bad because Oakland released him. I mean, if the Chiefs cut Eric Berry tomorrow, would people avoid him just because he was cut from the Chiefs? No. I see the same thing with McClain and I think some team is going to get a steal and a talented player in the end.
[/quote]

The difference is Eric Berry is actually good ( when healthy)

[ClintLB8]

Alright, here is my evaluation of Rolando (I live 15 minutes from Decatur and he went to one of my rival high schools so I actually know him personally)..

[u]Positives:[/u]
[b]- One of the smartest players on the field[/b]
[indent=1]- When Josh McDaniels interviewed him before the draft he said he had never met someone that intelligent when it came to the game of football.[/indent]
[b]- Incredible size for the position[/b]
[indent=1]- At 6-3 255, Rolando has incredible size for an inside linebacker (even in a 3-4). He probably could stand to lose 5-7 pounds, though, in order to be in even better condition.[/indent]

[u]Negatives:[/u]
[b]- Attitude[/b]
[indent=1]- I don't know what it is about Ro's attitude but truthfully I'm getting sick of it. Since I knew this guy personally in high school, I have always followed him closely and it pisses me off how he is throwing away his future. I kid you not when I say that Rolando has the potential to be a top 5 linebacker of all time. Problem lies in his "want to" and his attitude.[/indent]
[b]- Price??[/b]
[indent=1]- I don't know if Rolando is so stubborn that he will refuse to take less than what he was expected to make and therefore price could be a MAJOR issue. If he is smart, then he will take a pay cut once he is cut and try to work himself back into a big contract.[/indent]

[u]Postives: (on the field)[/u]
[b]- Run stopping ability[/b]
[indent=1]- I honestly think Rolando has given up in Oakland and it is showing in his play on the field. He does, however, have the ability to play very stout against the run.[/indent]
[b]- Blitzing ability from the inside[/b]
[indent=1]- Being able to effectively blitz from an inside linebacker position is actually an attribute that a lot of inside linebackers do not have. Rolando has shown that he can get after the QB (5.5 sacks last year) when given the opportunity.[/indent]
[b]- Potential to be a field general[/b]
[indent=1]- I don't care what anyone says, Rolando didn't get dumber all the sudden on the football field. He still has his mind and he has always had the ability to dissect plays and be a quarterback on defense. I will also assume his lack of showing this trait relates back to him being mentally checked out in Oakland.[/indent]

[u]Negatives: (on the field)[/u]
[b]- Liability in pass coverage[/b]
[indent=1]- Rolando does has the ability to be effective in pass coverage, but for whatever reason he has not translated ability into production in this aspect of his game. Why? I have no idea. Second biggest question mark surrounding signing this guy.[/indent]
-[b] Lack of hustle[/b]
[indent=1]- Starting at the tail end of last year and into this year, Rolando just doesn't seem to want to put forth any effort. He very well could be one of those guys that is just getting sick of football and has lost his passion for the game. This, IMO, is the biggest on the field question that I have about him. If he wants to be a Raven (repeat IF for emphasis), then he better get this in check because we don't have guys on this team that don't play like a Raven.[/indent]

[u]Why a Good Fit for Baltimore?[/u]
[b]- 3-4 defense compared to a 4-3[/b]
[indent=1]- Some people may not believe me, but I think the only reason (besides his lack of hustle and prepartion) that Rolando hasn't grown into more of a star is the defense he is playing in. 4-3 middle linebackers are sideline to sideline players who need to be able to effectively play zone and man coverage. 3-4 inside linebackers are suppose to be strong in being able to effective shed blockers and make plays in the run game. Rolando (when motivated) can effectively do that.[/indent]
[indent=1]- At Alabama, Nick Saban found a way to mask Rolando's coverage ability. If he cannot continue to try to improve in that area, maybe Harbaugh will help mask it the best he can like he started to do with Ray when he coverage ability faltered a little bit. I know this is a huge problem for a lot of people but I do think Rolando can improve from what we have seen of him in coverage thus far.[/indent]
[b]- Newsome, Harbaugh, and Co. can change him[/b]
[indent=1]- I said the same thing about Vontaze Burfict and I'll say the same thing about Rolando. Both players just naturally have bad attitudes for whatever reason. Difference is, Burfict got into a locker room where that type of behavior was not tolerated and also, he had something to prove after going undrafted.[/indent]
[indent=1]- I honestly think Rolando will have more to prove. Being drafted #8 overall and being considered a bust in every sense of the word, I just see Rolando having a chip on his shoulder.[/indent]
[indent=1]- The Ravens have proven that they have one of the strongest locker rooms and the organization as a whole has clearly shown they do not tolerate or associate with poor character. This, in itself, very well may keep the Ravens from signing Rolando but if they do take a chance on him, look for Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Anquan Boldin, and others to try to reach out to Rolando. Ray can give a lot of good advice to him based off of Ray's past experiences off the field.[/indent]
[b]- Familar teammates in the locker room[/b]
[indent=1]- This kind of piggy backs off of the previous locker room statement, but I see it being a huge benefit to Rolando as far as getting back into a locker room with a few of his old teammates (Terrance Cody and Courtney Upshaw). Maybe, that fimilarity will help those two gain a good relationship with Rolando again and we all know that Court and Cody have no off the field issues what so ever.[/indent]
[b]- Baltimore's need for an inside linebacker[/b]
[indent=1]- I think Dannell has really come along and I think Jameel is serviceable, but I just don't see a very effective duo going forward after Ray retires.[/indent]
[indent=1]- Yes, the Ravens may draft an ILB in the upcoming draft, but why not give Rolando a chance to see if that is even necessary? I honestly believe a combination of Ellerbe and Rolando McClain for the future could be dominate. I also believe Rolando could be had at a cheaper price than Jameel and if Rolando can get his act together, he would be a major upgrade over Jameel at a much better price (at least for the time being).[/indent]

[u]Questions that still need to be answered before signing:[/u]
- Can Ozzie and Harbaugh trust that Rolando has the ability to change? If not, then why even bother?
- Is Rolando a guy that they can see helpin them make a Super Bowl run and can he POTENTIALLY be a better guy going forward than someone really high in the draft (i.e Alec Ogletree, Shayne Skov, etc.)?

[u]Conclusion:[/u]
- I honestly think the first thing Ozzie and Co. need to do if Rolando is cut is bring him in for a meeting and see where they believe he stands. Ozzie and Harbaugh have been a pretty good judge of character thus far and if they were to do that and signed him then I'd be thrilled because I know they trust him.
- Rolando has his work cut out for him and I honestly don't know if he will ever be able to overcome his shortcomings. He needs to completely rework his entire attitude, become motivated and passionate for football again, get his tail in shape, quit getting in stupid off the field problems, and build a chemistry with his coaches and teammates moving forward that will allow him to succeed like I believe he is capable of.
- These are all huge questions and concerns and I honestly don't know if he will ever change but I do think with the potential he brings and what he might turn into if he were to turn himself around then I think he is definitely worth a shot.

[codizzle]

[quote name='arnie_uk' timestamp='1354182173' post='1237793']
See other teams thread, since uno he's on another team.
[/quote]

Yessir! *salutes*

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

he's not getting released... no way, too young for the raiders to do that... they'll put him on a shelf until the end of the year and shop him for a draft pick (at least a 4th) when season ends.

[Juviebest]

[quote name='H8R' timestamp='1354157075' post='1237677']


better numbers then Jameel... on a defense that wasn't very good...
http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/13255/rolando-mcclain

he a had better production over his first 3 years then Jameel since 2008...
Don't be stupid, he's better then Jameel.
[/quote]

Pot calling the kettle black on that "stupid" comment....

I guess we should all just look at numbers and stats when comparing two players. Watch a football game for once.

[Bazooka Joe]

I'd endorse Rolando here as well. Of course the question is who goes?

[ravensfan160]

I remember when all the talking heads praised Oakland for drafting him because he was a "safe" pick after all the poor picks in prior years. It's amazing that both him and Aaron Curry couldn't amount to much of anything. I don't get it.

[Gordo52]

Usually I would be with this, with us going after him and all. But I'm comfortable with our current MLB duo.

We dont need a player like him, and realistically we aren't getting him.

[jdynamite]

From what I read he basically fell out of favor with the new coaching regime that didn't draft him. I wouldn't hold it against McClain for getting released by the Raiders the organization as whole just needs to change, and develop a winning culture.

If it were for conduct detrimental to the team then I don't understand why a guy like DT Tommy Kelly hasn't been released he gets Flags and Personal Fouls on 3rd and shorts then Laughs as he walks to bench like it doesn't matter.

McClain had a solid season last year, this is just his 3rd NFL season, he is far from being a finished product. I doubt we can claim him off waivers I think a team worse record gets awarded the players right first until they clear waivers to be a free agent.
If we could sign it would be a nice thing moving forward because he can play multiple positions at the LB.

[berad]

All players released by the Raiders are not bad players - do not confuse what I'm saying.

But if Oakland, who spent a high pick and $40M on this guy, doesn't want him because of his ethic, terrible play, and off-field history, then why would we?

[jdynamite]

[quote name='ravensfan160' timestamp='1354194904' post='1237811']
I remember when all the talking heads praised Oakland for drafting him because he was a "safe" pick after all the poor picks in prior years. It's amazing that both him and Aaron Curry couldn't amount to much of anything. I don't get it.
[/quote]

I'll agree with Aaron Curry because I thought Curry would be racking 100s of tackles for years, he wasn't much of a pass rusher coming of college but supposedly covered TEs and RBs well also, for Curry once Pete Carroll got there he open up all positions for competition and just felt Curry didn't play up to his draft status.

McClain on the other hand had a very solid rookie season 3rd on team in Tackles and 5th among all rookies that year. Last season McClain improved upon his stats Tackles and Sacks and what happens again another Coaching change as well as organizational overhaul with the passing of Al Davis, new regime wants to cut down the salary cap ( which Davis rarely had any regard for ) they let several key defensive players go like Wimbley, Routt whom had big contracts and McClain was apart of the last Rookie Class to get Paid big Bucks, the entire team seems to find a way to lose anyway.
I think a change of scenery for McClain onto a more defensive minded team or team with real veteran leadership will help him develop to some of his potential.

[descent into the maelstrom]

[quote name='berad' timestamp='1354202177' post='1237852']
All players released by the Raiders are not bad players - do not confuse what I'm saying.

But if Oakland, who spent a high pick and $40M on this guy, doesn't want him because of his ethic, terrible play, and off-field history, then why would we?
[/quote]

Unfortunately for their fans, the Raiders are a mess of an organization. There appears to be little leadership and they're simply a terrible team. Losing leads to frustration, which could explain quite a bit of his issues. Take a guy like that and put him into a team with leaders and professional work ethics, and he has a chance to live up to his potential. Look at Randy Moss - complete bum in Oakland, then set a single season td record in New England. That's why we would want to consider him.

I doubt we'll even have the opportunity though, as someone else will grab him ahead of us.

[jdynamite]

[quote name='Juviebest' timestamp='1354193536' post='1237807']
Pot calling the kettle black on that "stupid" comment....

I guess we should all just look at numbers and stats when comparing two players. Watch a football game for once.
[/quote]

While looking at stats may not be the most efficient way to compare 2 players, sometimes watching a football game can be misleading too, I mean McClain played on defense that didn't rank highly at all, not many good players around him, and Seymore and Huff may be the only players that play hard all the time. Sometimes a scheme or surrounding players can make another player look better. In Oakland Asomugha played man-to-man nearly every single snap looked like a stud now when he has to play press, zone too in Philly he gets burned every game.

A couple examples that may be easier to relate too can be with ex-Ravens such as Ed Hartwell had a few really solid seasons onside of Ray Lewis even one when Ray was injured, then he went to Atlanta with much less defensive talent around him and flamed out in less than 2 years.
Adalius Thomas looked like a Pro Bowler for years to come with us, seemed like his versatility would lead him to great things as a Patriot he did have one really solid season as Patriot but he didn't produce on the level expected when comparing to his previous years, Adailus was brought there to be a dynamic LB that could line up to edge rush drop in coverage or line up at ILB whenever needed instead he became just another player.

Not to mention I would like to think that Jameel has had better coaching and mentors with Ravens, than Rolando did with the Raiders.

[berad]

[quote name='descent into the maelstrom' timestamp='1354203494' post='1237876']
Unfortunately for their fans, the Raiders are a mess of an organization. There appears to be little leadership and they're simply a terrible team. Losing leads to frustration, which could explain quite a bit of his issues. Take a guy like that and put him into a team with leaders and professional work ethics, and he has a chance to live up to his potential. Look at Randy Moss - complete bum in Oakland, then set a single season td record in New England. That's why we would want to consider him.

I doubt we'll even have the opportunity though, as someone else will grab him ahead of us.
[/quote]

Or he could end up like Bryant McKinnie/Troy Smith/Jared Gaither/LeRon McClain/Billy Cundiff/Antwan Barnes/Chris McAlister and be the same guy with unrealized talent and a sense of entitlement.

Players, obviously, can turn it around but when you start taking too many chances on those guys you go from being a stable franchise and become the Jets.

[Dfence4champs2052]

Interesting but the price would probably be too high and on top of that the waiver system would preclude us from getting him.

[JO_75]

[quote name='Dfence4champs2052' timestamp='1354206619' post='1237930']
Interesting but the price would probably be too high and on top of that the waiver system would preclude us from getting him.
[/quote]

But let's hope that teams get scared of signing him due to his off the field issues and allow to fall in the waiver order to us or get him after he clears waivers. That is the only thing worries me, his off the field issues but if he can be matured by being in our locker room and being coached properly, then I think we might be able to find Ray's successor.

Edit: I moved Rolando from the Raiders to the Ravens in Madden 12 already and about to try it out. So playing off the current roster, my ILBs are Rolando and Jameel McClain.

[H8R]

[quote name='Juviebest' timestamp='1354193536' post='1237807']
Pot calling the kettle black on that "stupid" comment....

I guess we should all just look at numbers and stats when comparing two players. Watch a football game for once.
[/quote]

Yea.. Watch a game.. Jameel doesnt take on blocks, is scared to get hit. Rolando has pissed away more talent then Jameel ever had. Anyone who says Jameel is more talented then Rolando is a fool.

[H8R]

[quote name='berad' timestamp='1354202177' post='1237852']
All players released by the Raiders are not bad players - do not confuse what I'm saying.

But if Oakland, who spent a high pick and $40M on this guy, doesn't want him because of his ethic, terrible play, and off-field history, then why would we?
[/quote]

Wasnt he drafted by the previous regime....?

[ravens88]

[quote name='CalvinSmoke' timestamp='1354147861' post='1237578']
I assumed he was doing well because of his pre-draft hype and high Madden Rating lol. Did my homework and I'll pass on even touching the guy. And his contract is even more of a turn off than his lack of work ethic.

He is entittled to $6.675 million in 2013, $8.475 million in 2014 and $5.085 million in 2015
[/quote]

if he clears waivers i believe he would have to sign a new contract only then do i think he is worth taking a look at. not at that money he is not worth it in the least.

[Bazooka Joe]

I think of Vontaze Burfict. Sometimes u just have to take a chance. We can cut David Reed.

[JO_75]

Weird, why hasn't Oakland released him yet?

[CalvinSmoke]

[quote name='JO_75' timestamp='1354218043' post='1238073']
Weird, why hasn't Oakland released him yet?
[/quote]They should save him until they can trade him

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='berad' timestamp='1354202177' post='1237852']
All players released by the Raiders are not bad players - do not confuse what I'm saying.

But if Oakland, who spent a high pick and $40M on this guy, doesn't want him because of his ethic, terrible play, and off-field history, then why would we?
[/quote]

I mean, there are those who tend to change with a change of scenery.. Especially after they get cut. Pacman Jones isn't a great player but he at least mellowed when he got cut. The guy is like 25 or 26. He's young.. And can still mature. Just ask Ray Lewis.

[berad]

[quote name='ClintLB8' timestamp='1354219515' post='1238096']
I mean, there are those who tend to change with a change of scenery.. Especially after they get cut. Pacman Jones isn't a great player but he at least mellowed when he got cut. The guy is like 25 or 26. He's young.. And can still mature. Just ask Ray Lewis.
[/quote]

Very true. Players can definitely change. It's just up to Ozzie and Harbaugh on whether they want to take the shot.

[quote name='H8R' timestamp='1354217179' post='1238064']
Wasnt he drafted by the previous regime....?
[/quote]

Yes but valuable, mature players can survive during change

[SecretAgentMan]

[quote name='berad' timestamp='1354220336' post='1238109']
Very true. Players can definitely change. It's just up to Ozzie and Harbaugh on whether they want to take the shot.



Yes but valuable, mature players can survive during change
[/quote]
Little moves like this could help teams win the SB. Ray and Rolando? Rolando would give us the McClain group and would cross off a draft need with a total stud!

[JO_75]

Here is the latest: Rolando has been asked to stay away from the Raiders.

[quote]Allen said that McClain has not been suspended, but McClain has been asked to remain away from the team because “there’s going to be consequences to his actions.”

“We’ve got to make a decision as an organization. We’re going to make sure we [url="https://twitter.com/CBSRaiders/status/274267689822859265"]make the right decision[/url],” Allen said, via CBSSports.com.[/quote]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/11/29/rolando-mcclain-asked-to-remain-away-from-raiders/

[berad]

[quote name='Mr. Irrelevant' timestamp='1354235858' post='1238358']
Little moves like this could help teams win the SB. Ray and Rolando? Rolando would give us the McClain group and would cross off a draft need with a total stud!
[/quote]

You think Rolando McClain is the missing piece for a championship?

[SecretAgentMan]

[quote name='berad' timestamp='1354238695' post='1238421']
You think Rolando McClain is the missing piece for a championship?
[/quote]
Not a missing one, but a helpful one.

[Juviebest]

[quote name='H8R' timestamp='1354217125' post='1238062']


Yea.. Watch a game.. Jameel doesnt take on blocks, is scared to get hit. Rolando has pissed away more talent then Jameel ever had. Anyone who says Jameel is more talented then Rolando is a fool.
[/quote]

NFL Films analyst Greg Cosell didn't mince words on McClain this week, opining that the No. 8 overall pick in the 2010 draft has been "awful ... arguably the worst starting 4-3 middle linebacker in the NFL. He can't move." (Rotoworld)

See what I did there? Now take your avatar and abbreviated user name back to 2007. Talent does not always lead to results on the field.

[JO_75]

[quote name='Juviebest' timestamp='1354240045' post='1238447']
NFL Films analyst Greg Cosell didn't mince words on McClain this week, opining that the No. 8 overall pick in the 2010 draft has been "awful ... [b]arguably the worst starting 4-3 middle linebacker in the NFL. He can't move."[/b] (Rotoworld)

See what I did there? Now take your avatar and abbreviated user name back to 2007. Talent does not always lead to results on the field.
[/quote]

Ok, so who's to say a system change wouldn't benefit him and that he succeeds in a 3-4 defense? Look around the league, players change positions and systems and it excels their career and in other cases hurts his career. Put him in a 3-4, any 3-4 team and I think he'll become a better player.