Rolando McClain to sign with Ravens?

[Blackbirds Rule]

Have Ray get his number to go over a few things and help mentor the kid. We may have just gotten the best LB in the draft with this guy assuming no more off the field incidents. I honestly don't think we'll hear a peep out of him in regards to any trouble. i don't recall hearing any bad from him in Alabama so I think we're good.

[img]http://sportsdom.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/RayLewisFInalDance_original.gif[/img]

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='Clutch Ravens' timestamp='1365598709' post='1429344']
I still think one of his biggest problems was going from that sort of institution in Alabama, which is run as well as or better than the majority of professional sports franchises, to one of the worst run franchises in professional sports in Oakland.

He was given the keys to the franchise and a boat load of money while they took all of Saban's discipline and rules away. Oakland could ruin ANY players career.
[/quote]

Yeah, if you remember right after he was drafted he was begging for a playbook before the lockout happened so he could get a head start. He was extremely motivated (and he already had the money). I just think he went from a program like Bama where everything is focused on detail and getting better everyday to a lackadaisical organization in Oakland. From what I know of Rolando, he seems like the type of person that doesn't automatically give people respect.. you have to earn it in his eyes. Saban not only demanded it, he earned it. Two things related to that.. Ray Lewis demands respect and earns it constantly and he will be around the organization a lot still I'm sure and the next one is Ozzie. He is the most respected general manager in the game and he is earns his reputation. I wouldn't be surprised if Ray takes Rolando under his wing.

[Gordo52]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1365432916' post='1427834']
I trust Ozzie, though. He knows Alabama better than anyone not actually involved in the program & probably better than some actually involved. If he signs McClain, I will believe he did his work as he usually does. If he avoids McClain, then I find that answer enough.
[/quote]
Exactly how I feel. If he does sign here I love the move just because his issues were "cleared" through Ozzie & Harbs. Sometimes a new environment is all a player like him needs. I'm excited haha

[runamuk]

Pro football talk is reporting ravens are close to a deal with Rolando .[url="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/04/10/report-rolando-mcclain-nearing-deal-with-ravens/"]http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/04/10/report-rolando-mcclain-nearing-deal-with-ravens/[/url]

[ravensfan160]

[quote name='BallHawker' timestamp='1365570777' post='1429235']
How did he clear waivers??
[/quote]
Because any team that claimed him would have to pay him whatever his salary was from his previous contract. By letting him clear waivers he becomes a free agent and you can negotiate whatever contract you want with him. Given his off field issues he wasn't worth what the Raiders were paying him (which is why he was cut in the first place) but if you can get him for a 1 year minimum contract he is worth the risk.

[ThePittsburghHater]

[color=#000000][font=Tahoma, Arial, Verdana][size=3]Updating a previous item, there is reportedly a lot of work to be done before the [/size][/font][/color][url="http://www.kffl.com/team/8/nfl/baltimore-ravens"]Baltimore Ravens[/url][color=#000000][font=Tahoma, Arial, Verdana][size=3] could sign free-agent LB [/size][/font][/color][url="http://www.kffl.com/player/22370/nfl/rolando-mcclain"]Rolando McClain[/url][color=#000000][font=Tahoma, Arial, Verdana][size=3] (Raiders).[/size][/font][/color]

[color=#000000][font=Tahoma, Arial, Verdana][size=3]Read more: [url="http://www.kffl.com/hotw/nfl#ixzz2Q4ADt6bv"]http://www.kffl.com/hotw/nfl#ixzz2Q4ADt6bv[/url][/size][/font][/color]

[jazz1988]

[quote name='ClintLB8' timestamp='1365566777' post='1429166']
I could almost guarantee Ozzie would take him if he makes it to 32. He is too talented and Ozzie has an eye for talent. And yeah, the article said its a 1 year deal.
[/quote]
I want the ravens to draft brown as well if he's there at 32 but what if a guy like matt elam,keenan allen, and etc are both available as well. I think it would be a hard decision to make

[PolishRifle]

[quote name='runamuk' timestamp='1365599611' post='1429358']
Pro football talk is reporting ravens are close to a deal with Rolando .[url="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/04/10/report-rolando-mcclain-nearing-deal-with-ravens/"]http://profootballta...al-with-ravens/[/url]
[/quote]

We better get him for cheap. I mean really little money. Heck, I think he should pay the Ravens to get on the roster.

[img]http://saamfarahmand23.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/rolando-mcclain.jpg[/img]

[izvoodoo]

[quote name='ClintLB8' timestamp='1365596146' post='1429307']
You know what's even more amazing about that? Even after all that.. we would still have three 6th round picks and two 7th rounders to try to get some late round gems. This draft class is DEEP and there are tons of diamonds in the late rounds.
[/quote]
See you think that... but those late round gems are going to be midround picks. Projections never work out.

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='izvoodoo' timestamp='1365600183' post='1429364']
See you think that... but those late round gems are going to be midround picks. Projections never work out.
[/quote]

Then that means those projected to be mid round picks will slide to the later rounds which is even better.. unless that is, someone can figure out how to get 200+ guys crammed into 150 or so picks.

[izvoodoo]

[quote name='ClintLB8' timestamp='1365600456' post='1429367']
Then that means those projected to be mid round picks will slide to the later rounds which is even better.. unless that is, someone can figure out how to get 200+ guys crammed into 150 or so picks.
[/quote]
I'm just saying, those late round guys that seem popular on forums tend to go in the mid rounds because a lot of players are over rated.

I trust ozzie, of the 3 6th round picks 1 of them will be a starter if not a difference maker. And that is ridiculous.

[PolishRifle]

[quote name='Moderator 3' timestamp='1365597856' post='1429329']
I'm not too happy about that either, but I believe in second chances. I don't much believe in third or fourth chances, though.
[/quote]

You know Harbs catch phrase: The team, the team, the team. If McClain turns out to be locker room poison, Harbs won't tolerate that. We found that out this off-season. Not that I'm complaining. As a head coach you need to be both strict and supportive at the same time. Harbs, certainly has mastered that balancing act.

[FerrariFan87]

This may have been posted already, but here's a good story on McClain and how he's turning his life around...

http://madisonweeklynews.com/rolando-mcclain-madisons-newest-resident-opens-up-about-his-life-and-his-focus-to-make-things-right/

[EnVy_CaLiBeR]

I guess. Not with this move.

[ratedr]

You all know how I feel about this...

But I won't complain until I see the $$$.

[runamuk]

[quote name='PolishRifle' timestamp='1365599974' post='1429363']
We better get him for cheap. I mean really little money. Heck, I think he should pay the Ravens to get on the roster.


[/quote] i agree 100%. i hear trust in ozzie this is one I would take a flier on. Just my opinion but really .

[Purple Punishment]

Im stoked!!!! if he keeps his nose clean we got a MLB that we dreamed about getting years ago and couldnt have. Wonder what his jersey number is going to be

[izvoodoo]

Well we certainly needed an ILB. I trust oz, if he's serious about turning his life around hopefully he gets the chance.

[flynismo]

well, I guess Dansby must want more $ than we can afford if we are going after this guy.
Not loving this signing if it happens, but I suppose McClain has some upside. I'll give the FO the benefit of the doubt on this one...if they think he can help the team, then go for it

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='flynismo' timestamp='1365602221' post='1429408']
well, I guess Dansby must want more $ than we can afford if we are going after this guy.
Not loving this signing if it happens, but I suppose McClain has some upside. I'll give the FO the benefit of the doubt on this one...if they think he can help the team, then go for it
[/quote]

- Rolando is 23 compared to Dansby who is like 31.
- At this point in his career, Rolando has a lot more upside (might not be the better player now but this is almost a low round draft pick for Ozzie because he is young and there isn't much risk).
- Ozzie has the Alabama connection.

For these reasons, I feel like Rolando was sought after over Dansby (not because Dansby was too expensive). I feel like the Ravens have been targeting this guy since the middle of this past season.

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='Purple Punishment' timestamp='1365601892' post='1429402']
Im stoked!!!! if he keeps his nose clean we got a MLB that we dreamed about getting years ago and couldnt have. Wonder what his jersey number is going to be
[/quote]

My thoughts on his number..

#57 (as of right now, I bet he goes with this #)
#59 (if he didn't prefer 57, #59 would be my second guess for available #'s)
#54 (could buy it off of Adrian Hamilton maybe)

The dark horse for the # for me is #53.. With Jameel's health and this signing, if we get a solid ILB in the draft Jameel may be cut. Rolando wore #8 in high school so #53 makes sense for him since #55 is in no way.. ever.. ever ever.. available.

[Purple Punishment]

nor is 52.... lol NGATA chance on that number either!

[redravenfan]

I think we should give him a chance i wonder where his career would be right now if he was in a strong locker room like we have/had. Learning from lewis and Reed. People his age make mistakes and it sounds like he is willing to get his act together. There should be a way to add clauses for behavior issues in the contract. Character aside this guy has allot of talent sadly no one in oakland could help his achieve his potential

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

i so wanted this to happen, can't wait now until he officially signs, #57 sounds good for him

[Purple_ICE 81]

Ugh, hoping we could go after Karlos Dansby...apparently Ozzie is meeting with Rolando McClain in person today and may end up signing him. I wouldnt invest anything over minimum dollar on this jail bird.

[BALTIMOREFLACCO]

[quote name='Purple_ICE 81' timestamp='1365603345' post='1429422']
Ugh, hoping we could go after Karlos Dansby...apparently Ozzie is meeting with Rolando McClain in person today and may end up signing him. I wouldnt invest anything over minimum dollar on this jail bird.
[/quote]

Dual Mcclain tandem

[GrimCoconut]

I don't think signing McClain changes our draft at all. McClain is more of a traditional LB who can make plays. He's very, very average in coverage--a kind way of explaining it.

Personally, I like the signing if it happens. We could pair him with Brown or Greene & have a nice tandem inside.

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='redravenfan' timestamp='1365603098' post='1429419']
I think we should give him a chance i wonder where his career would be right now if he was in a strong locker room like we have/had. Learning from lewis and Reed. People his age make mistakes and it sounds like he is willing to get his act together. There should be a way to add clauses for behavior issues in the contract. Character aside this guy has allot of talent sadly no one in oakland could help his achieve his potential
[/quote]

I mean, since Rolando has been in Oakland.. who there was any sort of "strong leader" like we have/had? Richard Seymour? Tommy Kelly? Carson Palmer? I mean, the most leadership material the Raiders have had was Michael Huff, Kamerion Wimbley, and Marcel Reece. Come on.. that's got to be tough on anyone. I'm not knocking Huff's leadership abilities but being one of only a couple guys and non of them are known for being "strong leaders". Plus, the coaching staffs? I mean, nothing says leadership regarding anything with the Raiders. I will admit, the guys they have in place now with their front office are doing what is best for their team but I'm saying while Rolando was a part of the roster.

[PurpleandBlackBlood]

uhh apparently according to mcclain its already a done deal...


[color=#333333][font=Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif][background=rgb(245, 245, 245)][url="https://twitter.com/RapSheet"][b]Ian Rapoport[/b] ‏[size=3][s]@[/s][b]RapSheet[/b][/size][/url][url="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/321984315565150208"]24m[/url][/background][/font][/color]
[color=#333333][font=Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif][background=rgb(245, 245, 245)]Here is Rolando McClain explaining to [url="https://twitter.com/MadisonWeeklyAL"][s]@[/s][b]madisonweeklyAL[/b][/url] last night why "I’m looking forward to playing in Baltimore"
[url="http://madisonweeklynews.com/rolando-mcclain-expected-to-sign-with-baltimore-ravens/"]http://madisonweekly...ltimore-ravens/[/url][/background][/font][/color]

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='ClintLB8' timestamp='1365603491' post='1429426']


I mean, since Rolando has been in Oakland.. who there was any sort of "strong leader" like we have/had? Richard Seymour? Tommy Kelly? Carson Palmer? I mean, the most leadership material the Raiders have had was Michael Huff, Kamerion Wimbley, and Marcel Reece. Come on.. that's got to be tough on anyone. I'm not knocking Huff's leadership abilities but being one of only a couple guys and non of them are known for being "strong leaders". Plus, the coaching staffs? I mean, nothing says leadership regarding anything with the Raiders. I will admit, the guys they have in place now with their front office are doing what is best for their team but I'm saying while Rolando was a part of the roster.
[/quote]
I don't know if people understand the impact a losing environment can have on a competitive athlete.