Rolando McClain to sign with Ravens?

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

[quote name='ClintLB8' timestamp='1365605547' post='1429512']
So, apparently Rolando called Labbe with Madison Weekly News so he could be the first to break the story to help his career. Labbe is a great guy and this is one of those small things that shows that Rolando does have some good in there. Let's not give up on him yet!
[/quote]

quite the attitude change... and him taking a (trial) one year deal says something too

[flynismo]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1365603456' post='1429425']
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.
[/quote]

That's another reason I'm not excited over this. He plays exactly like the other McClain. And last year, he wasn't even that stout against the run.

[black blood purple passion]

alright no more FA's haha this move gives us a ton of flexibility in the draft, we don't want to stunt the chemistry that has to develop between all these new guys already plus the rookies. But this is a great investment in my opinion, welcome to baltimore!

[CapoRocky]

[quote name='Ravenslifer' timestamp='1365604712' post='1429477']
If we sign him, I think we avoid an ILB in the first round. The more I look at it, the more I like the chances of a DeAndre Hopkins or Kennan Allen being that falling prospect we snatch at 32. If we pull that off, then we have: Ed = Huff, Kruger = Dumervil, Boldin = Allen, Ray = McClain. We could then pair McClain with a guy like Kiko Alonso or Kevin Reddick in the second or third round. That right there would give me a team I'd be comfortable going into next season with, regardless of the other picks.
[/quote]

I would love to have Hopkins or Allen!

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='flynismo' timestamp='1365605635' post='1429517']
That's another reason I'm not excited over this. He plays exactly like the other McClain. And last year, he wasn't even that stout against the run.
[/quote]

Didn't some big analytical site rank him as the #7 ILB in the NFL last year versus the run?

[Purple Punishment]

wish it was long term....


hes going to perform like a beast and bolt for a big contract!

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='Purple Punishment' timestamp='1365605761' post='1429524']
wish it was long term....


hes going to perform like a beast and bolt for a big contract!
[/quote]

If this move pays off for Ozzie, he won't let an ILB under 25 walk away after 1 year after taking a risk on him. We will have to pay him if he does become a boss, but I don't think he leaves. He got a big fat check from Oakland and he realized real quick that money means nothing when you are miserable doing what you are doing for an organization like the Raiders were. He stays if he turns it around.

[ClintLB8]

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?columnist=maisel_ivan&id=4619628

This is an article about McClain before he was drafted. Definitely lost his way a little bit but he might have just lost his passion in Oakland. Time will tell.

[gabefergy]

[quote name='flynismo' timestamp='1365605635' post='1429517']


That's another reason I'm not excited over this. He plays exactly like the other McClain. And last year, he wasn't even that stout against the run.
[/quote]
I have the same feelings on him. McClain is a two down player who is also a liability in the passing game. Sure he is young, but the only way I can see this being a positive is if he is given little to no guaranteed money and a minimum deal. If hecan stay clean and earn a spot on the roster than kudos.

[Ice Kriem]

[quote name='CapoRocky' timestamp='1365605709' post='1429520']
I would love to have Hopkins or Allen!
[/quote]

The WR from USC, Robert Woods, would be a great option if we some how end up with a mid-second round pick.

[gabefergy]

[quote name='ClintLB8' timestamp='1365605755' post='1429523']


Didn't some big analytical site rank him as the #7 ILB in the NFL last year versus the run?
[/quote]
8th in run stop %. They also pointed out he struggled to get off blocks and was really only effective when he had free run to make the play. That doesn't translate well to a 3-4 defense. Granted, a change of scenery could benefit him greatly.

[T-ray]

I like it.

[arnie_uk]

[quote name='JO_75' timestamp='1365604546' post='1429464']
Further proof, PFT is now saying Rolando is close to a contract with the Ravens.

[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]
[/quote]you do realise pft dont report right? They have no contacts, they regurgitate what's been reported and present an opinion piece on the reports someone else has done.

[edthehead]

if and when he signs it will be a good choice (in oz we trust) it gives us options in the draft,we are not forced to take an ILB if at all we take one(late in the rounds) unless a person falls to us also isnt courtney and bryan hall moving to ILB ,,for me ,,,we have 12 picks how many roster spots ,TRADE UP,TRADE UP TRADE UP,lets get that special impact wr sound like mckinnie will sign so trade up get that wide out and pick a LT in round 2 maybe a safty in 3 ,our defense front should impose their will on QB,we are really putting something special on the field this year and this years draft will be the icing on the cake,,,,,,

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='T-ray' timestamp='1365607113' post='1429563']
I like it.
[/quote]

Sarcasm?

[edreed2o]

I like this move. More to gain, than to lose.

[wademan2636]

as long as we're not overpaying him, it could be a huge gain for us. he is a great run stopper and hes better than ellerbe in coverage too. he's a huge upgrade over what we currently have as well.

[T3hRaven]

Well let's see if Harbaugh can be the next Belichick and save these troubled sorts of players.

[Marcus]

I like this because now we can trade up and get tavon austin

[T3hRaven]

[quote name='Marcus' timestamp='1365609182' post='1429602']
I like this because now we can trade up and get tavon austin
[/quote]

I'd like to know how we're getting into the top 10.

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='T3hRaven' timestamp='1365608990' post='1429598']
Well let's see if Harbaugh can be the next Belichick and save these troubled sorts of players.
[/quote]

Hope he does better than Belichick did with Albert Haynesworth.

[Marcus]

[quote name='T3hRaven' timestamp='1365609314' post='1429609']
I'd like to know how we're getting into the top 10.
[/quote]

I was being sarcastic notice the wink lol. I think we should trade back and get more picks.

[GrimCoconut]

I think the people who dislike this signing dislike it for the wrong reasons. I'm not disagreeing with either of you (Gabe, Fly) as I respect both of your opinions & even agree in all honesty. I disagree with you guys in this: you both (and others) appear to dislike the signing because we need a coverage LB-- a 3-down LB. I honestly don't think that is why we signed/will sign Rolando McClain. He isn't that kind of player.

If McClain is a part of this team, it is because Jameel has an injury & we don't know how he will perform in TC & beyond. Jameel could even be a casualty, not for cap purposes (although that is possible) but also because of his injury, performance, or other aspects of his game. We could be playing it safe, getting a talented LB who can help us stop the run, than risk McClain getting injured or being injured or not coming back the same from the injury & we have McClellan & Bynes as the starting ILBs.

This is just my personal perspective on why I feel people who dislike the signing dislike it, other than the obvious that McClain is a knucklehead who has made a myriad of mistakes. I could be wrong on your reasons (Gabe, Fly), but I feel there are those out there who expect/feel like McClain is supposed to be the coverage LB for us and I just don't see that as our expectation.

[Ravenseconbeast]

its a cheap signing. at the very least, a needed depth in a very thin rotation in ILB corp. i don't think this will make a difference on drafting a ILB in 2 weeks.

[gabefergy]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1365609982' post='1429626']
I think the people who dislike this signing dislike it for the wrong reasons. I'm not disagreeing with either of you (Gabe, Fly) as I respect both of your opinions & even agree in all honesty. I disagree with you guys in this: you both (and others) appear to dislike the signing because we need a coverage LB-- a 3-down LB. I honestly don't think that is why we signed/will sign Rolando McClain. He isn't that kind of player.

If McClain is a part of this team, it is because Jameel has an injury & we don't know how he will perform in TC & beyond. Jameel could even be a casualty, not for cap purposes (although that is possible) but also because of his injury, performance, or other aspects of his game. We could be playing it safe, getting a talented LB who can help us stop the run, than risk McClain getting injured or being injured or not coming back the same from the injury & we have McClellan & Bynes as the starting ILBs.

This is just my personal perspective on why I feel people who dislike the signing dislike it, other than the obvious that McClain is a knucklehead who has made a myriad of mistakes. I could be wrong on your reasons (Gabe, Fly), but I feel there are those out there who expect/feel like McClain is supposed to be the coverage LB for us and I just don't see that as our expectation.
[/quote]
I think that is a good point. Our McClain is an unknown commodity at this point. If nothing else Rolando could be depth and an insurance policy. I will withhold judgment until I see contract numbers if he does in fact come here.

[cwfRaven]

[quote name='ClintLB8' timestamp='1365598067' post='1429338']
Exactly. Saban was zero nonsense and didn't put up with anything and you never heard of Rolando getting into any serious trouble in college.
[/quote]

I hope you are right. I have my concerns like everyone else, but if Ozzie thinks he's worth whatever risk his contract entails, then OK. I trust Ozzie.

I really hope he DOES work out. Not just because I'd like to have a good ILB, but because it's a shame to see someone waste their talent. No excuses for hard luck stories, but it would be nice to see this one have a happy ending. Someone said they are all for 2nd chances, but not for 3rd, 4th...and I totally agree. Let's hope he gets it right this time, for his sake and ours.

Welcome to Bmore, Rolando. Time to be a Raven - on AND off the field.

[-Truth-]

Not sure if this was already posted, but:

"Former Raiders LB Rolando McClain is nearing deal with Ravens. Two sides scheduled to talk today to see if they iron out unresolved issues."

[url="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/statuses/321962185330921473"]https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/statuses/321962185330921473[/url]

[Sizzlebshu]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1365609982' post='1429626']
I think the people who dislike this signing dislike it for the wrong reasons. I'm not disagreeing with either of you (Gabe, Fly) as I respect both of your opinions & even agree in all honesty. I disagree with you guys in this: you both (and others) appear to dislike the signing because we need a coverage LB-- a 3-down LB. I honestly don't think that is why we signed/will sign Rolando McClain. He isn't that kind of player.

If McClain is a part of this team, it is because Jameel has an injury & we don't know how he will perform in TC & beyond. Jameel could even be a casualty, not for cap purposes (although that is possible) but also because of his injury, performance, or other aspects of his game. We could be playing it safe, getting a talented LB who can help us stop the run, than risk McClain getting injured or being injured or not coming back the same from the injury & we have McClellan & Bynes as the starting ILBs.

This is just my personal perspective on why I feel people who dislike the signing dislike it, other than the obvious that McClain is a knucklehead who has made a myriad of mistakes. I could be wrong on your reasons (Gabe, Fly), but I feel there are those out there who expect/feel like McClain is supposed to be the coverage LB for us and I just don't see that as our expectation.
[/quote]
I personally dislike the signing for 2 real reasons

1. The guy is a bum who's ability doesn't justify his personality
2. Its a one year deal.

The first isn't too big of a deal to me. I just think its a waste.

The second is the real problem and in part due to the first. If McClain pans out we will have problems resigning him next year. This is basically a rental deal. I would have much preferred to see a two-year deal with it being easy to cut him just so that we can have extra negotiating time if he pans out. A one year prove it contract for a player with a personality defect is a good move but I hate seeing them when it comes to unproven guys because it ends up giving them too much leverage if they pan out (See LaRon Landry).

[CARavensFan]

[quote name='JO_75' timestamp='1365604546' post='1429464']
Further proof, PFT is now saying Rolando is close to a contract with the Ravens.

[url="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/04/10/report-rolando-mcclain-nearing-deal-with-ravens/"]http://profootballta...al-with-ravens/[/url]
[/quote]

I'm not sure it being on PFT would be considered proof in my book, as we saw with their take on the Preston vs. Bryne story, they'll write just about anything.

[MDCop]

This is a win win for us. Very low risk with a chance at a very high reward. He's 23 with talent, now add this coaching staff behind him and I honestly don't see him failing. Now add this is a 1 yr deal and he will have to play his butt off if he wants a nice payday next year. Again great move by Ozzie. This fills a major hole and allows the ILB's we draft this year to grow just like they did with Upshaw last season. This front office is amazing.