Rolando McClain to sign with Ravens?

[jaege]

[quote name='ClintLB8' timestamp='1365202550' post='1426050']
Alright, I'm done with you. You can move along now.. You can't even hold a half way decent conversation. If you looked at my history, I've been advocating for Rolando for some time. It isn't the flavor of the week for me but that's irrelevant at this point. Just move along if this topic bothers you so much. Have a good day, sir.
[/quote]


Ahh. The dismissal. Well played. I was almost annoyed by that. Almost.

What conversation were you trying to have? That Rolando (whom you have been fond of for a really long time) could possibly fill a vital role on the team? How is that different from all the other fans who have their favorite player that they have been mooning over for a really long time and that they feel certain could fill a vital role if only Ozzie would pick them up? Are their opinions less valid than yours? Or are you "done with them too" because they "cannot have a decent conversation"?

I will concede, I really know nothing about this player. He may very well be able to fill that vital role. Again.[u] Not the point.[/u]

To be bluntly honest, it is annoying that every time a player gets cut by another team someone here feels the need to promote him as a potential addition to the roster. Its very unrealistic.

[CalvinSmoke]

I have no problem with the Ravens bringing in guys to work them out. I'd also ask Huff what he has to say about him.

[Ravenslifer]

He'd be worth the look, he's still very young, and Oakland is not the place for ANYONE to showcase their talents besides apparently Nnamdi Asomoghua. Remember Randy Moss went to Oakland and looked completely done after his second year there, then went on to have 3 ridiculous seasons in New England when he actually had structure around him.

[D-Rey]

[quote name='jaege' timestamp='1365203461' post='1426062']
Ahh. The dismissal. Well played. I was almost annoyed by that. Almost.

What conversation were you trying to have? That Rolando (whom you have been fond of for a really long time) could possibly fill a vital role on the team? How is that different from all the other fans who have their favorite player that they have been mooning over for a really long time and that they feel certain could fill a vital role if only Ozzie would pick them up? Are their opinions less valid than yours? Or are you "done with them too" because they "cannot have a decent conversation"?

I will concede, I really know nothing about this player. He may very well be able to fill that vital role. Again.[u] Not the point.[/u]

To be bluntly honest, it is annoying that every time a player gets cut by another team someone here feels the need to promote him as a potential addition to the roster. Its very unrealistic.
[/quote]Lol I believe you misread what he wrote. And it hasn't been every time. Usually its when a player would fit our system. This a forum for anyone to talk about what they want regarding the Ravens. Someone complaining about it is more annoying imo.

But I believe it would be smart to at least take a look at him.

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='jaege' timestamp='1365203461' post='1426062']
Ahh. The dismissal. Well played. I was almost annoyed by that. Almost.

What conversation were you trying to have? That Rolando (whom you have been fond of for a really long time) could possibly fill a vital role on the team? How is that different from all the other fans who have their favorite player that they have been mooning over for a really long time and that they feel certain could fill a vital role if only Ozzie would pick them up? Are their opinions less valid than yours? Or are you "done with them too" because they "cannot have a decent conversation"?

I will concede, I really know nothing about this player. He may very well be able to fill that vital role. Again.[u] Not the point.[/u]

To be bluntly honest, it is annoying that every time a player gets cut by another team someone here feels the need to promote him as a potential addition to the roster. Its very unrealistic.
[/quote]

So, we should just never talk about released players then I guess. Would that better suit you and your preferences? I am actually not surprised by a lot of the new topics posted because yes, when someone gets released.. it is a very feasible thing to post and discuss the potential addition of a player. What purpose does this message board serve you would be my question? I created an account in order to come discuss all things pertaining to the Ravens as well as an extension of the Ravens which would be the NFL. Just because someone posts that they would like to add someone to our roster doesn't mean anything, but I think you are looking to kick up a fuss about something when you click on the link to this topic and take the time to posts things in it. If it is "soooo annoying" to continually read these new topics regarding released players then why even take the time to do all that? Everyone would be happy, would they not? You don't have to "get annoyed" because you simply click on the links of things that interest you and if Rolando McClain doesn't then why click on the link and participate? You are the one causing your own annoyance.. It seems like a pretty simple problem to fix. If people agree or have questions regarding Rolando McClain then they can take the time out to click and participate but those that want nothing to do with him.. then yeah, it's fine to give your opinion and say "no, I wouldn't care for him" and then continue to state why and that's fine but when you come on here just to talk about how annoying it is... well, my response to that is that's your fault. It's a real simple concept.. don't click the link. You'll be a lot happier in the long run because just because you say something "annoys you" doesn't mean people are going to stop.. seems unproductive to me. Wasting your time a little bit..

[dhstandard]

[quote name='jaege' timestamp='1365202284' post='1426046']
There is no need to respect foolishness. As far as this guy, sure he may very well "make sense". That really isn't the point. It isn't just this one guy. Nearly every time [b]anyone[/b] gets released from [b]any[/b] team, regardless of how good he may be [b]someone[/b] here seems to thinks we need to pick him up. We cant pick them all up.


Look at the forum. It is clogged with threads blubbering about the latest release and how much we need him. How this would finally put the polish on the team. And I realize that in your opinion THIS is THE guy. The one we have all been waiting for. In your opinion.

Realistically we are probably done with free agency until after the draft, unless there is another faulty fax machine mishap. Face the cold horrible reality.
[/quote]

It's stupid to not ponder every free agent that hits the market. People brushed off Dumervil but look what happened. You are very ignorant to overlook good players or players with potential. We see all the time where someone didn't work at one place but flourished in another and vice versa.

A lot more players are released then are talked about on the forums you probably just don't know about it because this is your only source. Most of the players talked about are pretty good fits as well.

[Gordo52]

I'm not for this potential move, but I'm not against it. I'd actually love to have him, but his price is a big ? mark too me.

[dhstandard]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1365200840' post='1426001']
Yeah, because Oakland is a terrible organization...
[/quote]

It was a bad pick because the kid never played in a 4-3. You don't draft someone who is good at what they do with the 8th pick when he doesn't fit your defensive scheme. McClain was a safe pick for a 3-4 team but not otherwise.

Also the Raiders are horrible at coaching. Didn't one of their coaches work at a waffle house before he was hired? I'm sure he would do much better here.

[edreed2o]

I would love to pick up Rolando McClain. We can train him to be more coverage happy so he can be a three down linebacker. But lets say that does not work out, he's still a run stuffing machine. That's still a plus. He's still young and has alot to learn..especially with our coaching staff. I hope oz gives him a shot. It would be the smart thing to do with how much our need at MLB is, and how young he is. This is actually a realistic signing.

[Ray Ray Ravens]

[img]http://content.boards.baltimoreravens.com/public/style_emoticons/default/popcorn%20drama.gif[/img]

[T-ray]

[quote name='jaege' timestamp='1365203461' post='1426062']
Ahh. The dismissal. Well played. I was almost annoyed by that. Almost.

What conversation were you trying to have? That Rolando (whom you have been fond of for a really long time) could possibly fill a vital role on the team? How is that different from all the other fans who have their favorite player that they have been mooning over for a really long time and that they feel certain could fill a vital role if only Ozzie would pick them up? Are their opinions less valid than yours? Or are you "done with them too" because they "cannot have a decent conversation"?

I will concede, I really know nothing about this player. He may very well be able to fill that vital role. Again.[u] Not the point.[/u]

To be bluntly honest, it is annoying that every time a player gets cut by another team someone here feels the need to promote him as a potential addition to the roster. Its very unrealistic.
[/quote]

I actually agree with you in that I do not want McClain here. He's too much of a head case for our team. Who will keep him in line?? Gone are Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. Suggs is a leader, but not a leader who will get his fellow players to act clean and not goof off. Even offensive leaders like Matt Birk and Anquan Boldin are gone. Sure, you've said that Upshaw and Cody will keep him in line. But nope, they can't because they have their own learning to do for themselves. So to answer this question. No. We do not need him. And we should not get him.

Talent-wise, McClain is not even an adequate pass defender. Sure he's a good run stuffer, but we need a complement to the other McClain, not the same type of player with nutcase syndrome.

[Blackbirds Rule]

[quote name='Ravenslifer' timestamp='1365205535' post='1426085']
He'd be worth the look, he's still very young, and Oakland is not the place for ANYONE to showcase their talents besides apparently Nnamdi Asomoghua. Remember Randy Moss went to Oakland and looked completely done after his second year there, then went on to have 3 ridiculous seasons in New England when he actually had structure around him.
[/quote]

I want us to sign him to a 1-2 year deal around 3 million max a year. Put him in our 3-4 where he'll get top notch lb coaching. He'll have access to Ray to help mentor him and take his game to another level. With our organization he has access to Ozzie who is part of his alma-mater in addition to the Alabama players that he played with in college. I think he just needs a fresh start in a 3-4 defensive scheme that he's most comfortable with. The Randy Moss in Oakland and then goes to the Pats is how I want this McClain situation to play out for us.

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXY3vhknLuI[/media]

[quote name='T-ray' timestamp='1365210742' post='1426130']
Yeah, seems like some people are in love with the looney tune... my nickname for him, regardless of what team he plays for, us or another, will always be Looney Tune McClain.
[/quote]

With this guy you never know. I think by him being from Alabama and us having Ozzie and a few of his former Alabama teammates can give him some sense of stability. It still will matter what this guy wants his NFL career to be about. Does he want to be great? Does he just want money? Does he have love for the game? I could see Ozzie bring him in on a 1-2 year deal no significant contract or signing bonus and have him earn a spot with us. If he is indeed a bad NFLplayer then he gets cut in training camp. I believe Ozzie will definitely bring him in and have a talk with him to see where his head's at. The type of guy that Ray Lewis is I believe would definitely take some time out of his schedule to help mentor Rolando. A 24 year old linebacker with immense potential who may have just played for the most dysunctional organization known to man. We could get a huge steal or another talented player who never achieved his potential. If he does sign with us we have a little more flexibility in the draft by not having that many ILB's on the roster.

[Stephenjr]

[quote name='Juviebest' timestamp='1365200200' post='1425987']
I think this time is different because its an area of need. It's not like he's a RB or OLB. It's fair to discuss how Ro would fit in and if us fans would want him in B-more or not.
[/quote]Come on man,you already have a nick name for this Bum!!

[T-ray]

[quote name='Stephenjr' timestamp='1365210574' post='1426128']
Come on man,you already have a nick name for this Bum!!
[/quote]

Yeah, seems like some people are in love with the looney tune... my nickname for him, regardless of what team he plays for, us or another, will always be Looney Tune McClain.

[Juviebest]

[quote name='Stephenjr' timestamp='1365210574' post='1426128']
Come on man,you already have a nick name for this Bum!!
[/quote]

Eh, not really a nickname...I was just too lazy to spell out Rolando. Ro is just smoother sounding too.

And noooo...I'm not in love with him. But could he add some competition to that ILB spot? Yes, since we did lose 3 of them this offseason and haven't replaced one yet (well ok we did if you want to include Bryan Hall trying to become one). My biggest bug about Ro is where his head is at. I believe he can improve his coverage skills if he works on them.

[CARavensFan]

[quote name='T-ray' timestamp='1365209787' post='1426119']
I actually agree with you in that I do not want McClain here. He's too much of a head case for our team. Who will keep him in line?? Gone are Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. Suggs is a leader, but not a leader who will get his fellow players to act clean and not goof off. Even offensive leaders like Matt Birk and Anquan Boldin are gone. Sure, you've said that Upshaw and Cody will keep him in line. But nope, they can't because they have their own learning to do for themselves. So to answer this question. No. We do not need him. And we should not get him.

Talent-wise, McClain is not even an adequate pass defender. Sure he's a good run stuffer, but we need a complement to the other McClain, not the same type of player with nutcase syndrome.
[/quote]

While some of the better known leaders we had are gone, we also have guys he's familiar with in Upshaw and Cody who were with him in Alabama when they were winning National Championships. He was also the man responsible for calling the defensive plays for Nick Saban who does not run the simplest defense to learn.

I'm a firm believe in the "Oakland" syndrome. Other than Namdi whose value was purely based on his own abilities, every player on that team has been hamstrung by the terrible system and culture that has been built there over the years.

[pitchblack_20]

So much hate. Jeez

[Yatagarasu]

McClain is a headcase. The only way he comes to this franchise is if he signs the veteran minimum and we just see whats he made of in training camp. He lost all his leverage and reputation by being a quitter and being a me-player, not a team-player. If Ozzie sees something in him, then so be it, but just like Titus Young, it's better to avoid these players and move on.

McClain might get signed after draft day if Ozzie misses out on his targeted ILB. One offseason training on McClain wouldn't hurt, but I'll rather not spend any more money on a troubled player. Sure, he can turn out to be the 1st rounder LB he was drafted to be, but until then, he's now a minimum-salary player.

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQoLuqzth_k[/media]

He plays very undisciplined.

If we ousted Pollard for his ability to draw unnecessary roughness, then McClain will probably be passed by Ozzie.

[BloodRaven]

McClain is a bum.

[Blackbirds Rule]

[quote name='Corvus Amplus' timestamp='1365212971' post='1426162']
McClain might get signed after draft day if Ozzie misses out on his targeted ILB. One offseason training on McClain wouldn't hurt, but I'll rather not spend any more money on a troubled player. Sure, he can turn out to be the 1st rounder LB he was drafted to be, but until then, he's now a minimum-salary player.
[/quote]

I honestly think Ozzie will jump on this kid after he clears waivers. He'll get a minimum salary and a 1 year deal 2 at the most. Ozzie will have him on the roster prior to draft day. That way our focus will shift more towards S, OT, and WR. We'll still draft a few LB's to complete our depth and compete with McClain. If McClain was in this draft I think he's #1 or #2 LB. With Ozzie and 12 picks and one less hole at ILB can help us immensely on draft day. He had 99 and 5 sacks in 2011. He only played in 11 games last year 9 of which he started and had 62 tackles and a sack. I think there is too much potential to pass on this kid unless he wants too much money. If he's not willing to take a 1-2 minimum salary or highly incentivized contract then we'll pass.

[ClintLB8]

If Ozzie doesn't sign him.. then I'll agree with his decision and move on. I've got to learn to just trust the man.. he always makes me think he is making terrible decisions and ends up being a genius. If he passes, then I'm fine with it. If he signs him, then my personal opinion is that it was the right call (I do not feel like he should be picked up off waivers or signed to any kind of high contract). In Ozzie I trust. I'm tired of arguing with some of you who have different opinions. I respect them and while I do not agree, that in no way shape or form make me correct. I'm sorry for any heat or drama I've caused. I seriously think the guy has untapped potential and we have the type of organization that can maximize that. That is saying a lot about our organization.. not many can claim that. I've been saying all off season I feel like he is the target to give a camp invite to and bring in a guy in the draft as well.. Let them compete and it's been my prediction and I'm sticking to it. For those who think it's dumb and disagree with the prediction, I respect it and will be fine either way.

[DMH_in_WA]

I have no real opinion on the guy. Didn't see him play enough so anything I'd say is shaded by stuff I've read. I just find it a little difficult to believe that a defensive player coming out of Alabama is that completely over-matched and ineffectual in the NFL. I don't, however, find it hard to believe that the running joke that is/was the Oakland Raider's coaching staff could not help a 3-4 LB convert effectively to a 4-3 LB causing him to be over-matched and ineffectual.

That said, the two arrests bother me. Although, the second one makes ABSOLUTELY no sense unless you are trying to get the Raiders to release you. Who goes through the trouble of giving a false name and writing profanity on the ticket for a window tint violation? And then, you top it off with a giant smile for the camera as you're being taken away. That's like putting a big sign around your neck saying, "Oakland .. Cut Me Now!"

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='DMH_in_WA' timestamp='1365214651' post='1426190']
I have no real opinion on the guy. Didn't see him play enough so anything I'd say is shaded by stuff I've read. I just find it a little difficult to believe that a defensive player coming out of Alabama is that completely over-matched and ineffectual in the NFL. I don't, however, find it hard to believe that the running joke that is/was the Oakland Raider's coaching staff could not help a 3-4 LB convert effectively to a 4-3 LB causing him to be over-matched and ineffectual.

That said, the two arrests bother me. Although, the second one makes ABSOLUTELY no sense unless you are trying to get the Raiders to release you. Who goes through the trouble of giving a false name and writing profanity on the ticket for a window tint violation? And then, you top it off with a giant smile for the camera as you're being taken away. That's like putting a big sign around your neck saying, "Oakland .. Cut Me Now!"
[/quote]

Yup, I agree on all accounts.. if you bring him in and he continues this attitude after what should be a humbling experience then by all means, cut him and move on. Let him know real quick that nothing will be tolerated in any way and the first sign of problems, cut him loose. Marvin Lewis did that with Burfict and that seemed to work. That doesn't mean that it will work with Rolando but I mean, Ozzie has a way about him that when he speaks, you shut your mouth and listen. Ozzie will not guarantee this guy any kind of money so if he is even a little bit of trouble then cut him and that's that.. the guy won't get a 3rd shot.

[FJX]

I wouldn't mind too much if we brought in Rolando, but I'd rather have Dansby to be quite honest. And I think we should take Bostic in the 3rd round of the draft.
I think with the space we have left, we should sign Dansby, and re-sign Big Mac. Possibly get a receiver out of free agency (Alexander?) or heck, even Charles Woodson.
Before you write that last one off, he has gotten almost no interest lately. If we can sign him cheap for 1-2 years, he'd be a GREAT mentor to Ihedigbo or Thompson or Elam if we draft him. Not to mention he is not a bad player and could really compliment Huff

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='FJX' timestamp='1365215060' post='1426195']
I wouldn't mind too much if we brought in Rolando, but I'd rather have Dansby to be quite honest. And I think we should take Bostic in the 3rd round of the draft.
I think with the space we have left, we should sign Dansby, and re-sign Big Mac. Possibly get a receiver out of free agency (Alexander?) or heck, even Charles Woodson.
Before you write that last one off, he has gotten almost no interest lately. If we can sign him cheap for 1-2 years, he'd be a GREAT mentor to Ihedigbo or Thompson or Elam if we draft him. Not to mention he is not a bad player and could really compliment Huff
[/quote]

Well, if they decided to go the Dansby route or even wait till the draft then I'm fine with that (as long as we don't go the UDFA route again at ILB) but the only, and I mean only, problem I have with Dansby or Woodson is that it is kind of counterproductive with what they are trying to do in getting younger. Dansby not so much with him being 31 but Woodson for sure. I would not be upset with either pick up, though!

[lowrider]

[u][b]McClain's arrests according to wikipedia[/b][/u]

1. January 27, 2011. McClain's vehicle was shot at
2. December 1, 2011. McClain arrested, charged with "third- degree assault, menacing, reckless endangerment and discharging a firearm inside the city limits. Charges dropped.
3. January 8, 2013. Window tint violation.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolando_McClain

Didn't he have a dui?

[omar586]

[quote name='dhstandard' timestamp='1365196423' post='1425928']
You have a good player in the wrong scheme on a losing team. It's not like he is taking up space considering we have only one MLB with significant playing experience (or any at all) and he is coming off a serious back injury.

I would sign him and anyone saying we shouldn't is making a dumb mistake. He will only be 24 by the time the season starts. What do we have to lose?
[/quote]
I agree, we dont have any depth at ILB , it won't hurt to add him and coach him up.

[DMH_in_WA]

[quote name='Corvus Amplus' timestamp='1365216458' post='1426210']
He plays very undisciplined.

If we ousted Pollard for his ability to draw unnecessary roughness, then McClain will probably be passed by Ozzie.
[/quote]

In my mind, undisciplined players means poor coaching. And I think that the personal fouls for Pollard did play a small role in his being released, but I think the main reason is that he was a safety who let 75% of all balls thrown to his responsibility result in a catch. If that number was more like 30%, 40% or even 50%; I think Pollard is still a Raven.

Priority one for a Safety should be that he can cover a receiver.

[NaveSenrag]

Do we really want two ILB's named McClain?

[MTRavensFan]

Seriously?
People are talking about cutting Vonta Leach to sign this guy?
And did I just hear someone say Ihedigbo needs a mentor???

SMH, I'll just continue to trust Ozzie...