Rolando McClain to sign with Ravens?

[cobrajet]

I rather not have this criminal on our team.

[rmw10]

I've managed to stay out of this discussion thus far, but felt it was time to chime in.

Rolando, by all accounts, is an incredibly gifted player. I'm sure being in Oakland and playing in a 4-3 made him look a lot worse than he is. He actually graded out fairly well last year in the games he did play. He would fit with us based on our needs. He's only 23, just as young as most draft picks will be in about 2 weeks. He has all of the makings of an Ozzie signing in that he was cut by a former team, would be cheap, and has Alabama ties.

With that being said though, as mentioned many times before, Rolando just doesn't seem to get it. Are his off the field issues worth what he can bring on the field? That's a question I can't answer. Everyone always points to a strong locker room when a player with issues comes up. The issue with that, however, is that the strong locker room doesn't follow the player home. Rolando could be the most disciplined player on the field and in the locker room, but what happens when he goes home? Can a team really influence him from far away? Remember that this is a guy who had the biggest smile ever for getting arrested after writing his name as "F--- off" to a cop.

For McClain to even be considered, it's going to take a lot of confidence from the front office, the coaches, and the players. Is a good player worth all of the baggage he'd bring, whether that truly affects the team or not?

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='rmw10' timestamp='1365386934' post='1427586']
I've managed to stay out of this discussion thus far, but felt it was time to chime in.

Rolando, by all accounts, is an incredibly gifted player. I'm sure being in Oakland and playing in a 4-3 made him look a lot worse than he is. He actually graded out fairly well last year in the games he did play. He would fit with us based on our needs. He's only 23, just as young as most draft picks will be in about 2 weeks. He has all of the makings of an Ozzie signing in that he was cut by a former team, would be cheap, and has Alabama ties.

With that being said though, as mentioned many times before, Rolando just doesn't seem to get it. Are his off the field issues worth what he can bring on the field? That's a question I can't answer. Everyone always points to a strong locker room when a player with issues comes up. The issue with that, however, is that the strong locker room doesn't follow the player home. Rolando could be the most disciplined player on the field and in the locker room, but what happens when he goes home? Can a team really influence him from far away? Remember that this is a guy who had the biggest smile ever for getting arrested after writing his name as "F--- off" to a cop.

For McClain to even be considered, it's going to take a lot of confidence from the front office, the coaches, and the players. Is a good player worth all of the baggage he'd bring, whether that truly affects the team or not?
[/quote]

People completely wrote Burfict off.. NO ONE touched him for 7 rounds in the draft.. 31 teams regret that decision. Does that mean Rolando will do the same thing? No, not necessarily but with Burfict in mind and with it being so recently, someone will give him a try and it could pay off big time for them.

[cwfRaven]

Not that it would or should make a difference to Oz, but I can see the haters' headlines now..."Thug Ravens lose one criminal and replace him with another."

[cwfRaven]

I don't know enough about his play to have an opinion on that, but man - I can see the haters' headlines now... [u]"Thug Ravens Replace One Criminal with Another." [/u](Before you neg me, I'm not calling Ray a criminal but we all know the haters do.) Not that it really matters though, I don't think Oz would or should care about the headlines but it sure would give the haters ammo.

[SecretAgentMan]

[quote name='cwfRaven' timestamp='1365393128' post='1427653']
I don't know enough about his play to have an opinion on that, but man - I can see the haters' headlines now... "Thug Ravens Replace One Criminal with Another." Before you neg me, I'm not calling Ray a criminal but we all know the haters do.
[/quote]
History had a tendency to repeat itself doesn't it

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

a good read and the closest article to what my opinion is on this situation that i've seen so far [url="http://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2013/4/6/4190246/rolando-mcclain-the-next-big-thing-in-baltimore"]http://www.baltimore...ng-in-baltimore[/url]

[GrimCoconut]

If any head coach in the NFL can get McClain's character concerns right, it's coach John Harbaugh. I believe that 100%. Sometimes you can't get a guy right or under control. There are many examples of this. But I believe Harbaugh can get his head right up there with the best of them in the NFL, even Belichick.

[edthehead]

again GET'EM

[ratedr]

[img]http://blogimages.thescore.com/nfl/files/2011/12/McClain-arrest2.jpg[/img]

Look at that smile, so sincere. Tells me he's a hardworking kid.

NOT.

I don't want this nutjob anywhere near this team. It's one thing to have character issues in the past, but he was just arrested a couple months ago! No thank you.

[flynismo]

Why go after an underachiever with so many character issues when we can get a much better player and teammate in Karlos Dansby?

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='flynismo' timestamp='1365432030' post='1427821']
Why go after an underachiever with so many character issues when we can get a much better player and teammate in Karlos Dansby?
[/quote]
My guess is McClain is younger & may come cheaper & people probably expect Ozzie's alma mater connection to have something to do with changing McClain's life. While I am very uncertain about the latter, I do believe the two former points have some merit. Dansby is a really good player. I wouldn't mind him, to be honest. McClain does have upside & may be low risk. It depends on how he interviews would be my guess.

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.

[cwfRaven]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1365432916' post='1427834']
My guess is McClain is younger & may come cheaper & people probably expect Ozzie's alma mater connection to have something to do with changing McClain's life. While I am very uncertain about the latter, I do believe the two former points have some merit. Dansby is a really good player. I wouldn't mind him, to be honest. McClain does have upside & may be low risk. It [b]d[b]e[/b]pends on how he interviews w[/b]ould be my guess.

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]

Any word on if he's coming for a visit?

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='cwfRaven' timestamp='1365442628' post='1427902']
Any word on if he's coming for a visit?
[/quote]
I suspect we'll wait on that, to be honest. I don't see us pursuing him right now. I think we may after the draft, though. He's the kind of prospect I suspect most teams with a brain will allow to sit on the market to stew than take immediately. For one, it will lower his price & second it could perhaps humble him a bit, if he hasn't already.

[EnVy_CaLiBeR]

[quote name='ratedr' timestamp='1365431250' post='1427809']
[img]http://blogimages.thescore.com/nfl/files/2011/12/McClain-arrest2.jpg[/img]

Look at that smile, so sincere. Tells me he's a hardworking kid.

NOT.

I don't want this nutjob anywhere near this team. It's one thing to have character issues in the past, but he was just arrested a couple months ago! No thank you.
[/quote]
Yep. No thanks.

[Blackbirds Rule]

[url="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1595348-rolando-mcclain-likely-landing-spots-for-recently-released-linebacker"]http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1595348-rolando-mcclain-likely-landing-spots-for-recently-released-linebacker[/url]

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='Blackbirds Rule' timestamp='1365447670' post='1427973']
[url="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1595348-rolando-mcclain-likely-landing-spots-for-recently-released-linebacker"]http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1595348-rolando-mcclain-likely-landing-spots-for-recently-released-linebacker[/url]
[/quote]
Personally, I think the Titans & Falcons would be poor fits. New Orleans makes sense. I obviously think the Baltimore connection is a legitimate one as well.

One location I feel unmentioned is the possibility of Rolando McClain going closer to Alabama. I'm thinking the Houston Texans will get McClain. He looks like a player that would really fit their defensive strategy. I think Wade would like him next to Cushing.

It would also remove a need from Houston's board, as they are rumored to have interest in early round LBs. I think this draft has a lot of 4-3LBs & less 3-4LBs, especially at the top.

Just my two Lincolns.

[The Raven]

If he wasn't a thug, I'd be open to giving him a deal. But, he screwed up pretty big. I wouldn't hate it if we brought him in, but I doubt it.

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

he must have cleared waivers by now, but there's no news i could find about him making any visits or even a report to say a team showed interest - strange...

[Stephenjr]

[quote name='ratedr' timestamp='1365431250' post='1427809']
[img]http://blogimages.thescore.com/nfl/files/2011/12/McClain-arrest2.jpg[/img]

Look at that smile, so sincere. Tells me he's a hardworking kid.

NOT.

I don't want this nutjob anywhere near this team. It's one thing to have character issues in the past, but he was just arrested a couple months ago! No thank you.
[/quote]Amen!! I don't want him bring his negative a$$ anywhere near our Batch of young Ravens!!

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1365448256' post='1427987']
Personally, I think the Titans & Falcons would be poor fits. New Orleans makes sense. I obviously think the Baltimore connection is a legitimate one as well.

One location I feel unmentioned is the possibility of Rolando McClain going closer to Alabama. I'm thinking the Houston Texans will get McClain. He looks like a player that would really fit their defensive strategy. I think Wade would like him next to Cushing.

It would also remove a need from Houston's board, as they are rumored to have interest in early round LBs. I think this draft has a lot of 4-3LBs & less 3-4LBs, especially at the top.

Just my two Lincolns.
[/quote]

Only reason I don't believe that he will end up there is because the Texans VERY rarely take chances on guys with character issues. I do agree he would be a nice fit but it just isn't their style. Ozzie has a history of giving people like Rolando a chance. I do think Rolando needs to go a 3-4 team so I agree on the Titans. I don't think David Hawthorne will do well in a 3-4 and so the Saints could be a very real possibility. This is the teams that I believe will be interested and in order of the highest chance I believe will get him.

[u]Atlanta Falcons[/u] - They actually make the most sense. Are slowly moving towards a 3-4 defense and are in desperate need of a MLB/ILB. They are the closest team to his hometown outside of the Tennessee Titans. Is familiar with Mike Johnson and Julio Jones from their experience playing for the national championship together. The only problem as to why I am not making a full on Falcons prediction is that their organization has proved that they will not take risks on guys with character issues.
[u]Cleveland Browns[/u] - Lombardi really likes Rolando and with their need at ILB in their switch to a 3-4 to play alongside DQwell Jackson then that makes them big players (also have a ton of cap space). What hurts them is they aren't much different than the Raiders.
[u]Baltimore Ravens[/u] - Ozzie has a history of taking chances on guys with character issues, fits in a 3-4, Ozzie has Bama connection, Rolando has familiarity with T. Cody and Upshaw, he could play for a winner.
[u]Pittsburgh Steelers[/u] - I believe Rolando with end up in our division one way or another as you can see. Pittsburgh doesn't normally go take chances on guys like Rolando but he would fit perfectly with their defense as the thumper while Lawrence Timmons played WILB.
[u]New Orleans Saints[/u] - One of the few teams that is closer to home that he fits scheme wise. They need to add some guys who can stop the run and can be field generals.

[Stephenjr]

[quote name='ratedr' timestamp='1365431250' post='1427809']
[img]http://blogimages.thescore.com/nfl/files/2011/12/McClain-arrest2.jpg[/img]

Look at that smile, so sincere. Tells me he's a hardworking kid.

NOT.

I don't want this nutjob anywhere near this team. It's one thing to have character issues in the past, but he was just arrested a couple months ago! No thank you.
[/quote]Yeah,this guy has more then a few screws loose!! He is most likley an embaresment to Ozzie,for representing Alabama the way he is in this picture!!

[Juviebest]

According to Rotoworld, Rolando has officially cleared through waivers.

[Jaydoog]

[b] Arrests[/b]

On January 27, 2011, a vehicle being driven by Rolando McClain was shot at while McClain was in his hometown of [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decatur,_Alabama"]Decatur, Alabama[/url]. No one was hurt and police are unsure if the shooter knew that the car belonged to McClain.[sup][url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolando_McClain#cite_note-25"][25][/url][/sup][sup][url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolando_McClain#cite_note-26"][26][/url][/sup] He later fired multiple shots at the police.
On December 1, 2011, McClain was arrested by Decatur police and charged with third-degree assault, menacing, reckless endangerment and discharging a firearm inside the city limits, all of which are misdemeanors for a shooting incident that occurred the night before.[sup][url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolando_McClain#cite_note-27"][27][/url][/sup][sup][url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolando_McClain#cite_note-28"][28][/url][/sup] On May 17, 2012, McClain was found guilty on all counts, ordered to pay a $500 fine for each charge, totaling $2,000, and sentenced to spend 45 days in jail for each charge, 180 in total. He was freed on bond, and will begin serving his sentence on June 1.[sup][url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolando_McClain#cite_note-29"][29][/url][/sup]
on November 18, 2012, while the case was on appeal, the charges were dismissed by the Judge after the victim decided not to press charges. According to lawyers involved, a financial settlement was reached between McClain and the victim.[sup][url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolando_McClain#cite_note-30"][30][/url][/sup]
On January 8, 2013 McClain was arrested by Decatur Police in Morgan County after an officer pulled him over for a window tint violation. McClain provided the officer with a false name and he was arrested and booked into the Decatur City Jail. McClain bonded out of jail later that day.[sup][url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolando_McClain#cite_note-31"][31][/url][/sup]


They are bad but not bad where he can't turn around his life. Give him a change on a low risk deal

[BaltimoreBean]

[quote name='Jaydoog' timestamp='1365456614' post='1428130']
[b] Arrests[/b]

On January 27, 2011, a vehicle being driven by Rolando McClain was shot at while McClain was in his hometown of [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decatur,_Alabama"]Decatur, Alabama[/url]. No one was hurt and police are unsure if the shooter knew that the car belonged to McClain.[sup][url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolando_McClain#cite_note-25"][25][/url][/sup][sup][url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolando_McClain#cite_note-26"][26][/url][/sup] He later fired multiple shots at the police.
On December 1, 2011, McClain was arrested by Decatur police and charged with third-degree assault, menacing, reckless endangerment and discharging a firearm inside the city limits, all of which are misdemeanors for a shooting incident that occurred the night before.[sup][url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolando_McClain#cite_note-27"][27][/url][/sup][sup][url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolando_McClain#cite_note-28"][28][/url][/sup] On May 17, 2012, McClain was found guilty on all counts, ordered to pay a $500 fine for each charge, totaling $2,000, and sentenced to spend 45 days in jail for each charge, 180 in total. He was freed on bond, and will begin serving his sentence on June 1.[sup][url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolando_McClain#cite_note-29"][29][/url][/sup]
on November 18, 2012, while the case was on appeal, the charges were dismissed by the Judge after the victim decided not to press charges. According to lawyers involved, a financial settlement was reached between McClain and the victim.[sup][url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolando_McClain#cite_note-30"][30][/url][/sup]
On January 8, 2013 McClain was arrested by Decatur Police in Morgan County after an officer pulled him over for a window tint violation. McClain provided the officer with a false name and he was arrested and booked into the Decatur City Jail. McClain bonded out of jail later that day.[sup][url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolando_McClain#cite_note-31"][31][/url][/sup]


They are bad but not bad where he can't turn around his life. Give him a change on a low risk deal
[/quote]

Did you see what the fake name was?

I will trust Ozzie's judgement if we bring him in, but I don't know about this guy.

http://deadspin.com/5974539/

[edthehead]

well it's a done deal,,,,,,,,,,,oh he cleared waivers just sayin

[Jaydoog]

[quote name='BaltimoreBean' timestamp='1365457038' post='1428137']
Did you see what the fake name was?

I will trust Ozzie's judgement if we bring him in, but I don't know about this guy.

[url="http://deadspin.com/5974539/"]http://deadspin.com/5974539/[/url]
[/quote] He is in Oakland lol NWA would have been proud

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='ClintLB8' timestamp='1365449250' post='1428011']
Only reason I don't believe that he will end up there is because the Texans VERY rarely take chances on guys with character issues. I do agree he would be a nice fit but it just isn't their style. Ozzie has a history of giving people like Rolando a chance. I do think Rolando needs to go a 3-4 team so I agree on the Titans. I don't think David Hawthorne will do well in a 3-4 and so the Saints could be a very real possibility. This is the teams that I believe will be interested and in order of the highest chance I believe will get him.

[u]Atlanta Falcons[/u] - They actually make the most sense. Are slowly moving towards a 3-4 defense and are in desperate need of a MLB/ILB. They are the closest team to his hometown outside of the Tennessee Titans. Is familiar with Mike Johnson and Julio Jones from their experience playing for the national championship together. The only problem as to why I am not making a full on Falcons prediction is that their organization has proved that they will not take risks on guys with character issues.
[u]Cleveland Browns[/u] - Lombardi really likes Rolando and with their need at ILB in their switch to a 3-4 to play alongside DQwell Jackson then that makes them big players (also have a ton of cap space). What hurts them is they aren't much different than the Raiders.
[u]Baltimore Ravens[/u] - Ozzie has a history of taking chances on guys with character issues, fits in a 3-4, Ozzie has Bama connection, Rolando has familiarity with T. Cody and Upshaw, he could play for a winner.
[u]Pittsburgh Steelers[/u] - I believe Rolando with end up in our division one way or another as you can see. Pittsburgh doesn't normally go take chances on guys like Rolando but he would fit perfectly with their defense as the thumper while Lawrence Timmons played WILB.
[u]New Orleans Saints[/u] - One of the few teams that is closer to home that he fits scheme wise. They need to add some guys who can stop the run and can be field generals.
[/quote]
I don't know the Falcons as you and won't pretend to know them as well as you, lol. I will simply say if you say so, then I'll agree. I'm sure you hear more than I do.

Your points are all valid. I personally like McClain as a player and for the right price, I would love to have him here. As I said, he is a knucklehead (among other words), but I can't deny he has some talent. He's no bum. He's not Ray Lewis, but he's not Gooden, either. He has potential, he's young (almost the same age or the same age as rookies), and has NFL experience. He comes from a bad team. I have said this repeatedly: he came from a winning program like Alabama to the losing program of the Raiders. That's like taking a Spartan & putting him with a guy from the local militia. He's going to get bored.

I am aware the Raiders had talent; however, their program was a losing program. Sure, they may be trying to turn it around. The problem is, the damage is done and the disrespect is there. Sometimes, players respond very well to relocation. Sometimes it's the environment that breeds failure. I feel that may be the case in Rolando's situation. I am not saying he becomes All-Pro. I'm not saying he replaces Ray. I don't even know if he replaces [b]Ellerbe[/b]. What I am saying, and I believe you are as well, is the guy has talent and deserves a shot. Why not with us?

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1365458711' post='1428161']
I don't know the Falcons as you and won't pretend to know them as well as you, lol. I will simply say if you say so, then I'll agree. I'm sure you hear more than I do.

Your points are all valid. I personally like McClain as a player and for the right price, I would love to have him here. As I said, he is a knucklehead (among other words), but I can't deny he has some talent. He's no bum. He's not Ray Lewis, but he's not Gooden, either. He has potential, he's young (almost the same age or the same age as rookies), and has NFL experience. He comes from a bad team. I have said this repeatedly: he came from a winning program like Alabama to the losing program of the Raiders. That's like taking a Spartan & putting him with a guy from the local militia. He's going to get bored.

I am aware the Raiders had talent; however, their program was a losing program. Sure, they may be trying to turn it around. The problem is, the damage is done and the disrespect is there. Sometimes, players respond very well to relocation. Sometimes it's the environment that breeds failure. I feel that may be the case in Rolando's situation. I am not saying he becomes All-Pro. I'm not saying he replaces Ray. I don't even know if he replaces [b]Ellerbe[/b]. What I am saying, and I believe you are as well, is the guy has talent and deserves a shot. Why not with us?
[/quote]

Couldn't have said it better myself. I seriously think he will not disappoint. It's a hunch and I'm sticking to it.. if he goes to a 3-4, then I believe he becomes a top 10 ILB.

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

rotoworld has updated his page by mentioning the browns and giants as possible options
i don't think he'll even consider the browns, who success wise are similar to raiders lol
first time i hear 'bout the giants and it does look like an option he might consider