Rolando McClain agrees to 1 year, $700k deal

[Moderator 3]

Could we save the draft talk for the draft forum please? Keep in mind that only half of our posters care about the draft before it happens. The other half get bored to death with pre-draft discussions.

[GrimCoconut]

This makes me mad! Only one year at 700k?! Damn!

I bet McClain wanted 1 year. That's my guess. A prove-it contract. It's so cheap. Wow. I think he has a very good chance--a great chance--to rebound to the player he was meant to be here. The biggest thing that sucks about this is 2014 if he does very well. Because this is a 1year deal, I expect our SUPER BOWL CHAMPION Baltimore Ravens to still take an ILB very early. It's still very much a "need" but also a value pick as well.

I see ILB, WR, & BPA in the first three rounds. That's my guess.

[Sizzlebshu]

This went as expected. Rolando had 0 leverage and a poor rep across the league. WE were probably one of the few, if not the only team, considering signing him. He basically got just above the vet min with a chance to earn more.

Good deal for Ozzie but it does nothing to alter our needs or draft plan imo.

[Ray Ray Ravens]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1365637623' post='1430183']
This makes me mad! Only one year at 700k?! Damn!

I bet McClain wanted 1 year. That's my guess. A prove-it contract. It's so cheap. Wow. I think he has a very good chance--a great chance--to rebound to the player he was meant to be here. The biggest thing that sucks about this is 2014 if he does very well. Because this is a 1year deal, I expect our SUPER BOWL CHAMPION Baltimore Ravens to still take an ILB very early. It's still very much a "need" but also a value pick as well.

I see ILB, WR, & BPA in the first three rounds. That's my guess.
[/quote]What does the ILB class next year look like? Could we draft a later round ILB to compensate for him leaving to groom instead of a early round guy? I think we could do a prospect guy or another UDFA while trusting this guy in a spot that most think is not a first round position anyway. We could draft for other needs while tightening up the middle right now.

[PolishRifle]

I am OK with a 700K deal. But he needs to improve on his work ethic and pass coverage skills. A 3 down linebacker he is not.

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='Sizzlebshu' timestamp='1365637688' post='1430184']
This went as expected. Rolando had 0 leverage and a poor rep across the league. WE were probably one of the few, if not the only team, considering signing him. He basically got just above the vet min with a chance to earn more.

Good deal for Ozzie but it does nothing to alter our needs or draft plan imo.
[/quote]


So, I guess those two other teams that made offers and the two that were interested was just a lie? He was much more sought after than you think. I am almost positive that Kansas City extended a better offer than we did.

[BALTIMOREFLACCO]

Great price

[PolishRifle]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1365637623' post='1430183']
This makes me mad! Only one year at 700k?! Damn!

I bet McClain wanted 1 year. That's my guess. A prove-it contract. It's so cheap. Wow. I think he has a very good chance--a great chance--to rebound to the player he was meant to be here. The biggest thing that sucks about this is 2014 if he does very well. Because this is a 1year deal, I expect our SUPER BOWL CHAMPION Baltimore Ravens to still take an ILB very early. It's still very much a "need" but also a value pick as well.

I see ILB, WR, & BPA in the first three rounds. That's my guess.
[/quote]

Well, if he is as bad in situations, when he has to drop back into coverage as it seems, I can't see him as more than a depth addition. We still will need a legitimate 3 down LB, but it softens the blow of losing Ellerbe and could spare the team from having to double dip into this years LB class.
This could mean, that the Ravens intent on trading up a lot, which I would like.
I still see OT and WR as our main priorities in the first two rounds, just because those positions appear more top heavy in terms of talent to me. I wouldn't mind MInter, Te'O or Alonso, but I still believe that Klein and Bostic are legitimate candidates for starters as well.

[The Raven]

Interesting thought. How many "complete," three down linebackers are there? I really don't think there are many.

[CalvinSmoke]

Roll Ravens!! We have to have the most Bama players on a starting unit than anyone else in the league.

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='Corvus Amplus' timestamp='1365637381' post='1430179']
With this signing, I bet every other team knows they have to get a WR before the 32nd spot.

It would suck if Allen, Austin, Patterson, Hunter, Hopkins, and even Wood are all gone by the 32nd pick.

I would be happy if we settled with Patton, Wheaton, Rogers, or Williams.

I like Patton because he can make separation with his route running.

I like Wheaton because he can use his quickness to make separation.

I like Rogers because he can use his size to make contested catches.

One of the players that might have all three of these traits could be Keenan Allen with 15 more pounds.
[/quote]

I think LT is still a very strong possibility as well (especially if McKinnie signs with San Diego).

[The Raven]

[quote name='CalvinSmoke' timestamp='1365638489' post='1430208']
Roll Ravens!! We have to have the most Bama players on a starting unit than anyone else in the league.
[/quote]

This means that we're going to repeat.

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='PolishRifle' timestamp='1365638462' post='1430205']
Well, if he is as bad in situations, when he has to drop back into coverage as it seems, I can't see him as more than a depth addition. We still will need a legitimate 3 down LB, but it softens the blow of losing Ellerbe and could spare the team from having to double dip into this years LB class.
This could mean, that the Ravens intent on trading up a lot, which I would like.
I still see OT and WR as our main priorities in the first two rounds, just because those positions appear more top heavy in terms of talent to me. I wouldn't mind MInter, Te'O or Alonso, but I still believe that Klein and Bostic are legitimate candidates for starters as well.
[/quote]

You are going to be VERY surprised IMO.

[beanfigger]

[quote name='ClintLB8' timestamp='1365635371' post='1430117']
Another thing, I was just watching the NFL channel. It had this list..

Losses (FA)
AnQuan Boldin WR
Paul Kruger OLB
Dannell Ellerbe ILB
Ed Reed FS
Cary Williams CB

Additions
Chris Canty DT
Marcus Spears DT
Michael Huff FS
Elvis Dumervil OLB
Rolando McClain ILB

Did we sign only guys that were cut?? If so, this is freaking genius!!! That won't count against us getting comp picks next year! Ellerbe, Reed, Kruger, and Boldin will probably net us some good ones! Ozzie!!!!
[/quote]

That's our style. We won't get any comp for Boldin because he was traded (and we, in fact, already were given a pick for him), but Ellerbe, Reed, Kruger and Williams should still give us four next year.

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1365638571' post='1430213']
This means that we're going to repeat.
[/quote]

Haha I hate to burst your bubble, but we only have two! LOL Terrance Cody could still work his way into being the player we drafted him to be. Fingers crossed.

[jimmypowder]

We need a franchise caliber LT to protect Joe's blindside bad.

I could see Ozzie doing the unthinkable this year and trading up with 12 picks in the draft

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='beanfigger' timestamp='1365638642' post='1430217']
That's our style. We won't get any comp for Boldin because he was traded (and we, in fact, already were given a pick for him), but Ellerbe, Reed, Kruger and Williams should still give us four next year.
[/quote]

My fault! I actually put the wrong person down!

[CalvinSmoke]

This inspired me to change my avi:

[img]http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a252/calvinsmoke/BALTIMOREBAMA_zps4892a094.png[/img]

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='Ray Ray Ravens' timestamp='1365637998' post='1430190']
What does the ILB class next year look like? Could we draft a later round ILB to compensate for him leaving to groom instead of a early round guy? I think we could do a prospect guy or another UDFA while trusting this guy in a spot that most think is not a first round position anyway. We could draft for other needs while tightening up the middle right now.
[/quote]
There are some really talented prospects. Some guys I absolutely love, and wanted this year.

My problem is this: the Ravens like to have guys waiting in the wings for their opportunity so they don't have to get desperate. Also, look at this list of FA in 2014:


Michael Oher (OT), Vonta Leach (FB), Jacoby Jones (WR), Corey Graham (CB), Terrence Cody (DL), Arthur Jones (DL), Dennis Pitta (TE), Ed Dickson (TE), James Ihedigbo (S), Albert McClellan (LB), Ramon Harewood (OL), Rolando McClain (LB), & Chris Johnson (CB)

I’m not sure whether or not Albert McClellan is an RFA or URFA next year. He was an ERFA, so to me that means he could be an RFA but he came out in 2010. I know there’s a rule regarding that, hence my confusion. Regardless, if McClellan does blow it up this year he could be gone next. McClain is a FA next year, so if he does great we’ll also need help still. Jameel McClain is injured and right now looks like Chris Carr Jr, signed a deal, didn’t look as good, got injured, remained due to uncertainty of position.

I think we have too many question marks to go into 2014 with no draft pick invested into an ILB, and I feel this class is really nice at the top. I firmly believe we will take an ILB early, within the first three rounds of this draft.

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='Corvus Amplus' timestamp='1365638219' post='1430197']
McClain is probably our biggest and most talented ILB of our LB Corps.

He may not be a 3-down LB, but neither was Ray Lewis last year. He still has all the tools to develop as a complete ILB.

-----Dumervil -- R. McClain -- J. McClain -- Suggs --------

looking good...
[/quote]

I worry about Jameel. I seriously believe he could be a cap casualty because of his back. If we keep him, I still don't believe he starts.

[PolishRifle]

[quote name='ClintLB8' timestamp='1365638577' post='1430214']
You are going to be VERY surprised IMO.
[/quote]

ClintLB8; Location:Birmingham, Alabama.

Rolando McClain; Former Alabama LB.

Hmm, I wonder, if there's a connection there.

J/K, as a Ravens fan, I would love to be surprised by Rolandos development as a player and as a person. I mean, positively surprised of course.

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1365638773' post='1430223']
There are some really talented prospects. Some guys I absolutely love, and wanted this year.

My problem is this: the Ravens like to have guys waiting in the wings for their opportunity so they don't have to get desperate. Also, look at this list of FA in 2014:


Michael Oher (OT), Vonta Leach (FB), Jacoby Jones (WR), Corey Graham (CB), Terrence Cody (DL), Arthur Jones (DL), Dennis Pitta (TE), Ed Dickson (TE), James Ihedigbo (S), Albert McClellan (LB), Ramon Harewood (OL), Rolando McClain (LB), & Chris Johnson (CB)

I’m not sure whether or not Albert McClellan is an RFA or URFA next year. He was an ERFA, so to me that means he could be an RFA but he came out in 2010. I know there’s a rule regarding that, hence my confusion. Regardless, if McClellan does blow it up this year he could be gone next. McClain is a FA next year, so if he does great we’ll also need help still. Jameel McClain is injured and right now looks like Chris Carr Jr, signed a deal, didn’t look as good, got injured, remained due to uncertainty of position.

I think we have too many question marks to go into 2014 with no draft pick invested into an ILB, and I feel this class is really nice at the top. I firmly believe we will take an ILB early, within the first three rounds of this draft.
[/quote]

This is going along with my prediction that Rolando is going to really make an impact this year but this is how I list those priorities:

Dennis Pitta TE
Michael Oher OT
Arthur Jones DL
Rolando McClain ILB
Jacoby Jones WR
Corey Graham CB
Vonta Leach FB

[Ray Ray Ravens]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1365638773' post='1430223']
There are some really talented prospects. Some guys I absolutely love, and wanted this year.

My problem is this: the Ravens like to have guys waiting in the wings for their opportunity so they don't have to get desperate. Also, look at this list of FA in 2014:


Michael Oher (OT), Vonta Leach (FB), Jacoby Jones (WR), Corey Graham (CB), Terrence Cody (DL), Arthur Jones (DL), Dennis Pitta (TE), Ed Dickson (TE), James Ihedigbo (S), Albert McClellan (LB), Ramon Harewood (OL), Rolando McClain (LB), & Chris Johnson (CB)

I’m not sure whether or not Albert McClellan is an RFA or URFA next year. He was an ERFA, so to me that means he could be an RFA but he came out in 2010. I know there’s a rule regarding that, hence my confusion. Regardless, if McClellan does blow it up this year he could be gone next. McClain is a FA next year, so if he does great we’ll also need help still. Jameel McClain is injured and right now looks like Chris Carr Jr, signed a deal, didn’t look as good, got injured, remained due to uncertainty of position.

I think we have too many question marks to go into 2014 with no draft pick invested into an ILB, and I feel this class is really nice at the top. I firmly believe we will take an ILB early, within the first three rounds of this draft.
[/quote] You also look at Ellerbee who was in the wings waiting and got his shot. I'm not saying we don't draft any at all but maybe we could take a later round now and a UDFA and see how they pan out. If the need is still important next year we address it then and draft other positions early this year.

[CalvinSmoke]

[quote name='ClintLB8' timestamp='1365638650' post='1430218']
Haha I hate to burst your bubble, but we only have two! LOL Terrance Cody could still work his way into being the player we drafted him to be. Fingers crossed.
[/quote]shoot, that's a good point. But who has more than 2 in their line-up?

[Yatagarasu]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1365638479' post='1430207']
Interesting thought. How many "complete," three down linebackers are there? I really don't think there are many.
[/quote]

Hmmm...

I assume 31 around complete LBs, then the rest are rotational LBs.

NFC West: Willis, Bowman, Wagner, Laurinitis, Lo-Barr
NFC East: Lee, Fletcher, Kendricks
NFC South: Weatherspoon, David, Kuechly
NFC North: Tulloch, Briggs, Bishop, Jones
AFC West: Woodyard, Burnett, Johnson
AFC South: Cushings, Freeman, Posluszny, Ayers, Collins, Brown
AFC North: Timmons, Burfict, Jackson
AFC East: Mayo, Wheeler, Ellerbe, Harris

[The Raven]

[quote name='ClintLB8' timestamp='1365638780' post='1430224']
I worry about Jameel. I seriously believe he could be a cap casualty because of his back. If we keep him, I still don't believe he starts.
[/quote]

I think he's cut, and I'm not too worried.

[beanfigger]

I would have thought we would have been leaning more towards Dansby if we were only going to offer a 1-year deal, but I'm happy about what we got for what we paid. Rolando is making, what, one tenth of what Ellerbe is making this year? Insane. Actually, if we were interested in Dansby, I don't think this little contract changes anything about that. I know Karlos is visiting Cincy, but now I'm just being greedy. Go Ozzie. Go Ravens.

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='PolishRifle' timestamp='1365638888' post='1430227']
ClintLB8; Location:Birmingham, Alabama.

Rolando McClain; Former Alabama LB.

Hmm, I wonder, if there's a connection there.

J/K, as a Ravens fan, I would love to be surprised by Rolandos development as a player and as a person. I mean, positively surprised of course.
[/quote]

You are correct, sir. I am a big Bama fan and I know Rolando.. but, another guy I know is both Courtney and Terrance (I know a lot of the team because my best friend just finished his career there). I have not been a big advocate of Terrance as of late. I try not to be bias.

[The Raven]

[quote name='Corvus Amplus' timestamp='1365639163' post='1430232']
Hmmm...

I assume 31 around complete LBs, then the rest are rotational LBs.

NFC West: Willis, Bowman, Wagner, Laurinitis, Lo-Barr
NFC East: Lee, Fletcher, Kendricks
NFC South: Weatherspoon, David, Kuechly
NFC North: Tulloch, Briggs, Bishop, Jones
AFC West: Woodyard, Burnett, Johnson
AFC South: Cushings, Freeman, Posluszny, Ayers, Collins, Brown
AFC North: Timmons, Burfict, Jackson
AFC East: Mayo, Wheeler, Ellerbe, Harris
[/quote]

Really? Not all of them are truly "complete," and I'm not even going to begin to go into it.

[Ray Ray Ravens]

[quote name='beanfigger' timestamp='1365639212' post='1430236']
I would have thought we would have been leaning more towards Dansby if we were only going to offer a 1-year deal, but I'm happy about what we got for what we paid. Rolando is making, what, one tenth of what Ellerbe is making this year? Insane. Actually, if we were interested in Dansby, I don't think this little contract changes anything about that. I know Karlos is visiting Cincy, but now I'm just being greedy. Go Ozzie. Go Ravens.
[/quote] Dansby is to old for a 1 year for his production. He would never accept it.