Iowafin wrote:
Clearly Armando was not looking for the right thing....yes, he is good in every aspect of his physical ability to play the game. It's his mental ability that has guys raving. Look at the plays where there are screens, draws, QB sneaks, etc. He is there EVERY time...he is moving his lineman, he is talking, and he is getting his defense to where it needs to be. That's what you want your ILB to do, that is what you need him to do. How many times have we seen QB's just take off for a TD? Ryan Fitzpatrick went, what, 30 some yards? McClain doesn't let that happen. He trusts his eyes, and he's a guy that can carry out Nolan's scheme better than any other guy in this draft.
That is the wow factor.
Very well said.
I don't think he is the flashiest guy out there but he may be the smartest linebacker in the draft. How many times have we seen guys who are physical freaks not make it on the second level? Look at Vernon Gholston, many on this board thought we should draft him 1st overall in 2007. What has he done in the NFL? Just having physical skills and freakish talent doesnt mean you will succeed at the next level. McClain doesn't strike me as a Ray Lewis or Bryan Urlacher, but he does have the brains to become very good at the next level. That being said though, does he have the right blend of physical/talent/smarts to be worthy of the #12 overall pick? I think so, but I am happy I don't have to make that decision.