A Few Question Alabama LB Rolando McClain's Effort

by Joel Thorman on Mar 10, 2010 8:47 PM CST in 2010 Kansas City Chiefs Draft

The Kansas City Chiefs were on-hand at the Alabama pro day this afternoon as Rolando McClain participated in Combine-like drills after he missed the actual Combine in Indianapolis a few weeks ago.

McClain ran a 4.74 forty yard dash, according to reports. That's about the time most NFL people thought it would be and it won't affect his draft status.

There's still six weeks until the NFL Draft but a few folks are starting to see some concerns in McClain -- none of which are related to his revelation he has Crohn's Disease.

Former Ravens scout and author of MoveTheSticks.com Daniel Jeremiah has said he doesn't feel McClain's an elite prospect, which the Chiefs would expect to get with the No. 5 overall pick in the draft.

There've been some stud LB's lately: Willis, Beason, 3 SC LB's last year & Curry. I don't think McClain is in that class.

McClain also revealed today that he had been playing on an injured hamstring at the end of the season -- something many of his teammates didn't know. Jeremiah also had a few concerns about his effort at times but said the hamstring issue would explain part of it.

ESPN's Chris Mortensen, citing NFL personnel men, also chimed in regarding McClain's effort.

Yes, McClain looks like "beast," & he'll go 1st rd but some NFL folks say game film doesn't always match up & more loafs than you'd expect.

Interesting take. They both mention effort as a problem.

Most of the media folks around the league see McClain falling closer to the middle of the first round than to the Chiefs at the fifth spot.

I think an important point to keep in mind is that while there have been highs and lows for Rolando McClain in the last two months, he hasn't even played a football game in that time. It's interesting to gauge the various takes on a player during the lead up to the draft, but Chiefs GM Scott Pioli has said on a few occasions that game tape is critical to their evaluation.

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yeah, I was surprised to read this

from the handfull of games I watched him in… he seemed to play hard and was always around the football

it’s weird the stigmas that come up in draft evaluations…

* KC now has the best coaching staff in the league
* 9-7 is a real possibility in 2010 IF the Chiefs get 4 new starters
* keep Albert at LT, upgrade the positions that NEED upgrading.C, RG, NT, S, LB

by stagdsp on Mar 10, 2010 8:50 PM CST reply actions

however...

IF Pioli and Haley see him taking plays off on tape… I seriously doubt they take him

* KC now has the best coaching staff in the league
* 9-7 is a real possibility in 2010 IF the Chiefs get 4 new starters
* keep Albert at LT, upgrade the positions that NEED upgrading.C, RG, NT, S, LB

by stagdsp on Mar 10, 2010 8:52 PM CST up reply actions

yup

"I shall conquer untruth by truth" - Mahatma Gandhi
Whitlock Rocks!
hi, Mo!
5 minutes!!!

by upamtn on Mar 10, 2010 9:08 PM CST up reply actions

It's mostly just paralysis by over-analysis, IMO.

Boycott Facebook. It's lame. Inform your real friends that you're going to communicate with them like a normal human being, and then delete your account. Seriously.

by burntorangehorn on Mar 10, 2010 9:04 PM CST up reply actions

i agree

it sounds like someone is trying to find fault when there really isn’t one. he sounds too good to be true so he must be type of thing. i can only hope more people get scared off and we get him later in the draft. then we can laugh at all the idiots that said he wouldn’t be elite.

Seriously mates, when have I ever been sarcastic?

Oh and in case you were wondering, that hug offer is still there when you are ready UC :p

by Leaf on Mar 10, 2010 9:32 PM CST up reply actions

I'd sure like to be one of those laughing.

After all, the last Alabama linebacker to win the Butkus Award ended up being kind of a big deal for the Chiefs.

Boycott Facebook. It's lame. Inform your real friends that you're going to communicate with them like a normal human being, and then delete your account. Seriously.

by burntorangehorn on Mar 11, 2010 6:30 AM CST up reply actions

Really Joel?

A Chris Mortensen quote?

"I've only been in love with a beer bottle and a mirror" - Sid Vicious.

by craig in calgary on Mar 10, 2010 8:50 PM CST reply actions 1 recs

LOL

Via NFL people…It meshes with what Jeremiah is saying.

Arrowhead Pride

by Joel Thorman on Mar 10, 2010 8:51 PM CST up reply actions

Injured hammy is interesting

I’ve been saying for months now that I think he looks slow on the field…to which everyone comes back with “he’s fast because he runs a 4.6”

The studs from the 2010 draft class will be: DT Ndamukong Suh, S Eric Berry, RB C.J. Spiller, RB Jahvid Best, WR Arrelious Benn, WR Golden Tate, WR Mardy Gilyard, OT Charles Brown, CB Kyle Wilson and S Chad Jones

by kc_radrh8r on Mar 10, 2010 8:51 PM CST reply actions

yep, I've been the one saying that

everything I read said he was timed at 4.5-4.6

* KC now has the best coaching staff in the league
* 9-7 is a real possibility in 2010 IF the Chiefs get 4 new starters
* keep Albert at LT, upgrade the positions that NEED upgrading.C, RG, NT, S, LB

by stagdsp on Mar 10, 2010 8:51 PM CST up reply actions

Oh you're not alone

I’ve been ripped a new one by many everytime I say I think he plays slower than his timed speed. Lol no worries.

by kc_radrh8r on Mar 10, 2010 8:54 PM CST up reply actions

for example...

Reportedly has run the 40-yard dash in 4.59 and 4.63 seconds.

http://www.mockingthedraft.com/2010/1/14/1250588/rolando-mcclain-nfl-draft-scouting

Quickness: Has a great first step off the snap that amplifies his ball recognition skills. Uses his quickness to slip blocks to avoid the arms of his opponents.

Pursuit: He’s always going hard and fast toward the ball. He takes correct angles to the ball carrier and infrequently gets caught up on blocks.

Tackling: A picture-perfect tackler. Wraps up when he reaches the ball carrier. Doesn’t need a lot of help tackling. Doesn’t tackle high. McClain can really big hits on players, jarring the ball loose.

Final word: McClain is the most sure-thing as a middle linebacker prospect in the draft since Patrick Willis. He’s a prototypical combination of size, athleticism and intelligence.

If McClain somehow turns out to be a bust, it will be a shock.

* KC now has the best coaching staff in the league
* 9-7 is a real possibility in 2010 IF the Chiefs get 4 new starters
* keep Albert at LT, upgrade the positions that NEED upgrading.C, RG, NT, S, LB

by stagdsp on Mar 10, 2010 8:58 PM CST up reply actions

I mostly agree with that assessment.

And I think he’s one of those guys who should be in the discussion at #5, even if he’s not ultimately the guy taken. I mean, if Berry and Okung were to go before that pick, and KC weren’t able to secure a trade down, I think McClain has to be on the short list (but not the definite pick).

Boycott Facebook. It's lame. Inform your real friends that you're going to communicate with them like a normal human being, and then delete your account. Seriously.

by burntorangehorn on Mar 10, 2010 9:06 PM CST up reply actions

It sounded unheard of a month ago but...

Could Cody actually pass McClain and be the first one drafted from ’Bama?

"I've only been in love with a beer bottle and a mirror" - Sid Vicious.

by craig in calgary on Mar 10, 2010 8:55 PM CST reply actions

Yes

This is a very real possibility now.

by kcsno56 on Mar 11, 2010 8:39 AM CST up reply actions

from walterfootball.com's scouting report

Strengths:
Huge frame for ILB
Very long arms
Good level of production
Comfortable in coverage
Excellent tackling technique
Stacks and sheds blocks well
Very good pass rusher
Love his timing on blitzes
Nice agility; smooth change of direction
Highly experienced
Takes good angles to the ball
Stays in control
Nice versatility especially in 3-4 defense
Vocal leader
Intelligent
Very young prospect (20 years old)
Doesn’t take plays off
Outstanding instincts
Well versed in 3-4 defense

* KC now has the best coaching staff in the league
* 9-7 is a real possibility in 2010 IF the Chiefs get 4 new starters
* keep Albert at LT, upgrade the positions that NEED upgrading.C, RG, NT, S, LB

by stagdsp on Mar 10, 2010 9:00 PM CST reply actions

sounds like ray lewis

Tweet me @GiftNate
N. Gift

by giftedchiefsfan on Mar 10, 2010 9:02 PM CST up reply actions

The man has a serious disease

Read up on it. I wouldn’t take him with a high pick. Huge risk factor. Hope he keeps it under control. He’s got a tough fight on his hands.

by ChiefConcern on Mar 10, 2010 9:02 PM CST reply actions

Doesnt David Garrard have Chrone's Disease too?

by kc_radrh8r on Mar 10, 2010 9:05 PM CST up reply actions

I don't think it is out of bounds to talk about the Chron's

Can someone educate me on how this would effect an athlete?

by diehard_31 on Mar 10, 2010 9:06 PM CST up reply actions

adversely

it’s intestinal issues … basically ulcers … can be at least somewhat controlled with diet (certain things are ok, certain things you never ear or drink) … can be very painful if severe …

if it’s not a severe case, shouldn’t affect him much, esp if on meds and careful about diet (and I guarantee he does both)

"I shall conquer untruth by truth" - Mahatma Gandhi
Whitlock Rocks!
hi, Mo!
5 minutes!!!

by upamtn on Mar 10, 2010 9:12 PM CST up reply actions

Gotta disagree with you there, up

Cochrane Review from 2007 says prednisone is significantly better than nutrition alone for inducing remission in Crohn’s Disease:

“Corticosteroid therapy is more effective than enteral nutrition for inducing remission of active Crohn’s disease as was found in previous systematic reviews. Protein composition does not influence the effectiveness of EN in the treatment of active CD.”

EN = enteral nutrition = specific feeding formula or diet
CD = Crohn’s Disease

Maybe you’re thinking prednisone + diet combination?

by Wheatboy74 on Mar 10, 2010 9:28 PM CST up reply actions

You cant take prednisone long term.

Its only taken to control flare ups in as a reactionary treatment not a preventative measure.

"Success is never ending, failure is never final."

by GenericBrand on Mar 10, 2010 11:26 PM CST up reply actions

There's also the benefit that being in the NFL will provide for his medical condition

A lot more medical doors swing open with that kind of money than when one comes from relatively modest beginnings in nowhere, Alabama.

Boycott Facebook. It's lame. Inform your real friends that you're going to communicate with them like a normal human being, and then delete your account. Seriously.

by burntorangehorn on Mar 11, 2010 6:28 AM CST up reply actions

From that description

it doesnt sound like anything riskier than Jay Cutler playing with an insulin pump.

by kc_radrh8r on Mar 10, 2010 9:35 PM CST up reply actions

But I'm no expert

I’m strictly assuming, which is never good.

by kc_radrh8r on Mar 10, 2010 9:36 PM CST up reply actions

Apples and Oranges

I’d have to look up the detailed spec’s of the Cutler insulin pump to know how shock-resistant it should be. But aside from transmitted force to the pump mechanism or the entry site of the pump into the circulation, I wouldn’t think it was a big problem. If the pump malfunctions, he will find out and he can get subcutaneous insulin injections like any other type 1 diabetic.

Crohn’s Disease requires sustained systemic therapy most often including glucocorticoids, and sometimes at high doses. I dunno if there’s anything published, but I’d imagine that taking an NFL starting-caliber linebacker’s training regime and putting that person on chronic glucocorticoids with occasional ‘bursts’ for ‘flares’ of the Crohn’s, maybe having to add another suppressive drug like 6-MP which also has systemic effects on muscles, blood cells, the skeletal system, etc.— well, I’d imagine it doesn’t make things any easier for the athlete. You’re looking at an inability to train the way you need, sustain muscle mass and keep off fat, calorie loss from gastrointestinal dysfunction, etc. Probably it’s easier if you’re the QB, you don’t have quite the same premium to keep up your entire body’s muscle mass and maintain it at peak quick-twitch performance.

Still, probably the biggest thing is just the variability in Crohn’s from person to person.

by Wheatboy74 on Mar 10, 2010 10:02 PM CST up reply actions

I don't know if this was mentioned

He’s been aware of his condition and treating since his freshman year of high school. I don’t know if that makes any difference in how one might view it.

by alakan81 on Mar 10, 2010 10:12 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

My wife's friend has Crohn's

I know what see has to go thru, so i couldn’t imagine how it doesn’t effect his play from time to time. She was aware of it and yet over time she gotten worse, at this point she doesn’t do much of anything, and just stay around home because of this problem. So i say no to McClain at #5, and because of Crohn’s no period.

by CPT.Caveman on Mar 10, 2010 11:57 PM CST up reply actions

I have Ulcerative Colitus...

(*note which “texaschief” this ACTUALLY is)

I am a HUGE Rolando McClain fan and was dying for the Chiefs to draft this guy. However, after hearing he has Crohn’s, I just can’t endorse his selection anymore. Crohn’s and my disease (Ulcerative Colitus) are twin diseases. There are cases of each disease that are worse than some cases of the other, but I can tell you from experience that when my disease is flaring, it is devastating. I go to the bathroom and pass primarily blood 5-11 times PER DAY. When you lose that much blood, even if you’re on iron meds, you still have a horrid loss of energy. Also, these aren’t just regular movements. They’re EXPLOSIVE. Your colon is digesting the blood that is accumulating. The digestion causes SEVERE and sometimes uncontrollable gas pains. The need to use a restroom is sudden and when flares are REALLY bad, occasionally you can’t get to the restroom in time. Now, this a man playing a game where he is CONSTANTLY exerting himself…. I’ll let you put the pieces together.

Also, your weight is constantly in flux depending on your medication. I was on prednizone and gained 40lbs in a month.

The BEST medication he could be on, is a chemotherapy called Remicade. The medicine inhibits your immune system from attacking your colon (which causes the ulcers). I use to be on it, but my body built up an immunity to it. I’m on another called Cimzia. Both require monthly doses with cost between $3000 and $6000 per dose… thank God I have insurance.

This disease is unpredictable, chronic, and without cure. Throughout his career, he is going to have streaks of "less than 100% effort and maximum result. It won’t be because he’s just lazy or something like that. It will be a result of the disease and he’ll never admit it. Football players don’t make excuses.

As far as diet goes, you’re supposed to stay away from roughages and alcohol… that’s about it… unless you notice a pattern with something else. Every case is different… one of the reasons why it’s so tough to treat.

All this being said, this still isn’t reason to believe he won’t be a good to great LB in the NFL. However, this is enough for me to pass on him at #5 overall. I just can’t sell myself on the idea of my cornerstone MLB, having this disease. It’s SUCH AN AWFUL condition. However, it really makes me personally, respect him and what he’s capable of doing even that much more, knowing what he has to deal with.

by texaschief on Mar 10, 2010 11:58 PM CST up reply actions

Oh my God man

I’m sorry to hear about your condition and it is some interesting information.

Braccae illae virides cum subucula rosea et tunica Caledonia-quam elenganter concinnatur!

by Buck'O on Mar 11, 2010 12:05 AM CST up reply actions

It's ok

God won’t give me anything I can’t handle. Ya know?

by texaschief on Mar 11, 2010 12:06 AM CST up reply actions

Well God bless you :)

Braccae illae virides cum subucula rosea et tunica Caledonia-quam elenganter concinnatur!

by Buck'O on Mar 11, 2010 12:23 AM CST up reply actions

+1

As a common sufferer I agree with this.

No matter how good you take care of yourself somedays you just cant do anything about it. You can wake up one morning feeling great and the next day not even be able to get out of bed.

"Success is never ending, failure is never final."

by GenericBrand on Mar 11, 2010 12:26 AM CST up reply actions

I am a crohn's patient for the past 7 years

It has gotten progressively worse over the seven years, but the medicine is changing and improving rapidly. I am now on Humira with a combination of pills/immunosuppressants. Have gone through Remicade as well.

With a good GI this can be managed and even go into remission. I truly believe his active lifestyle has helped keep it in check. I am not saying it can’t develop into a more worse condition later, but with the right care it probably won’t be an issue. Lastly, he has lived with this for near 10 years, and it hasn’t stopped him. That takes a lot of toughness.

by tebunker on Mar 11, 2010 9:13 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

It is relevant

The disease is lifetime. It can vary from trivial to devastating, even fatal, and often results in need for surgeries, with removal of affected parts of the intestines. There can be long periods of remission followed by periods of disease “activity”. It is a risk. It has potential to hamper, limit, or even ruin his career or parts or all of a season….or it could be a non-issue. No matter how good he is, this added downside risk HAS to move him out of the first round. Too risky. Just fact.

Those are my principles, and if you don't like them... well, I have others.

- Groucho Marx

by Bilyous on Mar 11, 2010 9:36 AM CST up reply actions

So does David Garrard

He’s had a nice NFL career with crohns

"I've only been in love with a beer bottle and a mirror" - Sid Vicious.

by craig in calgary on Mar 10, 2010 9:05 PM CST up reply actions

Nice career?

Dude he suck’s IMO.

by CPT.Caveman on Mar 10, 2010 11:58 PM CST up reply actions

mcclain still top prospect just maybe not top 10

He isn’t an ultra quick linebacker but you don’t need to run a 4.55 at ILB in a 3-4. Its diagnosing plays then reacting as opposed to top end speed. You can’t diagnose a counter play on your pro day. I’ve watched and heard enough about mcclain to feel comfortable with him around 10-15 if we trade back- But at 5??….dont think so but I can’t see him falling past 15-He’s gonna be a good one!

by CHEEFN58 on Mar 10, 2010 9:23 PM CST via mobile reply actions

If we trade back out of the top 10 then i would definitely grab him . But only if we have secured an extra pick inside the top 40 or 50. We need a top flight secondary guy or an immediate contributor to our O line as well. And if bulaga , Taylor mays or kyle wilson were still there. They would be appealing.

by RAWKC on Mar 10, 2010 9:39 PM CST reply actions

The big thing about him is that he is a better 3-4 ILB than any of our current linebackers right now…he has been running the system and making on the field checks and calls for 3 yrs now. His 3-4 experience could actually benefit Derrick Johnson a great deal.

by RAWKC on Mar 10, 2010 9:41 PM CST reply actions

Most linebackers drafted in the 3rd round

would be better than who we have now.

by kc_radrh8r on Mar 11, 2010 12:07 AM CST up reply actions

I agree that if we trade back we go for it

He IS the one and only prototypical NT in the draft. Good athlete, questionable work ethic although he appears to have picked it up a bit which is good. I’m a huge fan of taking him at 2a but I have increasing doubt that he’ll be there with all of the teams going 34. Seems like everyone is being coy about this guy hoping to steal him at the end of the 1st round.

Braccae illae virides cum subucula rosea et tunica Caledonia-quam elenganter concinnatur!

by Buck'O on Mar 10, 2010 10:06 PM CST reply actions

Oops

I pasted to the wrong post.

face/palm

Braccae illae virides cum subucula rosea et tunica Caledonia-quam elenganter concinnatur!

by Buck'O on Mar 10, 2010 10:45 PM CST up reply actions

You mean you don't think Rolando will make a good NT?

I disagree. The NT in my football team was even smaller than him and he was our leading sacker with 1

"I've only been in love with a beer bottle and a mirror" - Sid Vicious.

by craig in calgary on Mar 10, 2010 11:41 PM CST up reply actions

lol

no I don’t actually.

Braccae illae virides cum subucula rosea et tunica Caledonia-quam elenganter concinnatur!

by Buck'O on Mar 10, 2010 11:49 PM CST up reply actions

I know this stuff was said prior to his revelation

But, seriously, anybody that questions his effort now can just hug a root, as far as I’m concerned.

by alakan81 on Mar 10, 2010 10:06 PM CST via mobile reply actions

When people say he's like a bigger blacker Nick Saban

the last thing i think is he’s not hard working. when people are comparing you to saban, that means your borderline obsessive and highly intelligent. pluses

he was injured. injured bad.

by troy145 on Mar 10, 2010 10:10 PM CST reply actions

Chrome Disese means he is allergic to bling, right?

I think that is a good thing

He’s always open. He catches a lot of balls. He’s un-guardable, no matter how old he is

by WarWolf on Mar 10, 2010 10:17 PM CST reply actions

lol

by CHEEFN58 on Mar 10, 2010 10:21 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

I made a long

post about why McClain isn’t an elite topic a little while back, it just didn’t get any love from the editors so most people probably didn’t see it. I don’t think he is worth a top ten pick.

by Chiefwanka on Mar 10, 2010 10:27 PM CST reply actions

McClain was NEVER as good as the hype

You do NOT take an ILB with the 5th pick in the draft. The Chiefs won’t do it no matter what.

by Dagda on Mar 10, 2010 11:12 PM CST reply actions

To clear up the Crohn's issue some.

I have colitis which is basically the half brother of Crohns. Until a few years ago I’ve been an athlete my entire my entire life and am still extremely active. An athlete could have a successful career as a Crohns sufferer but there is still always a risk there that the person cannot control. No matter how well you take care of yourself or do the “right” things, the disease can unfortunately still negatively affect your life at any given notice.

Its not to say that he cant and wont have a great and prosperous career. One high profile athlete that had great success despite Crohns is former NHL-er Theoren Fleury who was a stud for a majority of his career. Late in his career he had issues with subtstance abuse because of other past issues not related to his disease but for a majority of his career he was a consistent, hard working player who rarely missed games.

Good luck to him though. I hope he can overcome it, take care of himself and become a star and give a positive voice to this debilitating condition.

"Success is never ending, failure is never final."

by GenericBrand on Mar 10, 2010 11:34 PM CST reply actions

Best of luck to McClain,

But he’s just not worth a top 15 pick now. I’m not a sufferer of the disease, but reading GenericBrand and TexasChief’s testimony leads me to believe that there would be WAY to much risk involved with McClain at #5 over all.

So… do we completely stop all mention of McClain as our #1 pick now? I think so.

My sentiments are likely to be summed up with one of these 2 quotes:

"Shut the f--- up."- Matt Cassel
"WHAT THE F---?!?!"- Todd Haley

by Red N Gold Beast on Mar 11, 2010 9:04 AM CST reply actions