Chiefs RB Dexter McCluster was one of the most popular picks in the draft according to the various reports floating around. In short, he's a playmaker for an offense that needs playmakers.
Plus guys like him are exciting to watch. So people like the pick.
Michael Lombardi of the National Football Post appeared on 810 WHB's The Border Patrol and offered up some concerns on McCluster that were thought-provoking.
"The McCluster move is interesting," Lombardi said. "I like McCluster as a player. I think he's a player and not an offensive weapon. If they can make him into Wes Welker, that's great. That seems to be the popular trend that everybody wants to talk about. Everybody's the next Wes Welker but nobody seems to be able to do it"
Everybody wants to be the next Wes Welker because he is a complete player. He's got a good build -- about 15 pounds heavier than McCluster -- and can block, which is important for a player in the slot particularly on running plays with one halfback and three receivers.
"I'm not as enamored with the pick at the top of the second as most of the people in America are because when he comes onto the field, people are going to know he's either getting the ball or he's a decoy," he said. "Usually they start out fast in that role, but until they can have a complete impact on the offense it makes it very difficult."
Todd Haley, a former receivers coach, emphasizes being a complete receiver -- and that includes blocking. I think it'll be interesting to see how McCluster does in that role because he will be asked to block in the NFL.
McCluster's development as a complete player will be interesting to watch. Remember, it was Haley who apparently didn't think Jamaal Charles was a complete back and that kept him off the field until LJ was booted.