Raiders: A look at Rolando McClain
The Oakland Raiders are happy with their first round draft choice Rolando McClain…
Really happy.
He’s been every bit the gym rat they expected. He studies film diligently, has shown off his talents on the field in the early stages of camp and has the look of a leader to be, even if he is only a rookie.
Many questioned his ability to play in space. Well, Jason Campbell tested that facet of his game. The result – a passing grade according to the veteran signal caller.
“I have been throwing that pass ever since I have been in the league, and he jumped as high as he could get and stretched out and caught it,” said Campbell, after McClain picked him off in camp. “It’s one of those interceptions where you can’t even get mad, because the guy made an outstanding play.”
Others have also noted quick acclamation to the pro game.
“It’s still early, but you like what you see,” said Thomas Howard. “If I had drafted the guy at No. 8 and I see what he’s doing, I would say, ‘OK, I like what I have so far.’ He has a lot of room to grow, but you like what you have so far.”
Oakland’s defense could be one of the surprise units in the league in 2010. And most of those expectations are based on who’s playing in the middle.
“It’s a little bit of everything, from film study and just knowing football, period,” McClain said. “I had a good coach [Nick Saban] in college, a great coach, and he taught me route recognition and being able to recognize a route from where guys line up. I was able to do that when I got the interception.”
Whether it’s picking off passes or stuffing the run, McClain will stamp his style onto this unit.
And with the other additions; the signing of John Henderson and the arrival of draft mate Lamarr Houston specifically, Oakland’s defensive unit appears to be on the rise.
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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist
