| MLB Rolando McClain, Alabama | |||||
| Pos. Rank: 1 | Grade: 1st Round | Height: 6-3 1/2 | Weight: 254 | 40: 4.74 | Year: 3-Jr. |
The Good: Strong, intelligent run defender who forces the action up the field. Stays with assignments, diagnoses plays, and quickly locates the ball. Easily holds his ground against blocks, flows well laterally to the action, and effectively uses his hands to protect himself. Breaks down well, fluid moving about the field, and stout defending the run. Drives through tackles, wraps up at the point of attack, and easily brings ball-carriers down on initial contact. Remains disciplined with assignments and shows ability in zone coverage.
The Bad: Lacks great speed to the sidelines and shows marginal skills in pursuit. Struggles when placed over the tight end or put in man coverage situations. Shows marginal suddenness and quickness in his game.
The Verdict: McClain has been a terrific defender the past three years at Alabama, and he is a prospect with starting potential at the next level. Better off on the inside of a 3-4 alignment, he is a stout run defender who has the skills to impact at the next level. Lacking great coverage skills, McClain is more of a two-down defender.
