Oh, I'd definitely guess that they'll be looking at a higher round rookie LB pick--you're probably right about that. That said, if he's worth anything at all they may be in better shape than many seem to be giving them credit for. We'll have to see. I seem to think they'll be the same 10-6 pain in the ass team that we often see just about every year, but many think they are in a downward spiral.
I'm assuming that R.McClain may be more for a rotational role in the first place, depending on how the rookie looks. They also have Jameel McClain as a LB, but I think he's primarily a ST player.
I'm just saying that we've seen ILB's lately that look just fine in the first/second round of the draft, so that player may make Ronaldo McClain moot anyway if he's worth a damn. If not there's still a chance they may keep McClain to play this year on such a cheap salary. It isn't like they have much invested in him on a 700k/one yr deal.
They're all thugs and morons...but like you said, some of those thugs and morons can still play football. On top of that they enjoy that "smack you in the mouth" mentality down there in BAL, so we'll have to see where they actually draw the line.
I'm venturing down there this season for the Dec.22nd game. I will not be wearing my Gronk jersey, I can tell you that