Jameel McClain ILB/OLB

McClain is a guy that is supposed to go mid-late rounds in the draft, who I think fits the Patriots mold. He played DE in high school, switched to OLB at Syracuse, then back to DE, then switched between DE/OLB and ILB.
6'1 256 4.75 40
This guy sounds like a pure football player. I would love for the Pats to spend a 5th or 6th on because he seems like a versatile player that would do anything for his team. These articles really show what kind of player he is.

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/sports/20080116_NFL_prospect_McClain_doesnt_pull_any_punches.html

http://media.www.dailyorange.com/me...Sacks.Despite.Switching.From.Lb-2373096.shtml

stats- http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/ilb/jameelmcclain.html

He's definitely on my list for the 6th and 7th rounds. He was the leader and best player on that defense no matter where he lined up.

Another guy I find very intriguing is LB Josh Johnson out of Marshall. He'll probably go around the same time.

Both of these guys are going to slip because they weren't on highly visible programs. We could end up getting round 2-3 talent in rounds 6-7.

I was checking out Josh Johnson a while ago and as a player i couldn't agree more, i think he is a perfect fit. The only issue i saw was his arrest for suspicion of domestic violence, and he got suspended from the team.
I would like to see the Pats adress the Dback situation early ( i'd like to see Cason and Flowers) and then it seems there are a decent amount of linebacker prospects to be had in the mid rounds.
If i were the Pats i would try to pick up a bunch of picks in the 4-6 range and get some talented prospects that could become a strength for the defense.

Here is one linebacker that seem to have good scouting reports buts he's not been mentioned on this board - Bryan Kehl HEIGHT - 6'3 WEIGHT 235, 40 TIME - 4.65.

I never seen him play, but I wonder if he could be a good late round pick for the patriots ?

Sorry this board does not allow me to post links to the scouting reports, because I am rookie. Here is the partial scouting reports from nfl.com/NFLDraftScout.com

Analysis
Positives: Good frame for position. Well developed upper and lower. Broad shoulders, narrow-waist. Good overall athletic ability. Good quickness, acceleration and top end speed. Good leaping ability. Good explosiveness and overall strength. High character player who is willing to work hard to improve. Instinctive. Reads the action quickly and puts himself in position to make a play on the ball. Uses his hands well to disengage from blocks. Good speed to the flanks. Pursues hard. Reliable open field tackler who flashes explosive hitting ability to separate the ball from the ball carrier. Good change of direction and instincts for coverage.

Negatives: Will enter the league older (24) than most rookies due to two year church mission. Good quickness and instincts in coverage, but much more comfortable in zone than man coverage. Rarely used on the blitz and lacks much variety in his pass rush technique. Hard worker who may be maxed out.

I do not see any upside potential in this guy and he wasn't even a star in college. Linebackers with narrow waists scare me. They don't have enough sand in their pants to take on 320 OGs and win.

I do not see any upside potential in this guy and he wasn't even a star in college. Linebackers with narrow waists scare me. They don't have enough sand in their pants to take on 320 OGs and win.

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I was thinking that he may be able to cover TE and RB on the passing downs in nickle and dime packages. Patriots have been allowing lot of pass completion over the middle in game changing situations.

pats_premi said:

I was thinking that he may be able to cover TE and RB on the passing downs in nickle and dime packages. Patriots have been allowing lot of pass completion over the middle in game changing situations.

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Good point raised here..
we need a pass defending LB in the mold of Phipher
He could deal with guards if he had to,
but his forte was playing on pass D
It would take one heck of a rookie to take on 320 lb. guards
But hopefully those opportunities are minimized with scheme and situational football

not to mention he must be a selfless team first guy whom McClain seems to be.
In Holley's book Patriots Reign, he quotes somebody fron the FO talking about wanting big, fast, smart football players. Apply your definition of football player and draft the big fast guy.

As a football player a 6"1 guy 255 lb. guy who is 23, runs a 4.75 and craves contact, the inside of a 3-4 is the perfect place. Plus experience rushing the QB as a DE.

Just curious if Zach Thomas coming in here brings that to our LB corps.
Scouting reports say he's now a 2 down LB. But wasn't Seau when he arrived here?
That might play a factor in our drafting of a young LB