Alabama ILB Rolando McClain became winded at the Crimson Tide's Pro Day Wednesday, and revealed afterwards that he has Crohn's disease.
Jaguars QB David Garrard also has it. The inflammatory disease is treatable, but can cause abdominal pain and complications such as dehydration and arthritis. McClain has dealt with Crohn's since his freshman year in high school. The disease probably won't knock McClain out of the first round, but can't help.
This news all but assures that the Denver Broncos will NOT be taking the talented ILB #11 overall.
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Gotta close friend who had Crohn’s. He ended up having 5 ft of his small intestine removed. It had basically turned to cottage cheese inside him.
Step aside, my friend, I been doin' it for years.
Said sit on down, open ya eyes, say open up ya ears....
Just take him in round two it’s hasn’t seemed to affect him yet
by black_knight101 on Mar 10, 2010 3:27 PM MST reply actions
I'd be interested to here Doc's take on this development?
"No more my bad just make the play"-McJedi
by RockyMountainThunder on Mar 10, 2010 3:30 PM MST reply actions
Absolutely.
Me too.
If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
PS3 ID: broncomaniac6
by kentuckybronco on Mar 10, 2010 3:39 PM MST up reply actions
This is not a simple question
Crohn’s can be uncomfortable, mildly debilitating or severe, so it’s not a one size fits all. I’d have to have access to his med file to say much. However – this isn’t good news for the young man. When you consider that being able to run on certain days – like Sundays – is essential to his livelihood and that the public is introduced to the situation because he couldn’t run, you can see that this is a potentially problematic situation. While other NFL players have it and can work around it, flareups can arise. sometimes surgery is required, but most people recover just fine. Diet and medication will control it in other cases.
Again – if I claimed to know much beyond this, I’d be exaggerating. This is certainly something that any team interested in him will have to get familiar with and evaluate, though. My heart goes out to him – I haven’t had Crohn’s, but I’ve had IBS and spastic colitis, and that’s quite bad enough. I hope that this is an unusual event for him.
It all starts with the lines
by Doc Bear on Mar 10, 2010 3:54 PM MST up reply actions 3 recs
with this in mind would you say he's still one of the best options for the broncos at #11?
what if he were available in the lat 1st/early 2nd? trade up scenarios?
by bailey disciple on Mar 10, 2010 3:56 PM MST up reply actions
the way I see it, If it wasn't a problem at Alabama, it won't be too much of an issue in the pros
this is the sort of news that doesn’t really change anything but may lower his value. I wasn’t necessarily sold on him at #11 but if he can be had later on, then he’d be a steal, IMO.
by bailey disciple on Mar 10, 2010 3:57 PM MST up reply actions
Kinda like Percy Harvin/TD and migraines.....
Just don’t know when the bad days will be??
"Brandon Marshall will be a happy BRONCO WR in 2010"
Broncotodd - 2009
"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence."
John Adams
This may be the main reason I became such a Terrell Davis fan...
I was diagnosed with Migraines at the age of 4. Watching TD come out in the second half of Super Bowl XXXII (I think?) after he missed the whole second quarter with a Migraine was quite the moment!. Being able to relate to that and then see him go on to help the Broncos win the game was, of course, inspirational.
I suppose it is similar to people who grew fond of Cutler when it became public he had diabetes. As I am sure people with Crohn’s will identify with with McClain and Garrard.
My roots are in Denver, but my branches grew in Nebraska and my leaves fell in Lincoln.
by Blackshirt4Broncos on Mar 11, 2010 12:16 AM MST up reply actions
However, at best it's a risky gamble.
The likelihood of exacerbations outweighs the potential that he’ll have mild disease that won’t affect his play. He’s having episodes which can be induced by stress and the NFL isn’t exactly stress free. I wouldn’t draft him in any round given the strong possibility that his playing time will be affected and make him unreliable for regular play.
Imagination is more important than knowledge. A. Einstein
by Ponderosa on Mar 10, 2010 4:58 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
What is the likelihood of exacerbation?
If he was able to go through his pro day, while openly admitting that he was having a flare up, could it be assumed that his condition isn’t of the more severe variety? With that said, if his condition does get worse, how much would that shorten his playing career?
If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
PS3 ID: broncomaniac6
by kentuckybronco on Mar 10, 2010 5:03 PM MST up reply actions
Well, exacerbations are unpredictable and as I have commented elsewhere
exacerbations can occur at any time and previous disease activity doesn’t predict future activity. Previously mild disease can have an episode resulting in major surgery, weight loss, muscle weakness and disability for months at a time. This is a player one episode away from a career ending event. While injuries are part of the risk with every player I wouldn’t ever take this risk.
Imagination is more important than knowledge. A. Einstein
hmm, that's extremely unfortunate for this guy.
Thanks for the input, Ponderosa.
If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
PS3 ID: broncomaniac6
by kentuckybronco on Mar 10, 2010 5:16 PM MST up reply actions
I haven't seen a case in 8 years
I thought that you’d stop by for the rest, Denny. I was hearing rumors of more advanced treatments back then that they hoped would lead to prevention of exacerbations and had hoped they would pan out, but from the perspective I’m hearing, I wouldn’t take him either.
It all starts with the lines
If it's anything like an
Ileus, I don’t recommend a high draft pick on him. The pain has to be similar to a woman giving birth. I was under the influence of Vicodin and Morphine, but had to stop taking those and deal with the pain because it slows down the GI tract. I wouldn’t wish that pain on anyone.
Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks
Exacerbation is kind of a private matter
and I don’t see how it’s anyone’s business on MHR who exacerbates and who doesn’t. Sickos.
-Harvey J. Neptune
"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi
Actually a players overall health seems very pertinent to me.
If a team is thinking of using a high draft pick and millions of dollars for anticipated performance why would privacy trump value in terms of the employer?
Imagination is more important than knowledge. A. Einstein
wrong crowd Harv...
There's a big hard sun, beating on the big people, in the big hard world.
formerly Styg-like
by Jeremy Bolander on Mar 10, 2010 7:58 PM MST up reply actions
Sorry to offend.
Didn’t mean to be so juvenile. I do hang out with junior high students all day. All this speculation is something I don’t feel I can add to with any intelligence, so I guess I act out.
-Harvey J. Neptune
"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi
I thought it was hilarious
but that just goes to show why I don’t at all fit in around here.
A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day.
by SlamDunkTheFunk on Mar 11, 2010 6:15 AM MST up reply actions
it was funny
I think Harv just needs to work on his timing a little bit… :)
There's a big hard sun, beating on the big people, in the big hard world.
formerly Styg-like
by Jeremy Bolander on Mar 11, 2010 2:45 PM MST up reply actions
Timing? On a blog? How....?
-Harvey J. Neptune
"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi
ba dish bing
There's a big hard sun, beating on the big people, in the big hard world.
formerly Styg-like
by Jeremy Bolander on Mar 12, 2010 12:13 AM MST up reply actions
Harv you perv
I guess I was taking you too seriously you rascal!
Imagination is more important than knowledge. A. Einstein
Everybody is so serious this time of year! What gives? LOL
-Harvey J. Neptune
"Practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect." - Vince Lombardi
it does, however, speak to his character that he's putting this out there now and not trying to hide it until he gets paid.
that’s respectable
by bailey disciple on Mar 10, 2010 4:02 PM MST up reply actions
Except I could see that he may have been trying to hide it until he had his Pro Day and realized he had to reveal it to the world to explain his slowness.
Verbose in style, dispersion of thought, procrastination in life.
The guy formerly known as ZAPPA
i'd be interested to see if...
this is why he didn’t run at the combine. id also be intersted to see how much this has affected him recently! if just begining maybe still a consideration for denver at #11
too bad
I think that means we got a chance to get him at 11
This shouldn't be too big of a problem for him
It is like someone who gets migraines…yeah it can knock you out of a game, but it isn’t typical at all (see TD) and is something that can be treated.
Learned about Crohn’s disease when Mike McCready from Pearl Jam started being an activist about it (he has the disease).
"Precipitation, which side are you on?
Are you on the rise? Are you falling down?
Let me know, Come on let's go, yeah
Got some if you need it!" -EV
Sadarine, I think that you know how much I respect you
This shouldn’t be too big of a problem for him
The only docs on the site are telling you the exact opposite. It isn’t like migraines at all.
It all starts with the lines
I think it knocked him down to late 1st round status
When Peyton Hillis falls from a boat into a body of water......Peyton Hillis doesn't get wet, water gets Peyton Hillis'd
Chron's is rough.
I have a cousin with the disease and it’s been hard. Another famous person with chron’s is Mike McCreedy— guitarist for John Bena’s favorite band. Mike has written and spoke about the disease extensively, and seems to be dealing with it pretty well. From my understanding, it’s all diet, diet, diet. Mike has said that he’s a waiter’s worst nightmare ("no onions, no lettuce, add…). I’ve heard the same thing from my cousin.
If he’s been playing D-I ball for the one of the biggest programs in the country, I have a feeling he’s dealing with it pretty well. Best of luck to Rolando!
My dad also has Chron's
but he’s not entering the NFL draft.
If like my Dad, its not the worst type of the condition that has you in hospital all the time then it is manageable by deit. My dad’s just stopped eating rice, nuts and sultanas and he can’t drink milk on its own. If the kid has been playing football for this long then you can look at it like Cutler’s Diabetes – its there but shouldn’t be a problem. Its hereditary and its normally in your thirties when you first notice it (I’m 32).
Only issue I have is why he’s only mentioned it now rather than declaring it coming out of high school,.
This in addition to his pro-day 40 time means he will fall to mid-late first round or even early 2nd round
He ran a 4.74 – 40 at his pro day. That is not NFL type speed.
It appears more and more likely that we will be going OL or DL with our first pick.
Think a 4.7 is too slow to play in the NFL?
You can ignore, for example, that his time in the 40-yard dash is a relatively unimpressive 4.7 seconds. “He anticipates, diagnoses and reacts as quickly as any player I’ve seen,” Ravens coach Brian Billick says. “You could say it’s instinctive, but that belies it, because a lot of it is having studied where to go.”
Rolando McClain? Nope, that would be Ray Lewis in a 2001 SI article.
Not saying draft him, but don’t discount him because of that 40 time.
Sorry
That shouldn’t all be a block quote, just the first paragraph.
wow!
I’m sold… trade up in the second or back into the late first to get mcclain… I didn’t like him value-wise at #11 but I really like him later on… that would be sick if we could end up Iupati and McClain
by bailey disciple on Mar 10, 2010 4:04 PM MST up reply actions
wow that probablyy made no sense..
so.. put the link in.. it comes up with text.. at the end of the text there is a bit that >< / -a > looks like that in between the >(here)< what you want the link to be called..
so.. put the link in.. it comes up with text.. at the end of the text there is a bit that >< / -a > looks like that in between the >(here)< what you want the link to be called..Then it works! This site is annoying sometimes!
He also could have been suffering a flare up at the time too.
Thereby affecting his time.
Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks
I hate to admit it now but I think we have to look some where else now,
the 11th pick gets alot of money and is expected to play baring ONFIELD injuries, we can’t knownly worry about other injuries, what if we have a big game and he’s having a bad week, or breaks down and eats something he shouldn’t eat. I don’t like it.
sucks that he has Crohn’s, but I am happy if it causes us not to pick him — didn’t like anything I saw of him playing
Seriously?
I liked what tape of him I saw and the one Bama game I actually watched on TV. He looked like a really good player to me. I wouldn’t take him at 11 now, given this revelation but think he’s worth a late 1st round pick on.
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.
Really?
Guy tears up college football for 2 years and now he’s too slow and too sick? I don’t think so.
That's the draft process for you.
An opportunity to overanalyze………
"You can make mistakes, but you are not a failure until you blame others for those mistakes." -John Wooden
agreed
see my comment above about how this news changes nothing but public perception… he’s still the same player that dominated college football for years. read carefully, he was diagnosed years ago and played with knowledge of his diagnosis sicne his freshman year of college.
In reality, this changes nothing. hopefully, it will mean he falls farther in the draft so we can get him later.
by bailey disciple on Mar 10, 2010 4:18 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Even with the disease, I think we have to
consider him at #11.
I look at it this way. Denver defense has a lot of older starters and leaders like B-Dawk. But the next group, the group McDaniels started building last year has no clear cut leader in that group. Enter McClain. Mentored both of his fellow starters at ILB (Donta Hightower looks like he’ll be better than McClain). Coaches and teammates a like considered him a coach on the field. His ability to be one of the first to the ball shows his tremendous preparation.
Seems to me that McClain defines the traits MHR has discussed that McDaniels and company look for in a player.
"You can make mistakes, but you are not a failure until you blame others for those mistakes." -John Wooden
No. Too much of a risk with this disease.
Imagination is more important than knowledge. A. Einstein
by Ponderosa on Mar 10, 2010 4:59 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
disagree
it’s a risk, but the potential reward is sooooo high. he could be a stud an a leader in the middle of our defense for the next decade plus. not sure I’d take him with #11 anymore, but we’ve still got to consider it.
by bailey disciple on Mar 10, 2010 5:06 PM MST up reply actions
But, if this disease progresses, who knows if he'll play for a decade?
If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
PS3 ID: broncomaniac6
by kentuckybronco on Mar 10, 2010 5:07 PM MST up reply actions
Yup, this is true.
If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
PS3 ID: broncomaniac6
by kentuckybronco on Mar 10, 2010 5:08 PM MST up reply actions
I like high risk, high reward, if the reward can outweigh the risk...
I wouldn’t risk losing #11 to a player who may not last very long in the league. That said, given the potentially incredibly valuable reward, I’d risk a later 1st if we traded down, and I’d definitely risk a 2nd if he got that far.
We’ll just have to see how far he falls…
by bailey disciple on Mar 10, 2010 5:11 PM MST up reply actions
Absolutely.
I am cool with that. If we could pick him up in the 20’s or 30’s…. maybe 40’s, that would be excellent value.
It’s hard to gauge how his reputation is changing around the league right now, so we’ll just have to wait a few weeks and see what his stock looks like then.
It will certainly make mock drafts more interesting. lol
If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
PS3 ID: broncomaniac6
by kentuckybronco on Mar 10, 2010 5:14 PM MST up reply actions
yeah imagine a draft like this:
trade marshall for #14:
- - Dan Williams
- - Mike Iupati
- - Rolando McClain
wouldn’t that be something… I wonder if we could get another late 1st/early 2nd and grab pouncey too
by bailey disciple on Mar 10, 2010 5:16 PM MST up reply actions
damn thing ruined my list
1, 2 and 3 should say:
#11
#14
#45
by bailey disciple on Mar 10, 2010 5:16 PM MST up reply actions
bd
Don’t disagree with Ponderosa too much – he runs a department of docs in Denver. If he has a question, he knows who to ask. McClain’s not a 1st or 2nd round good bet. He might not want to go into the NFL at all. If he’s flaring up with the stress of a pro day…it could really hurt him, in terms of his long term health, to go into that job.
It all starts with the lines
It's too bad....
I hate to see a seemingly good guy with a ton of talent come up against this. If it hadn’t come out for another two months he’d have been guaranteed millions.
And there wasn't stress at the
BCS National Championship game? Or SEC Championship? Hell he played football at Alabama University as the defensive leader…..you wanna talk about stress.
Call me nuts, but I bet he’s been through stress before with this disease and since this is the first the public has heard of it, it would seem he’s managed it quite well to this point.
I don’t buy that stress is suddenly going to be a problem for him.
"You can make mistakes, but you are not a failure until you blame others for those mistakes." -John Wooden
It's not just the stress.
He has an unpredictable chronic disease with career ending potential at any time. He could have a flare at any time when you need him the most. Teams would have to have a backup player for him at all times that wouldn’t have the same talent. Why wouldn’t you simply take a player who doesn’t have the risk?
Imagination is more important than knowledge. A. Einstein
Or he could be like my grandmother
who didn’t even know she had it until she broke her back (her 30s) and outside of her cheating on her diet (loved chocolate, ice cream etc) rarely suffered flare ups until she was in her 60s.
Sure we could lose him. Please tell me which player in the draft or otherwise doesn’t have the potential to go down with a career ending injury? We could lose anyone we draft at a moment’s notice. Above all Broncos fans should know this (RiP D-Wil). Yet, with this being the first mention and considering his durability at Alabama, it’s gonna take a lot to convince me he hasn’t learned how to manage this disease. And if he continues to manage it in such a way, I’d imagine that mitigates the risk.
If he’s played anywhere else, I might have worried more about him in the NFL environment. But he played at Alabama. More importantly under Nick Saban. Meaning in the last four years, he’s been in an NFL environment, with the exception of the opposition on the field. He’s played in a high, HIGH, intensity environment in some of the biggest games at any level of football. And, yet, this is the first we’ve heard about it. Does that not tell you it’s well managed? Who are we to assume that this cannot continue?
Besides ~9 years of Rolando McClain is good enough for me. You can build a Super Bowl defense around a leader like that.
"You can make mistakes, but you are not a failure until you blame others for those mistakes." -John Wooden
by Randall15 on Mar 10, 2010 6:47 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
I understand your position.
I don’t know the future for McClain any more than I would have your grandmother. However he’s already different because he’s had multiple episodes at any earlier age than your relative. My advice is lose the focus on what you’ve seen and see the hidden dangers that are more likely than not.
Imagination is more important than knowledge. A. Einstein
In most cases
people with IBD are usually diagnosed at a younger age (16-24). From what my Gastroenternologist has told me, this particular age range is when the disease naturally tends to be at it’s worst. The “younger age” diagnosis also coincides with books I have read on the condition. The fact that he has already had multiple episodes doesn’t necessarily mean that it is a more severe condition than other’s, but more so that he was diagnosed during what would be considered to be a relatively “normal” time to be diagnosed. These “episodes” are as normal as “normal” can be with this condition, especially taking his current age (20) into account.
by AlexSmith5280 on Mar 10, 2010 10:25 PM MST up reply actions
You know you're talking to a doc, right?
I’m with Ponderosa- too much risk.
by AllBroncsallday on Mar 11, 2010 10:42 AM MST up reply actions
Yes, I am aware of this, and with all due respect...
I also talked to doctors and was misdiagnosed for over TWO YEARS (just like everybody else I have met with this condition), leading me to finally be diagnosed as having an “extremely severe” case when I was able to communicate with a doctor who knew what he was talking about. Because of the incorrect analysis of my condition for that long period of time (due to the arrogance/ignorance of my other physicians “you don’t want to get a colonoscopy, you are too young”, “you need more fiber”, “even though your stools are irregular and bloody, we don’t need to seek further opinion”, etc.), the disease was given much more time to accelerate and I nearly suffered from Toxic Megacolon, which usually results in death or colectomy; thank God I got to the right doctor in time.
Not knocking a doctor’s opinion, but from my experiences (as well as many others in the Chron’s & Colitis community), doctors are rarely correct at first when dealing with this particular disease. This isn’t a condition like the flu or even diabetes where you may look up the information in a dictionary and have a clear cut picture of what exactly is going on; this condition varies in many ways. Not saying that the doctors do not know what they are talking about, in fact, everything they have had to share has truth behind it. However, this is such a variable condition that nobody can simply put their finger on it and act like they know exactly what is going on. What makes a doctor a doctor is the education they have received and the experience they have in the field. A doctor may be able to explain the biological logistics of the disease, but somebody with the condition that has to live with it on a daily basis is also grounds for “experience” and “education” in the Inflammatory Bowel Disease field, IMO.
by AlexSmith5280 on Mar 11, 2010 11:04 AM MST up reply actions
Thank you.
Thank you so much.
I can’t believe we’re condeming a kid based on one public report with not one of us having seen his patient history.
We have NO idea how severe McClain’s condition his. We have NO idea how he’s treating it. We have NO idea what his physician (a much better source for a patients health) would say about his condition. Really we have NO idea.
All we have is he’s suffered one flare up before his Pro Day. That the only thing in the last 8 years. That’s it and that’s all. We have nothing that says with certainty anything beyond that, other than Drs (who’ve never seen the patient) opinions.
"You can make mistakes, but you are not a failure until you blame others for those mistakes." -John Wooden
And the Stress = Flare concern
My Gastroenternologist has had this condition for his entire adult life. Working in the medical field, stress MUST be present, right? The guy hasn’t had a flare up in over 30 years. For some reason people are looking to pin this guy from every angle when really it comes down to the patient’s own management of his or her disorder… That’s it!
by AlexSmith5280 on Mar 11, 2010 11:26 AM MST up reply actions
And I'd venture a guess
that one BCS National Championship, two SEC Championships and playing 4 years of football at the University of Alabama under Nick Saban is one hell of a stress test.
One that until yesterday he’d, apparently, passed with flying colors.
"You can make mistakes, but you are not a failure until you blame others for those mistakes." -John Wooden
OK, fair enough
Me, I just think it’s too risky. Others are free to feel otherwise, of course.
I’m glad I’m not the one making these decisions.
by AllBroncsallday on Mar 11, 2010 11:27 AM MST up reply actions
Multiple Episodes?
You’ve seen his patient history? Cause I’ve been following McClain for the last 5 years and this is the first mention of Crohns. We know of one episode for sure, probably one more when it was diagnosed. So twice in 8 years is multiple? I can’t sit here and assume he’s had multiple episodes based on one report.
I get that your a doctor and therefore, rightly, believe I am out of my element. Yet, I have my own 30+ year experience source. My own mother have been a FNP in rural Colorado for 32+ years. While not a specialist, she’s dealt with Crohns once or twice (it was her mother). In addition, she’s a diabetes specialist. She knows what managing a disease properly can do. She felt reading this, as limited a source as it is, that it appears he knows how to manage his disease.
I just don’t think we can say with such certainty one way or another without any of the three (you, Emmett, my mom) having seen the patient. That’s like saying the world is gonna end tomorrow cause a middle schooler saw an asteroid one night. I’m sorry one report, is not a reason to jump to worst possible case.
You tell me to lose focus on what I’ve seen. I challenge you to lose focus on what you haven’t seen. Namely Rolando McClain in a patient setting over the last 8 years. Without that experience, not one Dr. or N.P. (or Accountant) can say with such certainty as you show what will happen with Rolando over the next 10 years.
"You can make mistakes, but you are not a failure until you blame others for those mistakes." -John Wooden
Please point out the risk free option in round 1........
Otherwise I’ll be more than willing to take a chance on a leader, person and teammate like Rolando McClain has been described.
"You can make mistakes, but you are not a failure until you blame others for those mistakes." -John Wooden
by Randall15 on Mar 10, 2010 5:09 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Its a shame . teams will avoid him now !
by broncosfaninphilly on Mar 10, 2010 3:48 PM MST reply actions
If he is available with our second round pick...McX should take about 4.74 seconds to pull the trigger and draft him!
My guess is he will be picked up real late in the first round…he still has tons of talent.
Verbose in style, dispersion of thought, procrastination in life.
The guy formerly known as ZAPPA
Do you think its possible..
He falls to the 2nd Round?
Why does Madden suck at ranking the Broncos so much?
No...I was "dreaming". It would be nice wouldn't it? :)
Verbose in style, dispersion of thought, procrastination in life.
The guy formerly known as ZAPPA
I don't worry about the Crohns
but wow that is a slow 40 time. That was my only knock on Andra Davis was that he was slow, but I bet he can run a 4.7
Anybody up for a little Brandon Spikes now?
"Vegetarians are cool. All I eat are vegetarians - except for the occasional mountain lion steak "
Ted Nugent
Ray Lewis ran a 4.7
Karl Mecklenburg was even slower. Yet, these are two of the greatest MLB in NFL history.
Know what made them great? Instincts
Know what McClain’s game is? Instincts
Seriously anyone that watched him in college knew he wasn’t the fastest guy, but he was almost always the first one at the ball. There’s a reason for that……film study and hard work.
"You can make mistakes, but you are not a failure until you blame others for those mistakes." -John Wooden
You can make this point all day
but there certainly is no guarantee this kid becomes Ray Lewis with or without the disease. With the disease taken into question, it becomes a HUGE risk. Those instincts aren’t going to make a damn bit of difference if he’s unable to play at all.
A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day.
by SlamDunkTheFunk on Mar 11, 2010 6:27 AM MST up reply actions
Just curious concerning the 40 times...
I see it thrown around all the time, but I remember seeing somewhere that these players change their running technique to try to improve their time for no other reason than to have a better 40 time at the combine. If this is true I would think that watching film and how they play the game would be more important than a 40 time, and that people put way too much stock in a few tenths of a second.
I could be way off here, anyone have any info to dispute what I’m thinking? or am I possibly on to something?
I prefer game speed over combine speed.
Verbose in style, dispersion of thought, procrastination in life.
The guy formerly known as ZAPPA
I'm still hoping we take a look at Bulluck
now that guy would be a stud for us. I’m still not sure why tenessee got rid of him, but he’s been a tackling machine. Would not help us out with youth, but would be an instant upgrade.
"Vegetarians are cool. All I eat are vegetarians - except for the occasional mountain lion steak "
Ted Nugent
is he a FA???
i didn’t realize, but we should jump on him fast if he’s not been released for health reasons!
by bailey disciple on Mar 10, 2010 3:59 PM MST up reply actions
Not sure if he's a rfa or ufa
but yeah, he is. Tenessee just signed will witherspoon so he probably won’t go back. I don’t think he’s injured either, he had 100+ tackles last year.
"Vegetarians are cool. All I eat are vegetarians - except for the occasional mountain lion steak "
Ted Nugent
he's another great veteran who'd do nicely in davis' spot in the starting lineup...
not gonna help any kind of youth movement, though…
by bailey disciple on Mar 10, 2010 4:06 PM MST up reply actions
This should be taken into consideration.
It’s good that it’s out in the open now and up front. Look at the entire year of Cutler’s career that was essentially a crapshoot because they weren’t aware he was diabetic. It has effects, and I think the alittude and pressure-differences can only make a disease like that worse. I think this will take him off McDaniel’s list or at least drops him down a couple rounds.
It has already been illustrated that we are following the Patriot/Colt/Steeler model of signing Vet’s for depth (though they are starters right now) and searching for true – and developmental – long term starters in the draft. In my opinion, this seems to greatly diminish McClain as being a long-term starter.
One step closer to my Weatherspoon-wish! Lol. Wow… that sounded completely cruel and insensitive… I just think Weatherspoon has got more intangibles, things that just can’t be coached.
"I have no right, by anything I do or say, to demean a human being in his own eyes. What matters is not what I think of him; it is what he thinks of himself." - Antoine de Exupery
I'm pretty sure Alex is talking about Sean Weatherspoon
however from what i’ve read Sean Weatherspoon is better suited to a 3-4 OLB position.
Quit drinking the Kool-Aid and start drinking the good stuff, and everything is always alright.
by Chuck "DeadDrunk" Breedlove on Mar 10, 2010 4:07 PM MST up reply actions
LOL...Yeah...Weatherspoon from Mizzou!
He actually did play some inside during his career here, and also in the Senior bowl where he did well….INT and all..
He ran a 4.59 at the combine in a silly white Underarmour outfit (which irritated me) but I also think he should be on our BB.
"Brandon Marshall will be a happy BRONCO WR in 2010"
Broncotodd - 2009
"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence."
John Adams
Woo!!
I love me some Weatherspoon. He would play the same position as Dumervil, Haggan, and Ayers, which is a problem, but I could see him take over for the vastly overrated DJ Williams. Sean was about the only legitimate baller on the Tigers’ defense the last couple of years and I’d love to see him in orange and blue.
M I Z…….
Hey kiddies.... I have Internet candy in my van...
Z-O-U....despite the ugly basketball loss today LOL
Gachkar seems to be a really fiery player that made some BIG plays last year…But SW will be missed for sure.
I really think he could do ILB well. His VERY outspoken attitude and personality is not something that fits a team concept well, but that can be fixed with a good payday :)
"Brandon Marshall will be a happy BRONCO WR in 2010"
Broncotodd - 2009
"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence."
John Adams
Building on what Broncotodd has said:
Weatherspoon has a voice, and has played multiple positions on the linebacking field. I do not doubt for a minute that he could hack ILB in the pros, and I really think it’s a more natural position for the talkative kid. I would like to see him take over for Davis. Despite everyone hammering Williams, he had a lot to do last year. He was in his 4th LB role, under his 4th consecutive DC, with a DL that still didn’t fully do their job. Considering the many responsiblities of an ILB in our 5-2 (a modified 3-4) defense, I think D.J. did pretty good last year.
If we can make some serious improvements to the DL this offseason, I would expect D.J.‘s performance to be vastly improved. And despite what Sean Weatherspoon is listed as or has the most experience playing, I think he will make for a natural ILB play-calling defensive leader in a 3-4. Much like the widely known Ray Lewis. I have heard hits on his character that he is loud-mouthed… but nothing yet that seems to be a major character defect; he appears to be very emotional, fun-loving, and loud – which I don’t think are bad things.
If he does make the move to ILB, and keeps everything off-the-field up at a professional level…. then i’d love for that move to happen in Denver, there are few coaches in the league that could do better work with him than Martindale. He’s got a ton of potential with mostly coachable errors (play-action, overpersuit, getting of blocks). The guy has got a high-motor. I think with the right techniques he’ll get off blocks better, and the other two things just take time and good coaching to fix.
I’m not saying he isn’t a developmental project, but he would be a lasting one if it worked out. As I said before, just a wish. :D
"I have no right, by anything I do or say, to demean a human being in his own eyes. What matters is not what I think of him; it is what he thinks of himself." - Antoine de Exupery
by Alexander Wall on Mar 11, 2010 1:19 AM MST up reply actions
Well stated! His talk is constant, but not negative...
He’s a beloved player here in Columbia. He’s no Diva that’s for sure. His game tape will speak for itself, and I’d venture a guess that he is already on our BB.
He even mentioned at the combine that he wants to be in “the middle of it all”….So I would love to see him in Orange and Blue as well……
Unfortunately where our picks are, I don’t see us using the 11 pick, and I don’t think he’ll still be available in the 2nd. Unless something happens that gives us more picks, or we move down, I don’t see it happening. :(
"Brandon Marshall will be a happy BRONCO WR in 2010"
Broncotodd - 2009
"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence."
John Adams
Witherspoon signed with a different team already
forgot who it was though.
"Vegetarians are cool. All I eat are vegetarians - except for the occasional mountain lion steak "
Ted Nugent
Weatherspoon the draft prospect, not Whitherspoon of the Eagles.
:D
"I have no right, by anything I do or say, to demean a human being in his own eyes. What matters is not what I think of him; it is what he thinks of himself." - Antoine de Exupery
by Alexander Wall on Mar 11, 2010 1:22 AM MST up reply actions
Do you mean shawn weatherspoon?
"Vegetarians are cool. All I eat are vegetarians - except for the occasional mountain lion steak "
Ted Nugent
Sean Weatherspoon from Mizzou, yes.
"I have no right, by anything I do or say, to demean a human being in his own eyes. What matters is not what I think of him; it is what he thinks of himself." - Antoine de Exupery
by Alexander Wall on Mar 11, 2010 1:23 AM MST up reply actions
I keep hearing 4.76
The link says he ran 4.6 and that he wants to get it down to 4.5 in team workouts. Can anybody confirm or direct me to where the 4.74 number is coming from?
As for the disease, it’s unfortunate to hear. I’ll try to hold judgment for now, but it doesn’t seem to affect him much on the field. He still won the Butkis Award, he still commands the defense, and if he just ran a 4.6 40, then he’s certainly helped put to sleep concerns about his coverage abilities.
Good luck with the Redskins Mr. Mike! I'll be watching and cheering for a non-Bronco team for the first time in my life. Well, except when they play the Broncos!
Chrones
One of the ways to treat Chrones is with steroids. does he get an exemption for this?
... if you have a belief, you will tend to find things that support it. But if you have a prejudice, you’ll move heaven and earth to maintain it. BroncoBear
In some cases it can also be treated with cannibus. But I doubt the league would allow for either.
"No more my bad just make the play"-McJedi
by RockyMountainThunder on Mar 10, 2010 4:30 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Exactly. Anabolic steroids build up muscle mass, corticosteroids break it down.
Imagination is more important than knowledge. A. Einstein
stupid question for any Dr.'s here
could corticosteroids negatively impact his conditioning, or is the treatment specialized enough not to get in the way?
by bailey disciple on Mar 10, 2010 4:59 PM MST up reply actions
Yes.
Corticosteroids cause weakness in the large muscle groups of the shoulders and hips which is why I don’t think he should be taken by us under any circumstances. Prior mild controlled disease is no predictor of future disease. Anemia is a constant consequence which further saps energy and performance. Fatigue is a major symptom of the disease. It is very unfortunate for him, but a professional athlete has enough to deal with without having to cope with this as well.
Imagination is more important than knowledge. A. Einstein
Forget the Disease and 40 time
He has had Crohn’s since high school. Here’s what I see on film. Fast, aggressive, instinctive. Coaches say that he studies film and is extremely intelligent. I am sticking with my guns and say still pick him at 11.
"No more my bad just make the play"-McJedi
by RockyMountainThunder on Mar 10, 2010 4:32 PM MST reply actions
I could still go for this.
He may not have dropped past the Raiduhs or Bills. I would think this for sure gives us at least a shot at him. I would like to hear Doc’s take on this, though, as I’m not sure how serious Crohn’s is and how it might affect him down the road. The reason I wanted McClain is I think he could be our defensive leader for the next decade, and this might change that. I’m really not sure.
Here, here!
Although even coacheswill say that combine numbers sort of serve to double verify what they already believe. So a slow 40 time could make coaches second guess him, but I doubt it too though. I think Emmitt Smith nailed it above by saying they’ll need to get more familiar with his specific case of the disease, but I agree that it won’t likely factor much in where he’s taken at. He’s still a field general and was the Brian Dawkins of the Crimson Tide.
Good luck with the Redskins Mr. Mike! I'll be watching and cheering for a non-Bronco team for the first time in my life. Well, except when they play the Broncos!
Controlled Fury
ILB don’t have to run 40 yards, they run 3 after anticipating a collision point, through and over everything between them and the controlled crash. Did we get his measurements on the controlled fury test at the combine?
This is a major issue for a professional athlete.
As Emmett commented above, Crohn’s disease is quite variable in severity, but has episodes where severe disability can occur. Multiple surgeries, weight loss, debilitating pain, malabsorption and fatigue are typical symptoms. Missed games and lengthy missed practice time are inevitable and a team would need to be very cautious thinking about his contributions. This should definitely take him way down the draft board.
Imagination is more important than knowledge. A. Einstein
If Crohn's is quite variable in severity
how does this definitely take him way down on the draft board? Wouldn’t his dropping depend on how severe his Crohn’s Desease is? If it isn’t a severe case then I don’t think he drops much if at all.
Hopefully more info concerning the severity comes out soon, but if not I guess where he’s drafted will give an indication of how severe his case is.
Great spirits have often encountered violent opposition from weak minds. - Albert Einstein
Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them. - Albert Einstein
I had a co worker with crohns.
He had lost a lot of weight. He was happy to at least have it diagnosed properly. Since then, he’s regained most of the weight and is back to his amature athletic regimen. His is fairly controllable.
"People who live in glass houses...shouldn't."
by jayrockstone on Mar 10, 2010 4:59 PM MST up reply actions
Prior disease activity doesn't predict future disease activity.
The risk outweighs the reward in my opinion.
Imagination is more important than knowledge. A. Einstein
You know, c_style, it may indicate what lay people see
Certainly, the teams have physicians and they will give the front offices the same info that Ponderosa (and I, in degree) have given you. and often, the FOs will respond in degree as people here are doing. They make statements that are not really sensible from a medical viewpoint. They will make decisions based in their own life experience and may not listen to the team docs. It happens all the time. Look at Shanahan discounting the fact that D-Rob couldn’t pass a physical. He said much what you did – well, he’s had this for years and did OK. But the fact was, he failed the exam because the knees were shot.
This is the problem with a disease like McClain’s. The most effective treatments would harm his body and his career, as Ponderosa indicated. But even so, people will see what he’s done as a young man and ignore medical advice. Rationally, this makes little to no sense, but experientially, I’ve seen it happen with lots of patients. They, their families or both will disregard the dangers. Those in football will hire them.
Will he have to quit football? No one knows, yet. Are the odds substantially higher than a player without this disease? Yes. Do you use a 1st on a player who has this disease? Not rationally, and I’m in full agreement with Denny – you don’t draft such a player at all. But perhaps someone will. I hope it’s not Denver. The odds are far too poor and the risks are so substantially higher that it just doesn’t make sense.
It all starts with the lines
by Doc Bear on Mar 10, 2010 5:53 PM MST up reply actions 2 recs
Well said Em.
I have an opinion based on more than 30 years of medical practice with inflammatory diseases. I’m not able to predict the future with any individual nor claim any prescience regarding McClain. In probability terms there may be a chance he is one patient who doesn’t experience debilitating episodes during his playing career or that a treatment becomes available that is highly effective at preventing exacerbations. I’m saying my advice is pick someone who doesn’t have these risks.
Imagination is more important than knowledge. A. Einstein
My field was a little different, but also dealt with inflammatory disease
Usually post traumatic, but I did plenty of GI work over the years and I see the same thing that you do. Same advice, too
It all starts with the lines
wow
I guess I didn’t understand the severity of the situation. That’s tragic for McClain that this is out in the open now. This news has probably cost him millions of dollars.
Some more questions for the Doctors:
1) Is there any point (what round draft pick?, UFA?) at which it would make sense to take a chance that he doesn’t exacerbate his condition?
2) Would having a football career at all be too dangerous to McClain’s health that we wouldn’t want to see him out there in any situation?
3) Also, would it make sense to use a late pick/sing him as a UFA if it meant we could have a stud ILB for as long as he could stay healthy?
by bailey disciple on Mar 10, 2010 10:22 PM MST up reply actions
What a disappointment
I was hoping he would be our first pick but not anymore. After hearing your and Ponderosa’s opinions on the subject I agree he’s not worth the risk, at any pick.
Thank you Emmett & Ponderosa. Your medical expertise really helps when subjects such as this arise and your contributions in these areas are appreciated throughout the community.
Great spirits have often encountered violent opposition from weak minds. - Albert Einstein
Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them. - Albert Einstein
It's looking like his time was more in the mid 4.6's according to USA Today
Which for a 260 lb. linebacker isn’t bad at all. TD was a 4.6 or 4.7 range 40 but we all know his game speed was much different.
Also Terrance Cody has slimmed down to 348 (Sounds funny to say someone slimmed down to this weight) What do you all think of him now as a viable 1st round pick. HE is now basically the same size as Jamal Williams
"No more my bad just make the play"-McJedi
by RockyMountainThunder on Mar 10, 2010 4:43 PM MST reply actions
He was clearly hurting at the end of position drills with a flare-up of Crohn’s, a form of inflammatory bowel disease he was diagnosed with as a high school freshman.
“My Crohn’s was acting up again,” said McClain, the only one of the Tide prospects regarded as a sure first-round pick. “I’ve been struggling with it the last two or three days, but I just wanted to go out here and still run no matter what the circumstance was.”
The hamstring problem was nothing new for the Butkus Award winner, though he had kept it quiet even from his teammates.
“I’m still not quite 100 percent, but I wanted to go out and show these 32 teams that I could run,” McClain said.
The result, he said, was a 40 time “somewhere in the 4.6 range,” but he is aiming to cut it down some more in additional NFL workouts on campus this month.
“At 6-4, 259, 4.6 is fine, but I know I can run a 4.5,” McClain said. “I’ve run it before.”
Funny thing about 40 times.
I used to be able to do one in under a minute. Now, it fills me up too much, and makes me burp foam out of my nose.
"People who live in glass houses...shouldn't."
I think I still like D. Williams over Cody....
But Cody is intriguing. I won’t pretend to know what the coaches are looking for, so as long as we don’t get some unkown in the first 3 rds. I think I’ll be okay whatever direction we go.
hahaha!!
nice… dkn if anyone else caught the pun, but that’s funny as hell
by bailey disciple on Mar 10, 2010 5:02 PM MST up reply actions
The source quoting the 4.6 looks like he was actually there
The reporter whose story Rotoworld quoted as the source for breakning the story of Rolando McClain’s disease quotes his 40 time at 4.6. There’s link here to an updated page with pictures and video. Fairly cheesy and not real update-ish, but it looks like they were actually there, perhaps lending credence to their version.
Good luck with the Redskins Mr. Mike! I'll be watching and cheering for a non-Bronco team for the first time in my life. Well, except when they play the Broncos!
dun dun dunnnnnnn
If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
PS3 ID: broncomaniac6
by kentuckybronco on Mar 10, 2010 4:55 PM MST up reply actions
I saw Mitch Erikson
Where’d you see Peterson?
by T.Dot_Bronco on Mar 10, 2010 4:59 PM MST up reply actions
http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=334&storyID=9962
If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
PS3 ID: broncomaniac6
by kentuckybronco on Mar 10, 2010 5:00 PM MST up reply actions
Well someone had to go with all the signings
Sad to see it be Kenny Peterson. He gave us tremendous effort despite less than ideal circumstances (i.e. Slowick).
Does that means we finally have the talent on the D-line to overcome hard workers like Kenny Peterson or a John Engleberger? I think so………
"You can make mistakes, but you are not a failure until you blame others for those mistakes." -John Wooden
Kentuckybronco
I was laughing for a good 5 minutes when I saw your Taylor Swift subtitle thing. Good stuff.
hahaha, good to hear, BTID.
If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
PS3 ID: broncomaniac6
by kentuckybronco on Mar 10, 2010 5:07 PM MST up reply actions
hahaha, get in line.
If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
PS3 ID: broncomaniac6
by kentuckybronco on Mar 10, 2010 5:10 PM MST up reply actions
about friggin' time
he got worse and worse as the year wore on and was terrible by the end of it.
by bailey disciple on Mar 10, 2010 5:03 PM MST up reply actions
This is just a guess
but with the Patriots having a big whole at TE, do you think they go after Scheffler? I know he isn’t the strongest blocker, but he isn’t horrible and is a good receiving threat.
I kind of doubt the Pats would want him.....
But I’m coming from a negative perspective as I don’t want him. Anyone that ’can’t wait for the season to be over" when they’re still in a playoff race isn’t someone I want.
He also doesn’t seem to fit what they do. I could be wrong (hopefully) as I’d love to get a mid round pick for him.
I am totally with you
I want him gone. I have no respect for someone who wants the season to be over when we have a LEGITIMATE chance of making the playoffs. I just hope we can get a 3rd for him but I would even settle for a 4th and maybe a 5th. That’s my opinion at least.
so what would be the earliest pick position you would take him?
assuming broncos could manuver to that pick
30? 50?
were would YOU take him???
CentSports free 10 cents to bet with Better than Fantasy Football, pick'em!!
I honestly don't think I would take him
based on the opinions of the Docs in the house, I think it would not only be a disservice to the Broncos but to McClain as well…
I would be hardpressed to actively seek to put McClain into a position where he could disappoint, even if it isn’t remotely his fault. that is a personal thing for me though, and I can see how his fans believe he can power through something like this…
There's a big hard sun, beating on the big people, in the big hard world.
formerly Styg-like
by Jeremy Bolander on Mar 10, 2010 8:09 PM MST up reply actions
As a fan, and a patient that has been diagnosed with IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)...
I think that the perceptions of Mr. McClain and his ability to play football may be getting blown out of proportion. I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis (very similar to Chron’s) at the age of 18. Although I have not played football since I was diagnosed (due to the fact that I graduated high school) I was still able to play sports at a highly competitive level while having no clue about the uncovered condition I had during that whole time.
Knowing that he was diagnosed as a Freshman in High School, we are also able to infer that he was able to overcome the adversities of being an athlete with a disability early on in his football career. His level of play that got him to ‘Bama and NFL “draft elite” status had to have begun during high school, if not earlier, and it sure doesn’t seem to have slowed him down now. Like mentioned earlier, David Garrard also has Chron’s Disease, but unlike Rolando, David was diagnosed after he was already drafted into the league. In most cases, the older you are when you are diagnosed, the greater lengths they must go to alleviate the symptoms; hence Garrard’s resection (removal of the severe infection in the colon).
I am sure that Rolando has made the lifestyle adjustments that all of us with IBD have to undergo in order to live the healthiest lives we can. As long as he eats correctly and takes his medications, he should be just fine. The only real downsides to having IBD as an athlete are that you do tend to dehydrate faster than most, and you must to eat more in order to compensate for your body’s nutritional deficit due to the frequent bowel movements that come with this condition (wonder why he was “winded”?). There is no reason as to why he may have a “career ending injury at any time”, unless of corse the Chron’s was so bad they would need to perform a colectomy (removal of the entire colon), which CLEARLY is not the case here.
Even though he may over come his disabilities, most teams will see this as a high risk pick IMO...
This news may scratch him from the first round…Sad huh?
I agree
I do not doubt that many teams may view this as a risk. The good news is that there is a team out there that is going to come up big time if they choose to really do their homework on not only IBD in general, but Rolando’s particular case of Chron’s; every patient is effected in different ways.
by AlexSmith5280 on Mar 10, 2010 9:12 PM MST up reply actions
I agree
I do not doubt that many teams may view this as a risk. The good news is that there is a team out there that is going to come up big time if they choose to really do their homework on not only IBD in general, but Rolando’s particular case of Chron’s; every patient is effected in different ways.
by AlexSmith5280 on Mar 10, 2010 9:12 PM MST up reply actions
Respectfully, Alex, ulcerative colitis while similar is not the same disease.
Crohn’s disease has more total body effects and complications than UC. It’s treatment is not as well delineated nor effective. I’m not saying he won’t be able to play in the NFL and even be effective. I am saying take someone else because the risk/benefit ratio is very unfavorable.
Imagination is more important than knowledge. A. Einstein
True
Which is why I noted the condition being “very similar”, not the same. Similar medications, similar effects, but like I said, every patient’s condition is independent from the next. Simply because one has “Chron’s” doesn’t automatically mean that it is worse than one with “Colitis” or vice versa. Further investigation into his particular case is what may define his capabilities.
by AlexSmith5280 on Mar 10, 2010 9:48 PM MST up reply actions
Rolando's draft potential has taken a slight blow for now...
But he’s been playing w/Crohn’s for years, and I’d bet he’s been using corticoid steroids for long term management, plus other meds as adjunctive therapy too. He’s still managed to become a butkus award winner and all american. However, one concern I’ve had taking him is not health, it’s the fact that he’s been playing “DIRECTLY” behind Mt Cody’s big BUTT. Nobody get to him from the Oline, just the occasional WR/RB who would chip him . We’ll see the same affect this year from those playing behind Jamal Williams. He literally can block out the sun with that size. That’s my only concern? Did Cody make him better than he really is????
"Attitude reflects Leadership" Hogblog...aka KSM
Hopefully for his sake
his use of corticosteroids has been minimal. The steroids are geared to be used for short term, usually during a bad flare. There are other anti-inflammatory drugs that are normally administered the majority of the time. The list of side effects from corticosteroid usage is long and includes conditions such as osteoporosis (definitely not good for an athlete). Chances are he is also immunosuppressant because IBD is an autoimmune disease. Forgive me if I am coming across as a McClain homer, but it is always nice to see someone in the pros be successful while playing with a disability that you share.
by AlexSmith5280 on Mar 10, 2010 9:57 PM MST up reply actions
Here's your consolation prize...
…probably available as late as the 4th round (that might be stretching it), and who actually brings an added skill set to the table (coverage).
Tim Lynch already introduced him as a sleeper, but I actually see this guy as a better option and fit for Denver (value + skill set = Denver’s need) than McClain, Spikes, or any of the other usual suspects.
Donald Butler, ILB, Washington
From the War Room:
Donald Butler
ILB, Washington
War Room analysis
Athletic ability: Is very athletic, which has enabled him to be highly productive. Is very smooth and agile in pass drops; can flip hips to adjust easily and has good burst to receiver. Flashes athleticism to reach in front of receiver to break up pass or cut in front of receiver to try and intercept pass. Combines instincts with foot quickness to get started toward the ball very quickly; accelerates to full speed in a flash and has the playing speed to chase down running backs in pursuit. Is naturally flexible, which enables him to bend knees and sink hips to take on lead blocker very strong at the point of attack and make strong, fundamentally sound tackles. Has quickness and burst to fill the hole fast on inside runs; can get through the hole before blocker gets to him and makes tackle in the backfield. Displays very good quickness, agility and burst beating RB with quick pass-rush move when he blitzes. Grade: 8.0
Against the inside run: Reads and reacts quickly to the inside run; fills the hole to take on blocker strong at the line; can shed and make tackle in the hole. Is so quick to fill at times that he gets into the backfield before the blocker can get to him; blows up the play in the hole. Is a little shorter than ideal and can be engulfed by OL on the second level; if an OL locks up on him, he struggles to get free in time to make play. Does a good job of reading run, can sift through traffic and has a good burst to the ball carrier to finish tackles. Grade: 7.5
Against the outside run: Combines ability to read the play quickly, very good playing speed and explosive closing burst to consistently chase down ball carriers in backside pursuit when he has a clear path. Does a good job of using his hands to keep blockers from getting a hold of him on the move. Has the speed and closing burst to make tackles on outside runs before the RB can turn the corner. Does not use his hands well against cut blocks and can be taken to the ground too easily. Grade: 8.0
Blitz/coverage: Combines athleticism and intelligence to be productive in pass coverage. Is quick, smooth and fluid in pass drops; reads the QB well, closes very quickly and can get in front of receiver to break up pass. Dropped a few interceptions he should have made. Can flip hips to change directions easily in pass coverage. Does a good job of covering RBs and TEs in man-to-man coverage; has athleticism to stay on man’s hip. Did not do a lot of blitzing in college, but showed ability in limited opportunities at Washington and in pass-rush drills at the Senior Bowl. Grade: 8.0
Run-pass recognition/instincts: Is a naturally instinctive linebacker who consistently reads and reacts very quickly to the play. Is able to play significantly faster than his 40 time thanks to great instincts. Does not get fooled by play-action fakes or misdirection plays; maintains good position and carries out his responsibility. Grade: 8.0
Pursuit/tackling: Gets started toward the ball quickly and has top-notch acceleration, playing speed and explosive closing burst to consistently chase down ball carriers in backside pursuit. Does a good job of moving through traffic; avoids blocks well and has the speed to track down plays from behind. Needs to greatly improve his hand use to protect his legs from cut blocks; gets slowed down by them more than an athlete of his caliber should. Can be a very good tackler when he keeps his knees bent, stays over his feet and remains under control. Breaks down and tackles well even when he tries to make the strong, physical hit. Grade: 8.0
Bottom line: We did not expect to see much from Butler, but his athleticism and production caught our attention. He is a tough and very instinctive defender who is consistently around the ball making plays. For a short linebacker, he is surprisingly strong at the point of attack taking on lead blockers. His production was excellent in the games evaluated — he was involved in one out of every 6.69 plays, which is excellent for an MLB. Overall, Butler is very consistent and makes plays all over the field. He really shined at the Senior Bowl, where he was clearly the best LB. We doubt Butler will be drafted as highly as we have him rated, but in time he will prove our evaluation correct by becoming a good starting linebacker.
I could see this guy playing ILB in Woodyard nickel role in the short term, with an eye towards being the WILB guy when father time starts catching up to D.J.
Probably one of my favorite prospects in this draft…
"We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars."-- Oscar Wilde
by PredominantlyOrange on Mar 10, 2010 9:49 PM MST reply actions
I have another question.
David Garrard of the Jaguars has Crohn’s.
Jacksonville Jaguar Quarterback David Garrard first experienced symptoms of Crohn’s disease at the end of the NFL season, in January 2003. The diagnosis was confirmed with a colonoscopy, and Garrard began treatment. His management plan included Canasa, prednisone, and finally, Remicade. These therapies failed, and Garrard lost 35 pounds from his 6’2" frame. In June of 2004, he underwent surgery to remove about 1 foot of intestine.Is it rare for something like that to happen? What are the chances of McClain being a Garrard-type case?
After surgery, Garrard recovered quickly and regained the weight he had lost. A post-surgery examination showed that his gastrointestinal tract was free of Crohn’s. After a routine colonoscopy revealed traces of Crohn’s last year, Garrard again underwent treatment with Remicade, and as of July 2006 is Crohn’s-free.
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This is a fairly typical course for many with Crohn's.
Remicade is a powerful immunosuppression drug with major side effects including infection. Garrard is an exception in the NFL being able to continue his career with this disease.
Imagination is more important than knowledge. A. Einstein
That's really too bad
I was excited at the possibility of him on our D, but now I don’t know how you’d take the risk here. I see that some of his fans think he can work thru it, which is fine.
Since I’m a fan of the team though, I wouldn’t want to see that risk being taken. Why take the chance? Every player has risk, but I don’t know why you’d choose to add to that risk.
I wish Mr. McClain the best, but I don’t want my team to draft him.
by AllBroncsallday on Mar 11, 2010 11:07 AM MST reply actions
A little nugget for all those
believing this will make McClain drop until the late-1st or 2nd:
15. New York Giants: Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama.
Every Giants fan dream scenario plays out, and the G-Men get a serious thumper in the middle to replace Antonio Pierce. Consider this his absolute floor, even with his disclosure of Crohn’s Disease. If he’s gone I know they like Dan Williams, though a little birdie tells me they would have a hard time passing on Mike Iupati too.
No, one reporter’s opinion does not make it a fact. But while we are all assuming the worst I thought it relavent to point out the NFL franchises interested in McClain, might just know more about his specific condition than we do.
"You can make mistakes, but you are not a failure until you blame others for those mistakes." -John Wooden
In a study of 283 patients with Crohn's disease
Patients with current active disease were 70% likely to continue with active disease for the next 12 months. 50% were likely to achieve a remission in 3 years. I have said I have no evidence for McClain specifically – I don’t know his individual information. However knowing it would not change my opinion that the risk benefit ratio is more heavily weighed towards risk. The problem with any current opinion of his disease severity is that it can’t predict the future activity and therefore you are taking a major risk. Anecdotal reports of someone you know or your own experience with the disease means you know only that segment of the affected population. GM’s who wish to take a flyer on him are taking a gamble I would strongly advise against. Of course no one is really asking my opinion and I guess I’m making an impression as a pompous know-it-all who’s ruining some poor guys career. I’m just saying from my logic this is a bad decision to draft a player with this chronic disease. I’m not relating this to diabetes, migraine headaches or any other conditions.
Imagination is more important than knowledge. A. Einstein
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