Question RE: ILBs

[SRogers92]

Why am I seeing more and more McClain going over Brandon Spikes?

I understand Spikes doesn't have Patrick Willis' top end speed, but -- he is much more overall athletic then Rey Maualuaga(who is actually succeeding in Cinci) and one of the most impressive ILBs in a long time in terms of run support ... So -- why the change?

Other then speed, what does he have over Spikes? SPikes is an elite athlete, too, but - has accomplished a lot more without Mount Cody infront of him ...


Just curious because it makes no sense to me and does the success of Rey M. help Spikes' chances of going higher in the draft?

[adamprez2003]

mcclain has better instincts IMO

[Babylon]

1. I don't buy that Spikes is a better athlete than Rey Rey in terms of strength, 40 time and lateral quickness.

2. McClain has the advantage of Mt Cody in front of him and Spikes is behind a bunch of stiffs???

3. No i don't think Mauuluga's play this year has anything to do with where Spikes or McClain will be drafted.

[stephenson86]

because he likes to eat RB eyes

[GhostDeini]

There is no way McClain has better instincts than Spikes. I felt Spikes was the best LB in the country a year even with all the Curry hype. Should've came out then. Anyway, I have not seen McClain make the plays that Spikes has, what it is 4 pic sixes in his career ? Thats impressive.

[ThePudge]

There is no way McClain has better instincts than Spikes. I felt Spikes was the best LB in the country a year even with all the Curry hype. Should've came out then. Anyway, I have not seen McClain make the plays that Spikes has, what it is 4 pic sixes in his career ? Thats impressive.

Your talent evaluation really garners no respect and has no validity whatsoever.

You might not have seen McClain make the plays Spikes has because you had your head up your ass. He clearly has been the better football player in all facets this year. He making more plays behind the line of scrimmage, he's making more plays in coverage, he's getting to the quarterback, he's playing sideline to sideline.

McClain may be the complete package, a potential Top 15 pick. Brandon Spikes may be a bit too one-dimensional, and (IMO) may slip out of the first couple rounds.

[ThePudge]

Why am I seeing more and more McClain going over Brandon Spikes?

I understand Spikes doesn't have Patrick Willis' top end speed, but -- he is much more overall athletic then Rey Maualuaga(who is actually succeeding in Cinci) and one of the most impressive ILBs in a long time in terms of run support ... So -- why the change?

Other then speed, what does he have over Spikes? SPikes is an elite athlete, too, but - has accomplished a lot more without Mount Cody infront of him ...


Just curious because it makes no sense to me and does the success of Rey M. help Spikes' chances of going higher in the draft?

Well, I never really found Brandon Spikes to be more athletic than Maualuga. I've never found Spikes to be any faster coming downhill and to the sideline, haven't found his coverage to be anything notable, and I worry more about leverage with Spikes than I ever did Rey. I don't think he could really do what Maualuga did, come in, and switch positions to help a team immediately.

Overall, there is some wariness concerning Florida prospects. There have been a number of Florida LB prospects that have looked like Top 64 picks, including Brandon Siler and Earl Everett recently, but have failed to live up to the hype by Combine/Draft time. So, with that said, I'm obviously not sold and think the Senior Bowl will be a telling resource in Spikes' case whether it be good or bad.

McClain can do a whole lot more in terms of playing in space, coverage, and even as a run-stopper which is Spikes' bread and butter. I'm not sure how Spikes' instincts would possibly grade better than McClain, on of the best read and react players in the country.

The way I see it, this year's Brandon Spikes is an over-glorified player. He gets credit for what his offense can put on the board for him and what his defense does around him. He's fourth on his team in tackles, he isn't making plays behind the LOS, he isn't excelling in coverage, he isn't making opposing QB's sweat and he's not commanding the respect in the run game that McClain is. Spikes is the media's face of that defense, but the play of CB Joe Haden, his fellow linebackers (Stamper/Black), and the two bookends (Dunlap/Cunningham) has given that defense it's swagger this season.

I'm being too harsh, of course, as Spikes is a solid NFL prospect and good college player. Still, best Linebacker in the country? Not a chance in hell. Best Linebacker on his team? Maybe. Right now, I see Spikes falling before draft day and in four months time I don't believe his name will be anywhere close to McClain's or Sean Weatherspoon's. Early-Mid Second Round pick right now for me, we'll see in a few months.

[Thumper]

McClain is bigger, faster, has better instincts, is better in coverage, is a better blitzer etc. etc. basically he is faster, just as stout in the run game, is more intelligent, plays with more discipline and in addition he does all the small things better than Spikes does.

Spikes is extremely slow in space and will not be able to cover anyone in the NFL, he needs to go to either a Zone Blitz Scheme where he would play downhill (Philly or NY) or a 3-4 defense. He gets caught up in traffic, he can't disengage from blocks and really he is only good for size and run support, he makes no plays. This guy is like Jeremiah Trotter and McClain is like a mad scientist linebacker and someone put Ray Lewis' instincts and intensity in him, put EJ Henderson size and strength and Karlos Dansby type athleticism. McClain is just a stud who is the only linebacker in this class deserving of going in the top 10.

[wicket]

the easy answer is. McClain is better than Spikes. Basicly there is no part of spikes that I like over McClain outside of his beard

[Iamcanadian]

Spikes lacks the speed to play MLB in a 4-3, he is strictly a 3-4 ILB type and could slip all the way to round 2. McClain has the speed to play in either system and is simply a better athlete than Spikes with a much higher ceiling.

[FUNBUNCHER]

Your talent evaluation really garners no respect and has no validity whatsoever.

You might not have seen McClain make the plays Spikes has because you had your head up your ass. He clearly has been the better football player in all facets this year. He making more plays behind the line of scrimmage, he's making more plays in coverage, he's getting to the quarterback, he's playing sideline to sideline.

McClain may be the complete package, a potential Top 15 pick. Brandon Spikes may be a bit too one-dimensional, and (IMO) may slip out of the first couple rounds.

What is Spikes' speed exactly?? Spikes may not be flashing as much as he did in year's past,(imo he looks heavy) but personally I don't think McClain is several rounds better than Spikes, as others have implied. In many games this year, Florida's defense has carried that squad, not the play of their high octane offense. Hopefully we'll get a chance to see these two teams play head to head in the SEC CG.

BTW, I don't know how gratuitous insults towards GhostDeini benefits your own analysis of either Spikes or McClain.

[sbh15]

Your talent evaluation really garners no respect and has no validity whatsoever.

You might not have seen McClain make the plays Spikes has because you had your head up your ass.

Oh yeah, good thing that was necessary and everything. Just berate him for giving his opinion.

YOU'RE ******* AWESOME YEAH!

[Staubach12]

People (including me) love smart MLBs. McClain is the smartest LB to come out in a while IMO. Plus, Spikes has had that nasty eye-gouging thing this past week, which is not going to help his stock.

[tjsunstein]

Your talent evaluation really garners no respect and has no validity whatsoever.

You might not have seen McClain make the plays Spikes has because you had your head up your ass. He clearly has been the better football player in all facets this year. He making more plays behind the line of scrimmage, he's making more plays in coverage, he's getting to the quarterback, he's playing sideline to sideline.

McClain may be the complete package, a potential Top 15 pick. Brandon Spikes may be a bit too one-dimensional, and (IMO) may slip out of the first couple rounds.

You may be the one with your head up your ass.

[Cigaro]

McClain seems slightly more consistent, may rack up tackles at a faster pace. But in my opinion, no other linebacker can match Brandon Spikes in the play-making department.

[ThePudge]

Oh yeah, good thing that was necessary and everything. Just berate him for giving his opinion.

YOU'RE ******* AWESOME YEAH!

His comment came with blunt homerism and came with no valid reasoning. This is far from the first thread in which he has come in and made comments such as this one. I wish it were easier to ignore, but they always seem to pop up right as I'm about to post. I'm not one to attack someone for expressing their opinion, but his only opinion is 'Florida players are Top 10 talents, the rest are just not as good.' He said he has seen Brandon Spikes make more plays, I say you haven't watched much football this year. He didn't give an opinion, he gave his only opinion, which frankly, is one I'm fairly tired of.

If he can give me reasoning as to why Brandon Spikes is a Top 5 pick, and where Rolando McClain falls short of him, I will have absolutely no problem issuing a personal apology. Until then, I'm going to assume I was right in that he hasn't watched enough football in an unbiased manner.

As for Spikes himself, and my comment stating that he may fall out of the first couple rounds. Right now, it seems a bit extreme, but I could see it happening. If the draft were tomorrow, I'd think Spikes would fall somewhere in the early second round. I think he'd fit in a 3-4 scheme at ILB, or 4-3 scheme at MLB, but I have some concerns with Spikes as a player. I really don't find him to be all too fluid in space, nor do I find him the quality down-hill thumper of Rey Maualuga. Spikes' coverage skills may be a bit further along at this point than Rey's were, but that's just about all I can see.

Right now, Spikes strikes me as an average athlete and a very good football player. He'll play tall, he doesn't play sideline to sideline like an elite linebacker, and his acceleration can leave something to be desired. He's not as physical to engage as some make him out to be, as often times he will take himself out of a play by not running through blockers, but around them. There is concern out there about his weight room strength and functional strength. With his long arms and build, I'd keep an eye on Brandon Spikes, as I'm not sure he'll put that bar up more than 17-20 times. This isn't a big deal, but it's something to keep in the corner of your eye.

He's a smart player with complete knowledge of his system, and of zone coverage schemes defensively. In the NFL though, he will struggle sinking his hips and running with more athletic Tight Ends than he sees on a day to day basis in college. His instincts rank as some of the best in the country, and he more often than not, takes good angles to the ball. I think he'll make a very good 3-4 ILB playing in front of a large, disruptive NT.

His character grades out similarly to Rey Maualuga in that, he's a vocal leader on the field, a great teammate; however, it also means there are some question marks there. I don't make the eye-gauging incident into a big deal, it's football and that kind of behavior is expected in piles, he just got caught.

I love Spikes' instincts, his size, his knack for being around the ball, his experience rushing the passer (from the middle and outside), and I love the energy he brings to a defense. Still, I worry about his ability in space, his leverage in the run game at the next level, his overall strength, and I wonder how his game will adjust facing superior athletes in the NFL.

Right now, I have Brandon Spikes graded as a Second Round pick (including Underclassmen). And yes, if the number of underclassmen who declare increases as many think it will, he doesn't play well leading up to this BCS Bowl game (SEC Champ./BCS), or Spikes doesn't test all too well, I think he could slip. This isn't any kind of insane statement, he could of course play well and test well and be a first round pick. I'm not here making guarantees in early November, I'm calling things how I see them.

Right now, Rolando McClain is playing, hands down, better football than Spikes. He's making more plays, he's stopping the run, he's energizing that Alabama defense. He's basically doing everything Spikes is, but better, and he's playing every game.

Spikes: 7 GP 42 Tackles (18 Solo), 4.5 TFL 3 Sacks 1 Int 1 PBU 1 FF
Notes: Spikes ranked 4th on his team in tackles last week, and stays in that position. His solo tackles have diminished, and for the first time in his career, his assisted tackles make up the majority. He's doing a nice job of rushing the passer, both on middle blitzes, or lining up on the outside standing up or with his hand in the dirt (something NFL scouts will surely like.) Still, Spikes' athleticism, angles, and tackling are more of a concern than they were a year ago (similar to James Laurinaitis in 09'). Note he's made 1.5 TFL in the run game, which seems awfully low for Spikes, and a player of his style.

McClain: 9 GP 66 Tackles (34 Solo), 7.0 TFL 2 Sacks 2 Int 3 PD 8 QbHu 1 FF
Notes: He's making most of his plays behind the LOS in the run game (5). He's been around the ball, making noise, and he has been able to get to the quarterback and disrupt timing. His instincts in coverage and in the run game are matched by few, and he brings a total package on the field. Leads his team in tackles and has been able to stay healthy and out of trouble. Alabama's rush D has allowed only 68 yards per game on the ground, and the defense is spearheaded by McClain. Playing behind a mountain certainly helps and the plays in which Cody goes to the sideline is when you really get a good look at McClain.

McClain's just been the better player thus far. He also grades out as the more complete prospect, as his athleticism and burst is more on line of an NFL linebacker. I like McClain as a Top 15-20 pick right now, and Spikes as a Late First-Mid Second round pick.

May I remind you, it's November. The biggest stages are yet to come.

[GhostDeini]

Not only is this clown throwing out college stats but he actually said Spikes has Rey Maualuga athleticism...LMFAO ! Rey was a garbage prospect the entire time. I was never fooled by the big hair and uniform. Rey is a slow stiff with no instincts for MLB position. His film sucked and never made big plays. Neither has McClain although he's way better but still not in Spikes level. Spikes is a good blizter and has returned 4 interceptions back for TD's. All McClain got is his neat college TFL numbers.

[Babylon]

Not only is this clown throwing out college stats but he actually said Spikes has Rey Maualuga athleticism...LMFAO ! Rey was a garbage prospect the entire time. I was never fooled by the big hair and uniform. Rey is a slow stiff with no instincts for MLB position. His film sucked and never made big plays. Neither has McClain although he's way better but still not in Spikes level. Spikes is a good blizter and has returned 4 interceptions back for TD's. All McClain got is his neat college TFL numbers.

I dont want to get in the middle of some family feud but Rey Mauuluga a garbage prospect? come on.

[ThePudge]

I dont want to get in the middle of some family feud but Rey Mauuluga a garbage prospect? come on.

No feud here. His most recent post actually helped prove my earlier point, so I'm just going to leave it be.

Rey Maualuga obviously didn't have what it took to be a MLB, so he's playing a more blitz heavy and more coverage heavy role on the Strong Side. Funny how that works out.

[sbh15]

With those stats you seem to be forgetting that Spikes has been hampered by a groin injury almost all season.

[FUNBUNCHER]

GhostDeini, what the hate on Rey??

Maybe Muauluga wasn't a top 10 prospect, but he projected as a starter in the NFL. That's not garbage IMO.

[GhostDeini]

He's still sticking to that lame ass compairison, lol. Anyway, just because Spikes has shown he can blitz in college doesn't mean he's going to be downgraded to SLB in the NFL like Rey has been. Spikes can blitz from up the middle much like Urlacher use to do early in his career.

And by the way, if you're going to call somebody a homer get the team right. Dude called me a Gator homer. WOW...

[Babylon]

With those stats you seem to be forgetting that Spikes has been hampered by a groin injury almost all season.

And a 1 game suspension, on a sidenote here i didnt like that look on the sidelines with the white hat on.

[ThePudge]

He's still sticking to that lame ass compairison, lol. Anyway, just because Spikes has shown he can blitz in college doesn't mean he's going to be downgraded to SLB in the NFL like Rey has been. Spikes can blitz from up the middle much like Urlacher use to do early in his career.

And by the way, if you're going to call somebody a homer get the team right. Dude called me a Gator homer. WOW...

No I didn't. I said Florida. A state.

I didn't compare Spikes to Maualuga. The original poster mentioned Maualuga as a possible reference for Spikes' draft stock, and I did a small amount of comparing and contrasting for his sake.

[SuperKevin]

They are both going to be first round picks so what does it matter

[Duffman57]

I get that he is not the best by far, but how has Micah Johnson been doing? He's got good skills but hasn't really put it all together yet. IMO right now he's a 3rd round pick, but i haven't seen him much this year so what do you guys think of him?