Inside The Bills

Bama LB McClain headed to draft

Posted by Chris Brown on January 11, 2010 – 5:09 pm

Alabama junior LB Rolando McClain has declared himself eligible for the NFL Draft.

A Butkus award winner that has been calling the defensive signals for the Crimson Tide since he was a freshman is forgoing his senior season after winning a national title under Nick Saban. Saban called McClain one of the smartest players he’s ever coached.

Forecast as a top half of the first round prospect, the Bills should have a shot at him with the ninth overall pick. At 252 pounds, McClain has the size to be an instant impact performer after having great success in college’s most talent-rich conference.

Much like running backs on the offensive side of the ball, linebackers can have similar instant impact at the NFL level. McClain can have Cushing-like impact in 2010 in my opinion and would be worthy of the 9th overall selection. In my eyes he’s that good.