McLendon Out For Monday Night, McCullers To Start At Nose

blountforcetrauma · Nov 15, 2014

JackAttack 5958 said: ↑

Cam't Thomas is, dare I say it, soft. It just seems to me that he gets pushed around and manhandled by single blockers. For those of you that watch more game film than I do can you confirm that for me? Is he really as bad as he looks?

As for McCullers, his scouting report above tells me that he has the raw talent to succeed and all he needs is to be coached up. Coach Mitchell does a pretty good job of that overall. I look forward to seeing what he can do Monday night. He's shown flashes this year and I've seen him get good penetration and push the pocket at times.

And for for crying out loud, MORE TUITT AND LESS CAM'T!
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I agree about Tuitt. I mean if we are gonna play rookies we might as well to use Tuitt also. I'm just coming at it from the perspective that even though that as it stands right now Thomas might be a little "better" the ceiling is much higher for Tuitt. So why not go ahead and start developing him now instead of taking a risk that he becomes a "pupil" of Thomas and winds up learning how NOT to play his position? LOL. But, in all seriousness, I would rather just put the young guy out there because there's no substitute for experience and in the long run experience is gonna be what Tuitt needs to develop anyway.

blountforcetrauma · Nov 15, 2014

Thigpen82 said: ↑

Yep. Phoning it in.

I'd be genuinely interested to know what the coaches say about him behind closed doors. I mentioned this in the Mauro thread - sure, he'll be more polished and have more of all-round game than an UDFA, but are the coaches really sold that he's the best person to have in there? Or are they living with their contract mistakes? Does he fit well with what they want to do on D, and just not execute? Or are they talking about how early they can get Tuitt in?
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Do you expect Thomas to be here after this year? I sure hope not.

Thigpen82 · Nov 15, 2014

blountforcetrauma said: ↑

Do you expect Thomas to be here after this year? I sure hope not.
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I can't see him staying much longer. It will help the cause if McCullers and Tuitt continue to improve. Thomas is going to go down as one of those Justin Hartwig/Quincy Morgan type of FAs.

322 Steeler Fan · Nov 15, 2014

I don't see the things that everyone else does when they watch McCullers play. I do think he does ok though.

While he has NT weight I think his style fits the left D-end in a 3-4 or a lineman in the 2-4 nickel.

I don't think he gets that great of a push but he holds his ground well and occupies lanes well.

I'd like to see him at left DE, Kiesel at right DE, and Hayward at nose a few times on running downs.

IMO...

Diamond · Nov 16, 2014

How many nose tackles in the league are 6-7, answer none, that position has always been defined by 6-1 to 6-3 guys weighing about 335 who have a low center of gravity, taller guys dont have the low center of gravity so I see mccullers as more of an experimental starter in this game, and I dont expect him to stay in at the nose postion long.......

CK 13 · Nov 17, 2014

Did anyone watch the Colts game? McCullers pushed the center back 10 yards off the ball. Plus he commands double teams. McLendon does not. I still believe McClendon should be a DE. And Cam Thomas. Please. Bench should be his friend. But he will start

Tuitt / McCullers/ Heyward should be the starting 3 tonight.

rukus4ever · Nov 17, 2014

Diamond said: ↑

We drafted mcCullers in the 6th round, he was projected to be a 2-3 round pick, here is his scouting report:

The North Carolina prep began his college career at Georgia Military College in 2010, weighing nearly 400 pounds when he arrived on campus. As a freshman, he appeared in eight games and had 27 tackles, four tackles for loss and three sacks with four passes batted, one interception and one forced fumble. Became a top junior college recruit in '11, recording 37-9-2 in 10 games. Transferred to Tennessee in '12 and won the starting nose tackle job in camp, registering 39-5.5-1 with one pass batted, one forced fumble and one blocked kick in 12 games (seven starts). Started 12 games in '13 and had 33-4.5-.5 with one blocked kick. Did not run at the NFL Scouting Combine because of a strained right hamstring.
ANALYSIS

STRENGTHS

Rare size with vines for arms, an enormous wingspan and exceptional mass to occupy space and hold up multiple blockers -- has clear two-gap potential. Looks every bit the part with a relatively lean build for a 350-pounder -- carries his weight well with some muscle definition and good overall body thickness. Can overpower zone blockers with sheer size. Very durable and has not missed any games to injury throughout his career.WEAKNESSES

Lets his pads rise (first move is up), gets outleveraged and does not hold his ground as well as a man his size should. Gets turned out of the hole and sealed. Duck-footed short-stepper with limited play range -- does not make plays outside the box. Average body power to roll his hips and generate torque. Limited pass-rush potential (confirmed by 1.5 career sacks) -- is late off the ball, does not collapse the pocket and stays blocked too long. Must improve his hand use to disengage. Exited high school pushing 400 pounds and weight has fluctuated in the past.DRAFT PROJECTION

Rounds 2-3
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Good info. Thanks for sharing.

Sounds like most of his weaknesses can be either coached or conditioned.

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McLendon Out For Monday Night, McCullers To Start At Nose

blountforcetrauma Well-Known Member

blountforcetrauma Well-Known Member

Thigpen82 Bitter optimist TSF Supporter

322 Steeler Fan Well-Known Member

Diamond Well-Known Member

CK 13 Well-Known Member

rukus4ever Well-Known Member

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