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Giants Not as Interested in McClain as Everyone Thinks

According to DraftInsider.net, the New York Giants, who are in the market for a big time inside linebacker, are not as happy with Alabama ILB Rolando McClain as everyone expected them to be.

"Opinions are mixed on McClain as some teams don’t like him and a few think he’s soft.  One team not enamored with McClain are the New York Giants.  Sources have told us the organization much prefers Sean Weatherspoon and if the opportunity arises for the Giants to trade down and select the Missouri linebacker later in the frame, they would jump at the chance.  We understand the Giants are hoping Derrick Morgan falls into their laps."

This is pretty crazy, considering McClain has been the consensus number 1 linebacker in the draft since the end of the season.  There have been questions regarding whether or not he is soft, but the Giants know more than we do, and I figure I'll be happy if we trade down and still get the player we want.  I don't see Derrick Morgan falling to us, as pass rushers are a premium commodity, but if we trade down, get some extra picks, and draft Weatherspoon, I'd be extremely pleased.  

2010 NFL Mock Draft

2010 NFL Mock Draft

2010 NFL Mock Draft

8. Oakland Raiders(5-11)

DE Derrick Morgan (Georgia Tech)

Despite everyone's thoughts that Al Davis will pick workout warrior Bruce Campbell out of Maryland, I believe that he will come to his senses and draft this position of need.  With veteran DE Greg Ellis on his last leg, this is a very valuable pick for the Raiders.  Morgan possesses all the traits needed to become a great player in the league, and can bring something to the Raiders defensive line from day 1.  He has a great knack for getting to the quarterback, but possesses the ability to be great in run support as well. Also, with the ability to line up in a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme, he is one of the more versatile lineman in the draft.   

Why he's good for the Raiders: 

Morgan is by far the most polished DE in the draft, and I think that Al Davis will make the right move here.  With DL Richard Seymour anchoring the line, look for this defense to be a lot better with the pass rushing abilities of Morgan.  The secondary is one of the top in the league, and defense wins games, so look for Davis to address this issue.  With the return of DL Coach Mike Waufle from the New York Giants, I believe that Morgan will have all the coaching needed to become a star in the league.

Top NFL Draft Prospects

7. Derrick Morgan, DE

Oakland Raiders(5-11)

As much as the Oakland Raiders need OL help in order to protect QB JaMarcus Russell, I believe Al Davis will go with a flashier pick.  Derrick Morgan is an incredibly gifted athlete at the DE position.  At 6'4 270 lbs., he is the perfect size and a great fit on a defensive line that could possibly lose their best player in Richard Seymour.  Seymour had the ability to line up at DE and DT, and even though you won't see Morgan doing the same, he will be a tremendous asset on that defensive line.  With Greg Ellis starting next season at 35 years old, the DE position will need to be upgraded immediately.  Morgan has a great variety of different moves he uses and has an explosive first step off the line.  He has shown to be a very good run stuffer as he accumulated 27 tackles for loss in two years.

Why he's good for the Raiders:

The Raiders have a very good pass defense, but they ranked 29th in the league against the run.  Morgan is a very huge presence against the run and will only help the pass defense get better. Over his three year career, Morgan accumulated over 100 tackles and 18 sacks from the end position which is a large number from that spot.  If drafted, the Raiders have the potential to secure one of their end positions for years to come.  I compare him to a Justin Tuck type player in that he has a very strong base and that he is equally good at pass rushing and run stopping.