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Dexter McCluster - Ole Miss WR/RB/ATH

Ole Miss Texan

Ole Miss Texan

Hall of Fame
I'd like to know what everyone thinks about getting a guy like McCluster. I'll be the first to say I want OL and CB early and he's sort of a luxury pick. He'll have to be our 3rd round pick if he lasts that long.

Strengths:
*Will be the fastest player on the field.
*Explosive, threat to take it home every single play.
*Willing blocker, picks up blitzes.
*Team-First attitude.
*Incredible vision and balance.
*Follows blockers, good patience.
*Hard to tackle.
*Good hands.
*Very versatile: Wildcat, RB, Slot-WR, returner, etc.
*Willing to run up the middle (did so consistently against SEC LB's).
*Not afraid of contact.
*Fights for extra yards.
*Will move the chains.
*Can pass it better than Chris Brown. :)
*Can run the Wildcat better than Jacoby. :)
*Tough player, wants to win, wants to get better, passionate about the game, very coachable.

Weaknesses:
*Undersized at 5'8 170lbs, plays bigger than his size.
*Fumbling issues early in career, much improved for senior year.
*Texans have bigger needs, could be too much to pass up.

I kind of started this thread trying to talk myself out of wanting him. But the more I think about it, the more I'd like to see him be a part of this offense. Every year there's a player you just want for one reason or another, this year its McCluster.

Career Game: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yp3RL2s5BV0&feature=related

Highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hb-chWh64Dc

Chris Brown Pass: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dw7hsXv9MFU

Big Block: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ew5OIwf_Its
 
here we go again :pop:

I would put him on RB/slot WR wish list

David Anderson is our Texans version (slot WR) who I love but upgrade is certainly possible, just lower down priority list.

the young mega talents like Wes Welker, Percy Harvin & DeSean Jackson have shown NFL GM's are taking notice, Patriots even went back in the 3rd rd. & took another one similar to McCluster in Brandon Tate even though he was coming off acl. Hence a 3rd. rd. grade for some team is order to aquire Dexter's skill set just not Texans that early.

been kicking around with rmartin65 the idea of selecting another RB/slot WR in Brandon James, Florida, 5'7" 186 w/4.4 speed late rd. 6th/7th. :)
 
Reminds me a bit of Steve Slaton put in a more traditional offense, but even faster on acceleration. I've caught a few Ol Miss games this year and he is definitely one of the more explosive backs I've seen this year.

Problem is like you put it we have glaring needs at other spots unless we attend to a few via FA. I do think he'll be around in the third as his size might scare some people as a tradional type RB unless they plan on like Harvin just setthing him up outside or in on spread formations.

If we had chosen a back this pat year in the draft that I felt comfortable that could go in between the tackles I think a third on him might make the backfield scary.

Imagine had we picked up Shonn Greene or LeSean McCoy, still had Slaton and then added McCluster? I would hope with that trio of backs even Kubiak could manage a consistent running game.
 
He is just too small. The players mentioned above are smaller than the stereotypical player, but not this small. He looks about 170 pounds. Chris Johnson is 200, Harvin is 185 or 190, and Welker is 185 or so. 185 is pretty small, 170 is tiny.

That said, I would take him in the 7th. The team has too many needs to pick him earlier.
 
I'll keep supporting this 3rd round pick!

2010 Cotton Bowl Stats:
*34 carries for 184 yards and 2 TD's (one went for 86 yds).
*5 receptions for 45 yards.
*Named Cotton Bowl Offensive MVP 2 years in a row.

*Became the 1st player in SEC HISTORY to record over 1,000 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in a single season.
 
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Drew Boylhart said:
STRENGTHS
Dexter is the type of player who adds something special to your offense. He is quick, fast and stronger than he looks. He is a multi-talented player who does not need to be on the field all the time to impact in a game. He is very smart and, for his college team, has lined up as a tailback, wide receiver, slot receiver and has even thrown the ball for a touchdown in the wildcat offense. Dexter has very good hands to catch the ball down the field and is fearless going over the middle. He might be one of the best pure tailbacks in this draft as far as natural abilities. Dexter is one of the few RB's in this draft that understands how to set up blocks and has vision in the hole when he runs through the tackles. He is an explosive special teams returner who can turn a game around and give your team the momentum change your team will need to win as quick as you can blink your eyes and say, "Hand me another beer, honey." I call him Dexter (The Magician) McCluster because once the ball is in his hands his reminds me of that old magician's expression, "Now you see him, now you don't."

NEEDS TO IMPROVE
The biggest concern for Dexter at the next level is injuries. Dexter does not have the frame that will allow him to bulk up and take the pounding he will receive in the NFL. He does everything well because of his pure athletic talent. He has lined up at so many different positions that he has not really learned and mastered the intricacies of just one position. Right now his best position (and natural position) is tailback, but he does not have the bulk to be a franchise RB for the team that drafts him. Learning a new position should not be a problem for Dexter, but his size could be.

BOTTOM LINE
Now I know Dexter will not be drafted in the first round, but he has first round talent to impact and change a game just like a 1st round player should have. He can do it on special teams or as a slot receiver and he doesn't need to be on the field for a whole lot of plays to accomplish this. He is so smart and so talented that he will impact and play the day after you draft him. That's what the draft is all about -- drafting players who can impact in some capacity right away. You go ahead and draft potential, that's all right in some situations. Playoff teams should draft potential. Teams that have not made the playoffs need to draft the players with the quickest LTI. Dexter is a specialty player who can impact your team in a special way. That to me is worth a high draft choice regardless of the injury factor. This is the type of player that a bad team needs to turn it around and make it competitive. He can win some games for you like Devin Hester did for the Bears before he decided to ruin his career by insisting he had to become a WR all the time. Devin was an impact player his first few years in the league. Now he is just an average WR. Dexter has the talent to be an impact specialty player because he is so fast and quick. Dexter is the type of player that when a ball is thrown to him or is kicked to him, coaches and players on both sides of the field will stop what they are doing and become a fan. For you old guys out there think "Billy (White Shoes) Johnson" -- he was the first "Now you see him, now you don't" player and a big time impact player. Dexter may not be the second either, but he's definitely one of them.
Click to expand...
http://www.thehuddlereport.com/ppSD/protected/2010DRAFT/PlayerProfiles/Dexter.McCluster.htm?
 
From Scott Wrights Senior Bowl Coverage:

Monday Practice:
• Ole Miss’ Dexter McCluster is listed as a wide receiver on the roster but he worked as a running back today. McCluster is so small that he basically gets lost amid the offensive linemen but he is very tough and feisty. On one play McCluster was popped by Jamar Chaney but he managed to stay upright and keep running.

Tuesday Practice:
• Ole Miss’ Dexter McCluster has been one of the best players at this year’s Senior Bowl. Working at both running back and wide receiver today, McCluster continues to run tough for such a little guy and also had a nice diving catch on a long ball from Tim Tebow. McCluster is making himself some money in Mobile.


Wednesday Practice:
• Jack-of-All-Trades Dexter McCluster of Ole Miss got some work as a Wildcat Quarterback today after also playing running back and wide receiver this week. McCluster had another nice day and is one of the stars of the 2010 Senior Bowl.

Tuesday Press Conference:

Dexter McCluster, Ole Miss - South
• Described himself as smart, competitive, gives 110% every play.
• Has a lot of heart and a passion for the game.
• A team player but wants the ball however he can get it.
• Will play wherever he is asked.
• "Hard work has paid off so far so I'm not going to stop now".
• Was a slot receiver 40% of the time in 2009.
• Said he doesn't shy away from contact.
• Livened up the room when he performed "Hotty Toddy", the Ole Miss fight song.
• Super charismatic.
 
I'm thinking to get him, it's going to take our 2nd round pick. It will be VERY hard to pass up guys like Ryan Matthews, Kyle Wilson or Perrish Cox if they're still on the board.
 
Ole Miss Texan said:
I'm thinking to get him, it's going to take our 2nd round pick. It will be VERY hard to pass up guys like Ryan Matthews, Kyle Wilson or Perrish Cox if they're still on the board.
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I heard Mayock compare him to Sproles the other day. McCluster is a heck of a football player and is probably going to make a pretty immediate impact on whatever team he plays for next year. He won't be a starter at any position so some people might have trouble accepting that from a 2nd rounder but he will play a ton of plays every game. I mean if he is the kind of guy that can get you 600-700 yards on the ground at a good ypc, be a slot WR, return kicks, and be a playmaker in general, thats pretty appealing. I agree though, it would be very very difficult to pass up some of those guys that you listed.
 
Ole Miss Texan said:
I'm thinking to get him, it's going to take our 2nd round pick. It will be VERY hard to pass up guys like Ryan Matthews, Kyle Wilson or Perrish Cox if they're still on the board.
Click to expand...

He should be a good player at the next level. He's being compared to Leon Washington and Darren Sproles right now.

However, an all purpose back is something of a luxury for us right now. If we don't go CB in the 1st then Wilson or Cox would have to be the choice.

If we do then I'd rather go another direction, but if I did go RB I'd rather have Matthews. McCluster has a lot of the same skills as Slaton so it would be a weak use of an early round pick.
 
beerlover said:
here we go again :pop:

I would put him on RB/slot WR wish list

David Anderson is our Texans version (slot WR) who I love but upgrade is certainly possible, just lower down priority list.

the young mega talents like Wes Welker, Percy Harvin & DeSean Jackson have shown NFL GM's are taking notice, Patriots even went back in the 3rd rd. & took another one similar to McCluster in Brandon Tate even though he was coming off acl. Hence a 3rd. rd. grade for some team is order to aquire Dexter's skill set just not Texans that early.

been kicking around with rmartin65 the idea of selecting another RB/slot WR in Brandon James, Florida, 5'7" 186 w/4.4 speed late rd. 6th/7th. :)
Click to expand...

Did you notice during the season DCs trying to scheme to shut Dave Anderson down on the third and long plays. I thought that was a pretty high compliment to Anderson. Last year he was thirteen of sixteen on third down targets . I have no idea what it was this year. Seems the only place he is still under the radar is on these boards.
 
Ole Miss Texan said:
I'm thinking to get him, it's going to take our 2nd round pick. It will be VERY hard to pass up guys like Ryan Matthews, Kyle Wilson or Perrish Cox if they're still on the board.
Click to expand...

Personally I would vomit if we took him in the 2nd. I agree that he is a special talent, but his size limit's what he can do in the NFL.

I think he would be a GREAT 4th round selection.
 
McCluster actually reminds me of Cribbs with all of his versatility. I also think Golden Tate is that same kind WR/BR, but Tate is more of a Harvin kind of guy
 
LonerATO said:
McCluster actually reminds me of Cribbs with all of his versatility. I also think Golden Tate is that same kind WR/BR, but Tate is more of a Harvin kind of guy
Click to expand...

Dexter McCluster is a beast! He always seems to turn nothing into something.

McCluster reminds me of Darren Sproles. G Tate reminds me of Steve Smith.
 
Ole Miss Texan said:
From Scott Wrights Senior Bowl Coverage:

Monday Practice:
• Ole Miss’ Dexter McCluster is listed as a wide receiver on the roster but he worked as a running back today. McCluster is so small that he basically gets lost amid the offensive linemen but he is very tough and feisty. On one play McCluster was popped by Jamar Chaney but he managed to stay upright and keep running.

Tuesday Practice:
• Ole Miss’ Dexter McCluster has been one of the best players at this year’s Senior Bowl. Working at both running back and wide receiver today, McCluster continues to run tough for such a little guy and also had a nice diving catch on a long ball from Tim Tebow. McCluster is making himself some money in Mobile.


Wednesday Practice:
• Jack-of-All-Trades Dexter McCluster of Ole Miss got some work as a Wildcat Quarterback today after also playing running back and wide receiver this week. McCluster had another nice day and is one of the stars of the 2010 Senior Bowl.

Tuesday Press Conference:

Dexter McCluster, Ole Miss - South
• Described himself as smart, competitive, gives 110% every play.
• Has a lot of heart and a passion for the game.
• A team player but wants the ball however he can get it.
• Will play wherever he is asked.
• "Hard work has paid off so far so I'm not going to stop now".
• Was a slot receiver 40% of the time in 2009.
• Said he doesn't shy away from contact.
• Livened up the room when he performed "Hotty Toddy", the Ole Miss fight song.
• Super charismatic.
Click to expand...

He has lasted this long in football because he knows how to minimize the hits he takes. If you can do that, you can last a while. Dunn was small and did alot of running between the tackles, but he knew how to absord and shift off of contact.
 
Super Mario said:
Very nice play by him. But I still have to question taking a punt returner in the 2nd round. I just dont see him contributing in any other facet of the game.
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I think he'll be used on offense a lot actually. Between he and Arenas though, they've got to pro bowl calibre KR/PRs. Forgot to mention McCluster was doubtful/questionable for the game because of illness and had missed practice.

The Chiefs, in general, looked pretty good to me. I think they'll be a fun team to watch. Defense looked a lot better than I expected.
 
Ole Miss Texan said:
I think he'll be used on offense a lot actually. Between he and Arenas though, they've got to pro bowl calibre KR/PRs. Forgot to mention McCluster was doubtful/questionable for the game because of illness and had missed practice.

The Chiefs, in general, looked pretty good to me. I think they'll be a fun team to watch. Defense looked a lot better than I expected.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I'm really hoping they can find a way to work him into the offense. He has too much ability to not be on the field.
 
dc_txtech said:
Yeah, I'm really hoping they can find a way to work him into the offense. He has too much ability to not be on the field.
Click to expand...

I'm thinking they will use him quite a bit. Dude has crazy speed.
 
badboy said:
This was my hope for Trinton Holliday.
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Son of a gun, with all my excitement over our victory I had already forgotten about him! Isn't it Holliday's hand or something? Seems to me that really shouldn't be too long of a recovery. Hopefully, he'll be working out and fielding kicks/punts on his own practice time. It's in his own best interest to do so - come back next year and win that gig outright while we're annual Super Bowl favorites? Would be a lovely job to have returning kicks for us.
 
Ole Miss Texan said:
Son of a gun, with all my excitement over our victory I had already forgotten about him! Isn't it Holliday's hand or something? Seems to me that really shouldn't be too long of a recovery. Hopefully, he'll be working out and fielding kicks/punts on his own practice time. It's in his own best interest to do so - come back next year and win that gig outright while we're annual Super Bowl favorites? Would be a lovely job to have returning kicks for us.
Click to expand...

Yeah, it was his thumb that provided the excuse to place him on IR. But I think it was the mental aspects of asking him to switch to WR that made the decision.
 
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