Miami Dolphins: Who is UDFA Linebacker Chris McCain? | FinHeaven - Miami Dolphins Forums

Miami Dolphins: Who is UDFA Linebacker Chris McCain?

DKphin

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The Miami Dolphins may have found yet another diamond in the rough with linebacker Chris McCain, who signed with the Miami after he wasn't selected in the 2014 NFL Draft after declaring as a junior.
McCain, much like running back Damien Williams (who you all know by now is my favorite UDFA), didn't go undrafted due to his talent level. McCain entered the draft early after being kicked off the Cal football team halfway through his junior year for conduct detrimental to the team. Dolphins' management decided to take a chance on a few players with troubled pasts in undrafted free agency, which I find funny considering the emphasis on character in the locker room.
However, I do believe everyone deserves a second chance, and these players could be steals if they keep their heads on straight. It is also noteworthy how well Dolphins GM Dennis Hickey wrangled in talented undrafted free agents in his first year as a general manager.
McCain has Dion Jordan-like size (though much thinner at 6'6", 225 pounds) and has potential to turn into the linebacker that many people wanted Jordan to be converted to. McCain has good instincts and is very long, which, like Jordan, gives him an advantage that most linebackers don't have when covering tight ends.
McCain is very athletic, testing very well in drills that measure athleticism and explosion such as the 40 yard dash (4.67), broad jump (10'01") and 3-cone drill (7.04, better than all but eight running backs from the 2014 draft), and even covered the slot at times in his days at Cal. He finished his collegiate career with 90 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss (-50 yards), 5.0 sacks (-28 yards), one pass breakup, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in 24 games played and 18 starts.
If McCain can consistently blanket tight ends in training camp then he will almost undoubtedly be able to unseat Jonathan Freeny as a back-up outside linebacker. Coverage from the linebackers is an area I am extremely concerned with. It was the main reason I so adamant about Miami drafting CJ Mosley in the weeks leading up to the draft. Despite the linebacker switch that puts Dannell Ellerbe in a more comfortable position, I predict that the Dolphins will still have trouble with scatbacks and tight ends this season.
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Read More:http://www.thephinsider.com/2014/7/31/5953821/miami-dolphins-who-is-udfa-linebacker-chris-mccain
 
Yes I mentioned him in a few other threads. He really jumps off the tape when you watch him play. He has a huge motor and a "refuses to be blocked" mentality. I think he could have a real shot at making the 53 and could be a 3rd down LB. Has a real knack for rushing the passer. Can't wait to see him in preseason games. I think he might start to flash by the end of the preseason.
 
Sometimes you have to take a chance....and an UDFA is a vry low risk chance to take.
 
Two questions - Does anyone know what the "conduct detrimental to the team" episode at Cal was? Sometimes players can learn from their transgressions. (2) On the Dolphins website he is listed at 250 lbs but shown in this article at 225. What's his correct weight?
 
spiketex said:
Two questions - Does anyone know what the "conduct detrimental to the team" episode at Cal was? Sometimes players can learn from their transgressions. (2) On the Dolphins website he is listed at 250 lbs but shown in this article at 225. What's his correct weight?
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The NFL.com roster seem to be the most recently updated and they have him at 6'5" and 250.
 
If you watch his games from Cal he was used almost identically the way Oregon used Jordan. Sometimes in a 3-point stance on the line, standing up on the line, in coverage over the slot, as a linebacker in zone coverage. He's pretty versatile.
 
j0hnny63 said:
The NFL.com roster seem to be the most recently updated and they have him at 6'5" and 250.
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He weighed in at 224 at his pro day so if he put on 26 pounds in 4 and a half months he might be on the same weight gaining program as Jordan.
 
datruth55 said:
If you watch his games from Cal he was used almost identically the way Oregon used Jordan. Sometimes in a 3-point stance on the line, standing up on the line, in coverage over the slot, as a linebacker in zone coverage. He's pretty versatile.
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Not quite the athlete but a much better motor. Plays with that "I won't be denied" mind set. Much like Delmus and Courtland.
 
What did he do to get kicked off the team? Did they ever say?
 
His name continues to jump out on the camp reports. He's making plays and catching the coach's eyes. Saw he got some reps with the first team D today.
 
nice vid on him

[video=youtube;fZHh8v9OlEE]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZHh8v9OlEE[/video]
 
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The dude seems to hit hard and have good instincts. I'm watching rocky 3 as I say this but I predict pain for the RB going up against him
 
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