PFF Gradings: Chris McCain steps up

[Digital]

Right now McCain has not seen varying sets, formations, personnel groupings or much motion. I'm curious how he will do dropping back in to coverage when things get faster and more complex. Given the level at which Wheeler has been playing ... Maybe we should get McCain and Tripp some more snaps.

 

[spiketex]

Anthony Johnson DT, Chris McCain LB and Damian Williams RB were all undrafted and outperforming much higher draft picks. Just goes to show you how innacurrate the draftnicks are. I think all three will make the 53, and possibly two will start at some point this year. Good job Hickey!

It's almost like they can gain strength from overcoming the odds and making it.

I recall watching Tom Brady list off all the QBs who were taken ahead of him in the 6th round (he went #199). I got the impression they were notches in his belt and he delighted naming them all. Not being a high draft pick helped to make him mentally tougher. Tony Romo was undrafted and is on a $100M contract. He beat the odds.
Brent Grimes from Shippensberg University went undrafted, because someone said he was too short to play in the NFL. He headed to off to play NFL Europe to try to make it with the Hamburg Sea Devils in 2007. Cam Wake was told he wasn't good enough to play in the NFL so he headed to the CFL to get his break.
It is statistically difficult to beat the odds and very few succeed, but when it is done, the players have an inner strength that makes them terrific competitors and generally top class leaders on their team. There is a psychological side to this which is pretty interesting.
Maybe Johnson, McCain and Damien Williams have what it takes to make it. I'm rooting for them all to succeed. I can see Williams taking Daniel Thomas' spot on the roster and McCain has the size and speed to scare. If we try to hide one on the Practice Squad, we might lose him.

 

[NorFlaFin]

Not that I'm in love with Thomas, but did you see the way McCoy was firing off the line at the snap? Holy ****. It was like he knew the snap count every play. He jumped the snap so well, fired with so much explosion, with so much leverage and balance on one of those TFL's that I had to rewind three times in amazement.

Personally, I've only seen one other guy that comes close. 1980-84 FSU Ron Simmons NG. complete and utter freak of nature.

 

[roy_miami]

Omar says he thinks McCain will play Jordan's role while he's on leave, which makes sense if Fede is primarily lining up on the left.