Prospect Watch: Ole Miss RB Dexter McCluster

by Brandon on Mar 26, 2010 11:45 PM CDT in Green Bay Packers Draft

Since there have been some fans here of Ole Miss RB Dexter McCluster, I thought his improved pro day workout deserved a comment. From JS Online.com:

Wanted to pass along that Ole Miss RB Dexter McCluster, who I talked about at the Senior Bowl as being on the Packers' radar, improved greatly on his 40 times from the combine to his pro day (4.5s at combine, to low 4.4s at pro day).

I love the idea of the Green Bay Packers drafting a home run threat, but he's only 5'8" and 165 lbs. That's really small for the NFL. Eagles WR DeSean Jackson is the exception and not the rule. Obviously Jackson has proven that small guys can become stars, but I can't think of the last player the Packers drafted who was considered undersized. Maybe they feel it's time to change that philosophy for someone like McCluster.

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Ahmad Carroll?

That guy was what, 5-8, 5-9? I’d say that was bad enough of an experience to put us all off of really undersized players for quite a while.

by Dr. Jay on Mar 27, 2010 12:34 AM CDT reply actions

Completely different position

A Cornerback who is undersized would have more difficulty than an Running back/Return man because of the size of the receivers he must defend.

by Charlie Kelly on Mar 28, 2010 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions

Darren Sproles is 5' 6"

He seems to do pretty well. I’d say it’s a lot like any other position, you have hits and misses. There’s just a smaller sample size here (no pun intended).

by Danwood on Mar 27, 2010 7:07 AM CDT reply actions

Small running backs fair a lot better in the zone blocking scheme

I’m all for bringing him in to share the load. Hopefully he falls to us in the 3rd Round, but he’s most likely getting drafted in the 2nd Round.

"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi

by Jabooty on Mar 27, 2010 7:57 AM CDT reply actions

I HOPE NOT!

I could be very wrong on this one, but, I don’t want him in the 3rd or even 4th round! I would much prefer, Toby Gerhart! 231lbs, 4.53 ~ 40 time, (reminds me of Jim Taylor! : )

I just think in January when we need him, TG would be a better fit! I know everyone is in love with these little speedsters, and I could be wrong, just don’t think it would be a good move! Time will tell!

Go Pack!

by BirdDogUni on Mar 27, 2010 10:08 AM CDT reply actions

Toby can throw

Toby Gerhart can throw the ball better than any Running back out there, including pros, because of his baseball experience. Utilizing his throwing ability could really mix up playcalling and make him a more effective runner. I wouldn’t mind Toby in the 3rd, especially 4th but he wont last. He could be the next Paul Hornung (in that their both white!)

I’m not too impressed by Dexter’s abilities, been watching him on youtube.

by ericforeman04 on Mar 27, 2010 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions

Nevermind

Dexter’s pretty good, I don’t know who we should pick

by ericforeman04 on Mar 27, 2010 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions

Jim Taylor, John Riggins, are who Toby Gerhart reminds me of!

I want to be able to POUND THE ROCK! If we never get to 3rd down, we don’t need a 3rd down back! : ) I don’t want to waste a pick on a guy that is going to touch the ball 3 – 10 times a game and probably be too small to stand up to the punishment! (Like I said, I may be wrong and if the Packers do draft him, it better be late!) IMO

Weather in Green Bay in January, in the playoffs, when we have a lead is where we could use a guy like Toby! : ) He’ll average over 4 yards a carry! Last time I checked 3 × 4 = 12!! When they load the box to stop him, Aaron Rodgers will have one on one coverage on the outside and kill opposing defenses! Am I the only guy to see the possibilities?

I am not a racist! I don’t care whether he’s black or white as long as he gets the job done!

Toby would be able to wear down defenses, give Ryan Grant the ability to stay fresh! We may even to be able to use them in tandem! Anyone remember Franco Harris?

I guess our fate is in Ted’s hands and we’ll have to defer to his expertise and Choice!

Go Pack!

by BirdDogUni on Mar 28, 2010 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions

Good Point

But do you think he’ll be able to translate into the NFL? I recall Jacob Hester from LSU being a bruising back in college. He was then drafted by San Diego in the 3rd Round, and has done little to nothing so far in the NFL.

Either way, it’s a risk. A bruising back with good balance will be more beneficial to us in the winter. A small speedy back would be more beneficial in the Fall and on the road. Especially given his versatility, but if we are at home in January, he won’t come to much benefit to our offense except for Special Teams.

"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi

by Jabooty on Mar 28, 2010 9:10 PM CDT up reply actions

Homerun threat, absolutely!

Dexter would fit in our west coast system in all the best ways. First of all lower leverage always wins in football and this kid would be very difficult for defenses to persuit and takle with great balance to stay on his feet after first hit. He would be a nightmare for a defense in passing situations while covering Driver, Jennings, Finely he could take a 5 yard dump pass for six. He could use his quickness and toughness in the zone blocking sceme and would help pick up blitz’ on shotgun plays or backing up the tightends. Counters/Cut-backs, sweeps, reverses, on the ground he would be a supreme addition. As a return specialist he could really help our poor special teams play. I might be going a little over board but if this guy is still there in the third it would be hard to pass up!

by PexPack on Mar 27, 2010 10:41 PM CDT reply actions

I like him too. We need to add an explosive guy to our offense that can take one to the house at any time.

by packallday555 on Mar 28, 2010 1:15 AM CDT up reply actions

I agree

The problem is do we pick him up in the 2nd Round or take a chance that he somehow falls to us in the 3rd Round. We could always trade up for him, but we could use some depth on defense and help on Special Teams though too.