Phil Savage On Ravens Adding Rolando McClain
Former Browns GM and current Personnel Executive Phil Savage joins Ed & Steve to talk about Rolando McClain possibly signing with the Ravens. Phil is an Alabama graduate an an avid Alabama football fan who has followed Rolando's on and off the field career.
Steve asked Phil for his thoughts on Rolando McClain. Phil said if the Ravens can keep him on the straight and narrow he can be a very good Mike Linebacker in a 3-4 defense. He's not extremely explosive or quick but he runs well enough. "Low risk high reward signing" is what Phil called him.
Phil Savage
Ed asked if Rolando will fare better in a 3-4 where he won't have to shed as many blocks. Phil thinks he will saying that he'll be more protected in a 3-4. Phil said he's not a heavy hitter but that Rolando was the signal caller of an Alabama defense that was as complex as any NFL defense.
Steve asked Phil about the gun shot incident with Rolando and if he was a guy who made a mistake or if he is a problem child. Phil said he thinks Rolando has a temper and will stray if discipline isn't enforced like it wasn't in Oakland. Phil said one advantage is that this is do or die for Rolando if it doesn't work out here he won't get another shot.
Ed asked Phil about another Alabama player who is a Raven in Courtney Upshaw and if he was on track. Phil said yes he is progressing nicely and that he'll never be an elite pass rusher but he'll be great against the run and provide some QB pressure and be productive.
