McCloud wont make headlines with his pass rush, and is often overshadowed by linemates like pass-rushing defensive ends Brandon Jenkins and Bjoern Werner, and Cornellius Carradine as well as fellow tackle Everett Dawkins. But his stout presence in the middle of the line has not escaped the notice of NFL scouts.
Amp wasnt in the best of shape when he arrived in Tallahassee, as he was coming off a redshirt season, his second at Itawamba Community College (he had 24 tackles, 5.5 for loss, four sacks in 2008). Still, McCloud played in all 14 games, starting seven, in his first year with the Seminoles (35 tackles, three for loss, two sacks). He followed that up with another solid campaign, starting 11 of 13 games with 25 tackles, five for loss, and two sacks. In 2012, McCloud started in 12 of 13 games played. At Florida State's pro day, McCloud ran a the 40-yard dash in 5.21 and 5.24 seconds. McCloud recorded a 28.5-inch vertical jump, an 8-foot-5 broad jump and ran the short shuttle drill in 4.70 seconds. He also finished the three-cone drill in 8.19 seconds. He recorded 24 bench presses.
Analysis
Strengths
Squat widebody who sees snaps at three technique and nose tackle. Strong upper body. Does well to recognize screens after free releases and peels back to chase down with effectiveness. Flashes getting the leverage advantage. If initial push does for opponent to move backwards, that momentum can be sustained. Consistently tries to get backfield vision, moves side to side.
Weaknesses
Waits and absorbs on first contact. Initial step is not powerful. Anchor is entirely upper body strength, lacks the base to absorb and redirect. Burst off the snap is almost nonexistent. Lower body looks thin while upper body looks sloppy. Waist bender at the line of scrimmage. Hand use is too close to chest, fails to press. Struggles to work over top of blocks. Known to go down if leverage is lost while moving laterally. Very little short area quickness, base gets too skinny when forced to move.
NFL Comparison
Shaun Smith
Bottom Line
McCloud, a junior college transfer, is a thick nose tackle willing to take on blocks without fanfare, but is also capable of making plays in the backfield when the opportunity presents itself (eight tackles for loss, four sacks in 2010-2011). Teams utilizing a lot of three-man fronts should value him in the middle rounds as a potential starter.
×
Grade
Title
Draft (Round)
Description
96-100
Future Hall of Famer
Top Pick
A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played
85-95
Immediate Starter
1st
An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter).
70-84
Eventual Starter
2nd-3rd
A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position.
50-69
Draftable Player
4th-7th
A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential.
20-49
Free Agent
UDFA
A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body.
