Dexter McCluster, where does he fit in the NFL?

[Runnik's Hambones]

I told virtually all of my friends, back before the middle of the season, that Dexter McCluster is better than Percy Harvin was a senior at FL. I still hold true to that statement. Even though he's a small guy he's very tough and has amazing hands. The Bucs would be able to use him as a receiver, RB, return man, you name it, McCluster can do it. Figured he'd be a nice addition to start building this team with Caddy, Freeman, Winslow and Stroughter.

Edit by Miller: This is a great discussion that started in the mock NFL draft. For search purposes, this is deserving of a thread on it's own. Please add your opinion on where you see his career going.

 

[storminn0rm]

The Bucs are looking for weapons on offense for Josh Freeman and though I was a little torn with this pick, I love Dexter McCluster. I've been talking him up all year and now he's starting to get noticed a bit more with his incredible Senior Bowl practices.

I told virtually all of my friends, back before the middle of the season, that Dexter McCluster is better than Percy Harvin was a senior at FL. I still hold true to that statement. Even though he's a small guy he's very tough and has amazing hands. The Bucs would be able to use him as a receiver, RB, return man, you name it, McCluster can do it. Figured he'd be a nice addition to start building this team with Caddy, Freeman, Winslow and Stroughter.

I love McCluster! Was really hoping he would fall. Nice addition to the TB roster!

 

[MNJHNSN]

I love McCluster! Was really hoping he would fall. Nice addition to the TB roster!

I agree its a nice addition but do not think he was the best WR left on the board. He is speedy but is not in my opinion, WR1 material, that TB needs.

 

[Runnik's Hambones]

Dexter McCluster is also from around this area. He went to Largo High School. I actually played against him 3 times in the span of 2 years.

 

[MNJHNSN]

Dexter McCluster is also from around this area. He went to Largo High School. I actually played against him 3 times in the span of 2 years.

I respect and support the take local ideology, but there are just too many other options at WR to take MCCLUSTER this early. TB needs a stud WR because Stroughter is not a stud, he will contribute but they need a big, tough playmaking WR. I love him too but in my opinion, there is no way he is a second rounder.

 

[Sgt John]

I disagree, just because McCluster can do SO much for that team. It was like drafting a PR, KR, WR, and 2nd/3rd down back all in one.

 

[MNJHNSN]

There have been plenty of WR studs past the first round, a couple that come to mind...

Greg Jennings.... 2nd Round...
Vincent Jackson... 2nd Round...
Brandon Marshall... 4th Round...
Marques Colston... 7th Round...
Miles Austin... Undrafted FA...
Wes Welker... Undrafted FA...

I think Roddy White was a 4th rounder. I am not saying that there are no stud wideouts taken in rd 2. I am saying that MCLUSKER is not a Rd two WR.

 

[Sgt John]

Thats the thing. McCluster isnt JUST a WR

 

[MNJHNSN]

Thats the thing. McCluster isnt JUST a WR

I get that. I really do. I just think that TB needs a better WR than MCLUSKER is.

 

[Sgt John]

Could they have gotten a better straight up WR yes. But Tampa needs a guy who is good at a whole lot because they suck, and McCluster fits the bill.

 

[mills]

a Josh Cribbs type. Look what he does for the Browns... basically their entire offense.

 

[MNJHNSN]

Could they have gotten a better straight up WR yes. But Tampa needs a guy who is good at a whole lot because they suck, and McCluster fits the bill.

I dont agree. Why would you draft a jack of all trades who is not outstanding in any one area, in the 2nd rd when you could get an elite WR and take care of some of the other needs later in the draft?

 

[Runnik's Hambones]

I completely disagree that there are better WRs on the board. I'm refraining from calling out names for the sake of the draft, but IMO, Dexter McCluster can bring so much more to a team than any of them. There really is only one other person I had in mind to draft other than him but I think Dexter will translate to the NFL best. Look at what Percy Harvin brings to the table (when he doesn't have a headache), DeSean Jackson, and even Sammy Stroughter. Dexter McCluster is going to be a dangerous weapon wherever he ends up, and I pray that the Bucs get him.

 

[Miller]

McCluster is a very interesting prospect and when teams see his 40 times, he will likey rise to the 2nd where he was taken here....BUT, and it's a HUGE BUT.....he's 5'6!!! That is not small, that is TINY!!!! He is explosive and he will get you some big plays....he is also tough for his size....but damn that is a mini-me type guy. He makes DJax look like a giant!

Now I am not saying he won't suceed b/c of that, but he gives me great concern due to this. But he sure is fast, get him in space and he can do damage.

Did I mention that some of the linemen in this league take dumps that are bigger than him???

 

[mills]

I read he was 5'8", either way, small.

 

[bobbeaux]

i'm not thrilled with this wr class at all . . . lots of slot & possession guys, but very few if any i would call elite . . . myself, i would shy away from mccluster because of his size, but then again his size hasn't hampered him in the senior bowl practices . . . given all of that, he is a risk, but with the various options he can bring to a team, he may be a worthwhile risk to many teams . . .

 

[Sgt John]

Its all in how you use him.

Darren Sproles - 5-8 182
Dexter McCluster - 5-8 165
Napoleon Kaufmann - 5-9 185
Warrick Dunn - 5-9 187

The only difference I see in him and all these backs is he is about 15lbs lighter than they are. A true NFL weight program will put another 10-12 lbs on that frame and maintain 95% of his speed. Im not worried about the guy and I think its a great pick.

 

[Runnik's Hambones]

I kinda like the McCluster hate. He'll burn people.

 

[Sgt John]

I know he will. I have no doubt.

 

[MNJHNSN]

I'm curious as to what WR you are considering more "elite" that should be drafted instead.

I have been scolded twice for either implying or directly saying names so I cannot do the third time. This guy is a VERY poor man's Desean Jackson. The WR class as I see it is not that weak and I do not see how anyone can say that MCCLUSTER should go where he went. I love the debate that this has stirred.