Player: Warren McClendon
School: Georgia
Measurables:
- Height: 6’4” (NFL Combine)
- Weight: 306 (NFL Combine)
- 40: DNP
- 10 Yard Split: DNP
- Bench: 20 (Pro Day)
- Vertical Jump: DNP
- Broad Jump: DNP
- 3 Cone: DNP
- 20 Yard Shuttle: DNP
- Other Notes: McClendon was one of the 4 involved in January’s fatal crash. He was rushed to the hospital with injuries, but was released fairly quickly. He practiced at the Senior Bowl, but did not play. He went to the Combine and did measurements and interviews, but nothing more saying he wanted to wait for UGA Pro Day. At his Pro Day all he did was bench in terms of athletic testing. Not sure what to think about it.
Graded Offensive Line Traits:
- First-Level Run Blocking: 6.5/10
- Second-Level Run Blocking: 5.75/10
- Pass Blocking: 6.5/10
- Blitz/Stunt Pickup: 5.25/10
- Pulling(if applicable): NA/10
- Footwork: 4.5/10
- Hands: 4.25/10
- Initial Contact: 5.25/10
Prospect Grade: 38/70; 54.3%- Great backup with starter potential down the line
Projected Draft Day: Round 5
Player Comparison: Chukwuma Okorafor
Player Summary:
McClendon has been a significant piece and starter of the UGA offensive line over the last 3 seasons. McClendon is Mr. Reliable as in the last 3 seasons he’s started in 38 of a possible 40 games. Being a Georgia fan, you just knew McClendon was going to show up on gameday, he was one of those players you didn’t worry about. He was named to the preseason All-SEC First Team and at the end of the year was voted to the Coaches All-SEC First Team. In all honesty though, when you turn on the tape and watch McClendon closely it’s disappointing. McClendon is pretty good at blocking both levels in the run game and is a pretty solid pass protector. In pass pro, he does struggle with players who try to rush his inside gap though.
The technical aspect of McClendon’s game is what worries me. McClendon wants to deliver a blow when he makes contact with you, but he doesn’t have a specific “strike point”. Most lineman are taught to strike the defensive lineman’s pec area and to fight for inside control because the man with hands inside has control. McClendon doesn’t strike the same area consistently. I saw way too many times where he shot his hands in the neck/head area of the defender. When he does strike at the body he hits the shoulder pads almost like he wants outside control. His footwork is another thing that could use work. His kick slide and football specific foot work doesn’t look too bad, but his general foot speed doesn’t look good at times. I know these are kind of nit-picky things, but I think this is the type of stuff that will get him in trouble in the pros. I think McClendon is 100% capable of being a starting RT in this league, but I think it’s going to be down the road. He needs a couple years to sit behind a veteran and get developed to play a “cleaner” brand of football.
When McClendon is able to put everything together and look technically sound he looks really good. His technically sound tape is probably worthy of a day two pick. However, I’m having a really tough time putting a projection on McClendon because he gets the job done pretty well for the Dawgs, but minimal testing and inconsistent tape are factors. Right now, I think McClendon is more than likely going to have to wait a little longer than some people think. I have McClendon projected in the 5th round, but I also think he could also be an absolute gem if taken there or later.