Dexter McCluster Upside? (1 Viewer)

[Bri]

Bri, what makes you think so. Everything I've read on Davis seems to point to them being more than satisfied with him as the RB2. I understand he has an injury history, but that doesn't make him unique. Also, IMO, they are really thin at WR after Bowe, and taking McCluster out of mix would make it that much worse. That being said, I do see him getting a run or two on a weekly basis (see projections).

There was a day that Reid was interviewed and praising McCluster saying how he watched him from afar and had always intrigued him. He played RB in practice the next day more than normal. When Charles got hurt recently, he played RB that next day too.

I don't disagree they seem very happy with Kniles. It does, however, seem Reid has a curiousity that needs to be quenched in McCluster.

I'm not saying 20 carries or 2 carries...I don't know nor have any prediction there...eh well maybe 5 in a game if Charles is out. I'd be OK predicting five.

Anyhow it really caught my attention when Reid singled out what was probably their 4th WR on the depth chart that day.

I think they're a bad team that will live and die by the big play. Charles will quite literally carry them. If he's gone (and this thought came about when he got hurt, not wishing anything bad upon someone) I think Reid will realize they stink and try and manufacture some big plays.

I think their best chance of winning this year is their D keeping the scoring low and the O winning the scoring battle. (Yes this happens every game, but in regards to how/when people use that phrase like a 14-10 win) I don't think they have a chance if Peyton or Brady or Brees came to town and threw 35 points on them. They'll have to keep it low scoring IMO. Again, in this scenario, a big play or two can win the game whether it's Bowe or Kniles or McCluster Reid will try to get that.

If Charles is out, and we're really going on a tangent here, I suppose the number of carries will depend on how well he does and that of course feeding Reid's curiousity.

 

[IVNACATES]

I'm not sure what they have in Avery. This is his 4th team in as many years, if you don't count 2010 when he missed the year with an ACL. He still has the speed, but has never broken 100 points, and his best year to date was as a rookie.

On the flip side, A. Smith isn't known as a deep thrower, and hasn't targeted Bowe yet this pre-season. Is it going to be Avery of McCluster in the slot? Smith's propensity for the short pass could lead to a lot of slants and opportunities for YAC. Anyone shed some light on who is running in slot?

 

[IVNACATES]

Did anyone see the 3rd pre-season game? I know the stats, Avery: 9 targets, 6/54/0, and McCluster was sick and DNP. Avery's stat line is not bad for PPR, but what position was he playing, and what position will McCluster be when he plays? Smith is so accurate on short passes, one of these two have to be rosterable in PPR, but are being passed on in every league I play in. I know KC hasn't been relevant in a while, but there has to a someone out there who is following this team and can give a little info.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Did anyone see the 3rd pre-season game? I know the stats, Avery: 9 targets, 6/54/0, and McCluster was sick and DNP. Avery's stat line is not bad for PPR, but what position was he playing, and what position will McCluster be when he plays? Smith is so accurate on short passes, one of these two have to be rosterable in PPR, but are being passed on in every league I play in. I know KC hasn't been relevant in a while, but there has to a someone out there who is following this team and can give a little info.

If only there was a 2013 KC Chiefs thread...

I've been trying to figure out how this team looks like, a combo of Smith's past tendencies with Reid's?

People feel confident about Charles, but after that?

I'd say keep an eye on the TE (Fasano/Kelce), and then Avery.

McCluster is now rostered as WR, he will never be a reliable FF factor I think, if only due to his size, unless they use him like a Sproles, something talked about re: many teams but few to none ever really do.

 

[IVNACATES]

The only Chiefs thread I saw with search was 2012 offseason, that's why I pulled the player specific thread.

Fasano hasn't impressed me from when he was drafted by Dallas. I don't know much about Kelce, and will look into him.

I just have a feeling that someone not named Charles is going to be fantasy relevant on this team, and I don't see it being Bowe (at least to level of his passed performance) with Smith's propensity for not taking chances with the ball, as well as his short ball accuracy. Maybe I am dismissing Avery unnecessarily, but his injury history, as well as his yearly movement around the league, make it hard to trust it will be him. That leaves McCluster, and the TE, and if there is a player on this team that could have a stat line approaching 65/550/4, I want to know.

 

[Backside Pursuit]

I just have a feeling that someone not named Charles is going to be fantasy relevant on this team, and I don't see it being Bowe (at least to level of his passed performance) with Smith's propensity for not taking chances with the ball, as well as his short ball accuracy. Maybe I am dismissing Avery unnecessarily, but his injury history, as well as his yearly movement around the league, make it hard to trust it will be him. That leaves McCluster, and the TE, and if there is a player on this team that could have a stat line approaching 65/550/4, I want to know.

I've been keeping my eye on McCluster & Kelce, thinking the same thing. Bowe and Charles will get theirs. For those of us in deeper leagues, might Kelce or McCluster offer some minor value?

 

[IVNACATES]

Receiving Player Rec Yds Yds/Rec Long TD

Junior Hemingway 11 116 10.5 22 2

Knile Davis 9 57 6.3 17 0

Anthony Fasano 8 69 8.6 15 0

Donnie Avery 7 60 8.6 14 0

Dwayne Bowe 6 73 12.2 30 0

Jamaal Charles 5 31 6.2 13 0

Cyrus Gray 5 12 2.4 7 0

Jamar Newsome 5 39 7.8 12 0

Devon Wylie 5 52 10.4 17 0

Frankie Hammond 4 37 9.3 17 1

Josh Bellamy 3 59 19.7 43 1

Kevin Brock 3 31 10.3 15 0

Rico Richardson 3 37 12.3 18 1

Shaun Draughn 2 31 15.5 17 0

Travis Kelce 2 28 14.0 17 0

Dexter McCluster 2 21 10.5 12 0

Tony Moeaki 2 26 13.0 24 0

Toben Opurum 1 12 12.0 12 0

Anthony Sherman 1 8 8.0 8 0

Tyler Shoemaker 1 9 9.0 9 0

WR

RB

TE

FB

Released

Here is breakdown of Chiefs preseason receiving stats. I color coded by position. What I don't know, and haven't been able to find out, is what positions the WR's are playing. The Chiefs website lists the depth chart based on "21" personnel, and have McCluster behind Bowe on depth chart, and Avery starting opposite of Bowe. What happens when they go to "2", "11", or "20" personnel? Who is playing the slot? Hemmingway, despite a stellar preseason, is listed behind McCluster.

For what it's worth Backside, Kelce is listed behind Fasano, but are they running any two TE sets like a lot of other teams now that NE had such huge success with it? If so, who is the "blocking" TE?

Breaking down the Reid PASSING offense so far, WR's 47/483/5; RB's 23/151/0; TE's 15/154/0 TOTALS: 85/788/5 PER GAME: 21/197/1

What I learned:

1. I am stunned that only WR's caught TD's. Smith only threw 1 (not sure who caught it).

2. TE's are going to be involved a little more that I thought.

3. Knile Davis looks very capable of filling in if something happens to Charles

4. Not listed, KC scored ONE rushing TD this preseason OUCH!

5. In PPR, there will be a 3rd fantasy option in this offense after Bowe and Charles, if only a solid flex play.

 

[Backside Pursuit]

1. With Moeaki injured (again), I think we can expect Kelce to be involved quite a bit. Fasano seems to be getting the majority of the targets right now but Kelce was also a bit banged up the past week or two (knee bruise which he re-aggravated last night) but he should be good to go Week 1.

Back in May, when Dwayne Bowe proclaimed that he would lead the league in receptions and touchdowns, the coaches had to set him straight a little bit on how this offense optimally operates: it’s not a star-making passing offense; passes are distributed broadly to multiple receivers. "It's important that all the guys that are out there are viable threats to a defense," Andy Reid said. "Then you're going to get your receivers singled up in some cases. And then it's important that your quarterback can see that and pick out the guy that's singled and make the defense pay for doing that."
Evan Silva has Dwayne Bowe on his “Avoid” list and writes this: “New Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith is an inside-the-numbers passer who has a limiting effect on perimeter receivers. Bowe plays "X" in Kansas City's offense, running sideline routes while Jamaal Charles, Anthony Fasano, and Dexter McCluster operate underneath. Just like Michael Crabtree in San Francisco, Bowe will struggle for consistent weekly targets due to Smith's unwillingness to pull the trigger on tight-window downfield throws. Through two preseason games, Smith has 14 completions. 12 have been good to tight ends and running backs, and McCluster has the two receiver receptions. Bowe's lone target fell incomplete.”
In recent days, much has been made about McCluster being disgruntled and allegedly pushing for a trade. He flatly denies it. (Check out the youtube video in the Bleacher Report link. When asked “How many ways can this offense get you the football?” McCluster answers, “1,000,536 ways that I could get the football. This offense, it’s wide open. You get opportunities everywhere—inside, outside, wherever. You know, it’s a fun offense. Have to be in shape!”)

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

1. ...
2. Evan Silva has Dwayne Bowe on his “Avoid” list and writes this: “New Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith is an inside-the-numbers passer who has a limiting effect on perimeter receivers. Bowe plays "X" in Kansas City's offense, running sideline routes while Jamaal Charles, Anthony Fasano, and Dexter McCluster operate underneath. Just like Michael Crabtree in San Francisco, Bowe will struggle for consistent weekly targets due to Smith's unwillingness to pull the trigger on tight-window downfield throws. Through two preseason games, Smith has 14 completions. 12 have been good to tight ends and running backs, and McCluster has the two receiver receptions. Bowe's lone target fell incomplete. ...

About this, 7 of these completions came in the 1st drive, 1st game vs the Saints. Six were to TE's & RB's, 1 went to McCluster.

Smith came right out the gate throwing a screen to Charles.

2nd game, more of the same - but Charles and Bowe were out. There were four targets to Baldwin (now gone, but I'm guessing he was in for Bowe).

I think the RW analysis is just on those two PS games.

The 3rd PS game, Smith had 17 completions alone, went 17/24/1/0.

1st drive Smith went Avery, Avery, Bowe.

2nd drive he went Avery, Avery.

3rd drive he went Hemingway (WR), Fasano.

4th he went 7 of 7 targets to WRs, including Bowe

5th he went Charles twice

6th he went 5 WR including Bowe, 1 RB, 1 TE and the TD went to the WR Hemingway; one was a spike

If the 3rd PS game is the dress rehearsal, I'd say Reid above all knows he can't just foist it off to Charles and Fasano all day. Avery did pretty well in that game. Hemingway did ok.

McCluster was out sick so we can't tell what his role would have been. Personally I think he belongs in the backfield as a RB for some team. This idea that he's going to become a hybrid or now a true WR never pans out. If you see him on the field he seems overmatched and maybe the QBs just can't see him. I also don't believe that the guy who brought us TO, Kevin Curtis and DeSean Jackson is now the dumpoff king (well for anyone besides Charles).

People keep mentioning Westbrook re: Charles. I love all that, it will be exciting. What's funny is that McCluster is the guy who is 5'8" like Westy but Reid has no desire apparently to use McCluster as RB or as a fill in for Charles. Knile Davis is going to be that apparently, maybe Droughn.

 

[Backside Pursuit]

Good follow-up post. In preseason Week 3 against the Steelers, the Smith-to-Bowe combo looked pretty darn good—very different from the matchup with the 49ers the week before. I certainly am not trying to sell anyone on McCluster; I’m just channeling my inner-Sigmund Bloom and trying to construct a plausible narrative wherein McCluster finds a degree of fantasy relevance in 2013. I think the odds are likely against it but I can imagine the possibility. It might depend, in part, in one's confidence in Alex Smith's ability to stretch the field.

One other note: as Dodds has highlighted, the Chiefs face an…interesting schedule against the pass based upon last year’s defensive statistics, for whatever that’s worth.

 

[Bri]

I’m just channeling my inner-Sigmund Bloom

heh, I like that phrase

 

[IVNACATES]

About this, 7 of these completions came in the 1st drive, 1st game vs the Saints. Six were to TE's & RB's, 1 went to McCluster.

Smith came right out the gate throwing a screen to Charles.

2nd game, more of the same - but Charles and Bowe were out. There were four targets to Baldwin (now gone, but I'm guessing he was in for Bowe).

I think the RW analysis is just on those two PS games.

The 3rd PS game, Smith had 17 completions alone, went 17/24/1/0.

1st drive Smith went Avery, Avery, Bowe.

2nd drive he went Avery, Avery.

3rd drive he went Hemingway (WR), Fasano.

4th he went 7 of 7 targets to WRs, including Bowe

5th he went Charles twice

6th he went 5 WR including Bowe, 1 RB, 1 TE and the TD went to the WR Hemingway; one was a spike

If the 3rd PS game is the dress rehearsal, I'd say Reid above all knows he can't just foist it off to Charles and Fasano all day. Avery did pretty well in that game. Hemingway did ok.

McCluster was out sick so we can't tell what his role would have been. Personally I think he belongs in the backfield as a RB for some team. This idea that he's going to become a hybrid or now a true WR never pans out. If you see him on the field he seems overmatched and maybe the QBs just can't see him. I also don't believe that the guy who brought us TO, Kevin Curtis and DeSean Jackson is now the dumpoff king (well for anyone besides Charles).

People keep mentioning Westbrook re: Charles. I love all that, it will be exciting. What's funny is that McCluster is the guy who is 5'8" like Westy but Reid has no desire apparently to use McCluster as RB or as a fill in for Charles. Knile Davis is going to be that apparently, maybe Droughn.

Great info! The guy who brought us all those wideouts didn't have Alex Smith throwing the ball. He's solid, but the wrap on him is safe, safe, & safe, and when that doesn't work, be safer. I can't see Bowe getting many balls if he isn't flat out open. Smith just rarely throws a 50/50 ball.

Maybe Avery will be the 3rd option. He has flashed in the past, but injuries have killed any momentum he's built.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Just checking in on this. The Chiefs would be well served to find a reliable pass catching outlet in addition to Charles.

Dex had 10/7/67/1.

Nice game.

Can anything become reliable in this passing game? Not only has there not been a "3rd option" there isn't even a 2nd option to Charles.

I suppose KC has just been ahead in every game and has rarely been challenged to keep up or score too much because of their defense.

Coming up though there is BUF, 2 games with Denver, San Diego and Washington.

Btw kudos to Silva for having Bowe on his avoid list.

 

[LOCO]

anything to see here?

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

About this, 7 of these completions came in the 1st drive, 1st game vs the Saints. Six were to TE's & RB's, 1 went to McCluster.

Smith came right out the gate throwing a screen to Charles.

2nd game, more of the same - but Charles and Bowe were out. There were four targets to Baldwin (now gone, but I'm guessing he was in for Bowe).

I think the RW analysis is just on those two PS games.

The 3rd PS game, Smith had 17 completions alone, went 17/24/1/0.

1st drive Smith went Avery, Avery, Bowe.

2nd drive he went Avery, Avery.

3rd drive he went Hemingway (WR), Fasano.

4th he went 7 of 7 targets to WRs, including Bowe

5th he went Charles twice

6th he went 5 WR including Bowe, 1 RB, 1 TE and the TD went to the WR Hemingway; one was a spike

If the 3rd PS game is the dress rehearsal, I'd say Reid above all knows he can't just foist it off to Charles and Fasano all day. Avery did pretty well in that game. Hemingway did ok.

McCluster was out sick so we can't tell what his role would have been. Personally I think he belongs in the backfield as a RB for some team. This idea that he's going to become a hybrid or now a true WR never pans out. If you see him on the field he seems overmatched and maybe the QBs just can't see him. I also don't believe that the guy who brought us TO, Kevin Curtis and DeSean Jackson is now the dumpoff king (well for anyone besides Charles).

People keep mentioning Westbrook re: Charles. I love all that, it will be exciting. What's funny is that McCluster is the guy who is 5'8" like Westy but Reid has no desire apparently to use McCluster as RB or as a fill in for Charles. Knile Davis is going to be that apparently, maybe Droughn.

Great info! The guy who brought us all those wideouts didn't have Alex Smith throwing the ball. He's solid, but the wrap on him is safe, safe, & safe, and when that doesn't work, be safer. I can't see Bowe getting many balls if he isn't flat out open. Smith just rarely throws a 50/50 ball.

Maybe Avery will be the 3rd option. He has flashed in the past, but injuries have killed any momentum he's built.

That was dead on about Bowe and that was from August. - There really still isn't a No. 1 WR on this team and they may actually be passing in a couple games coming up like Denver X2 and those others where folks are thinking the DST will not be such a great matchup anymore.

 

[the spanker]

anything to see here?

Anything to see here???

 

[Faust]

anything to see here?

Anything to see here???

Your avatar for starters...

 

[Faust]

Titans teammates gush over Dexter McClusterBy Marc Sessler

Around the League Writer

You know it's April when stories are being written about Dexter McCluster stunning his Titans teammates in Tennessee's offseason workout program.

"Amazing. I've seen his feet. I've seen his quickness. I think he's going to bring some true playmaking ability to not only our run game, but our pass game," receiver Nate Washington said this week, per the Tennessean. "I'm pretty sure coach (Ken) Whisenhunt has some tricks up his sleeve to put him in some positions and make some plays."

Whisenhunt confirmed as much, telling reporters last month that the 5-foot-8, 170-pound jitterbug might earn a "lot of touches" as part of a ground attack now led by running back Shonn Greene.

General manager Ruston Webster acknowledged the Titans will "definitely" look to add backfield help in the draft after releasing Chris Johnson, but evidence would point to McCluster playing a role similar to Danny Woodhead's with the San Diego Chargers last season. Under Whisenhunt, Woodhead amassed career highs in carries (106) and receptions (76) as a frequent presence on passing downs.

Former Broncos edge rusher Shaun Phillips saw plenty of Woodhead and McCluster in the AFC West. Now with the Titans, Phillips acknowledged that when McCluster was with the Chiefs, he "made our game-plan board every time we ever played against him."

Andy Reid, however, didn't think much of McCluster's ability on the ground, limiting him to eight carries for 5 yards last season. Whisenhunt undoubtedly has perused game tape from 2011, when Todd Haley called McCluster's number 114 times. Dexter responded with 4.5 yards per carry to go along with his 46 catches.

If Whisenhunt can squeeze that kind of production out of Tennessee's new acquisition, McCluster looms as a juicy late-round fantasy add -- but, again, it's only April.

The latest edition of the "Around The League Podcast" covers the Aldon Smith arrest and analyzes the offseason movers and shakers in the NFC East and NFC South.

 

[ldizzle]

I havent checked what position he is listed as wr or rb on sites but what do people think of mccluster? I thought he was a playmaker in college and was never given a chance. I know woodhead had better measurables, but i wonder if they will give mccluster the same opportunity that woody had. Depending on what sites list him as he can be a great value late this year

 

[acme]

I havent checked what position he is listed as wr or rb on sites but what do people think of mccluster? I thought he was a playmaker in college and was never given a chance. I know woodhead had better measurables, but i wonder if they will give mccluster the same opportunity that woody had. Depending on what sites list him as he can be a great value late this year

we run our keeper league through MFL - my team has Dex signed to a multi-year contract - he was listed as a 'WR' last year but MFL has him listed as a 'RB' this year... ***my 2¢ : he's been a bit of a disappointment so far --here's to hoping the Woodhead comps ring true in 2014.

 

[CalBear]

I havent checked what position he is listed as wr or rb on sites but what do people think of mccluster? I thought he was a playmaker in college and was never given a chance. I know woodhead had better measurables, but i wonder if they will give mccluster the same opportunity that woody had. Depending on what sites list him as he can be a great value late this year

Not a great receiver, too small to play RB consistently. Limited fantasy upside.

 

[cstu]

I havent checked what position he is listed as wr or rb on sites but what do people think of mccluster? I thought he was a playmaker in college and was never given a chance. I know woodhead had better measurables, but i wonder if they will give mccluster the same opportunity that woody had. Depending on what sites list him as he can be a great value late this year

we run our keeper league through MFL - my team has Dex signed to a multi-year contract - he was listed as a 'WR' last year but MFL has him listed as a 'RB' this year... ***my 2¢ : he's been a bit of a disappointment so far --here's to hoping the Woodhead comps ring true in 2014.

The problem is that I don't think he'll get the carries or TD's that Woodhead did. He could catch more passes than last year but without the carries and TD's his fantasy value is limited. His upside is RB3, maybe low RB2 if he gets more carries. He definitely deserves to be rostered in start 2 RB PPR leagues.

 

[jurb26]

I havent checked what position he is listed as wr or rb on sites but what do people think of mccluster? I thought he was a playmaker in college and was never given a chance. I know woodhead had better measurables, but i wonder if they will give mccluster the same opportunity that woody had. Depending on what sites list him as he can be a great value late this year

Not a great receiver, too small to play RB consistently. Limited fantasy upside.

I thought McCluster was decent as a receiver last season. He caught over 65% of his targets, had a 3.6% drop rate and had over 500 yds. At 5'8", 170 he's just not going to make it as a RB. Even one who catches out of the backfield. He could never be relied upon to stay in and block or run the ball consistently. I'd imagine he gets moved back to WR at some point, if he isn't already there now. Most depth charts were created prior to the draft so now that Tenn has Sankey they may already be doing that.

 

[Coeur de Lion]

I havent checked what position he is listed as wr or rb on sites but what do people think of mccluster? I thought he was a playmaker in college and was never given a chance. I know woodhead had better measurables, but i wonder if they will give mccluster the same opportunity that woody had. Depending on what sites list him as he can be a great value late this year

Not a great receiver, too small to play RB consistently. Limited fantasy upside.

I thought McCluster was decent as a receiver last season. He caught over 65% of his targets, had a 3.6% drop rate and had over 500 yds. At 5'8", 170 he's just not going to make it as a RB. Even one who catches out of the backfield. He could never be relied upon to stay in and block or run the ball consistently. I'd imagine he gets moved back to WR at some point, if he isn't already there now. Most depth charts were created prior to the draft so now that Tenn has Sankey they may already be doing that.

Not sure I agree with this entirely. McCluster handled 114 carries in 2011 and looked pretty decent doing it. I agree that he's way too small to be a reliable blocker, but Woodhead can't block a lick either, and he got plenty of work last year under Whiz. I don't think McCluster will be featured in the red zone like Woodhead was early last year, but I don't think an upside of 4-5 carries and 4-5 targets / week is entirely out of the question. The Titans moved on McCluster pretty early and decisively in free agency, and have been pretty emphatic throughout that they see him as a RB. I think he's probably going to have a pretty set role in their offense.

 

[Run It Up]

Someone fire up this hypetrain.

 

[BeTheMatch]

Someone fire up this hypetrain.

all over it

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

I havent checked what position he is listed as wr or rb on sites but what do people think of mccluster? I thought he was a playmaker in college and was never given a chance. I know woodhead had better measurables, but i wonder if they will give mccluster the same opportunity that woody had. Depending on what sites list him as he can be a great value late this year

Not a great receiver, too small to play RB consistently. Limited fantasy upside.

I thought McCluster was decent as a receiver last season. He caught over 65% of his targets, had a 3.6% drop rate and had over 500 yds. At 5'8", 170 he's just not going to make it as a RB. Even one who catches out of the backfield. He could never be relied upon to stay in and block or run the ball consistently. I'd imagine he gets moved back to WR at some point, if he isn't already there now. Most depth charts were created prior to the draft so now that Tenn has Sankey they may already be doing that.

Not sure I agree with this entirely. McCluster handled 114 carries in 2011 and looked pretty decent doing it. I agree that he's way too small to be a reliable blocker, but Woodhead can't block a lick either, and he got plenty of work last year under Whiz. I don't think McCluster will be featured in the red zone like Woodhead was early last year, but I don't think an upside of 4-5 carries and 4-5 targets / week is entirely out of the question. The Titans moved on McCluster pretty early and decisively in free agency, and have been pretty emphatic throughout that they see him as a RB. I think he's probably going to have a pretty set role in their offense.

I think he could be a high RB3/low RB2 in PPR. I'm in for his current price tag

 

[FF Ninja]

So I just saw this in the training camp believe it or not:

Dexter McCluster in Tennessee is going to be much better than Dexter McCluster in Kansas City. While we're on the subject, there are plenty of stories out there about Tennessee's secret weapon, Dexter McCluster. Titans fans seem to think that McCluster was misused un Kansas City and he's expected to fill the Danny Woodhead role for Ken Whisenhunt's Titans. Woodhead had a career year under Whisenhunt in San Diego with 76 grabs, more than 1000 total yards, and eight touchdowns. McCluster's competition for touches in Titans backfield are rookie Bishop Sankey, Shonn Greene, and Jackie Battle. This should give him a chance to set some career highs of his own in 2014.

Verdict: Don't believe it. For all the reasons above and, more importantly, McCluster's history. On the practice field, especially without pads, McCluster can really look like a special player. In his first four years in the league he's flashed glimpses of that potential during games, but far too inconsistently. His hands are average at best and he's struggled to make defenders miss in space. He rarely advances past initial contact and at times shows baffling vision. If Whisenhunt can get him the ball consistently with 5-10 yards of open space he may turn into a useful flex player, but based on his history even that's a long shot.

I'm having a hard time buying into that logic. I mean some of that could be describing Woodhead - the guy couldn't break a tackle to save his life and showed no vision between the tackles, pretty much taking exactly what the line gave him.

I agree with CDL above that while Dexter will struggle with blocking, so did Woodhead and that didn't stop Whiz from using him frequently. And their quick pursuit and contract for Dexter this offseason does seem telling.

I'm not on a hype train here, as I think it's a sure sign you're in trouble if he's in your starting lineup, but I think he is worth a late round pick in all formats as a very cheap contingency plan. The offensive line in Tennessee is going to be at least above average, Sankey and Greene are not world beaters you just can't pull off the field, and the blueprint for success is there in Woodhead+Whiz last year.

 

[Plorfu]

I guess this thread is as good as any to bump. Signed with the Chargers, reunited with Whiz so I assume he'll already know the offense a little. I can't imagine burning a waiver priority on the guy, but I'm willing to see if he's a FA tomorrow morning. Worth a look, anyway. Can he fill the Woodhead role? Maybe not 100% of it, but close?

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

I guess this thread is as good as any to bump. Signed with the Chargers, reunited with Whiz so I assume he'll already know the offense a little. I can't imagine burning a waiver priority on the guy, but I'm willing to see if he's a FA tomorrow morning. Worth a look, anyway. Can he fill the Woodhead role? Maybe not 100% of it, but close?

McCluster has always seemed so talented but he can never find the right situation.

On the one hand it occurres to me he is every bit as capable as Brandon Oliver, but on the other he is nowhere near the runner that Woodhead is.

There is also Farrow and do they bring in Hillman. 

I guess what bothers me is how Whiz made such a muddle of the RB situation in Ten. Is that the real Whiz or the guy who made lead RBs in Pit, Ari and SD (a couple years back)? I just don't see McCluster getting serious carries or ypc to make a dent in what Gordon can do.

Im staying away, pulling for Dex but staying away.

 

[msommer]

Dexter McCluster has pictures of Whis with animals, I tell you, no other explanation possible

 

[thehoch]

One thing about Woodhead....He would keep the defenses honest by running up the middle. By keeping the defense honest, it helped him get open in the flat and take some of those screen passes for big gains.

If McCluster can't hit the hole and make some yards....he'll be less effective, with defenses playing him for those quick screens.

I still like Farrow's chances, if he gets the opportunity

 

[Bri]

Dexter was an excellent athlete that understood the game of football very well. He was simply more athlete than RB or WR.

Last year he looked very comfy as a 3rd down back. First time in his career maybe he was comfy.

The Chiefs have contnued to put RBs at WR still today. He too looks uncomfy but is a top athlete.

McCluster may be capable of Woodhead like numbers. It's not like other 3rd down backs even sniff that much work. 

Does the role stay? Or will SD change up? 

If he is getting 90 targets yeah he's got nice hands so he'll get woodhead-like stats. 

If he is just a common 3rd down back then those drop significantly.

He has more WR experience than most chargers. He could be a stop gap there too. 

Today it's just that he is useful. Let's see how he is used before we jump to conclusions

 

[Bri]

One thing about Woodhead....He would keep the defenses honest by running up the middle. By keeping the defense honest, it helped him get open in the flat and take some of those screen passes for gains.

If McCluster can't hit the hole and make some yards....he'll be less effective, with defenses playing him for those quick screens.

I still like Farrow's chances, if he gets the opportunity

Woodhead wasn't an awesome runner. He benefitted from being the counter move to an obvious passing situation.

He was the new and improved Kevin Faulk. Very smart or clever and used perfectly.

If he was great they wouldn't have added Matthews or Gordon. 

He was/is one of the most efficient RBs ever. That's where his high value stems from..   

 

[Faust]

Newly-signed Chargers RB Dexter McCluster is expected to be active for Week 3 against the Colts.
McCluster only signed two days ago, but he has long been well versed in OC Ken Whisenhunt's system after spending the last two years under Whisenhunt in Tennessee. "For the most part, I pretty much got it down already," McCluster said. Per the San Diego Union-Tribune, "there is faith at Chargers Park" that McCluster can "soften the blow" following Danny Woodhead's ACL tear. McCluster has a chance to become a PPR factor within a few weeks.

 
 
Source: San Diego Union-Tribune

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Anyone catch the Waldman Gut Check comments on Dex?

 

[FGITLOTR]

Mccluster outside of return leagues is a nonfactor.

Yes, and that's why I went after him over Mia Farrow 

 

[Run It Up]

Yes, and that's why I went after him over Mia Farrow 

This post is from over four years ago and is still true to this day.

 

[shadyridr]

This post is from over four years ago and is still true to this day.

thats pretty incredible

 

[msommer]

thats pretty incredible

The incredible thing is that he is still in the league (mostly thanks to Whisenhunt)

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Here's an update from RW:

ESPN Chargers reporter Eric Williams doesn’t expect Dexter McCluster to pick up Danny Woodhead’s snaps.
McCluster will get work in pass situations, but isn’t going to come close to Woodhead’s role. Melvin Gordon should be a near every-down back against the Colts.

 
Here's the link they give.
 
Here's what the link says:
 

@eric_d_williams: The attraction for the Chargers signing Dexter McCluster with Danny Woodhead out for the year was the Ole Miss product’s ability to get up to speed quickly.

McCluster is familiar with Whisenhunt’s offense from his time with the Tennessee Titans, so he is expected to play on Sunday.

However, that does not mean McCluster is a direct replacement for Danny Woodhead. More likely the Chargers will use Gordon in a similar manner to last week, when he rushed for a career-high 102 yards on 24 carries. But Whisenhunt has a different issues on his hands -- avoiding playing Gordon too much in a season where they need the Wisconsin product to be fresh for a 16-game season.

“Melvin’s doing really well,” Whisenhunt said. “You can see his confidence growing. He’s doing a lot of good things. But we’ve got to be realistic. When you run the way Melvin’s running, you want to get him as many carries as you can, but you can’t give him too many.

“He’s running very physical, he’s getting after guys and finishing runs. You’ve got to spell him. You’ve got to be able to rotate other players in there to keep him fresh.

“So it feels good that we’ve got a guy (in McCluster) that’s been in the league and that can do some things for us, especially coming out of the backfield in the pass game, so we can try to create something close to the mismatches that we tried to create with Danny. We’ll see how it goes.”

 

[beerbuff]

Here's an update from RW:


 
Here's the link they give.
 
Here's what the link says:
 

And when Gordon goes down???  McCluster has never been in a more favorable situation than where he is now.  Clearly Gordons back ups cant catch and that is why they brought McCluster in.  In PPR I think he will be a very good RB2 this year.

 

[TZMarkie]

 I think Kenneth Farrow is the one to own, at least if you roster Gordon.

 Farrow is a better pass catcher than many realize.  He is no David Johnson, but hes a solid all around back.

 As far as Dexter McCluster's upside?

 Maybe one of the admin here will see this and pin his thread on the front page.

 At least if we do that his thread here will sit higher than a few others. I think thats about the most "upside" we are going to get out of this one.

 QUICK STORY- A number of years ago, when McCluster was on KC a friend of mine (who is now no longer with us, I miss that guy) happened to be sitting here on opening day. I remember having RedZone on, it may have been 2011. Sure enough, its opening weekend, and one of the first kickoffs of the year, the announcers are hyping it up etc. etc.

 They show Dexter McCluster dropped back awaiting the kick. I  mention to my buddy........... "Thats Dexter McCluster, they are expecting a lot out of this guy, good athlete, KC is excited etc. etc."

 He looked at me and kind of grinned, 20 seconds later McCluster gets the kickoff and run a few yards, gets hit and fumbles the ball.

 Thats the last time I ever expected any "upside" out of this guy.

 TZM

 

[Bri]

 QUICK STORY- A number of years ago, when McCluster was on KC a friend of mine (who is now no longer with us, I miss that guy)

Sorry for your loss

 

[Bri]

Here's an update from RW:


 
Here's the link they give.
 
Here's what the link says:
 

(not quoting well, sorry) 

The idea of plug N play is always more fascination than realistic. Whisenhunt surely doesn't run a 100% duplicate of the Titans offense where he can simply step in and know every play. He needs to be given some time to adjust and get acclimated to the new offense. 

He must know enough to play for them a few days later, that's a nice sign, but we're overreacting to think he's just plug N play.

Like I said above, he's more athlete than anything else. Don't forget he's been a WR and the Chargers have injury issues there. Whis would often shift his RBs to the slot maybe 7-8 times a game. Mularkey/Robiske still do that just with Murray. 

The Colts are brutally thin at CB where one guy was quoted saying he didn't know the other's names. I think it's very predictable to expect Whis to play 4 WR sets maybe even 5. Anything and everything that can attack the Colts glaring weakness. 

The added is Benjamin being moved all around and that their fill-ins are former Chargers that Rivers knows. 

My guess would be he goes in on obvious passing downs to pickup the blitz and then other times both he (and Gordon) get shifted to the slot 7-8 times total. He gets his feet wet, is all. Gordon on the Colts 5th or 6th CB (counting the injured) is a quite favorable matchup too. 

I think every time we go on a Whisenhunt kick, it should be interjected that McCoy runs the ship. I'm not sure how much "the boss' " opinion and thoughts are involved here.

Give him 2-3 weeks to even be comparing him to Whitehead's role.