2010 Scouting Report: Dexter McCluster, WR/RB, Mississippi

Update - McCluster ran a 4.39 at his pro day

Lack of offensive creativity has been the gripe of many Jaguar fans over recent seasons. The traditional Jaguar offense in the Del Rio era has been one that features great running backs that run between the tackles and control the clock with long, sustained drives. The Jaguars passing attack has been one that featured short and intermediate possession catches with very few yards after the catch. 

With the addition of rookies Mike Thomas and Zach Miller to the offense, coupled with the many different facets of Maurice Jones-Drew's multi-dimensional game, offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter was afforded the luxury to open up the playbook a little more than he had in the past. One of Koetter's favorite plays was an end around from Mike Thomas that was very successful during the 2009 season accumulating 86 yards on 12 attempts. 

If the Jaguars were to draft Dexter McCluster from Mississippi they would be getting another weapon for Koetter to be creative with. He's another multi-dimensional player that could be put in the backfield as a change of pace back or put out in the slot as a receiver. Another need that McCluster could address would be the vacancy in the return game. Since the releasing of Brian Witherspoon, the Jaguars have been without a full time replacement at that position, often risking the health of the most valuable Jaguar, Maurice Jones-Drew, in an attempt to get solid kick returns.

McCluster sees himself as someone who can be the next Chris Johnson saying, "When I am watching him, I feel like I am watching myself, and I want to go out there and outdo him. Is it possible? I believe so. There is always room for improvement." Unfortunately though, the speedy McCluster disappointed at the combine with a 4.58 official 40 time, but our partners over at National Football Post believe it was a fluke pointing to McCluster's 4.06 in the 20 yard shuttle that finished as the best time among running backs in the combine. 

McCluster very well could be the best available player on the Jaguars' board sometime in the 3rd or 4th round. The team has also displayed interest in McCluster, reportedly holding a private workout with him on Thursday.

Video Killed the Scouting Report

Dexter McCluster: By the Numbers

3rd Team All-American 2009

1st Team All-SEC 2009

2nd Team All-SEC 2008

According to the Experts

New Era Scouting - In depth analysis of all aspects of McCluster's play.

CDS Draft

Pros

Home run threat. Great speed. Always looks like taking it the distance. One of those guys you want on your team, even if you don't quite know where to line him up. Shifty. Great burst.

Cons

Undersized. Doesn't really have a set NFL position.

NFL Draft Bible

Pros

Much like Percy Harvin, McCluster is an all-purpose offensive threat that can hurt you running the ball out of multiple formations, as well as lining up at quarterback, receiver and return man. The obvious difference between the two is that Harvin is a much bigger and powerful player, whereas the 5’7’ 160-pound McCluster is a tiny performer, which defenders have a hard time seeing in traffic. Years ago, more NFL teams would’ve shied away from taking a shot on such a small athlete, but as the pro game has slowly evolved to where offenses are now incorporating elements of the Wildcat and various read-option plays, McCluster has some definite value.

Cons

As a receiver, the diminutive weapon has terrific hands to catch the ball away from his body, but might have some problems getting off the line of scrimmage in traditional sets. His size may make him difficult to see on deeper routes, which probably makes McCluster a more viable option on short screens and quick out routes. His ball security has also been suspect when running in traffic. McCluster tends to hold the ball in the wrong arm (opposite sideline) when running down the sidelines. Durability issues do exist here with the senior, who has missed time with shoulder and ankle injuries.