Rolando McClain to Get Second Chance in Baltimore

There has been a lot to discuss recently regarding new Ravens' linebacker Rolando McClain, who was shipped out of Oakland after a number of run-ins with the law, and was then arrested again in April on a disorderly conduct charge in Alabama, just weeks after signing a 1-year deal with the Ravens worth $700K. McClain's roster spot in Baltimore, however, appears to be safe, at least for the moment. In an interview with the Baltimore Sun, Ravens assistant general manager Eric DeCosta spoke about the circumstances surrounding McClain, "I think this about McClain, he deserves a second chance. If you asked him, he would probably admit to making some mistakes. We think he warrants a second chance." DeCosta also spoke highly of the Ravens' mentoring program for troubled players and touched on the impact that the strong locker room environment in Baltimore could have on a player like McClain. I think the decision to keep McClain on the roster may have to more to do with necessity than forgiveness. With the retirement of Ray Lewis, the departure of Dannell Ellerbe, and the health concerns surrounding Jameel McClain, Rolando McClain is really the only active inside linebacker on the Ravens' roster with any NFL starting experience. Baltimore did trade up in the 2nd-round to select Kansas State linebacker Arthur Brown in April's draft to help bolster the depleted linebacking corps and while I am a huge fan of Brown and believe he has a ton of potential, McClain's game experience is something the Ravens desperately need at the position.