NFL Draft Scouting Reports: Dexter McCluster

Written by Michael Jackson

Thursday, 18 March 2010 22:39

With the draft getting closer, here at NFLHouse.com will use the scouting reports done by our scouts at the Optimum Scouting Department to give these prospects some identity other than just a ranking. These are the brief versions of the reports, and if you want the full, in-depth report, send us an email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Here is a look at Dexter McCluster, running back/receiver hybrid prospect in this upcoming 2010 NFL Draft from Ole Miss.

Report thanks to Michael Jackson.

BEST COMPARISON			Percy Harvin
BEST DRAFT POSITION			Mid 1st round
WORST DRAFT POSITION			3rd round
INJURY CONCERNS			Injury to same shoulder in 2007 and 2008
RETURN ABILITY			Will be able to return kickoffs and punts
BIG PLAY ABILITY			A threat to score everytime he touches ball
KEY STATS			1,955 career rushing yrds and 19 TD's
			130 career rec, 1,703 rec yrds and 7 TD's

The only so called "prototype" measurable that Dexter does not stack up to is size, at 5'9 170 pounds he will be drafted lower than his talent grades out to be.

Dexter definitely has first round talent, will an NFL organization have the heart to take him in the first round is another question. There are a slew of small Running Backs and Receivers to make a name for themselves proving doubters wrong (Darren Sproiles and Desean Jackson to name a few). Despite his size, Dexter produced impressive numbers rushing for almost 2,000 yards including an impressive 282 yards rushing and 4 touchdowns versus Tennessee and 184 yards rushing with 2 touchdowns against Oklahoma State in the Cotton Bowl.

In addition, Dexter hauled in over 1,700 receiving yards in an offense that had very limited playmakers to take some of the burden off of him. Dexter consistently exploded through a hole for big play after big play as evidenced by touchdown longs of 86, 79 and 71 yards in his Senior season. All of these statistics were compiled in basically two years of full time duty.

While being fairly durable during his career, Dexter showed at the NFL Combine that a shoulder he injured twice (2007 and 2008) and possibly has some nerve damage is 100 percent healed. He showed no ill effects of the injury during his Senior season however. With Dexter's versatility, the do everything back will also be a threat returning kickoffs and punts as well adding some punch to an NFL team that is lacking in this area.

Given the way the NFL has moved toward specialty players, Dexter should have no problem finding a role on a team despite his size and providing a spark with game changing plays out of the backfield, as a receiver and as a return man.

Comments (1) Add Comment

lot to like
written by Mike J, March 19, 2010

I began paying attention to Dexter last October;really an interesting player; totally fearless. Fast, quick, excellent hands.He will create match-up problems as a third-down back, but his pass-pro will be a hindrance at his size. Didn't really do a lot of return work in college, though that would seem an obvious strength. Something of a luxury pick for an already good team IMHO.