The Dallas Cowboys traded a 2015 sixth-round pick to the Baltimore Ravens for linebacker Rolando McClain and a seventh-round pick this offseason, in what was, no doubt, widely considered one of the most negligible trades in recent NFL history.
So far this season, however, the Cowboys' revamped and rejuvenated defense has been reaping a consistent heap of rewards from that transaction, according to Kimberly Jones of NFL.com.
The Cowboys, who last season ranked last in the league in total defense, allowing a miserable 415.3 yards per game, has come roaring back to life so far this season. Despite the losses of perennial Pro Bowl linebacker Demarcus Ware and quarterback of the defense, linebacker Sean Lee, they currently rank 14th in overall defense.
Players on the squad credit new defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli with the turnaround - but they also credit the arrival of McClain, who they say has quietly become a leader on the defense.
"He's a guy that you love playing with," cornerback Orlando Scandrick said, per Jones. "He brings a physical presence, just brings that spirit that we feed off of on defense."
McClain, originally a first-round pick of the Oakland Raiders in 2010, eighth overall, was out of football last season after retiring twice and being arrested three times.
Defensive end Jeremy Mincey said: "He's a big man in the middle. Rolando leads with his pads; he just makes plays."
McClain has shied away from the spotlight in Dallas, saying he's just happy to have a job and happy to be part of a successful unit.
"I'm just happy to be with the Dallas Cowboys, and I'm happy with our success so far," McClain told Jones. "I'm having fun with my teammates and having a good time."
As the Cowboys and their defense continue to win, McClain will continue to garner attention and accolades and could potentially make a run at Comeback Player of the Year.
"I mean, that's the beauty of it," Mincey said. "He was a No. 1 draft pick, but he came here as an 'average Joe.' I was released from Jacksonville; nobody really knew me. Everybody has something to prove. We're definitely living up to our expectations."
