I think McCleod has gotten the benefit of the doubt from Rams fans low expectations. Last offseason pretty much everyone said the Rams had to draft or sign a FS, and many fans feared disaster when they didn't. To McCleod's credit he played much better, but that was up from his terrible play the previous year setting the bar so low. "Not a disaster" is not the same as "good".
I doubt any impartial observer would call McCleod's play anything better than average. He had a couple big hits and caught a couple INTs thrown right to him that help fans overlook the many blown coverages of last season and general lack of big plays made in the secondary. With our d-line, blitzes and pressure, the Rams should rank higher than just 18th in INTs.
Plus, McCleod's one year improvement doesn't automatically mean that growth curve will continue and he will blossom into an elite safety. At some point the natural talent barrier kicks in. I think this is his peak -- he's an average free safety and great special teamer.
Such a player is great to have on the roster and an easy fan favorite, but if the Rams want to be a Super Bowl team they still need to get a player with a higher potential ceiling at FS, a guy with the elite talent that will make unexpected plays on the ball that is the turnover that can turn a ballgame. So the plan should be what it was supposed to be last offseason (hm where have we heard that before?) -- pencil him in as the starter but draft/acquire another free safety.
I'm all for tendering an offer on him, but do not agree with those calling to give him a bigger than market contract afraid he'll leave. If he walks I think Joyner steps in at the same level of production, and the plan stays the same since at a minimum the Rams must have another FS. No way can they afford to put Barron back deep again after that Giants game comedy!
