Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa, 6'3 286 lbs
Size / Strength: 10 – Excellent size for either a 4-3 DE or 3-4 DE. Clayborn utilizes his power and strength to make plays. Very dominating upper body strength.
Speed: 9 - Good first step off the ball, Clayborn has the lateral ability to scrape down the line and make plays away from his side. Speed on pass rush is evident as he can blow by elite blockers in the Big Ten with his fluidity in pass rush moves. Has the ability to speed rush around blockers, but also has ability to chase and tackle. Not elite but a faster athlete than one might assume.
Production: 8 – Aside from last year's 11 sack season where Clayborn jumped on the boards of NFL scouts, he has been consistent in the run attack and did not eclipse 4 sacks in another season at Iowa. He averaged around 50 or so tackles each of his 3 years as a starter, and played his best football in Iowa's high pressure bowl game versus Georgia Tech last season (set career-high with nine solo tackles vs. GA Tech, including two tackles for loss and two QB sacks, earning game MVP honors).
Intangibles: 8 – First off, Clayborn is a smart kid. Came back to school to get his degree. However his tendency to fade late in games, and lack of stamina concerns me. Is he seriously out of shape? He has talent, athleticism, and power to be dominant, but his inconsistency throughout the course of an entire game worries scouts.
Run / Pass Skills: 8 – Jumped on the map big time last year (2009-2010 season) as a pass rusher, yet for me I like Clayborn equally against the run. Really locks out with strong arms, sheds, and explodes through tackles. Only issue here is lack of elite level pass rush moves. Has good enough speed and athleticism to develop strong NFL pass rush ability.
Best fit: 3-4 DE (also strong 4-3 DE or 4-3 DT)
X-Factor: Can he improve his cardiovascular endurance, and be a 4 quarter type player at the next level? His tendency to fade in games, attributed to his lack of stamina, must be addressed. Also Clayborn must improve his pass rush skills beyond the power rush. Lacks the effective hand usage to be an instant impact player; he will not get by in the NFL with pure athleticism and raw strength- needs to develop as a pass rusher.
Where he will be picked: First Round
Where he should be picked: Late First Round
NFL Comparison: Glenn Dorsey, Kansas City Chiefs
Adrian Clayborn, 2010 Orange Bowl MVP Highlights vs. Ga. Tech
Adrian Clayborn versus 2011 Draft prospect, Wisconsin LT, Gabe Carimi
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