AB's Top Defensive Prospects

Alex Brown’s Top NFL Draft Prospects: By Defensive Positions

Defensive Tackle

Defensive End

Inside Linebacker

Outside Linebacker

Cornerback

 

Safety

Adrian Clayborn Scouting Report

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

Insight Bowl Update and Prediction

Missouri Vs. Iowa- Insight Bowl 10 PM ET

• D.J. Koulianos, starting wideout for Iowa is out indefinitely; arrested earlier this month on charges of owning a crackhouse and possession of marijauna

• Adam Robinson, starting tailback for Iowa was arrested recently over charges involving marijuana, and backup tailback Jewel Hampton left the University of Iowa altogether, both of whom will not play in tonight's bowl game

In order for Missouri to win versus a strong front seven from the Iowa Hawkeyes ( NFL Draft prospects- Adrian Clayborn, Christian Ballard, and Karl Klug), Blaine Gabbert will have to stand in the pocket with poise and release the football in a quick and timely manner. Newly named All-American Tight End, Michael Egnew (who led all tight ends in receiving categories) and versatile slot receiver T.J. Moe will be heavily counted upon by Gabbert as safety valves when pressure arises. Look for both Moe and Egnew to have high reception totals.

Also freshman running back, Henry Josey and junior running back, De'Vion Moore, will need to get some production in order to keep the Hawkeyes honest in their defense. If Missouri can establish a running game (90 yards+ rushing), then the deep part of the field should open up for downfield threat, WR Jerrell Jackson. Jackson has the speed to beat defenses deep, and hasn't exactly had the opportunity in 2010. Maybe in this bowl game, Missouri opens up the playbook and goes long to Jackson. 

The Hawkeyes were picked by some experts to win the Big Ten and possibly earn a bid to a BCS Bowl game. However disappointing losses throughout the season, culminating in the recent suspensions/departures of key players, have characterized this failed season. Kirk Ferentz still however has the talent to win this game nonetheless. 

In my opinion, the Hawkeyes best WR was Marvin McNutt, who seemed to make the big play whenever need be. Ricky Stanzi will no doubt be heavily reliant upon McNutt as he will be without Iowa's all time receiving leader. 

3rd string running back Brandon Wegher is also out for this game, as he has transferred as well. What now seems the only possibility of success is if the strong defense of Iowa can force turnovers that lead to points. Missouri's defense is centered around playing against pass heavy teams, and in this matchup, with 3 key tailbacks out for Iowa, it appears this will play directly into Missouri's strengths. This combined with Blaine Gabbert's efficiency as a passer does not bode well for the Iowa Hawkeyes. 

The player to watch for Iowa will be Adrian Clayborn, who played like a madman in last year's bowl game versus the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Clayborn and the front seven have to force Gabbert into bad decisions and turnovers if they expect to keep this one close.

The3-4's Pick: Missouri

Alex Brown's 2011 Big Board: Week 12

*Noteable addition(s) to Big Board: Donta Hightower and Stefen Wisniewski

*Noteable dropoff(s) from the Big Board: Akeem Ayers and Leonard Hankerson

Week 12: NFL Draft Stock Watch for 2011

Each and every week, on Wednesday nights, I will update The 3-4 readers on movements within my Big Board. Previous week's performances will dictate which players are labeled, stock up/down.

Stock Up

Titus Young/Austin Pettis (Boise St.)

Both of Kellen Moore’s top wideouts have NFL caliber speed, route running ability, ball skills, and hands. Pettis has a bigger frame and excels across the middle of the field, while Young is slighter leaner and more of a deep threat. Titus Young and Austin Pettis could work their ways into Day 2 at this point, and they are certain to provide whichever team that drafts them with production and promise.

Gabe Carimi (Wisconsin)

With the emergence of Wisconsin’s smash-mouth offense over the past two months, Gabe Carimi has vastly improved his draft stock. Carimi instead of being just a mammoth run blocker, seems to have improved his pass blocking techniques, looking more fluid and balanced protecting QB Scott Tolzien’s backside.

J.J. Watt (Wisconsin)

Another Wisconsin high-riser, Watt isn’t your typical hard nosed, blue collar end. Watt works with great hand useage off the end, stays disciplined on the end, and also shows an improved jump off the line of scrimmage. A potential early second and definite third round pick.

Adrian Clayborn (Iowa)

Clayborn after dropping down boards has brought his stock back up with his strong play in recent weeks. Forcing constant pressure, forcing turnovers, making plays in both passing and running game, Clayborn is a great fit as a 4-3 strongside or weakside DE, with the possibility of also playing in a 1 gap 3-4 scheme. Clayborn last week kept Ohio State from running the ball, while also creating a consistent pass rush. Clayborn will no doubt be a top 20 pick, top 15 pending on the draft order.

Terrelle Pryor (Ohio State)

Last season when I watched Terrell Pryor, I saw an athlete; an athlete playing the quarterback position. This season more than ever, his progression as a quarterback (not an athlete) has been very evident. A quarterback with extreme athletic potential, Pryor, with one more year refining his skills, could develop into a solid NFL starter and pro-bowler with the talent he has. Pryor looks comfortable in the pocket, his footwork isn’t sketchy, and he is throwing with improved accuracy. Needs more big-time wins in clutch situations, but for the most part is a poised player, with playmaking ability.

Marvin McNutt (Iowa)

One of the more under the radar receiver prospects in the year’s coming draft, McNutt seems to always come up with the big catch or big play. Not extremely explosive, McNutt uses good body control and positioning, along with intelligent route running abilities to expose defenses and make catches. McNutt could go as high as the 4^th round in the 2011 Draft.

Ryan Williams (Virginia Tech)

Finally healthy and showing the burst we saw his freshman year, Williams could be a Day 1 running back prospect with a strong finish to the season, and a solid pro day. The weak running back class allows for two or three quick risers, and Williams could be one of those.

Stock Down

Mark Ingram (Alabama)

Stamina issues? Ingram was winded after the first drive against Georgia State…The duo of Trent Richardson and Ingram is formidable in college football, but now NFL scouts probably wonder what kind of toll Ingram’s sophomore season put on his legs, as well as his ability going forward having undergone a knee surgery. Ingram without a doubt should be the first running back taken, however it is not inconceivable if he is not.

Jake Locker (Washington)

Its difficult to play quarterback when everytime you drop back to pass, you have to run for your life! Locker has a terrible offensive line, thus leading to poor footwork, but that isn’t what scouts are most concerned about. What is concerning is the lack of visible improvement throughout his college career, improvement from the past season under Steve Sarkisian, and his poor accuracy. Locker is falling and falling, and could see himself in the 2^nd round, as was the case with phenom Jimmy Clausen.

Cameron Heyward (Ohio State)

Lack of impact, blown off the ball by double teams, may not actually be the best fit as a 3-4 2 gap DE due to lack of 300+size, and not consistent enough a pass rusher to be a 4-3 or 3-4 1 gap defender. Still however is powerful player, plays through the whistle, and sets a hard edge. Workhorse player similar to a Richard Seymour, but less of a pass rusher and more of a run stopper. Still 1st Round talent but has room to move up.

*Noteable addition(s) to Big Board: Donta Hightower and Stefen Wisniewski

*Noteable dropoff(s) from the Big Board: Akeem Ayers and Leonard Hankerson