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

A.J. Green Scouting Report

WR A.J. Green, University of Georgia, 6'4" 210 lbs. (Underclassman)

Size/Ball Skills - 10 - Very lengthy receiver, Green possesses rare arm length, body movement, and strong hands to snag poorly thrown passes or contested passes. Elite ball skills and devastating on the 'back shoulder fade route'. AJ Green has ideal height for a franchise WR (6'4) and will use his size to go and catch passes across the middle of the field.

Speed/Quickness - 9 - A.J. Green has excellent speed to go along with superb height and ball skills. He really can take the top off defenses and act as a scheming nightmare for opposing defensive coordinators.  Quickness is not overly spectacular but very good nonetheless; runs good routes as a result of his fluidity and smooth running form. Strider who can straight up burn people.

Production - 10 - Great production despite being suspended for the first four games of the year, AJ Green caught 6 or more passes, in 6 of his 8 games played this season; Green also notched 86 or more receiving yards in all but two games (6 of 8). In his freshman season with, now NFL starter, Matthew Stafford (Detroit Lions), Green caught 56 balls for a whopping yards and 8 TDs. The following season ( sophomore yr), Green dropped off in all three categories ( 53 receptions, 808 yards, and 6 TDs), however with 4 less games in 2010, Green posted his career season high in TD receptions ( 9 TDs). 

Route Running - 9 - A much better route runner than one would expect, Green has a great understanding on how to break off routes in order to beat a zone. Excels over the deep middle with 'dig' and 'post routes'. 

Best Fit: A team in need of a legitimate number one threat at WR; Green's ability to separate from defenders makes him an elite prospect, and team's that struggle to get WRs open could really use a player like Green. Virtually any team could use a player like A.J. Green, so any team inside the Top 10 will draft him.

X-Factor: Will Andrew Luck declare for the draft? If so, then Green would be looking around the top 10. If not, then Green could easily bust inside the top 5. In all reality, there is no reason for doubt that he will not be the first WR taken in the 2011 draft. Green needs to stay in shape, bulk up his frame to somewhere around 218, run well, and be smart.

Where he will be picked: Early First Round (Top 10)

Where he should be picked: Early First Round (Top 10). I don't see teams passing on Green as they did in last year's draft with Dez Bryant, or in year's previous (2009 Michael Crabtree). Green is healthy, he is talented, and he has a world of potential.

NFL Comparison: Randy Moss, Tennessee Titans

Highlights from A.J. Green, Sophomore Season (2009)

Here is a ridiculous one-handed catch by A.J. Green

Week 13: 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

Kellen Moore (Boise State)

Kellen Moore did just about everything he possibly could have done at the quarterback position, to place his team in a position to stay undefeated. Unfortunately, Nevada came to play as well; dominating the defense, and ultimately winning the football game. Nevertheless, Moore’s play throughout his career cannot be simply overlooked. He has shown great poise in clutch situations, and more importantly has found ways to win football games. Moore is a winner, who has a coolness about himself. His ability to move within the pocket is comparable to Andrew Luck, and his accuracy draws a high grade. Moore without a doubt has a place at the next level, however I wonder where he will be drafted, and whether or not it will take him a few years to begin to see playing time (example- Troy Smith).

Doug Martin (Boise State)

Martin versus Nevada posted huge numbers in a crushing defeat in overtime to Nevada in Reno. Even in the loss, Martin displayed strong running back qualities; downfield vision, agility to break away, and strength behind his pads; he set up blocks nicely and outran defenders; Martin can also break a lot of arm tackles. A solid junior running back, Doug Martin could be a bargain if he decides to bolt for the NFL.

Dan Herron (Ohio State)

In one of the nation’s greatest rivalries, Michigan versus Ohio State, OSU running back Dan Herron did more than impress scouts with his on field play. Herron who has been coined the nickname “Boom”, by the Ohio State faithful for his hard nosed power running style, flashed big play ability and another gear of speed. Busting off a 98 yard TD run that was called back for a downfield holding penalty. Herron is a powerful runner, who has the explosiveness to bust a big gain. This kid has a strong stiff arm, and underrated speed, another real good back that could contribute early on at the next level.

Underclassmen Wideouts

Here are some high rising WRs who upped their game last Saturday;

1.     Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland Jr.

Smith caught 14 passes for 224 yards and 4 scores; He has truly developed his game as a receiver, from the routes he runs, to the authority he exhibits when catching the rock. A very solid prospect who has vast potential due to his physical attributes (record power clean max by a Maryland WR, and the second best squat of any Maryland WR all time). Could work his way into the top 3 or 5 of Wide Receivers in next year’s draft.

2.     Justin Blackmon, WR, Ok. State, So.(Rs)

Blackmon did not exactly tear up the stat sheet yesterday, but what I saw was a grit and determination to win by Blackmon. Nursing an injured ankle that noticeably affected his explosiveness, Blackmon continued to run full effort routes, and still gained separation on defenders despite not being 100%. Another solid week for one of the nation’s top wide receivers

3.     Darvin Adams, WR, Auburn, Jr.

Adams has emerged as Cam Newton’s go to receiver, and has shown extremely good route running abilities, and ball skills. Adams made big catch after big catch; on the sideline on a key 4^th down, on a 3^rd down over the middle, no matter where on the field Adams was sure to come down with the pivotal catch. Adams could possibly come out with Cam Newton and be drafted within the rounds of 4 to 6.

Stock Down

Mark Barron (Alabama)

Eyes peering into the backfield, or eyes locked on his man, Barron against Auburn last Friday just could not seem to make a play on the ball when it was in the air. Sometimes he was in good position, most times he was not, but in both cases Barron was victimized by the Auburn passing attack. Barron showed his tough style of football, helping out in the run defense with big hits, but failed to cover the back end of the field. His poor play ultimately led to the Auburn comeback victory. It seems there are no real solid safety prospects in this draft that could go in the first round. I see Barron as a 2^nd or 3^rd round guy, based solely on talent.

Boise State’s D-Line

After a strong first half, the Bronco’s front seven, particular on the d-line, was absolutely manhandled by Nevada’s pistol rushing attack of Colin Kaepernicke and Vai Taua. The inability to stop the run, led to the Wolf Pack’s successful use of PA passes. Also, there was absolutely zero pass rush on Kaepernicke, and even when there was a pass rush, they tackled very poorly and allowed Kaepernicke to escape the pressure. Overall a terrible and ultimately sad night for the Boise State Broncos, as a win would have most certainly placed them in at the least a BCS Rose Bowl. Some notable D-lineman I had been looking at; Billy Wynn and Ryan Winterswyk.

*Noteable addition(s) to Big Board: Justin Blackmon and J.J. Watt

*Noteable dropoff(s) from the Big Board: Demarcus Love and Mark Ingram

Alex Brown's 2011 Big Board: Week 3

Here are my top recruits for the 2011 NFL Draft:

(*) Denotes draft eligible under-classman

1. *Andrew Luck: Stanford, QB, 6'4 235 lbs

Although I have stated, and continue to believe that Mallet has the most potential in the upcoming draft, mainly due to his superior throwing ability, Andrew Luck has shown the most NFL ready talent out of all players in the upcoming draft. Luck is the prototype quarterback any team would love to have on their team. His decision making is stellar, and his presence in the pocket is unlike any other quarterback I have seen in college football. Luck accurately throws each and every pass on the field; very fluid throwing motion and the ball is out in a flash. One thing to also note is his ability to run the ball, which only adds to his value as a complete quarterback. There are no real "holes" in his game, as Luck is the total package.

NFL Comparison: Peyton Manning

2. Patrick Peterson: LSU, CB, 6'1 220 lbs

In what will prove to be an extremely deep cornerback class, Peterson provides the most talent at the position. Peterson not only is a physical man-to-man cover with fluid hips and backpedal, but Peterson is a playmaker on special teams. Peterson is the only player I believe in this draft, who will impact a NFL team's return game more. His running vision, combined with his exceptional speed and agility make him a threat to take it to the house every return.

NFL Comparison: Charles Woodson

3. Robert Quinn: North Carolina, DE, 6'4 267 lbs

No doubt the most athletic kid in the coming draft, Quinn is a freakish athlete who is an explosive DE. Quinn is a bit undersized, however I feel he will be exceptional in any NFL 4-3 scheme as he has the speed off the end, and has increased his strength over the past few seasons. Quinn still has not played a down in 2009 due to a suspension for illegal agent dealings, however Quinn has arguably the most talent in the years draft.

NFL Comparison: Demarcus Ware

4. Ryan Mallet: Arkansas, QB, 6'6 260 lbs

A close 2nd to Luck, Ryan Mallet in my mind will be the first of his size (6'6) to succeed at the NFL level. Mallet has the best throwing ability of any QB in the year's coming draft, and has been productive in NCAA's toughest defensive conference (SEC). Mallet obviously can throw the deep ball, and all throws within the pocket with accuracy, however over the past two seasons Mallet has shown an extreme amount of accuracy on the run. His improved footwork and pocket presence have elevated him inside of my top 5 for this year's draft; all that to say that these are also the reasons which he should not be drafted as the number one overall pick.

NFL Comparison: Ben Roethlisberger

5. *A.J. Green: Georgia, WR, 6'4 210 lbs

The most talented WR in the 2011 draft, Green is the only true deep threat who has the size to produce in the NFL. His ball skills are second to none, and he has produced in the toughest conference in the nation (SEC) without a relatively solid QB throwing him the rock. He makes any quarterback better, as he can go up and get essentially any pass thrown his way. He adds production to any struggling passing team, and will go in the top 10 no doubt. Missing the first 4 games has hurt his team more than his draft stock, but Green needs to dissolve any talks about character issues by showing his on-field ability.

NFL Comparison: Randy Moss

6. Prince Amukamara: Nebraska, CB, 6'1 205 lbs

Amukamara in many scouting circles, including Mel Kiper Jr and Scouting Inc, is considered to be the 2011 draft's top cornerback prospect. He has possibly the best man coverage skills of any other corner, and has the speed to keep up with any vertical threat. Amukamara is fundamentally sound, and looks to become an elite corner at the next level.

NFL Comparison: Nnamdi Asomugha

7. Da'Quan Bowers, Clemson, DE, 6'4 280lbs

Bowers is a disruptive force at DE, and looks to me like the best 3-4 DE in the draft; a perfect trio of size, speed, and strength. Bowers facing double teams all night at Auburn last Saturday night, Bowers dominated the line of scrimmage and disrupted the opposing Tiger's offensive rhythm. Bowers has the ability to produce at the next level, and has dominated at every level of football he has played at, as he was Clemson's most hyped prospect ever, coming out of high school.

NFL Comparison: Justin Tuck

8. Jake Locker: Washington, QB, 6'3 230 lbs

One game can do a world of hurt for a potential number one overall draft pick... After a miserable loss to Nebraska, in which Locker completed only four of his twenty attempted passes, Jake has slid down just about each and every scouts draft board. His indecision, lack of accuracy, and disappearance of his improved footwork when pressured had many scouts biting their tongues. As much as I know Locker is mainly at fault for this poor performance, in at least 9 of his incompletions/interceptions, Locker had zero receivers open. Locker is a prototypical quarterback; great arm, quick feet, and exceptional speed at quarterback. If he can finish the rest of the season strong, I feel he could stay within the top 10 of the 2011 draft. I want to see how he responds to this adversity. Locker has NFL ready physical tools and arm strength, however his decision-making, accuracy, and fundamentals under pressure must improve for him to break my top 5.

NFL Comparison: Jay Cutler

9. Janoris Jenkins: Florida, CB, 5'11 184

The Florida Gators are 2-0 and this year it is not because of its prolific offense; rather big plays and solid defense have been a staple of this 2010 team. Jenkins has climbed up many draft boards this year with huge plays in the first few weeks, and his great closing speed draws comparisons to his former teammate Joe Haden. Jenkins is very solid in one-on-one coverage, and also can play a sturdy cover 3 zone. What differentiates Jenkins skills from the other corners in this draft, is his ability to explode through tackles and make big stops aiding the ground defense. This kid is an impact player who knows how to win. 

NFL Comparison: Joe Haden

10. *Marcel Dareus: Alabama, DT, 6'4 305lbs

Rounding out my top 10 is Dareus who, like Quinn and Green afore mentioned, has been affected by suspension due to illegal agent dealings. Dareus could very well rise into the top 5 overall as the season progresses, as his athleticism from a defensive tackle position is second to none. The environment of a winning program, and Nick Saban's defensive mindset couple to make Dareus a solid acquisition for any losing franchise looking to revamp their defense. Although he missed the first two games this season, I feel this kid is by and large, the nation's most premier interior pass rusher. Depending on a team's needs, I can see Dareus being drafted inside the top 5.

NFL Comparison: Warren Sapp

Rounding out the Top 32


11. Mark Ingram, Alabama, RB
12. Quan Sturdivant, North Carolina, OLB
13. Marvin Austin, North Carolina, DT
14. Adrian Claybourn, Iowa, DE
15. Cameron Heyward, Ohio State, DE
16. Julio Jones, Alabama, WR
17. Bruce Carter, North Carolina, OLB
18. Derrek Sherrod, Mississippi State, OT
19. Ras-I Dowling, Virginia, CB
20. Allen Bailey, Miami, DE
21. Michael Floyd, Notre Dame, WR
22. Marcus Cannon, TCU, OG
23. DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson, S
24. Von Miller, Texas A&M, OLB
25. Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame, TE
26. Brandon Harris, Miami, CB
27. Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech, RB
28. Mike Pouncey, Florida, OG
29. Joseph Barksdale, LSU, OT
30. JacQuizz Rodgers, Oregon State, RB
31. Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue, DE
32. Jon Baldwin, Pittsburgh, WR

Throughout each and every week players will jump into/ out of my big board, as well as an expanded look later; top 25 coming up in the next 5 weeks. My top 50 should be up and running by season's end. Comment on guys you feel got snubbed, overrated, or if you agree with me. Thanks for the read.