Scouting Report: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

Ht: 6-3 Wt: 286 40: 4.79

Strengths: He shows very good instincts. Has great awareness. Has a powerful punch. He is excellent at fighting off blocks; he uses his hands very effectively. One specific clip comes to mind where he demonstrates this(last year against Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl 6:29 in the 2^nd quarter) He shows very good technique by keeping his eyes on where the football is; shedding off the potential blocker and making the tackle; excellent form. Very strong; able to hold up blockers and locate the football. At times he is able to throw blockers away from him. He has natural footwork. He can shuffle across the LOS very smoothly. He does a good job of keeping his outside shoulder free. Extremely strong against the run. His biggest strength. Offers a decent pass rush (he has a good bull rush because of his strength). Has a very good motor. A clip that demonstrates this comes to mind from last year against Ohio St. 6:31 3^rd quarter. He fights off two blockers, and gets the sack. Tremendous effort. He is versatile; can play in 3-4 or 4-3 defensive schemes. Most people see him as a 3-4 end. He's a playmaker and a solid leader for the Hawkeyes.

Weaknesses: He needs to learn to tackle under control. Often gets too high when engaged with blockers, must stay low. His first step could be improved. He will struggle to rush the passer in the NFL. He will not be able to rely strictly on his strength to beat tackles in the NFL like he does in college. He needs to learn different moves and how to dip his shoulder to get around tackles. That also brings up another pass rushing concern; his overall speed is average and that will limit his pass rushing ability. He could afford to gain some weight. He was recently charged with assaulting a cab driver.

Summary: Adrian Clayborn really opened up a lot of people's eyes at last year's Orange Bowl; he was dominant in that game. I began to watch tape on this young man and I was very impressed. He is easily one of the strongest players in the country. He looks like a natural at the defensive end position. Many scouts will have to determine though, what system they think he will be a better fit in. If it's the 3-4 DE, I believe he will need to gain some weight. He's got the strength but he could use some more bulk to take on NFL double teams. If it's the 4-3 DE or DT, I believe that he will need to improve this season as a pass rusher. Despite these questions, Clayborn is coming off a breakout season and if he repeats a season like he had last year; he will be taken in the earlier part of the first round.

Draft Projection: 1^st round