Draft Profile Series: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
- Updated: May 5, 2014
As we approach the deepest NFL Draft in recent memory, I’ll give my breakdown and analysis of 75 top prospects in this year’s class. At the conclusion of this series, I will include my final overall and positional rankings, as well as a mock draft.
Ha’Sean Clinton-Dix, S, 6-1½, 208, Alabama
Key stats: Had 88 tackles, seven interceptions and 13 passes defensed in past two seasons.
Strengths: Versatile safety with good all-around skills. … Good recognition of run/pass. … Has above average man skills when covering tight ends and/or slot receivers. … Breaks down very well in space to make tackles. … Takes good angles around line of scrimmage, and in passing game. … Played under Nick Saban, so he was asked to quarterback a defense that uses NFL-style schemes. … He has ability to walk down and play in the box. … Hasn’t missed any time due to injury.
Weaknesses: Could use to get stronger. … Can make quicker reads in passing game. … Seems reluctant to leave hashes and get to sideline routes. … Sometimes waits until pass is in air before breaking on ball, instead of trusting his read and getting quicker break. … Can be overaggressive when playing close to line of scrimmage: sometimes getting fooled by play action. … Has trouble getting off blocks when coming down in run game. … Hand fights with them instead of cutting lead blockers or laying shoulder into them. … Had a two-game suspension for NCAA violation.
Conclusion: A center fielder for the Crimson Tide, Clinton-Dix was often used as a single-high safety. … Clinton-Dix didn’t make as many impact plays as I’d like to see, especially considering he was surrounded by great talent throughout his career. … While I don’t look at Clinton-Dix as a super blue-chip prospect, I think he’ll become a solid NFL safety. … He is versatile enough to play deep, near the line of scrimmage, in zone, or in man-to-man coverage. That alone will help him get his name called relatively early in the draft.
NFL comparison: Nate Allen/Malcolm Jenkins.
Draft projection: First round. Likely between 10-20.
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