Draft Profile Series: Jadeveon Clowney
- Updated: May 3, 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.
Jadeveon Clowney, DE/OLB, 6-6, 267, South Carolina
Key stats: Had 54 tackles, 23.5 for loss and 13 sacks in 2012; Just 40/11.5/3 in 2013.
Strengths: Clowney is the most physically-gifted end to come along in recent memory. … Has elite speed and quickness. … Has great wingspan and big hands. … Plays with suddenness. … Isn’t just an edge rusher. … His most effective moves have been swims and rips to the inside. … He’ll line up on the outside shoulder of the tackle and when the tackle tries to reach him, he quickly dives inside and disrupts plays. … Is a good tackler and has ability to strip quarterbacks.
Weaknesses: Doesn’t play with great technique. … Is inconsistent with his effort. … Needs to play with better leverage against the run. … Gets pushed around and has trouble fighting double teams. … Needs work on rush technique and hand placement. … Comes off as lackadaisical and immature. … Can he handle the fame, money, pressure and heavy scrutiny that are sure to come?
Conclusion: Based on physical talent alone, Clowney is a freak of nature. If he comes to play every day and takes to coaching, he will be a dominant force. … Has ability to be among the league leaders in sacks for a decade. … Fits best as a 4-3 end, but, if he is used properly, has talent to convert to 3-4 outside linebacker. … Clowney will need to be a good student and take his craft seriously. … If he’s willing to learn proper technique, and is able to consistently apply it on the field, he will be a dominant player. … If he isn’t ready to work hard and decides to solely rely on his physical gifts, he will have a rude awakening.
NFL comparison: Jason Pierre-Paul/Julius Peppers.
Draft projection: Likely top pick, will go in top 3.
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