Two Cents on Jadeveon Clowney's Draft Status

Jadeveon Clowney has been a household name (well, any household with cable and a passing interest in sports) for his three years at South Carolina, and now as the draft approaches for the swirl of questions and attention he has been receiving. ESPN has just published an article, in fact, where they seem to lend some credibility to all the talk about Clowney's work ethic, or lack thereof. NFL scouts apparently question him and are wary of drafting someone who undoubtedly, clearly took his foot off the gas in his last year on a competitive SEC team, probably in order to prepare for the NFL. Clowney will doubtless go top 5, regardless of all the talk, but it bears mentioning that there is definitely some legitimacy to issues about his draft status and what NFL teams really feel or suspect about this guy.
Firstly, anyone can see he is a ridiculous athlete, with raw talent the likes of which is rarely found. He apparently trains like an freak and obviously has the body type and combine numbers to succeed in the NFL.While everyone finds something to argue about concerning Clowney, one thing we can all agree on is that when he wants to (and yes, sometimes he may not) he can absolutely change a game on defense. This can be said about any great defensive end of course, but not every defensive end does this in a BCS bowl game. Remember January 1st, 2013?

A great moment

He puts together a great highlight reel obviously, and with plays like that it's little wonder some call him a "once in a generation player." But while I previously disregarded everything about Clowney that was a bit critical, now I am forced to admit that there is something to this. There are apparently plenty of NFL scouts saying flatly that they see the drop in his numbers as a warning sign. Here is another thing we can agree on. Clowney after 2012 would have absolutely gone first overall in the draft, coming off a season where he established without doubt that he was the best defensive player in college football. Some said he was the best defensive player since Lawrence Taylor. But 2013 came and he went from 13 sacks to just 3, 54 tackles to 35, and skipped a couple of games with vague injuries or health issues. That's a terrible progression, or regression in fact. He started the season as a Heisman runner up but faded rapidly, causing what we now have to be a very interesting and kinda awkward situation. We all saw the player he was in 2012, which is probably the player he can be, but what do we make of a mediocre and tumultuous last season, where he struggled with coaches (Steve Spurrier), teammates, and health?
With May 8th fast approaching, many raise legitimate concerns about Clowney's status as an immediately elite player in the NFL, due to the drop in numbers and the issues with health. But I still hold that Clowney is a truly elite player, and I would take Clowney first overall in a heartbeat. I think the Texans will do this, and they will be happy they did soon after the season starts. Ultimately no draft pick is without his risks, but with Clowney there is an astonishing upside. That's what it boils down to: There is definitely a range of how he will perform, as applies to any athlete, but just think for a moment if we see 2012 Clowney on the field. Though he seems like different player after last season, we saw what he can do, and the Texans can only hope (with a good amount of confidence) that he will bring it again in the NFL.

College Football-NFL Comparisons: Sammy Watkins

Sammy Watkins rivals Marquise Lee as the top wide receiver in this year's draft. The lean, elegant, quick Clemson Tiger had a stellar collegiate career by any standard, and impressed at the combine (a 4.43 40 will cement his status as an elite player nicely), such that most mock drafts have him going early in the first, top 10 even. Tampa Bay with the seventh overall pick is an intriguing suitor, and they would certainly be happy to have him, but we can't really tell if Watkins will make it that far or, on the flip side, be valued that highly. Regardless, Watkins looks to be an excellent player at the next level, with maturity and talent in equal measure. As an excellent player he already merits an intriguing comparison with Ravens wideout Torrey Smith. While Watkins has a formidable skill set in terms of hands and winning the ball, the area where he truly excels and would even stand out in the NFL is after the catch. Watkins puts together a great and even comical highlight reel with elusiveness and speed. He extends plays and his yards after the catch are astronomical at times. He has the ability to make huge plays with explosive moves, making plenty of decent secondaries look stupid. We have seen this all before in many a great NFL receiver, but Smith especially draws a good comparison in this regard. Midway through Watkins' freshman season (as a true freshman in 2011), an astonishing 63% of his yards came after the catch! This is no statical anomaly for a player who didn't see much of the field, as Watkins totaled over 1,200 yards his freshman season. So he played a lot, made a lot of big plays, and did most of his considerable damage on his feet with the ball in his hands. Beyond this, he has great hands and wins balls out of the air, with 27 touchdowns in three years of college ball. A tempting prospect for any NFL team, Watkins should excel wherever he lands, and he will be fun to watch for years to come.

College Football-NFL Comparisons: Jadeveon Clowney

         What will Jadeveon Clowney be able to do at the next level? Most people expect great things of him, but there are those who, in hushed tones, speak of potential to be the greatest defensive end, ever. "The Andrew Luck of defenders" nicely describes the hype, while "the best ever" is over the top. The reports range, but I simply can't agree with the crazy speculation of all time great, seeing as he is not in the league yet. Such talk speaks to the excitement surrounding Clowney though. This is a guy who at the combine ran a 4.53 40. People won't stop talking about that for a long time. Let's look at other fast dashes in the combine. Marquise Lee, one of the top receivers in the draft from USC posted a 4.52. Mike Evans, probably the second receiver to be drafted from Texas A&M, ran a 4.53. DeAnthony Thomas, for Pete's sake, ran a 4.50! These are guys who are getting drafted to be the fastest players on the field. Receivers and backs who are renowned for their speed, (Thomas' speed in Oregon has at times seemed the stuff of legend.) and they will be some of the fastest players on the field. We have now learned that if Clowney is on the field as well, they won't be alone. He is, of course, a small defensive end, at 250 lbs, but he can be that size if he proves to be as explosive as he looks at times. He is a game changer on defense, recording 24 sacks in 3 years at South Carolina. I, like many observers out there, have to think he's going to bring that in the NFL. Potential suitors include the Texans or the Falcons. I can only imagine J.J. Watt and Clowney on the same defense…

       I have heard comparisons with Julius Peppers (Clowney is a "meaner, nastier version") but what stands out to me is a comparison with Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller. The 24 year old two time pro-bowler played defensive end in college, and at his combine he posted, wait for it, a 4.53 40 yard dash and did 21 reps at the bench press. These are the only two defensive players to post numbers like that in the combine in quite a while, stunning performances. But beyond uncannily similar body types, both these players have some doubts about maturity or off the field issues (Miller way more than Clowney, but still) and have frankly elite potential (a potential which Miller has in some part already fulfilled, regardless of a bad 2013 season.) Clowney and Miller are part of a select few of elite defensive players who absolutely change a football game. They need to be game-planned around, and at the NFL level that says something. Many people are saying different things about Clowney, from "the best pro prospect in the draft by far" to "not ready to make an impact yet." For me, the answer obviously lies somewhere in the middle. Though I can't see Clowney having a phenomenal freshman season I can see him having what might be deemed a phenomenal career. Whether he does or not remains to be seen. 

NFL Combine Day 1 Recap

The NFL Combine is now underway, where NFL teams are able to shop for some of college football's best players in order to enhance their depth chart. The biggest names in college football, including Johnny Manziel, Teddy Bridgewater, and Jadeveon Clowney, all are looking to prove themselves in front of NFL scouts, which is why the NFL Combine is so important. here are notable story lines from Day 1.

Greg Robinson, an offensive tackle from Auburn, put on a show at the combine, particularly with his spectacular 40-yard dash time. Weighing in at 332 pounds, it is incredible that Robinson was able to run the 40 yards in 4.92 seconds, a time that ranked second among offensive linemen. Greg Robinson is already one of the nation's top prospects, but his incredible time may even propel him ahead of fellow offensive linemen Jake Matthews on the draft boards.

Taylor Lewan had the best 40 yard dash time of any offensive linemen, which is extremely important for him considering that he is behind offensive linemen Greg Robinson and Jake Matthews on most draft boards. Lewan weighs 23 pounds less than Greg Robinson, which goes to show how impressive Robinson's performance was. Lewan's performance was very good, but not quite enough to dethrone Robinson and Matthews as the top offensive linemen in this draft class.

Cyrus Kouandijo was the biggest loser from Day 1 in the NFL Combine. Seeing that Kouandijo is an extremely talented player coming out of Alabama, scouts were expecting him to post incredible numbers. Instead, Kouandijo failed a number of club physicals at the combine due to his long-term knee issues, and also posted mediocre to above average numbers for an offensive tackle. His disappointing combine will hurt his draft stock even more, especially after his poor performance in the Sugar Bowl against Oklahoma.

Greg Robinson, Jake Matthews, and Taylor Lewan race on the 40-yard dash simulcam! MUST-SEE: http://t.co/OasPvjj6HD #NFLCombine
— NFL (@nfl) February 22, 2014

2013 NFL Mock Draft: Post-Combine

1. Kansas City Chiefs: OT Luke Joeckel: With Alex Smith expected to be traded to Kansas City, the Chiefs no longer need to draft Geno Smith in order to fill the gap at quarterback. New head coach Andy Reid has said he will draft the best player on the board, which is why Luke Joeckel will be selected first overall in the 2013 NFL Draft.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars: DE Bjoern Warner: Jacksonville's new logo may be the start of a brand new franchise, so drafting Bjoern Warner has the potential to solve the problem on defense. The Jaguars ranked dead last in sacks last season, allowing the opposing team's quarterback to feel comfortable in the pocket. Jacksonville has many other options at defensive end, but Warner is capable of fixing the problem long term.

3. Oakland Raiders: QB Geno Smith: Even though Carson Palmer had a successful 2012 season statistically, the Oakland Raiders appear to be interested in drafting Geno Smith. Originally, Smith was the favorite to be drafted first overall, but now that Kansas City is in the process of acquiring Alex Smith, Geno will fall to number 3 in the draft.

4. Philadelphia Eagles: OLB Dion Jordan: At 6'6" and 250 pounds, Jordan has extraordinary speed that will improve Philadelphia's sack problem. The Eagles ranked 25th overall in terms of sacks, and former Oregon head coach Chip Kelly would be more than thrilled to draft one of his former players.

5. Detroit Lions: CB Dee Milliner: Milliner's incredible 40 yard dash time of 4.37 seconds has increased his draft stock exponentially. Detroit is in desperate need of a shut down corner if the Lions lose Chris Houston and Jacob Lacey via free agency.

6. Cleveland Browns: DE Barkevious Mingo: A corner back would be nice at the sixth spot in the draft, but because we expect Milliner to be drafted by Detroit, the Browns may have to settle with a defensive end. Barkevious Mingo, unlike DE Demontre Moore, maintained his high draft stock after a good showing at the combine. The better move for Cleveland would be to trade down and wait for a draft class with more depth, but if they were to keep their sixth overall pick, Cleveland will draft Mingo in order to improve their mediocre defense.

7. Arizona Cardinals: QB Matt Barkley: Offensive lineman Eric Fisher appears to be the more appropriate pick for Arizona, but many experts believe the Cardinals will take Matt Barkley in the first round. Barkley did not play any games toward the end of the 2012 season at USC due to an injury. This same injury kept him from participating the 2013 NFL combine. Even then, Arizona likes their chances with Barkley as their new quarterback in September.

8. Buffalo Bills: WR Cordarelle Patterson: Patterson is one of the most talented offensive players in this year's draft class. At 6'2", the former Tennessee Volunteer resembles NFL star wide receiver Julio Jones, with size, speed, and spectacular hands. Whomever the Bills select at quarterback (via free agency or draft), he will have a second option apart from Stevie Johnson.

9. New York Jets: OLB Ezekiel Ansah: Historically, Rex Ryan loves those players who dumbfounded scouts at the NFL combine. Last weekend, Ezekiel Ansah ran the 40 yard dash in 4.60 seconds. Considering the BYU linebacker is 6'5" and 270 pounds, his insane athleticism is bound to catch the eye of Rex Ryan, whose New York Jets could use an upgrade on the defensive side of the ball.

10. Tennessee Titans: OG Chance Warmack: While at Alabama, Chance Warmack successfully cleared the lane for running backs Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson, and Eddie Lacey. Warmack's size can overpower most defensive ends, and the Titans will look to rush their star running back Chris Johnson a lot more in 2013.

NFL Combine Results 2013: Day #6

40 yard dash: Cornerbacks
1. Darius Slay, Mississippi St 4.36
2. Dee Milliner, Alabama 4.37
3. Desmond Trufant, Washington 4.38
4. Robert Alford, Southern Louisiana 4.39
5. Jamar Taylor, Boise St. 4.39

40 yard dash: Safeties
1. Shamarko Thomas, Syracuse 4.42
2. Earl Wolff, NC State 4.44
3. Shawn Williams, Georgia 4.46
4. Eric Reid, LSU 4.53
5. Matt Elam, Florida 4.54

Vertical Jump: Cornerbacks
1. Xavier Rhodes, Florida St 40.5 inches
2. BW Webb, William & Mary 40.5 inches
3. Steve Williams, California 40.5 inches
4. Robert Alford Southern Louisiana 40.0 inches
5. Swayne Gratz, Connecticut 38.0 inches

Vertical Jump: Safeties
1. Eric Reid, LSU 40.5 inches
2. Shamarko Thomas, Syracuse 40.5 inches
3. TJ McDonald, USC 40.0 inches
4. Earl Wolff, NC State 39.0 inches
5. John Cyprien, Florida International 38.5 inches

Broad Jump: Cornerbacks
1. Robert Alford, Southern Louisiana 11'0"
2. Xavier Rhodes, Florida St 11'0"
3. BW Webb, William & Mary 11'0"
4. Tharold Simon, LSU 10'8"
5. Steve Williams, California 10'8"

Broad Jump: Safeties
1. Eric Reid, LSU 11'2"
2. Earl Wolff, NC State 11'2"
3. Shamarko Thomas, Syracuse 11'1"
4. TJ McDonald, USC 10'11"
5. Zeke Motta, Notre Dame 10'6"

NFL Report Update: Star Lotulelei

Breaking News: Star Lotulelei will not be participating in this year's NFL Scouting Combine after being diagnosed with an unnamed heart condition during his medical exam, all according to ESPN's Christ Mortensen. Lotulelei was a defensive tackle for Utah, and was projected to be drafted within the top 10 picks of the 2013 NFL Draft. This new condition could potentially affect his draft stock by the time April rolls around.