DE Jadeveon Clowney, Jr, South Carolina

Measurables: 6’5” 275 lbs

Strengths:

• Great Frame and size, has the ability to add more weight if need be or drop a little if asked.
• Explosive first step and great timing off the snap, can get into opposing linemen before they have a chance to anchor.
• Very productive first two seasons at South Carolina, lived in opponents backfield as a sophomore.
• Commands double teams and extra attention, will cause an offense to game plan around him, limiting what they can do.
• Can win with both power and speed, making him very tough to block
• Will shed blockers and win the leverage game as well
• Has elite potential to be an elite pass rusher at the next level.
• Strong run defender and can hold up at the point of attack

Weaknesses:

• Desire has been questioned this year
• Has given up on too many plays, even when he could still make somewhat of an impact
• Has taken himself out of games and sat out a game despite being cleared by the medical staff.
• Hasn’t been as productive this season when he has played
• Can get a little streaky at times, needs to play with more consistency

Analysis:

Clowney has been a favorite for the number one overall pick in this draft since he was a senior in High School. Clowney was the undisputed number 1 prospect coming out of High School and it was thought that after three years he would be a top pick in the draft. After his first two seasons Clowney looked to be on track for the top overall pick in the draft. He exploded in his sophomore season, and looked to be every bit the elite defensive end everyone thought he could be.

This year he’s taken a step back as his commitment has been questioned. While it is frustrating to see him take off plays and not give 100% effort, these questions shouldn’t keep Clowney out of the top half of the first round and likely the top 10. At another position it could be a bigger issue, but plenty of top defensive ends have had effort question marks when they came out.