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Skinny: Few players received more accolades in college football last season than the Hawkeyes stud pass-rusher. Clayborn had a remarkable year, finishing with 70 tackles, including 20 for a loss and 11 ½ sacks. He also blocked a kick and returned it for a touchdown versus Penn State and was named MVP of the FedEx Orange Bowl. He recently plead guilty to disorderly conduct in May, which included an altercation with a taxi-cab driver.

Scout's Take

Pros: A senior defensive end at Iowa, Adrian Clayborn is an incredibly talented and unique prospect. Anyone who watched the 2010 Orange Bowl will remember Clayborn’s MVP performance as he completely dominated the game and displayed massive amounts of NFL potential. Standing 6’3” and 280-plus pounds Clayborn has near prototypical size to go along with his elite foot work, burst, hip fluidity, explosiveness, leg drive and motor. After flashing potential as a sophomore, the St. Louis native busted loose in 2009 with one of the best defensive seasons in the nation: 70 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 20 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles. Not just an athletic talent, Clayborn is known for his hustle—the big man plays to the whistle on each and every play. He is easy to spot on film and not just because of his trademark dreadlocks; his play leaps off the screen and he seems to be everywhere at once. Once the whistle blows it’s obvious that Clayborn was born to dominate from defensive end. Even against opposing teams’ left tackles—usually a team’s best pass protector—Clayborn still demands a double team, as his package of physical tools is nearly impossible to handle one on one. When rushing the passer the Iowa product’s natural physical skills provide him with a plethora of moves—a repertoire that includes the burst and explosion to turn the corner and the strength, size and leg drive to engage offensive linemen and drive them into the backfield. Speed rush, bull rush, double moves…Clayborn gets to the quarterback in each and every way. Clayborn displays exceptional positional versatility in his pass rush—he has the ability to get to the quarterback from either end position, either tackle position, or from a two-point stance. Furthermore, once he gets there he looks to make a strip sack. The first team All-Big Ten star is also a nightmare in the rushing game as his nimble feet and all-out effort make him difficult to mirror, and he will use the slightest gap presented to him to shoot through to the ball carrier. Clayborn’s natural lateral agility also gives him an incredible ability to flash down the line of scrimmage and make plays even when they are run away from his side of the field. He also possesses the natural ability to play in space and moves gracefully for a man his size, which is why some believed he would be make a good linebacker coming out of high school. As much as he earned accolades for his defensive play, Clayborn emerged to much of the nation when he blocked a punt against Penn State and returned it 53 yards for a touchdown. His game-changing play in the fourth quarter not only displayed his ability to contribute on special teams; it highlighted his knack for stepping up when his team needs him the most. Clayborn was named a permanent team captain in 2009 and has been part of Iowa’s Leadership Group since his sophomore season.

Cons: While Clayborn has excellent size and weight, he would benefit from a little more dedication to his weight training. His impressive natural physical prowess could be augmented were he to add strength, definition in his arms and a tighter midsection. Durability isn’t an issue, but at times his stamina is prone to wearing down as the game drags on. As a sophomore, the Iowa product left one game with an ankle injury, which limited him for the following two contests. The biggest concern clubs will have regarding Clayborn is the off-the-field red flag. In January of 2009, Clayborn punched an Iowa City taxi driver who honked at him. The 280-pounder exited his car and, according to reports, had to be pulled away by a friend. He pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor, in March of 2010. This doesn’t mean the Missouri native is a bad apple, but any sort of police record will give NFL teams pause when considering a draft prospect at the top end of the pay spectrum.

Our View: The dreadlocked warrior has a chance to be a truly dominant defender on the NFL level due to his impressive combination of physical skill, passion for the game and his ability to constantly get in the face of opposing quarterbacks. With all that, Clayborn still has very volatile stock and could be drafted anywhere from the top 10 to the top of the second round in next year’s draft. While word out of Iowa is that he is an excellent teammate, NFL teams have every right to worry about what will happen to Clayborn when he becomes a rich young man away from the inherently organized structure of his NFL team; will he get arrested? Will he fall out of shape? These are serious questions that give NFL owners anxieties about giving talented young men millions of dollars, which is why the Hawkeye made a very wise decision to return for his senior campaign. Not only can the all-Big Ten defensive end improve on his size and strength, the extra year will help him mature and potentially alleviate any character questions NFL franchises may have. We expect the Iowa product to have an All-American season and challenge for Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors as the Hawkeyes make a run at a conference title. That should make him a lock for the top half of the first round in next year’s draft.

News

08/26/10 - Former Webster Groves football standout Adrian Clayborn turned many heads last winter when he decided to put off the National Football League for one more year to return for his senior season at the University of Iowa. The 6'4" 285-pound Clayborn was rated as one of the country's top defensive ends and he was a sure-fire first-round draft choice had he decided to come out early. Instead, he decided to forego the riches and return for his senior year in the middle of December. He then celebrated his announcement by going out and dominating the Orange Bowl as he earned Most Valuable Player honors in Iowa's victory over Georgia Tech. Clayborn's individual rankings are just as lofty as well. He is ranked as the top defensive end in college football. National Football League draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has Clayborn ranked as the No. 5 player on his most recent NFL 2011 Draft Board. – The St. Louis Democrat

12/21/09 - The junior announced he’ll stay in school instead of entering the NFL draft in April. He was fourth in the Big Ten in sacks (9.5) and tackles for loss (18). That’s 20th and 14th, respectively, nationally. “Just going through the process,” Clayborn said when asked what triggered the decision. ”It’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot. (Former Hawkeye running back) Shonn Greene helped me out a lot with it. He went through the process last year. And talking to my mom (Tracie). – Gazette Online