Adrian Clayborn Inside If…
June 3rd, 2013
Tim Ryan of SiriusXM NFL Radio, a former Bears defensive tackle, believes the Bucs could move Adrian Clayborn inside on passing downs if they signed a certain free agent defensive end.
Last week a former Bucs season ticket holder called into “Movin’ the Chains,” heard exclusively on SiriusXM NFL Radio, (as many NFL fans are wont to do as they count down June days with training camp now just seven weeks away), and asked co-hosts Pat Kirwan and Tim Ryan to break down the Bucs.
The duo claimed that if rockstar general manager Mark Dominik would shell out the cash for aging free agent defensive end John Abraham, who is still looking for work, then it would be a win-win for the Bucs.
Since Dominik took over as general manager, the Bucs have been trying to beef up their pass rush. Sadly, injuries have stunted the development of four — maybe five — defensive linemen, though one, Gerald McCoy, is on the cusp of greatness if he can stay healthy.
If the Bucs did get Abraham, Ryan, a former defensive tackle for the Bears, explained what his front four would look like on passing downs.
Pat Kirwan: I would love to see this team get John Abraham.
Tim Ryan: I’m with you.
Kirwan: Just put Abraham on this roster. Let’s go get it and now figure the inside for me Tim. How would you line it up if you had John Abraham? What would the front four look like on a passing down.
Ryan: If I wanted to get my best four our there, with John Abraham? I’d have Da’Quan Bowers as my left end, I’d have Abraham at right end, I’d have Gerald McCoy chewing on two guys inside and at times get him an outside shade on a guard and I’d have Adrian Clayborn right in there.
Kirwan: I agree with you. I think that’s the way to go. And it would be a nice move.
Now this is very interesting to Joe. When is the last time Clayborn played inside? At times the Bucs ran stunts where Clayborn did spin inside, with limited results (and GMC lobbied hard for defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan to knock off the games and let the rushers rush, which seemed to help a great deal).If you are just talking pass rushers only, well, Joe can somewhat see that, but Joe is doubtful this happens.
First, Dominik doesn’t like to sign aging free agents (read, Abraham). Yeah, sure, Dominik signed Dallas Clark last year but notice he didn’t bring him back this year?
There is a reason Abraham is still looking for work in June. Either he’s asking way too much cash or teams believe he’s on the downside of his career (or both).
As far as the pass rush goes, Joe does know that if he makes the team, William Gholston, a rookie defensive end, is being strongly looked at to pass rush inside. Being 6-7, just his wingspan alone on the inside should give opposing quarterbacks fits.
So Kirwan and Ryan may be onto something, as it appears Greg Schiano may just use three defensive ends/pass rush specialists on passing downs (Steven Means perhaps, maybe Dekoda Watson?) with just one tackle, that being GMC.
June 3rd, 2013 at 8:08 am
Bucs were talking $ with him 2 wks ago.
June 3rd, 2013 at 9:02 am
I thouht Clayborn’s congenital problem with his right arm limited him to playing RE??
June 3rd, 2013 at 10:06 am
The fact that the Falcons brought in Osi and state that he is a better fit “chemistry wise,” should tell us al we need to know about Abraham. Will never happen.
June 3rd, 2013 at 10:25 am
They will most likely before the season begins pickup the best available pass rusher. There are still others out there besides Abraham who would settle for less to use in rotation. e.g. Israel Idonije, Kyle Vanden Bosch, Ray Edwards. Dom is taking a wait and see approach but in the mean time Abraham is stewing in his own juices and will eventually come down in price.
June 3rd, 2013 at 11:23 am
I would love Abraham in Tampa. Just for one year. Don’t make him starter.
Of course, he would have to accept his role.
June 3rd, 2013 at 11:25 am
I’m guessing Sedrick Ellis would come cheap at DT. I realize he is considered a bust, but I see nothing wrong with letting him compete as depth and see if we can get more out of him.
He had talent in college…it just needs to be pulled out of him again. Somehow. Can’t hurt to try.
June 3rd, 2013 at 11:37 am
Why would we do that??? A healthy Clayborn is a better pass rusher at this point in Abraham’s career.
June 3rd, 2013 at 12:13 pm
I’ll pass on Abraham (***thought he signed with the Titans***Oh well, guess he didn’t). Honestly, I like our current starters on the D-line; I also like the depth we added via the draft. Why does every wanna replace Adrian Clayborn? Dude had 7.5 sacks as a rookie for crying out loud; unfortunately for him he got injured last season. Clayborn has a non-stop motor, he’s great against the run, and he can Rush the Passer. As Gerald McCoy stated, the upgrades made to the secondary should help give our D-line that “1 extra second” needed to get to the QB. With that said, moving Gholston inside in certain packages sounds like an excellent idea. Kid’s 6’7; a guy like Drew Brees would have a hard time getting passes over his out stretched arms.
June 3rd, 2013 at 12:39 pm
It has to be the price tag. If Abraham is healthy and only asking the minimum then someone would sign him. Pass rushers are WAY to coveted for that NOT to be the case. I personally would rather put it on the shoulders of Bowers and Clayborn to PROVE they can be healthy AND productive for a whole season. If they can’t stay healthy this year, then BOTH will have to be replaced or given more viable backups. The good news is that with all of those vets sitting in free agency we should be able to nab one of them if a serious injury occurs.
For the record, I think Bowers and Clayborn will be MORE than fine. I think both will be outstanding if they stay healthy. I think the question is more with health than talent with these guys. (Much like McCoy.)
June 3rd, 2013 at 1:07 pm
The only way Dom snags a pass rusher is if someone gets hurt. I think that is also a reason he maintains cap space. They just drafted these 3 kids and want to see what they can do. I like all 3, but Means is the one I really like, maybe an Aldon Smith player. Abraham wants to start and not just okay 3’rd down or he’d be with the Titans. I don’t think we need anybody else as long as they stay healthy. I swear guys like Ryan don’t listen to anything Dom or Schiano says. Their actions pretty much tell the story.
June 3rd, 2013 at 1:43 pm
He’s toast, man.
June 3rd, 2013 at 2:27 pm
Joe,
Abraham must be close to toast too, since no-one is apparently interested. Even if he does relinquish and lower his asking price, it may draw some teams interest, but there wouldn’t be a bidding war.