Adrian Clayborn Working At Tackle
August 4th, 2014
Bucs DE Adrian Clayborn logged reps at tackle today in passing situations.
Joe noticed something both strange and telling today at practice.
While recommitted Bucs defensive end Da’Quan Bowers was found in his familiar spot on the football field — the sideline in street clothes — his teammate and fellow Bucs defensive end Adrian Clayborn was taking reps at defensive tackle.
That is not one of Joe’s typos. It is true. Clayborn was working at defensive tackle.
Of course, toth he and Bucs coach Lovie Smith admitted Clayborn has taken snaps at defensive end often in training camp. In the past, Lovie has noted he plans on keeping but seven defensive linemen active on gamedays and that those who show they can play both tackle and outside at end will have increased odds of dressing and/or playing.
Clayborn, who played exclusively at defensive end in college and during his rookie season with the Bucs, was placed just about all over the front line due to the myriad of crazed Sheridan Stunts under then-Bucs commander Greg Schiano.
Clayborn confessed he is good with trying his hand at tackle because, “I want to stay on the field.” Lovie talked about Clayborn as a tackle after practice.
“He’s been taking reps there all throughout,” Lovie said. “Most of all, we want to see what players can do. Sometimes you’re a defensive end. Defensive ends are a lot quicker; you put them inside, you could get a couple of plays when they go against some of the bigger, slower interior linemen. We’re a new staff and we want to give guys an opportunity to prove what they can do at as many positions as possible. Can he do it? Yeah, it’s not a big difference in playing.”
Pretty confident words from Lovie on Clayborn and, frankly, encouraging words. Clayborn noted he was usually practicing at tackle in passing situations
Joe knows Will Gholston can play both inside and outside. Bowers can, to,o but until he rids his head of Schiano’s voice, Bowers is a non-factor and possibly won’t make the team.
“Any chance I get to stay on the field I am fine with it,” Clayborn said. “The more positions you can play to help the defense, whether it is tackle or end, nose on some plays, anything I can do I am with it.
“I’m pretty confident.”
August 4th, 2014 at 9:30 pm
Realist is not going to be happy… lol
August 4th, 2014 at 9:42 pm
Clayborn is auditioning for one of the things Bowers was supposed to be doing. Good.
August 4th, 2014 at 9:45 pm
Harry you are too funny poor Realist lol.
August 4th, 2014 at 10:31 pm
More so than previous regimes, it seems like this staff is giving everybody on both OL and DL a fair shot.
Well, fairness or desperation maybe.
August 4th, 2014 at 10:45 pm
Knowing what you have will help on creating a game plan for getting after the QB. Great Coaching staff. Is it Friday yet???
August 4th, 2014 at 10:47 pm
Joe
How about trying Bowers as an OG, see if he can stop anyone?
August 4th, 2014 at 11:26 pm
After Bowers’ comments today blaming the old coach and in same sentence saying he’s now a better person and better player, they can cut his azz today and I’d be fine with it.
/ Go AC!
August 4th, 2014 at 11:30 pm
OB:
LOL Interesting.
August 4th, 2014 at 11:56 pm
Interesting.
August 5th, 2014 at 4:56 am
Looks like that Draft is becoming a wash as well
August 5th, 2014 at 7:06 am
I’m really pulling for AC to succeed wherever he lines up. He’s always put the maximum effort in without any complaint.
This guy has battled injury just like Bowers and has been with the exact same coaches without issue. After being demoted he’s in camp busting it for a new contract. Gotta respect him for showing up instead of rolling over.
Bowers may be my least favorite player after the Schiano comments. Trains like Jane, plays like Jane and now acts like Jane?
August 5th, 2014 at 7:45 am
Bingo!
August 5th, 2014 at 8:29 am
Who remembers the Giants NASCAR package from a few years ago?
They used to line up 4 DE’s in obvious passing situations.
I wouldnt mind seeing.
Johnson, McCoy, Clayborne, and Gholston on the line together sometimes.
August 5th, 2014 at 6:07 pm
clayborn seems to have the mindset and the power to go inside in certain situations, and i could see it happening more as the year goes on if the bucs like what they see from up-and-comers like gholston and steven means on the outside in passing situations
August 6th, 2014 at 12:39 pm
Hope AC sticks anywhere on the line. I like him dammit.