Clayborn Says He Can Rush Inside
July 8th, 2011
Word around draft time was that Adrian Clayborn could only play right defensive end because of limitations from Erb’s Palsy. Then after the draft Clayborn explained why that was baloney.
Now Clayborn says he can rush inside, so he claimed on the WhatTheBuc.net radio show last night.
“I think I can line up at 3-technique, hopefully I won’t have to go down too much farther,” Clayborn said. “Left end, right end, 3-technique. I think I can play those positions. Mostly 3-technique on passing downs. But I hope I can do it all at the next level. I wish I had some experience in OTAs but, you know, the lockout and all.”
Given how the Bucs bounce guys around the D-line, perhaps Clayborn could rush inside. Though Joe’s not holding his breath.
Clayborn went on to say the lockout is a big setback for rookies and an uphill climb. “Hopefully it’s not Mount Everest,” Clayborn said. “Hopefully it’s just a baby hill somewhere in Iowa.”
Clayborn also identified his strength as his hands and his weaknesses are pad level and leverage. Joe suspects Donald Penn might have quite a bit of fun exposing those in practice.
July 8th, 2011 at 11:38 am
“…Clayborn also identified his strength as his hands and his weaknesses are pad level and leverage. Joe suspects Donald Penn might have quite a bit of fun exposing those in practice…”
And Millard and Stretz have been listening and have a ‘get well plan’ for “AC”.
July 8th, 2011 at 11:52 am
I’m sure Penn et al will have fun testing his ‘strengths’as well as his weaknesses…
July 8th, 2011 at 1:05 pm
Mentioning Donald Penn reminds me of another positive. Our rookies going up against him in practice will only help them.
July 8th, 2011 at 1:18 pm
Every rookie will say they can play every position, they’re rookies! Ofcourse they’re going to say that. Bottom line: We drafted him to play RE and that’s what he will play.
July 8th, 2011 at 1:37 pm
Didn’t the Bucs draft some big guys to play inside over the last couple of years? So what happened, they didn’t work out? I have no doubt a talented guy like AC could play there, but defensive end is where he’s needed. Focus where you can do the most good.
July 8th, 2011 at 2:13 pm
relax everybody, he’s not talking about being converted to a full time 3 technique. he’s simply saying that he has the ability to play there in certain situations. the NFL is a game of matchups….and while it is good to have a kid learn the ins and outs of one particular position first, a little schematic versatility never hurt anyone. having the ability to move guys around and create favorable matchups against the O line will help to make the Bucs defense more effective overall.
but like i said, have him learn a primary position first. we don’t need him sliding all over the place too early and affecting his development and understanding of the defense (a la McCoy in the beginning of last season).
July 8th, 2011 at 2:15 pm
Listened to the entire interview…. AC comes across as a humble guy who knows he has some stuff to learn.
Milliard? Stretz? …Bueller?
July 8th, 2011 at 8:56 pm
I’ll be happy if he can play DE and play it well. I don’t care which side, just be productive.