In its final single-round 2011 NFL Mock Draft before the NFL Scouting Combine opens this week in Indianapolis, SB Nation has tossed a new name into the equation for the New York Jets. SB Nation chose Iowa defensive end Adrian Clayborn for the Jets with the 30th pick of the draft.
Shaun Ellis is a free agent, and as he proved that there’s plenty left in the tank during the post-season, there’s a very real chance he’s gone. Even if he stays, he’ll be 34 this summer. Clayborn has a similar skill set to Ellis, and would be an ideal replacement.
Clayborn is a 6-foot-3, 285-pound defensive end. Here is some of what SB Nation’s Mocking The Draft said about him in a recent profile.
Clayborn is highly regarded by scouts and NFL Draftniks alike. Other scouting services have him currently ranked as their No. 1 overall player. We like Clayborn, but to date we have doubts about his ability to stop the run. As a 3-4 defensive end Clayborn will be asked to anchor against the run first and foremost. While his pass rushing skills are impressive, they will not be a factor when playing in a 3-4. As a 4-3 left end or defensive tackle, Clayborn has more value as a pass rusher. In the end, Clayborn will be best served as a 3-4 defensive end, but his talents coming out of Iowa are that of a defensive tackle. There will be a learning curve, ala Glenn Dorsey, for Clayborn.