NFL Mock Draft 2011: New Orleans Improves Defensive Front with Adrian Clayborn

April 4, 2011   ·   Alec Dopp   ·   Jump to comments

Though he failed to live up to expectations in his senior season with the Hawkeyes, Adrian Clayborn is as NFL-ready as any prospect in this year's class.

On tape, Clayborn is clearly a first-round talent with all the capabilities NFL teams crave so much, and shows no evidence that his injury-prone season in 2010 has affected his output.  Yet is unimpressive offseason workouts have contributed to his decline as a future NFL prospect.

Nevertheless, the statistics are baffling: 19 sacks and 184 total tackles in his four seasons with Iowa are tops in the entire Big Ten conference.  Addition to the fact that his 6'3'' 281-pound frame allowed him to consistently dominate opposing Big Ten offensive lines, and you've got yourself a one-of-a-kind talent.

The Saints are needing a play-maker off the edge defensively, and should be keying in on Clayborn's availability come draft day.