9 replies to this topic

[SilverChaosVII]

Obviously, a very late round pick. 6th or 7th round. Really think this kid is a hell of a football player. Undersized, but plays fast and aggressive. At the very least it will give us a good special teams guy.

(Text taken from CBS Sports)

The highly regarded prep prospect initially made his way onto the field as a long snapper for the Ducks. His instincts and physicality quickly made him one of Oregon's top reserve linebackers, and once given an opportunity to start he quietly proved more consistently effective than more highly publicized teammates Dion Jordan, Kiko Alonso and John Boyett, among others. He led the Ducks in tackles each of the past two seasons, averaging 101 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and three sacks during that time.

At his size, Clay will have to find a niche in the NFL in much the same fashion as he did at Oregon -- on special teams first and then by proving his critics wrong with his speed and big-hitting as an all-around defender.

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Strengths: While short, possesses a broad-shoulder, stout build with good overall musculature throughout. Very good straight-line speed for the position, including excellent closing speed. Uses his natural leverage advantage to get under the pads of oncoming lead blockers (including pulling guards) and shows surprising pop and technique to slip by them to make tackles in the hole. Good field vision (especially considering his height), showing the ability to quickly locate the ball. Generally reliable open-field tackler who shows surprising ability as a striker. Good awareness and overall athleticism in coverage and may even draw some interest from teams as a safety.

Weaknesses: Obvious size limitations. Is an active, alert pass defender but can be simply overmatched against bigger tight ends. Will come in out of control, on occasion, allowing patient runners opportunities for cut-back lanes. Was featured in an incredibly fast Oregon defense that may have enhanced his own speed while limiting the drawbacks of his less-than-ideal size.

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https://www.youtube....h?v=Lr8G2oQK49E

http://www.youtube.c...ed/JzqAc8_kLfU

[BirdGang45]

Love Clay. Made big plays in the past two bowl games. Loves to get physical.

[SilverChaosVII]

It's crazy... everybody talks about Alonso and Jordan, but this kid is a baller. It seems like he is always the one making big plays in big moments.

It's hard to compare two completely positions... but it's kind of like Russell Wilson. If this guy was the "prototypical size" for his position, I think he'd be a top 15 pick.

[Footballman175]

Shows up in big time games. Would love this sleeper pick.

[michaels maniacs]

we could have a long snapper that finally can do something else

[BirdGang45]

 SilverChaosVII, on 25 February 2013 - 07:19 PM, said:

It's crazy... everybody talks about Alonso and Jordan, but this kid is a baller. It seems like he is always the one making big plays in big moments.

It's hard to compare two completely positions... but it's kind of like Russell Wilson. If this guy was the "prototypical size" for his position, I think he'd be a top 15 pick.

Yea, he made some big time 3rd and short or 4th down stops. Good job.

[MicrowaveDonuts]

He's a hell of a football player, and a fantastic team guy (he's one of the guys the ducks would take to media days). But probably doesn't have a position in the NFL, he's undersized.  He'll cash a paycheck for a while as a long-snapper and special teams guy.

[Rodney_Zero]

So are we drafting the Oregon Ducks whole team this draft?

[SilverChaosVII]

 Rodney_Zero, on 26 February 2013 - 11:17 AM, said:

So are we drafting the Oregon Ducks whole team this draft?

??

Clay is the only one that I have mentioned. There are guys I like more than Dion Jordan and Alonso.

[Footballman175]