WEEI.com will continue to offer daily insight and analysis regarding options that may be available to the Patriots when it comes to the 2011 NFL Draft.

ADRIAN CLAYBORN

Position: Defensive end

School: Iowa

Height: 6-foot-4

Weight: 280 pounds

Achievements: First-team All-American (NCAA, AFCA, Walter Camp); First-team All-Big 10; 2010 Orange Bowl MVP; Ted Hendricks Award finalist.
What he brings: Using a low center of gravity, Clayborn is a presence on the defensive line thanks both to an ability to rush the passer and stop the run. Use of hands, and closing speed are his primary weapon in getting to the quarterback, even though some were concerned Clayborn failed to show the same relentlessness this past season as he had as a junior. Established himself as a team leader for the Hawkeyes, exhibiting consistent on-field passion.

Where the Patriots could get him: No. 17 or higher

Notes: Clayborn a name for himself with a junior season in which he made 70 tackles (36 solo), 20 of which were for a loss. He also came away with 11 ½ sacks that season, while forcing four fumbles. Any concern regarding the St. Louis native’s future stems from senior campaign in which he managed just 3 ½ sacks and seven tackles for a loss. Some believe that the drop-off in productivity was due to consistent double-teams, but others would suggest that Clayborn didn’t produce even when left in man-on-man situations.

Teams will also be keeping an eye on Clayborn’s right shoulder. He was born with a condition known as ‘Erb’s Palsy,’ where nerves are damaged at birth. Another red-flag centers around the lineman’s incident in Jan. of 2009, when he was arrested for punching an Iowa City cab driver. He would plead guilty to misdemeanor disorderly conduct, and was not suspended by the Hawkeyes. Despite being invited to play in the Senior Bowl, Clayborn chose not to attend the showcase.

Recent articles:

NFL Draft Bible: Adrian Clayborn

Adrian Clayborn will skip the Senior Bowl

CBSSports Draft analysis: Adrian Clayborn

Adrian Clayborn: A Villian, Big and Bold