I've seen Clowney quite a bit over the past couple of years. I think the "takes plays off" reputation is totally unfounded. Teams totally avoid his side of the field, double and triple team him, etc. I saw in person when South Carolina played UCF. UCF did everything but tackle Clowney to the ground and tie him up.
The reality is he is the best defensive lineman in this draft and will be the BPA if he was still there when we drafted. The sad reality is that even though we can't get to the QB we would likely pass on him because he is a 4-3 DE who would be yet another "coversion project" as long as we continue to play the 3-4. This is an example with why I like the 4-3, not that it matters, because for a 4-3 team he likely comes in and contributes from Day 1.
Guys like SKL and Ruthless probably have a more informed assessment on evaluating talent, but I would jump for joy if we could get Clowney as long as we used him right and put him in position to play to his strengths.
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