By Cody Taylor

Jadeveon Clowney is Projected by many to be a Top 5 Pick in this year’s NFL Draft. He was extremely impressive at The University of South Carolina thanks in most part to his very famous hit on University of Michigan Running Back Vincent Smith in last year’s Outback Bowl, which was both a negative and positive thing for Clowney but besides that its time to focus on Clowney as a NFL prospect and if I think he is going to Boom or Bust.

Clowney certainly has the size ( 6-6 274lbs ) and strength of an elite NFL DE , Has shown great pass rushing moves and a nose for the ball. Is great against the run and can be a match up nightmare for Tight Ends and Offensive Tackles that try to block him.

In 2013 Clowney totaled 40 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks and 1 forced fumble compared to 2012 where he had 54 tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks and 3 forced fumbles, so  teams teams adjusted how to handle Clowney which caused less production out of him then in 2012 which is a concern but its the need to double Clowney on a lot of plays which frees up the other D-linemen and allows them to make pays which can help Clowney at the next level if he goes to a team that already has 1 dynamic Defensive End that will draw double teams himself and can free up Clowney to do his thing.

There are a few downsides and weaknesses to Jadeveon Clowney as well. In my research I watched a few of South Carolina’s games from this season. In their game against North Carolina which was USC’s first game of the season Jadeveon Clowney looked a little out of shape, took plays off and for the most part was contained by Tackle James Hurst.

The 2nd game I watched was against Tennessee and arguable his best game of the season Clowney for a lot of the game looked unblockable  and for most of the game was lined up against tackle Antonio Richardson who himself may be a first round pick in the upcoming draft had a tough day against Clowney and allowed him to make some big plays. The finale game I watched was the next week against Missouri where again Clowney had little impact this time was lined up for a lot of the day against Tackle Justin Britt and was held in check for a lot of the game.

Although He had a few bad games and an Injury later in the season that held him out of two games there is no denying that Jadeveon Clowney has that it factor that NFL teams look for in a game changing defensive end it will depend on the right team, the right coaches and the right team mates if  Clowney lives up to all the hype and potential.

There is no denying he has the pure god given ability but is still very raw and will take a lot of hard work on the field and some growing up off of it for him to realize that promise and potential. with that said if he does I feel that Jadeveon Clowney will be a game changer and a superstar at the next level provided he goes to the right situation.