5 Signs That Point To Jadeveon Clowney Being a Flop In the NFL

By Anthony Blake

5 Signs That Point To Jadeveon Clowney Being an NFL Flop

Jadeveon Clowney — There’s no question that Jadeveon Clowney has some of the most freakish skills seen on a football field since one Lawrence Taylor. His physical prowess totally baffled opposing players at the collegiate level, but that’s a part of the past now. Transitioning to the NFL is a totally different animal, and Clowney is about to realize this harsh reality. Here are five reasons why he will be a total flop when he hits the professional gridiron.

5. Injury Issues

Jadeveon Clowney

5. Injury Issues

Jadeveon Clowney — This one may not be all that frightening at the moment, but a sports hernia already causing some concern over Clowney’s availability for the start of training camp has to raise a bit of a red flag. From bruised ribs to a foot injury and even a reported groin issue, Clowney was hobbled during his time at South Carolina. If any of those ailments become chronic at the next level he could easily garner bust status.

4. Athleticism Doesn’t Always Mean On-Field Success

Jadeveon Clowney

4. Athleticism Doesn’t Always Mean On-Field Success

Jadeveon Clowney — So what if he ran a 4.53 in the 40 with a 37.5-inch vertical and a 124-inch broad jump. Raw athleticism doesn’t always equate to on-field success, and one could argue that Clowney was a bit of a one-year wonder at South Carolina. Add that to the fact that he will be facing NFL tackles on Sundays rather than collegiate ones on Saturdays, and this kid could be in for a rude awakening between the lines at the next level.

3. Neutralized By Double Teams

Jadeveon Clowney

3. Neutralized By Double Teams

Jadeveon Clowney — It’s easy to say the reason for Clowney’s lacking numbers last season in college was the consistent double teams he faced, but a truly transcendent talent would have been able to overcome such an obstacle. Clowney proved to be just as susceptible to being neutralized by scheme as any other player, and that isn’t what he’s been built up to be. Against teams game planning to slow him down, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him become just another guy.

2. Position Change

Jadeveon Clowney

2. Position Change

Jadeveon Clowney — Moving an elite pass rusher to outside linebacker seems like a terrific idea on paper, but when that guy was so successful with his variety rushing with his hand in the dirt, perhaps it’s not so cut and dry. Clowney will have to learn to play with better leverage and really utilize his physical advantages if he wants to make a successful transition to the OLB spot in the Texans’ 3-4 scheme. Covering in space isn't as easy as it may seem either.

1. Work Ethic

Jadeveon Clowney

1. Work Ethic

Jadeveon Clowney — There’s a reason why some people felt the Texans should select Khalil Mack over Clowney in the draft; the dude isn’t the 100 percent, 100 percent of the time player that Mack is and the film proves it. Clowney can’t take plays off at the next level or he will just turn into any other player on the roster. Unless he gets his head on straight and understands that his physical gifts will only get him so far, Clowney could be a real flop in the NFL.

Anthony Blake is a Senior Writer/Copy Editor for Rant Sports. You Can Follow Him on Twitter, on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.

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