Clowning Around | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

Clowning Around

Jadeveon Clowney will be one of the biggest busts in the history of the NFL. You heard it hear first.

8
Clowning Around
scoopnest

Jadeveon Clowney will be one of the biggest busts in the history of the NFL. You heard it hear first.

After a breakout sophomore season at South Carolina, Clowney has been less than impressive and almost a non-factor for the Gamecocks’ defensive unit. Yes, we all remember the famous hit against Michigan. The running back left his feet, the helmet flew off and Clowney palmed the loose ball with one hand. I have no doubt the Michigan running back still has nightmares after that play.

Clowney has an immense amount of talent at, well, just about any of the front seven positions. He’s versatile, he’s elusive and above all, he’s powerful. His unprecedented ability to elude blockers has NFL scouts raving about his potential to become one of the best pass rushers the league has ever seen.

There’s one thing holding Clowney back from becoming one of the most dominant defenders in all of football, and it’s not his physical attributes, but his head. Football is not a game for the faint of heart.

If I’m an NFL coach or general manager, here are the reasons why I do not take Clowney with the first overall pick:

Reason #1: Not in shape.
If you’re going to draft a player in the first round, you inherently expect production from said player. In order to produce you must be on the field, regardless of the position. It’s a simple concept. A first round pick, especially early in the draft, is a huge investment. Clowney has been criticized multiple times this season for his inability to get into game shape. If I’m an NFL coach, I don’t want to see my starting defensive end gasping for air at the end of the first quarter.

Reason #2: Laziness.
As seen this season, when Clowney gets tired, he takes plays off. If you’re playing against Peyton Manning and the Broncos, do you want any of your players taking a play off? Take a play off and any NFL quarterback will pick apart the defense. His job is to get to the quarterback when he drops back. Give any quarterback a little bit of time and he will surely complete the pass.

Reason #3: Makes too many excuses.
After losing to Georgia in week two of the college football season, Clowney complained to the media and his coaches because he said they didn’t use him the right way. He has one job. Get to the quarterback. After he claimed to be college football’s scariest player, he should realize he is going to draw more attention to opposing offenses that want to stop him from getting anywhere near the football. Opposing teams scheme around Clowney by running the ball away from him and utilizing two, even three blockers at a time just to slow him down. The best part about football is that this game is a team sport, hence the double team blocking will allow another player to make a tackle.

The NFL is developing into a league of character, or at least it’s trying to move in that direction. Ten years ago, a player’s character problems did not matter all that much when entering the draft, but NFL teams are looking for quality guys, both on and off the field, whom they will invest millions of dollars in over the course of a few seasons. General managers are starting to realize that their investment into a first round draft pick can significantly set back their franchise for many years. Teams want to win now.

I’m not dismissing his talent, but Jadeveon Clowney will be one of the biggest disappointments in recent memory.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
10 Of The Best Shows To Binge Watch Over Winter Break

As the semester is coming to an end, most of us are going to have more free time on our hands. This calls for binge watching a new show on Netflix and really using this break to relax from the stress of school. Here are some of the best shows on Netflix that you should be watching.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Gifs That Explain Your Lazy Weekend

Get ready for 2.5 days of doing absolutely nothing

602
netflix
Kayla Master

Admit it: everyone loves to have a lazy weekend every once in a while. Not too much work to do, comfy clothes, Netflix binge sessions: just a few of the perfect components of a relaxing weekend. While you may get to a point where you regret doing absolutely nothing with your weekend, you just got to pull through and finish out this weekend to prove that you can go 2.5 days without accomplishing a single thing.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Truths About Being In A Sorority

(For Girls Who Are Interested In Greek Life)

2714
Sorority
Rebekah Lee

I remember my freshman year oh so well. I remember feeling terrified the night before orientation. The one thing that I dreaded the most was not the new people, the new environment, or even the academic pressure. I was dreading having to talk to sorority girls about Recruitment. I remember cutting off and avoiding any Rho Gamma/Panhellenic Officer that came my way during First Week. I looked at them like they had asked me to cut my arm off whenever they asked me if I wanted to rush. To be honest, I did not even know what rush was, but I knew that I did NOT want to be a part of it. To me, it was dumb. It was a waste of money. It was a waste of my time.

And guess what? I did not rush my freshman year. I spent the first half of my freshman year isolating myself from everyone on campus. I spent all of my time in the library, and then (since I was a commuter) went back home once my work was finished.

Keep Reading...Show less
10 Must Watch Shows During Winter Break
Netflix

Now that the semester is over, you are probably wondering what your purpose of life is beside writing essays and constantly studying. Breaks give you time for some rest and relaxation, and what better way to relax than cuddling with some hot cocoa and some Netflix. Here is a list compiled of shows that must make it into your binge watching sessions, with the website in which you can find it. Enjoy!

Keep Reading...Show less
Disney Princesses
The Odyssey
Tiana would no doubt be disappointed in the food our cafeteria has to offer.

And hopefully she would cook for everyone in her dorm.

She definitley would not take any 8:00 am classes because she would be up late baking and cleaning up the communal kitchen that are available in every dorm.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments