#21 - Clinton-Dix
Posted: Fri May 9, 2014 2:36 am
Bio: When the Kansas City Chiefs and Seattle Seahawks selected Eric Berry and Earl Thomas in the first 14 picks of the 2010 draft, the message sent was clear: The safety position is more important in today’s NFL than ever before. The true center-field safety who can cover all kinds of ground and neutralize any offensive system is a key component to any modern defense. In the 2014 draft, two safeties — Louisville’s Calvin Pryor and Alabama’s Ha Ha Clinton-Dix — show the potential to bring this to their eventual NFL suitors. And in Clinton-Dix’s case, he’s done that in a system that makes him NFL-ready from the start. Whatever you may think of Nick Saban, he’s got that much on lock. In 2013, Clinton-Dix amassed two picks, four passes defensed and 51 tackles, but there is an element of his game that goes beyond stats — you really have to watch his range and ability to stop plays on tape to appreciate it.
“I’m one of the best safeties in the draft because I played in Saban’s system,” he’s said. “I feel like I’m prepared for the next level. I’m a fast learner. I play fast. I study a lot of film. I study the opponent a lot. And that’s about it. I fly around.”
There are times when the NFL-readiness of Alabama players is overhyped. This is not one of those times. Clinton-Dix is an explosive, special player with immense potential.
Strengths: Clinton-Dix has the two things every NFL free safety needs — great feet and impressive quickness. He backpedals and redirects smoothly and with little trouble, which allows him to stick and stay on all kinds of routes. And he’s remarkably quick when it comes to driving down in run support, as well as moving to either sideline. Keeps the action in front of him, and does his best to avoid getting shaken on any kind of misdirection, despite his generally aggressive playing style. Has the size (6-1, 208) and speed to square up on running backs and receivers and bring them down. Understands how to deal with blockers — will rarely take a hit straight on and bounces off to make a play. Tackles with excellent form; looks to wrap more than he goes for the kill shot, and he does a terrific job of extending his body to catch quicker opponents. Gives tremendous effort at all times; he’s never really eliminated from a possible tackle as long as the play is still going. Can play well everywhere from true center field to the slot.
Weaknesses: Though he’s a generally disciplined player, there are inevitable aftereffects of Clinton-Dix’s style that show up on tape. He will flat-out miss tackles at times because he’s trying so hard to get where he needs to be, and better play-fake quarterbacks might have a field day with him at the NFL level. Will occasionally lose track of his target on quick angle routes unless he’s in position to redirect.
Conclusion: To me, the most compelling part of Clinton-Dix’s game is not that he played in a pseudo-NFL system — we see guys in those systems wash out every year. The thing that makes him a special prospect is that he does so much exceptionally well, and he does everything at a plus level. His range will make him a starter from Day One, and as he develops his ball skills and tackling abilities, he has the potential to be among the best safeties in the league — and he can do so from the deep middle to the box to the slot. He’s the prototype for a very valuable position, and he’ll see the results of that with a very high pick in the first round.
NFL player comparison: Louis Delmas, Miami Dolphins (2nd round, 2009, Western Michigan, Detroit Lions)
