There are many who are vehemently opposed to the Jaguars drafting Clowney at 3 due to the perception that he is lazy, or a cancer, etc.
There have been rumors and articles that have kind of stoked those fires.
However, there is a recent quote from Spurrier, who coached Clowney at South Carolina that may or may not cast some light on his work ethic.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/201...ork-ethic/
I found this part particularly interesting...
“
He was OK. It wasn’t like <a class="" href='http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/8315/marcus-lattimore'>Marcus Lattimore</a>, you know, every player is a little different,” Spurrier said. “His work habits are pretty good, they’re not quite like Lattimore, maybe <a class="" href='http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/7442/stephon-gilmore'>Stephon Gilmore</a>, <a class="" href='http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/7419/melvin-ingram'>Melvin Ingram</a>, some of those guys, but when the ball is snapped he’s got something no one else has.”
I think it noteworthy that he didn't trash Clowney here. He characterized his habits as "pretty good." I also think it noteworthy how he characterized Clowney's talent as unique.
Keep in mind, for all of Ingram's work ethic, he's done next to nothing in the NFL. In comparison, Andre Branch blows Ingram away in productivity over the first two seasons.
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/pl...grMe00.htm
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/pl...anAn00.htm
Work ethic is something that can develop and improve with time and maturity. Unique talent? Not so much.
Whatever risk you may associate with Clowney, I think he is worth it.
Everyone realizes that Clowney's talent is unique, special. It's up to the front office to determine if the work ethic is there that when he gets paid he will still perform.
Quote:Everyone realizes that Clowney's talent is unique, special. It's up to the front office to determine if the work ethic is there that when he gets paid he will still perform.
Agreed on that count, however, if you concede that the really big money comes on a player's second contract (especially now with the new CBA), then that issue won't arise for at least three-four years down the road...right?
its the ultimate choice between all players. some have the character, intangibles, maybe even production, but just dont have the physical tools. can they overcome that? others have the physical tools but maybe not the elite character, intangibles,etc... can they overcome that?
Quote:its the ultimate choice between all players. some have the character, intangibles, maybe even production, but just dont have the physical tools. can they overcome that? others have the physical tools but maybe not the elite character, intangibles,etc... can they overcome that?
Its rare, mentality it hard to change unless the player wants to change it themselves.
Quote:its the ultimate choice between all players. some have the character, intangibles, maybe even production, but just dont have the physical tools. can they overcome that? others have the physical tools but maybe not the elite character, intangibles,etc... can they overcome that?
Exactly.
My guess is whatever Clowney's flaws are, they aren't beyond repair.
I think he can have an outstanding career.
Quote:There are many who are vehemently opposed to the Jaguars drafting Clowney at 3 due to the perception that he is lazy, or a cancer, etc.
There have been rumors and articles that have kind of stoked those fires.
However, there is a recent quote from Spurrier, who coached Clowney at South Carolina that may or may not cast some light on his work ethic.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/201...ork-ethic/
I found this part particularly interesting...
“He was OK. It wasn’t like Marcus Lattimore, you know, every player is a little different,” Spurrier said. “His work habits are pretty good, they’re not quite like Lattimore, maybe Stephon Gilmore, Melvin Ingram, some of those guys, but when the ball is snapped he’s got something no one else has.”
I think it noteworthy that he didn't trash Clowney here. He characterized his habits as "pretty good." I also think it noteworthy how he characterized Clowney's talent as unique.
Keep in mind, for all of Ingram's work ethic, he's done next to nothing in the NFL. In comparison, Andre Branch blows Ingram away in productivity over the first two seasons.
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/pl...grMe00.htm
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/pl...anAn00.htm
Work ethic is something that can develop and improve with time and maturity. Unique talent? Not so much.
Whatever risk you may associate with Clowney, I think he is worth it.
Maybe I am letting my bias shine through, but I simply don't trust anything Spurrier says. I could be simply making things up, but it seems as if he is trying to build up a little good equity with his future players and show that he won't trash them completely to the media. I know that it's all conjecture and stuff, but I just don't trust Spurrier.
That being said, you just can't let Clowney walk past you. You just can't. He plays DE better than anyone else plays any other position. To me, it's really that simple.
His work ethic thing is blown way out of proportion.
It reminds of Randy "takes plays off" Moss.
I don't care that he takes plays off, whatever that even means. He was one of the best at his position for like a decade.
When asked a pointed question, like "do you go 100% on every play"... the absolutely honest answer is "no"... nobody does. If you're a WR and the designed play is a run to the other side of the field, do you think they go 100%?
If I had the 1st pick, I'd take Clowney.
Quote:Agreed on that count, however, if you concede that the really big money comes on a player's second contract (especially now with the new CBA), then that issue won't arise for at least three-four years down the road...right?
With guys who have this stigma you worry about them waiting til that final year of the contract to put up the big numbers to get that big pay day. See it all the time in the NFL.
Quote:Maybe I am letting my bias shine through, but I simply don't trust anything Spurrier says. I could be simply making things up, but it seems as if he is trying to build up a little good equity with his future players and show that he won't trash them completely to the media. I know that it's all conjecture and stuff, but I just don't trust Spurrier.
That being said, you just can't let Clowney walk past you. You just can't. He plays DE better than anyone else plays any other position. To me, it's really that simple.
See, that's why I gave this thread that title...because he very well could be showing good will to current and future players instead of giving an honest but less than flattering assessment of Clowney's work ethic.
I just think Clowney could be a special DE.
Having watched cyp gratz and ace bounce round the field on a loosing team as if they are having the time of their lives
Even watching mccrays dedication on punt returns and listening to Bradley I have faith in his and caldwells culture of loving football and their ability to find players that fit that culture
They will interview Clowney and if they draft him at 3 that means they believe he has the right attitude and that they can motivate him
From everything I have seen this year I have no reason to doubt them
Quote:His work ethic thing is blown way out of proportion.
It reminds of Randy "takes plays off" Moss.
I don't care that he takes plays off, whatever that even means. He was one of the best at his position for like a decade.
When asked a pointed question, like "do you go 100% on every play"... the absolutely honest answer is "no"... nobody does. If you're a WR and the designed play is a run to the other side of the field, do you think they go 100%?
If I had the 1st pick, I'd take Clowney.
Exactly.
They said the same thing about Julius Peppers, Tony Brackens, Randy Moss, and Chester McGlockton.
All of those guys, at one point or another, made Pro Bowls.
At some point, you have to acknowledge the talent these players have
Clowney has a LOT of talent. Even last year-a down year by his standards-I saw some things from him that impressed me.
He has an inside move that would have destroyed Eugene Monroe his first couple of years, easily.
His work ethic concerns/non concerns don't mean a thing to me honestly. To me Clowney only has one flaw, and unfortunately it is a major flaw. He's not a quarterback.
That of course means that if Clowney and a QB that Dave has graded to have franchise potential are both there at 3 then Clowney's draft day fall will continue a bit farther.
Derrick Harvey 2.0
Hopefully he has a better NFL career.
Quote:See, that's why I gave this thread that title...because he very well could be showing good will to current and future players instead of giving an honest but less than flattering assessment of Clowney's work ethic.
I just think Clowney could be a special DE.
And I like the idea of having special players on the roster.
Quote:Derrick Harvey 2.0
Hopefully he has a better NFL career.
It always amuses me when someone picks a random bust from the past and equates them to a current prospect.
If you want to make that comparison please explain how they are a similar type of player.
Derrick Harvey ran a 4.84 40. Clowney may get in the 4.4 range.
Quote:Derrick Harvey 2.0
Hopefully he has a better NFL career.
Hahahaha Good one! I always love a good joke on Wednesday.
I think he's just used to being the best and he knows he can be the best in college with possibly not as much effort as everyone else.
That being said I think once he gets to the NFL and is no longer the best player in his position it will drive him to become the best.
How can anyone compare Clowney to Derrick Harvey? While Harvey wasn't a bad prospect, he wasn't on the same level as Clowney.