Am I missing something on Mark Clayton? - Dallas Cowboys Forum

Mike12 · 02-08-2005

I have only seen a handful of OU games over the last 2 years so maybe OU fans can clue me in. I keep seeing him in mock after mock in the 15-25 range. I keep hearing about how he is a big play WR who can really run after the catch. I can't remember hearing his name called or seeing anything that would make me say wow. I tried to really pay attention to him specifically this year vs Texas and USC and came away unimpressed. Am i missing something with this guy or does he save his big games for lesser teams.

nathanlt · 02-08-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike12

I have only seen a handful of OU games over the last 2 years so maybe OU fans can clue me in. I keep seeing him in mock after mock in the 15-25 range. I keep hearing about how he is a big play WR who can really run after the catch. I can't remember hearing his name called or seeing anything that would make me say wow. I tried to really pay attention to him specifically this year vs Texas and USC and came away unimpressed. Am i missing something with this guy or does he save his big games for lesser teams.

Well, he's not tall nor does he have blazing speed, he just has excellent hands (the primary job of a reciever!!) and can run well after the catch. Excellent technique. The only person on the Sooners, (other than Adrian Peterson) that I'd want on the Cowboys.

fishspill · 02-08-2005

Nathan has it pretty well right.

He was getting fluffed a lot for his showing in Senior Bowl practice from what I've read.

He also pulled a family from a burning van, I think...

So he's got that going for him.

Roughneck · 02-08-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by nathanlt

Well, he's not tall nor does he have blazing speed, he just has excellent hands (the primary job of a reciever!!) and can run well after the catch. Excellent technique. The only person on the Sooners, (other than Adrian Peterson) that I'd want on the Cowboys.

There it is. Dude does more after the catch than even Edwards or Williams are capable of.

ghst187 · 02-08-2005

he's good, no doubt. He makes some incredible catches. I think USC and UT schemed against him because he was OU's #1 and he's really not a #1 WR. He's kinda like Terry Glenn but without the injuries and runs much better after the catch. He'll be a terror as someone's #2 or #3 guy in the pros.
I'm an OU alum but I'm not homer when it comes to drafting Cowboys, it just happens that I've seen a lot of all the Big 12 players during the season.
I like Clayton, like Jamaal Brown, don't like Poole.

Oh_Canada · 02-08-2005

Clayton will be the best all-around wr in this draft. I think he made Jason White alot better than he actually was.

Champsheart · 02-08-2005

Saw a lot of OU games, but not a fan.

Mark Clayton is the real deal. The only thing he does not have is size, and that's it. Has everything else you would want in a WR.

If he was taller he would easily be a top 5 pick.

I am not sure which OU games you saw, but he showed up big in many games I saw him in the last 3 years.

Very quick, catches everything, good speed, runs great routes, can stop and start on a dime, and is tough.

I actually think Mark Clayton is more NFL ready than either Mike Williams or Braylon Edwards, and will make a quicker impact, and could win Rookie of the Year.

I am really unsure who will be the better WR when it is all said and done. Both Edwards and Williams have the size, and loads of upside.

I think really the only question about Clayton is will he get off the line of scrimmage consistently. I think he will because of his quickness.

Q_the_man · 02-09-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Champsheart

I think really the only question about Clayton is will he get off the line of scrimmage consistently. I think he will because of his quickness.

Actually the smaller u are, the quicker u get off the line, also regardless of how big u are u must get stronger and thier it is. I would not be mad if we took him at 20, but he's not my first choice either....

AsthmaField · 02-09-2005

I like Clayton and the fact that he's not real big doesn't bother me too much. Heck just look at Branch in the super bowl.

Clayton has terrific hands and can run like he** after he catches the ball. The only thing he doesn't have is height.

Shorter guys have much better change of direction than the taller guys and with the new emphasis being put on pass interference, those kind of guys are having a greater impact on the game. The quickness they have is troublesome for the db's.

As NFL teams get bigger db's to defend the Randy Moss types, they too lose the ability to change direction, so players like Clayton and Branch have an advantage there.

I'd still rather have Mike Williams, but Clayton may be just as effective.

I wouldn't be upset if we took him late in round 1.