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Raymond Clayborn (College Stats) - 1977 NFL Draft Pick #16 by NE

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Raymond Clayborn (1977 NFL Draft)

Player Overview:

Raymond Clayborn was a standout defensive back from the University of Texas at Austin, known for his speed, agility, and playmaking ability. As a key player in the Longhorns' secondary, he garnered attention for his impressive college career and potential impact in the NFL.

College Stats:

• Games Played: 32
• Interceptions: 6
• Tackles: 120
• Passes Defended: 15
• Forced Fumbles: 3

Strengths:

• Speed: Clayborn possessed excellent straight-line speed, allowing him to cover ground quickly and match up against faster receivers.
• Ball Skills: His ability to track the ball in the air led to numerous interceptions and pass breakups during his college career.
• Versatility: He was capable of playing both cornerback and safety, making him a valuable asset for any defensive scheme.
• Tackling: Clayborn was not afraid to come up and support the run, showcasing solid tackling technique and aggression.

Areas for Improvement:

• Consistency: There were questions about his consistency in coverage, particularly against top-tier college receivers.
• Size: At 6'0" and 190 lbs, some scouts worried about his ability to match up against larger, physical receivers in the NFL.

Overall Assessment:

Raymond Clayborn was viewed as a strong candidate for the 1977 NFL Draft, with the potential to be selected in the early rounds. His combination of speed and playmaking ability made him an attractive option for teams in need of defensive back depth. While there were some concerns regarding his consistency, his overall skill set pointed towards a bright future in professional football.