CBS:
STRENGTHS: A rangy, fluid athlete, Clinton-Dix covers a lot of ground against both the pass and the run and projects to either free or strong safety. He has the aggressive nature to attack ballcarriers and shows the read/react quickness to diagnose and take accurate angles in coverage. He has plus hands for the interception and shows vision and natural open-field running skills with the ball in his hands.
Anticipates the run well, attacking the line of scrimmage to make some impressive stops up close.
WEAKNESSES: Doesn't have the preferred strength, at this time, to break free from blocks and isn't a consistently physical tackler, electing to grab and pull down ball-carriers rather than striking them forcefully.
--ROB RANG
PLAYER OVERVIEW: Clinton-Dix was one of seven true freshmen to earn playing time in 2011 at Alabama and in 2012, he led the team with five interceptions, setting an expectation for a great junior year, and subsequent entry into the 2014 draft.
While he posted respectable numbers as a junior -- 51 tackles, two INTs, four pass breakups -- he wasn't the consistent big-play finisher he was in 2012, and his season was clouded by a two-game suspension in October for a violation of team rules.
Clinton-Dix's instincts and ability to diagnose seem better than his athletic ability, which is considerable. His rare combination of size, speed, aggression and ball skills mark him as a potential NFL star.
Birth name is Ha'Sean. Grandmother gave him the unusual name he goes by, but that talent is nothing to laugh at.
NFL:
OVERVIEW
His full name is Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix. Elite recruit out of Florida, where he doubled as a running back and kick returner. Played in 13 games for Alabama as a true freshman in '11 and recorded 11 tackles and two pass breakups. Was a key performer for the national champions in '12, appearing in all 14 games (10 starts) at safety. Had 37 tackles, four pass breakups and five interceptions with one-half tackle for loss and one forced fumble. Tied for the SEC lead in interceptions, including picks in the SEC Championship Game win over Georgia and the BCS National Championship Game win over Notre Dame. In '13, he played in 11 games (nine starts at free safety) and totaled 51-4-2 with 3.5 tackles for loss. Received a suspension for accepting a short-term loan of less than $500 from an assistant coach, missing two games. Injured his knee against Auburn on Nov. 30, necessitating surgery on the meniscus tear, but returned to the field for the Allstate Sugar Bowl.
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS
Good size and wingspan. Quick to read and react. Enough speed and fluidity to keep pace with slot receivers or tight ends. Ranges off the hash. Good hands to intercept. Takes direct angles to the ball. Drops downhill urgently, runs the alley and does not shy from contact -- wipes out ball carriers. Secure tackler. Can break down and tackle in space. Has special-teams experience. Well-coached in a pro-style defense.
WEAKNESSES
Has a narrow build and lacks ideal bulk. Could stand to get stronger. Not an elite athlete -- ordinary speed and leaping ability. Occasionally gets stuck on blocks. Could stand to iron out his pedal. Does not always play with abandon -- plays conservatively at times and can be late fitting in the run game or getting off the hash. Average ball production and playmaking ability. Not as natural in the box. Was not an exceptional ballhawk or an intimidating eraser.
DRAFT PROJECTION
Round 1
BOTTOM LINE
Hype exceeded his performance in Tuscaloosa, but Clinton-Dix offers starter-caliber instincts, range, coverage skills and tackling ability as a free safety. Should be a Day 1 starter.
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