The Falcons signed Adrian Clayborn in the offseason as a defensive end, but he will begin the season as the starter at nickel defensive tackle, coach Dan Quinn said.
Quinn said Clayborn, who signed a one-year contract with the Falcons in March, will occasionally return to defensive end, but will “definitely” be used in his new role inside the defensive line during the regular season.
“It’s a new position for him,” Quinn said. “He still plays defensive end some in our base package, but in nickel we’re mostly working him inside and tackle.”
Defensive line coach Bryan Cox said that although Clayborn displayed some hesitation to move inside after his success at defensive end for Iowa and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, his willingness to learn and help the team allowed him to earn his new role.
“In Tampa, in his mind, he was an end and wanted to play defensive end (here),” Cox said. “What’s changed with him now is his willingness to play three-technique and play inside. He wants to be a team player.”
Despite moving from the position that he played for most of his career, Clayborn said he is adjusting well and enjoying his time inside the defensive line.
“Everything happens faster, but I like it,” Clayborn said. “I know the plays. I play hard, play physical and let the rest handle itself.”
Cox said when Quinn became head coach in Atlanta, he searched for players to add strength to the defensive line.
“(Quinn) is looking for guys that are going to come in and add some depth, speed, experience, toughness and rush ability to the position,” Cox said. “(Clayborn) adds a different dimension to our defensive line in terms of speed. He has good size, strength and he’s one of the toughest guys in our room, our defense and our team.”
Clayborn played in 36 games, recording 74 total tackles, 13 sacks and five forced fumbles in his four seasons with Tampa Bay.
Since he was drafted in the 2011 NFL draft as the 20th overall pick, Clayborn struggled to stay healthy. In 2012, he experienced a season-ending knee injury in the third game of the season. In 2014, he suffered another season-ending injury when tearing his bicep in the first game of the regular season.
Clayborn has faced recovering from physical limitation on the field and in his personal life. Clayborn was born with Erb’s Palsy, a type of paralysis in the arm caused by nerve damage.
Cox said Clayborn should be celebrated for not allowing any physical limitation to define him.
“To be in a position or situation where he was born with the birth defect that prevents him from having full strength in his one arm, he doesn’t hide from it,” Cox said. “He has not allowed it to prevent him from living his dream.”
Quinn said on the field, he doesn’t see any evidence of the physical difficulty Clayborn’s overcome.
“He looks really healthy and he’s had a terrific offseason,” Quinn said. “(With his) quickness, speed and effort, I can’t wait to see him play.”
Quinn, in his first season as head coach, spent his coaching career on defense. Clayborn said he notices the attention Quinn pays to the defense.
“I’ve never had a head coach (spending) so much down there with the defensive line,” Clayborn said. “It’s cool to have him around.”
Cox said a head coach with a defensive skill set like Quinn’s can draw strong defensive players such as Clayborn.
“Having a defensive line coach as a head coach who can put you in a position where he says, ‘Don’t worry about the run, just get in there and go get the passer,’ (and) that does wonders for players,” Cox said.
Clayborn signed a one-year, $3 million contract, with a $750,000 signing bonus and $1.25 million available through incentives.
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