Gaines Adams DE 6'5 258 Clemson 4.64

After a redshirt year, and a year as a reserve end, Adams began to parlay his immense talent into production. As a sophomore, he finished the year with 35 tackles, eight for loss, and five sacks. He continued to improve, and had an outstanding junior season. On the year, Adams had 56 tackles, 15 for loss, and 9.5 sacks. Adams lived up to the hype as a senior, finishing with 56 tackles, 15.5 for loss, and 10.5 sacks.

Gaines Adams has big time pass rush potential. He is an excellent athlete, that has excellent speed and agility on the football field. He can explode off the snap and blow right by the tackle to get into the backfield. He does not just rush straight off the edge, he shows the agility to easily adjust his direction as he moves up the field. Adams has an excellent frame that should allow him to add weight at the next level, and not lose any of his quickness.

Adams relies too much on his natural talent. With his lack of great size right now, he can be taken out of the play in running situations. He needs to learn how to get off blocks better, and must bulk up to play on the line at the next level. He also needs to show more consistency on a down to down basis.

Adams has all the talent to be a standout pass rusher at the next level. He should be the first defensive end selected, and may be the first defensive player selected. He could go as high as second overall to Detroit.