With the No. 21 pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers selected Alabama Crimson Tide free safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. After playing on the winningest program of the last five years, Clinton-Dix came into the draft as one of the most well-known players, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
NFL Draft results 2014: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix goes No. 21 to Packers
Alabama has long been known for defense, partially due to the play of Clinton-Dix in recent years. He should be a much-needed upgrade to the Packers’ defense.
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Evan Western notes that Clinton-Dix strengthens a secondary that could use some help. He’s expected to play across from Morgan Burnett:
Clinton-Dix bolsters the safety position for the Packers beside Morgan Burnett, and will allow Micah Hyde to be used as more of utility defensive back, likely splitting time at both safety and slot cornerback.
Over at The Falcoholic, Murf Baldwin did a great job back in April of showing the strengths of Clinton-Dix. The former college standout has the ability to come down toward the line of scrimmage to act as a linebacker against the run or to drop into coverage and scan the field, covering on both sides of the hashmarks.
Clinton-Dix spent three years in Alabama, playing in 11 games as a true freshman. Last year, he totaled 51 tackles and a pair of interceptions, on his way to earning the distinction of being a first-round talent in the eyes of most evaluators.
Clinton-Dix came in at No. 10 on SB Nation’s top 200 big board, and was the top safety to be featured.
Combine results
40-yard dash: 4.58 seconds
Bench reps: 11
Vertical jump: 33”
Broad jump: 119”
3-cone drill: 7.16 seconds
20-yard shuttle: 4.16 seconds
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