NFL Draft 2011 Grades: Tampa Bay Bucs First Round Analysis

It was supposed to be the year of the quarterback.

And while four QBs were taken in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft, Day 1 was dominated by defensive linemen.

A record 12 players were selected at that position.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were in on the action, addressing arguably their most pressing team need by picking Iowa defensive end Adrian Clayborn with the 20th overall selection.

"Great to be a buc!" Clayborn tweeted after learning of his new job.

Clayborn will fit nicely into Tampa's Cover 2 defensive scheme—relying on front four pressure with limited blitzing. The Bucs were third to last in the NFL in sacks last season so Clayborn should offer immediate assistance in that area.

He has great quickness and uses his hands well (despite suffering from Erb's palsy) to attack and rush the quarterback. He's a disruptive force off the edge, but he's also versatile enough to play defensive tackle if necessary.

I love this pick for the Bucs. Clayborn was an absolute beast at Iowa. I remember when he was being touted as a first round NFL draft prospect when he recorded 11.5 sacks in a breakout junior season. He'll be an immediate starter in Tampa.

General Manager Mark Dominik went with two tackles in last year's draft (Gerald McCoy and Brian Price).

I wouldn't be surprised if he snagged another end before the weekend is over.