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The Eagles have gotten by with less-than-stellar talent at the safety position for several seasons. However, this offseason they were proactive in signing former All-Pro Malcolm Jenkins to start for the Eagles. While Jenkins' signing will upgrade one safety spot, the other is currently in question. Nate Allen and Earl Wolff will compete for the position but neither is a surefire answer at this point. If the Eagles plan to upgrade the position in the draft, Alabama's Ha Ha Clinton-Dix may be the best of the bunch.
College Career
The No. 1 safety in the country according to Rivals.com in 2011, Clinton-Dix committed to Alabama. The Orlando, FL native chose Alabama over the likes of Florida, Florida State, USC and Ohio State. As a true freshman, Clinton-Dix served as a backup safety and special teams ace. He collected 11 tackles and two pass breakups on the season.
Clinton-Dix played in all 14 games (10 starts) as a sophomore. He had 37 tackles, a forced fumble, four pass breakups and five interceptions (tied for most in SEC). As a junior, Clinton-Dix had 50 tackles, two interceptions and three pass breakups in 11 games (nine starts). He was suspended for two games after an assistant coach loaned him money. Clinton-Dix underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in December. He was named a consensus All-American and was a first team All-SEC selection. He won two National Championships while with the Crimson Tide.
Combine Numbers
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 208 lbs
Arm Length: 32 3/8"
Hands: 9"
40: 4.58 seconds
Bench Press: 11 reps
Vertical Jump: 33.0 inches
Broad Jump: 119.0 inches
3 Cone: 7.16 seconds
Shuttle: 4.16 seconds
Strengths
Clinton-Dix has ideal size for the position. He runs to the ball and offers big hits. He can make a play with the ball in the air and can create positive plays for the defense. He can cover tight ends and slot receivers with adequate speed. He likes to hit and has good instincts. He played for two National Championship teams and has a winning pedigree. He has also played in a pro style defense. He offers support in the run game and will wrap up with technique for tackles.
Weaknesses
Clinton-Dix has times where he will be way too hesitant in coverage and against the run. He will get blocked out of the run game at times and will take poor angles to the ball every now and then. At times, he is very hesitant to make a tackle and can be too patient in his attack.
Eagles Outlook
Clinton-Dix is likely to be the first safety off the board in May. He has the high-profile pedigree and the measureables to appeal to all looking for safety help. While the Eagles could stand to upgrade, Clinton-Dix may be taken too early for them to make a decision or may be too pricey of a pick based on their evaluation. He seems to fit the Eagles profile, but the team's handling of the position in free agency may cause them to wait in the draft.
Trust Your Own Eyes