New England Patriots defensive end Adrian Clayborn picked up a slight knock on his quad early in offseason workouts. However, it apparently didn’t hamper his performance for the rest of the spring.

According to Ben Volin of the Boston Globe, Clayborn was a standout performer during the team’s three-day minicamp last month.

The 6-foot-3-inch, 280-pounder, who signed with New England as a free agent in mid March, was a consistent force off the edge, typically getting the jump on any tackles who were trying to keep him at bay.

Clayborn was one of the Patriots’ marquee free-agent signings this offseason as he joined on a two-year, $10 million deal. The 30-year-old is coming off a career year with the Atlanta Falcons, where he picked up 9.5 sacks. Although, six of those came in just one game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Clayborn admits the Patriots’ interest in him came as a bit of a surprise and he wasn’t about to let that opportunity pass.

“I was a little shocked — I didn’t know they had any interest in me,’’ said Clayborn. “But when the Patriots call, you’ve got to go and at least hear them out.”

As it turns out, Clayborn liked what he heard enough to sign on in New England. And now, he's expected to be an important part of the Pats’ pass rush along with Trey Flowers and Deatrich Wise this season.

It’s obviously not wise to put too much stock in offseason performances, especially when no pads are involved. Nevertheless, it’s a promising sign that one of the Pats’ key offseason signings as looked the part thus far.