Mel Kiper says Houston Texans will select Khalil Mack No. 1 overall

Nov 5, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Bulls linebacker Khalil Mack (46) and Ohio Bobcats cornerback Dyquan Stewart (20) during the first half at University of Buffalo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

In his latest mock draft released on Thursday, ESPN Draft Expert Mel Kiper, Jr. has the Houston Texans making a surprise pick with the No. 1 overall selection.

The surprise selection is Mr. Kiper has the Texans taking Khalil Mack, the outside linebacker from Buffalo.

Mack (6-2, 251 pounds) played his collegiate football in the Mid-American Conference.

Kiper said of Mack:

"“Mack is a fit in most systems, but he’d excel in this system as a pass-rusher and a player who can back up and make plays in space and to the edges.”"

This would be a surprise with the No. 1 overall selection, for sure.

Kiper makes some good points, but how much better is Mack over defensive end Jadeveon Clowney?

A talent like Clowney is tough to pass up on, and we all know the current QB situation of the Texans, which isn’t much to write home about.

As for Mack, he’s the No. 1 ranked OLB in the draft, and the third overall rated player according to Kiper Jr. He does have a 4.65 40-yard dash time.

In his final collegiate season, Mack had 94 tackles, 10.5 sacks and three interceptions.

On his ESPN Insider player card, it says of his third down capabilities:

"“Excellent versatility in the passing game. Better pass rusher than cover LB at this point. Explosive first step, can transfer speed to power.”"

I’m not 100-percent sold on Mack being the No. 1 overall pick, but I can see the argument as the Texans do need to improve at outside linebacker.

It makes for interesting conversation, and I’d like to know what everyone else thinks about this mock draft of Kiper Jr.

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