Houston and Atlanta rumors, trading down in the works?
Feb 21, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith speaks to the media in a press conference during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Rick Smith is a busy man, the latest buzz around the web is that the Atlanta Falcons are making noise about trading up for Clowney. This is a choice Smith cannot ignore, but is it the right one? Atlanta has made it clear they wouldn’t mind at all landing Mr. Clowney’s services, are they willing to make a trade that would be worth it for the Texans? Personally I say no. Look back at the Browns, three years ago they got five picks in a trade that allowed the Falcons to land Julio Jones. The Browns in return got little in return. Part of that is just the nature of the NFL. Sometimes you miss, but of the their 5 picks only Greg Little is still with the team.
That’s not really a good return on investment.
The Texans should be planning on who they take in the second round, and how Clowney will fit in Crennel’s defense. That person is going to be the quarterback, be it Teddy Bridgewater if the draft tea leaves are right in his stock falling so hard or another quarterback, the homework needs to be done now. The luxury of the 1st pick in a round cannot be dismissed and the Falcons would be insane to go all in on Clowney. He’s good, but I don’t think he’s that good.
If the Texans decide that picking 6th and a few extra picks are worth it, I hope they pull the trigger on that before draft day and have a solid plan in place. Of course, sitting here it’s easy to fret, imagine if it’s your job on the line!
There are of course other pressing matters for the Texans, and one of them being the signing of JJ Watt to a long term contract. If nailing the draft is important, ensuring number 99 is a Texan for the next several years is more so. Rarely do you get someone as perfect a face for your franchise as Mr. Watt. Keeping him happy shows everyone how serious the Texans are. I expect that will happy before the season kicks off.
Keep your browsers here to the Torotimes for all your Texans news and insights!