2014 Mock Draft: Kiper, McShay release 2nd Mock Drafts
Nov 30, 2013; Columbia, MO, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) scrambles away Missouri Tigers defender Michael Sam (52) during the first half at Faurot Field. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
On Thursday, both Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay released their second version of their 2014 NFL Mock Draft for the first round.
With the Houston Texans having the No. 1 overall selection, these mock drafts are a really big deal in terms of giving us an idea of who the Texans will draft or potentially are looking at before the May 8 draft.
There is one problem … nobody seems to agree on who the Texans will take with the No. 1 pick.
In his 2.0 draft, McShay has the Texans selecting South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney at No. 1 overall.
Aug 29, 2013; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) stretches before their game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Kiper is still on the “Johnny Football” bandwagon, predicting for the second time in his mock drafts that Johnny Manziel will become the Texans’ next quarterback with the No. 1 overall selection.
McShay wrote about Clowney:
"“Passing up on a quarterback here, particularly in-state product Johnny Manziel of Texas A&M, might be a public relations nightmare, but that would pale in comparison to the nightmares the combination of Clowney and J.J. Watt would create for opposing offenses.”"
This is very true, and I often think about what that duo would be capable of as well. I know the Texans really need to fix their QB spot, but what about the Texans’ defense, who also needs a lot of work?
What I like about Clowney is his potential to improve to being even a better football player than what he already is by working with Watt. Has the NFL ever had a defensive line with the potential that Watt and Clowney could bring to the Texans’ pass rush?
Maybe the late Reggie White and the late Jerome Brown in the early ’90s with the Philadelphia Eagles. That combo of players is the first that comes to mind because they were a force.
Think of what the Texans would be capable of with Watt and Clowney. Could be something historic in the long run of the franchise, because teams would have a heck of a time stopping both players at the same time.
Now for Kiper’s pick of Manziel.
I totally understand the selection. I really do, but I just don’t like it. Kiper wrote about Manziel and Clowney at No. 1 overall:
"“In Manziel, you get a quarterback who in my opinion is ready to play NFL football and make plays and is preparing with the goal of helping a team right away. In Jadeveon Clowney, you get the most talented player in the draft …”"
If the Texans do select Manziel, I see it as a mistake, but I could be wrong (it wouldn’t be the first time, that’s for sure).
I know Manziel is a good football player, but I don’t see him fitting in with O’Brien. Even with Kiper on the Manziel bandwagon, I can’t jump on. The Texans would sell jerseys and make a certain group of fans happy but would make others in the fan base upset. But, I guess that will happen with whomever the Texans will draft on May 8.
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