Sep 7, 2013; Athens, GA, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) rushes the passer against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated South Carolina 41-30. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Chronicle NFL reporter John McClain has released his fifth version of his 2014 NFL Mock draft, as there are just 10 days remaining (thankfully) before the first pick will be made.
McClain has the Texans going defense with the No. 1 pick, as he has the Texans selecting South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney with the first pick for the second consecutive mock draft.
He posted in his slideshow mock draft the following about the No. 1 pick:
"“It’s between Clowney and Johnny Manziel unless they trade down.”"
I have to agree with McClain on this one.
With the No. 1 pick it is tough to pass up on Clowney, just for the fact the Texans can trade up back into the first round for a quarterback with their second round choice, added with some other later picks in this draft. Or they can just draft a QB with the first pick in round two.
That second round selection they have is very valuable, and can be used in a trade to help improve the team if nothing else.
If I were the Texans I would just draft Clowney and go from there … unless I knew I could trade down to No. 6 and be guaranteed I could draft Khalil Mack. I can understand though if they trade down to No. 6 with the Atlanta Falcons and take either Bortles or Manziel at No. 6, I just wouldn’t do it.
As you can tell, I believe the Texans need to go with a big defensive stud in the first round, and either one of those players (Clowney or Mack), in my book, would make the Texans better right off the bat.
Then the Texans can concentrate on the quarterback position later in the draft.
Just my opinion, what is yours?
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