More and more, mock drafts are linking the Houston Texans with defensive end Jadeveon Clowney using the no. 1 overall pick. However, the Texans are rebuilding and would love nothing more than to acquire more draft picks to use down the line. The only way to do so is via a trade and the Jacksonville Jaguars are prepared to make a call regarding one.
According to NFL Insider Gil Brandt, the Houston Texans are all but certain to trade down. There is a chance they could draft Clowney and then trade him for more picks, but a move down is considered inevitable. Take this lightly, with over two weeks until the draft, everything the Texans are "predicted" to do is mere speculation. However, this is not the first time a trade down is being reported in reference to the Texans.
The situation Brandt describes is similar to that of what the San Diego Chargers and New York Giants did with Eli Manning. The quarterback was taken No. 1 overall and the Chargers swapped him for future picks. Plenty of teams want Clowney and will figure out any way possible to get him. Could he be the next Manning come draft day?
There are several teams that have targeted Clowney with a move up. The Atlanta Falcons have considered the move and Clowney even told ESPN.com that he hopes the team makes the deal for him. Thomas Dimitroff has made big draft moves before including a big trade up to get wide receiver Julio Jones. The Cleveland Browns could also be an option if the team opts to not take a quarterback in the first round.
The Jacksonville Jaguars would ideally like to move up, but it might not be for Clowney. ESPN Draft Expert Todd McShay reports the Jaguars want to trade with the Texans, but it is unclear if it is for Johnny Manziel or Clowney. The Jaguars need both players and could move in either direction. If the Texans want a defensive player in the first round, they could grab Khalil Mack which would be a strong fit.
The Texans could easily shock the masses and just do what everyone is predicting, keep the pick, keep Clowney. However, the one side note with the defensive end is that it certainly puts into question the future of JJ Watt and his upcoming contract extension. Would the two players work well in tandem? Are the Texans planning on not re-signing easily there best player on the roster? So many questions, so long until the draft.