Everyone wants Jadeveon Clowney. Literally, every team has said if they could get them they would. With just over one week until the NFL Draft, serious contenders are emerging to make a deal for the defensive end. The Houston Texans hold all the power in this battle armed with the No. 1 overall pick. As the team toys with the idea of drafting Clowney over Johnny Manziel despite needing a starting quarterback, two teams look to persuade the Texans to make a different move.
According to the Houston Chronicle, the Texans have narrowed their choices down to Clowney or Manziel if they hold on to the top pick. In need of a starting quarterback, Manziel seems like the likely fit, but Clowney is being viewed as a once-in-a-lifetime player and would be tough to pass up on. The Texans like the talent of Manziel and the pass rushing tandem Clowney and JJ Watt would form. However, the Atlanta Falcons and Buffalo Bills are prepared to be the highest bidder in the race for the defensive end.
So with the Bills and Falcons looking to deal, what is the price tag for Clowney? The Texans could like to move down. The Falcons draft at No. 6 and the Bill make their first pick at No. 9. Neither team will sell the farm for Clowney, but will offer a reasonable package. Fansided.com believes a move including a third-round pick this year and an early pick next year for the defensive end would be reasonable for the Texans to accept.
The risk becomes whether or not the Texans are bluffing on their interest in drafting Clowney. The needs a quarterback, they do not need a defensive end. The fifth-year option has been picked up for Watt. He is one of the best young defensive players in the game and going nowhere. Yes, getting Clowney would make an excellent tandem, but is it worth using the No. 1 pick for? The Texans are in need of getting a quarterback and the best available. This year is deep at the position, but Manziel could be the best move for a franchise star.
The Falcons and Bills risk giving up picks to a team that might be just using them for more draft options later on. The St. Louis Rams are serious about moving down rather than getting Clowney and would be willing to make a deal with either team. The Falcons and Bills have to weigh the risk factors.