After what many said was a down season, Jadeveon Clowney's draft stock is hitting its peak during the NFL scouting combine. The defensive end is slowly regaining his status as a potential No. 1 pick after a series of impressive workouts in Indianapolis. With the Houston Texans continuing to say they are likely to draft a quarterback, Clowney is hoping a certain team trades up for him.
During media interviews at the combine, Clowney said he is hopeful the Atlanta Falcons trade up in the draft to get him. As of now, the Falcons select at No. 6. Clowney is expected to go in the top five selections. Two teams are predicted to select quarterbacks, one team is looking to trade. The defensive end wants the Falcons to bite on a move up for him.
"I wish they could trade up for me," Clowney said, via ESPN.com. "But I hope I don't fall to No. 6. I like Atlanta -- a lot. They're pretty good. They've got some guys from South Carolina on the team, also. And it's close to home."
Breaking down the top five picks, Houston and Jacksonville will likely select quarterbacks. The Oakland Raiders might do the same at No. 5. The Cleveland Browns will target a quarterback. The St. Louis Rams do not need another pass rusher in the first round. Right now, the Raiders are the biggest threat to take Clowney ahead of the Falcons. With the Rams looking to trade down, Atlanta could move ahead.
General manager Thomas Dimitroff has gained a reputation for being aggressive in trades during the NFL Draft. Three years ago, the Atlanta falcons traded up to No. 6 in order to get wide receiver Julio Jones from Alabama. They do that again this season. Dimitroff and Rams general manager Les Snead have a solid professional relationship that could cause a deal to get done on draft day.
Clowney is being looked at as one of those once-in-a-lifetime players to get. While some questioned his work ethic and dedication after a down year, his combine numbers cannot be denied. He ran an unofficial 4.47 40-yard dash, faster than any quarterback and most running backs. Pair that with his size and strength and Clowney is a player to move up for. Atlanta needs a big pass rushing presence. While the team is also being projected to draft an offensive lineman, Clowney might be too good to pass up.
