NFL mock drafts and predictions for the top 10 and first round picks are starting to get projections after the scouting combine workouts this offseason and experts like ESPN writer Mel Kiper, Todd McShay and Gil Brandt are starting to make their picks on their big boards, with names like Johnny Manziel, Jadeveon Clowney and Teddy Bridgewater looking like the top players to get drafted.
The Houston Texans have the top pick in the draft and waft they decide to do will dictate how the first 10 picks go, as they could set off a chain reaction that includes trades, snap decisions and teams moving up or down the board in the draft. The team is in need of a quarterback but that doesn't mean it's a lock Bill O'Brien will pick one of the top names in Manziel, Bridgewater or Blake Bortles, as players like AJ McCarron, Derek Carr, Logan Thomas, Aaron Murray and Zach Mettenberger could be available with later picks.
Clowney puts the team in an interesting position, as he easily would have been the number one pick last year had he been able to come out, but after a mediocre season the Texans have to decide if he is worth it. Clowney was a marvel at the combine with his speed and now the Texans must decide if that's enough to make him the top pick, mirroring the dilemma the franchise had with Mario Williams and Reggie Bush years ago. The team opted for Williams in a surprise move and in many ways it paid off, as the team made it to the playoffs for the first time after that.
The Texans choice is huge, as teams could look to trade up if they are hoping to snag a player they don't pick since the Rams are the ones with the number two pick. Clowney came in with blazing speed at his 40 yard dash and that could spark the Texans or another team to trade up for him. Clowney no doubt would have been the number one overall pick last year and after having just three and a half sacks last season, everyone is looking at his combine as a chance to make up for it.
If the Texans pick Clowney, expect the Rams to get some calls from the Browns, Vikings, Buccaneers and Raiders, as all those teams pick in the top 10, but past the Jaguars and Rams. The Jags could go for a QB and if one of those teams wants a Manziel, Bridgewater or Bortles, they may have to pay up to get it. The Browns are almost guaranteed to get a quarterback with their pick, but they will keep eyes on Clowney as well after he went for a 4.53 seconds run in his forty yard dash. That was an amazing score for a player his size and is better than some quarterbacks in the past like Cam Newton or Colin Kaepernick.
After an amazing year in 2012, Clowney came down to earth with three sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss, but he chalked a ton of that up to extra attention and other issues, while some experts felt he coasted his way through the season. Either way, if he drops in the draft, look at teams to try and trade up for him because Clowney could be a once in a lifetime talent in the draft this year.
