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Over the last few days, the talk surrounding the number one pick in the draft has shifted from University of South Carolina's Jadeveon Clowney to Buffalo's Khalil Mack.
Character Concerns?
Mack burst onto the scene after decimating the Ohio State offensive line; climbing draft boards ever since. There are no concerns over Mack's character or work ethic. Mack is considered a safe prospect. Conversely, Jadeveon Clowney, while still considered an elite prospect, has had to sit and watch his character take repeated blows. Most recently, Lance Zierlein of The Sideline View chimed in:
Had conversation w/ friend for team inside top 10 abt Clowney late last night.He said his team got rough evals on football character from SC
— Lance Zierlein (@LanceZierlein) May 6, 2014
If Clowney received poor character evaluations, it stands to reason that the Texans may choose to go with the safer play, Khalil Mack.
If this information is correct, and I have no reason to believe his team didn’t hear this Clowney info, I think Texans go Mack.
— Lance Zierlein (@LanceZierlein) May 6, 2014
Peter King's mock draft came out, and he also echoed the thought that Mack goes number one.
While everyone talks about the immense athleticism of Jadeveon Clowney, let’s point this out: Mack’s 40 time at his Pro Day was 4.53 seconds. Clowney’s was 4.53 seconds. Mack vertical-jumped 40 inches, Clowney 37.5. GM Rick Smith must ignore the heat for bypassing Clowney.
The Texans have no shortage of inside information on Clowney as Adam Schefter pointed out that Craig Fitzgerald, Houston's Strength and Conditioning coach, was a coach at South Carolina from 2009-2011.
Smokescreen?
During this time of year, always try and ask yourself, "who does this rumor help?"
Clowney not going number one would help the Rams, but do these rumors aid that in happening? I think not.
Many will still point to this as a smokescreen, however, in the Texan's situation it would be hard to pick a guy who has allegedly received negative character reviews.
Fit?
Many have questioned Clowney's fit with the Texans. Within the 34 defense, even Houston's under scheme, the outside linebackers will have drop responsibilities. Charlie Casserly recently said, "I don't think they're sold on Clowney to fit in the '34' defense."
If #Texans draft Clowney, he’ll be what Willie McGinest was in that #Patriots 3-4. Who would Khalil Mack be? Bruschi. Inside/outside + rush
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 5, 2014
Rams Implications
The prospect of Mack going to the Texans is one that must be enticing to the Rams. The Rams could sell the rights to Clowney for a small fortune, or simply take the most physically talented player in the draft.
If Clowney is there for the Rams, do you take him or auction the pick off? What would it take for you to move the pick?