Texans to select Clowney....

[Warren]

Peter King:

Houston, at No. 1, isn’t set on Jadeveon Clowney. In fact, one FORS (Friend of Rick Smith) told me the Texans general manager likes Khalil Mack over Clowney, and we still don’t know which quarterback Houston would choose if it chooses one first overall. I still think the Texans would go with a more sure thing with the first overall pick than a quarterback—and that sure thing could also be tackle Greg Robinson. But imagine Mack, the outside linebacker from the University of Buffalo, being the first pick in a stacked draft. Wouldn’t that be something—a second straight Mid-American Conference player (Eric Fisher, Central Michigan, by Kansas City) as the top pick in the NFL draft?

[Joshua]

Don't know what to make of Mack rumor, assuming it's true. I don't see any value in it as a smokescreen. If they are looking to trade the pick (and it's assumed Clowney is the most likely guy a team would trade up for), the message should be that we are high on Clowney and if you want him you have to deal with us. This rumor will just make those people pick up the phone and call St. louis.

[Nconroe]

Yeah, but if you want to get ahead of whatever St Louis might do, the only way is to deal for 1-1. And if there gets to be three or four teams trying to be 1-1, very good for trade down options. Anyways, only 2 1/2 more weeks before we see what really happens. enjoying watching how this unfolds.

[HPF Bob]

Last week, I was weighing whether Mack or Barr was the better option. Barr, at 6-5, can probably play with his hands down and handle the point of attack better than the smaller Mack but Mack has more LB experience, is faster, and shows some pass defense skills (4 INTs). Does 2 years in the Pac 12 count for more than 4 years in the MAC?

And would the Bills pass up the boy from the local college if he were really the best player in the draft? Could they possibly want to trade up just to be sure they get him?

[popanot]

Mack is a beast and reminds me a lot of Patrick Willis in his aggressive style of play and physicality. There's no questioning his motor and skills. I'm not sure I'd take him #1 overall, but I'd love it if they traded down and ended up with him.

If I were Rick Smith and the opportunity presented itself, I'd trade down with ATL at #6. You're assured of either Clowney, Mack, Robinson, QB-XYZ (likely Bortles), Matthews, or Watkins. All good players that fill a need. Watkins to a lessor extent, but we all know AJ is getting up there and his salary is becoming an issue. If you don't necessarily want Watkins, I'm sure there's a team willing to trade up for him - maybe STL or DET. Just saying #6 seems to be a sweet spot with fairly low risk as far as missing out on a top talent at a position of need.

[HPF Bob]

Originally Posted by popanot

If I were Rick Smith and the opportunity presented itself, I'd trade down with ATL at #6. You're assured of either Clowney, Mack, Robinson, QB-XYZ (likely Bortles), Matthews, or Watkins.

I think it depends on what Atlanta offers to trade up but I would presume the 2nd round pick as well as one other this year or next. (min: 1-6, 2-5 and 4-3 or a 1st or 2nd in 2015). The value in this draft (as it often is) is in the second and third rounds so having multiple picks there is a quick way to do a fast rebuild.

While I love Watkins, I think WR is our least position of need unless we actually trade AJ which isn't happening that quickly.

But I agree with the premise. At #6, you can have Clowney, Mack, QOTF, Robinson, Matthews or (at worst) Barr or a second trade down involving Watkins.

[popanot]

Chances are extremely high that ATL trades up for Clowney. They'll need to go to #1 to get him. Rumor is the Texans want #6, 37, a 2015 #1 and possibly a late 2014 pick. I'd do it for the first 3 in that list. Maybe we need to look our options at #6. Personally, I'd take Mack (doubt he's there tho) or Matthews at #6 and wait on QB. Bortles would be the only QB I'd take that high if QB is the choice.