Mike Mayock 2014 Mock Draft: Houston Texans select Jadeveon Clowney
By Sydney Hunte
Feb 22, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive end Jadeveon Clowney walks through the stadium concourse during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The NFL Network’s Mike Mayock only does one mock draft a year. Tonight, he broke his out, and he has Jadeveon Clowney going #1 overall to the Houston Texans.
But, he had Buffalo’s Khalil Mack ranked #1 on his Top 100, who he had slated as going third to the Jacksonville Jaguars. What gives?
“I had a tough time with this one because I like Mack so much, and they both fit what Houston does defensively…I think the upside or the ceiling of Jadeveon Clowney is going to sway Houston, where I look at the floor–and I think Mack has a higher floor.”
So where does Clowney sit in his eyes, ultimately?
“I think he’s the most talented defensive lineman on the planet, including NFL players…however, that doesn’t mean he’s going to be the best defensive lineman on the planet,” Mayock said. “If he wants to be it, if he’s got an edge, if he’s willing to work at it, he’s got a chance.”
Mayock, though, implied that Mack has the “motor” and “edge” that can make him the better of the pair, but conceded that Clowney would be in a “good room” with J.J. Watt and defensive coordinator Bill Kollar.