The 2014 NFL Draft is just about two weeks away, and we still have no idea what the Houston Texans are going to do with the first selection.
It’s clear though that there are four players who have separated themselves from the rest of the pack as the top-tier.
None of them are quarterbacks.
That really shouldn’t be surprising though. Despite the fact that the Texans are in desperate need of a player under center, there is not a quarterback who has proved beyond a shadow of a doubt to be ‘No.1 worthy’.
So who are these four players?
They would be defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, linebacker Khalil Mack, offensive tackle Greg Robinson, and wide receiver Sammy Watkins.
The four players are considered the ‘can’t miss guy’s’ or the closest thing to a sure thing in the draft. Conventional thought is that these will be the first four taken of the board. The big question though is in what order?
You have to think that if Houston selects, they will be looking at Clowney. He is a player that is a freak athlete at his position. His rare size and speed would fit in nicely alongside J.J. Watt on the defensive line. Can you imagine that line? That has to be appealing to the Houston.
But recent rumors indicate that Mack might be a solid choice for the Texans. But then the question is whether or not they would trade down a few spots where they still think Mack would be available. If a team like Jacksonville wanted to move up for example to get Clowney, Houston could still get Mack plus add on to some selections.
Our bet is that if Houston picks, they will take Clowney. If another team trades up, they will take Clowney.
The bottom line, Clowney is going No.1, it’s just a matter of which team will be the one selecting him.
It’s hard to argue going with clowney, but our favorite player in this draft is Watkins. He has the size and speed that few receivers have even at the NFL level. He will be a player that comes in and has an instant impact, which is what you look for in a first round pick. Watkins will be the first receiver taken in this year’s draft, and could go as high as No.2 or No.3, but don’t expect him to be the top player taken.
Of course, with teams still looking at quarterbacks, it’s entirely possible that a Johnny Manziel, Blake Bortles, or even a Teddy Bridgewater could still go No.1.
It will all unfold on May 8th.