Potential Crazy NFL Draft Scenarios Affecting the Browns
Jan 1, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) runs off the field after the second quarter of the Capital One Bowl against the Wisconsin Badgers held at the Florida Citrus Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports
Crazy Scenario: Jadeveon Clowney slips to #4 for the Browns
Why It Could Happen: The Texans feel they’re a quarterback away from contending again and have Bortles (or really any quarterback) rated that much higher for their system and talent wise. Houston selects Bortles leaving Clowney to the Rams. Now this could start a bidding war since the Rams more than likely won’t be taking Clowney already have studs Robert Quinn and Chris Long (and even if they were thinking about getting crazy moving him to 4-3 OLB they still have Alec Olgetree and Ray-Ray Armstrong). They could either trade down or be enamored with someone like Watkins or Robinson. For this example let’s say it’s Greg Robinson. Letting Clowney drop to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Now here is where I believe Jacksonville would take him but I’m not behind the scenes. It’s very possible they like Khalil Mack better, especially with all the talk of Clowney being lazy at times and taking plays off. The Jaguars could even believe Watkins is a better once in a lifetime player and with Justin Blackmon not looking like a future Jaguar, they could pull the trigger on Mack or Watkins. We’ll say Mack since that’s what most reports or pointing to. Leaving the Browns with Sammy Watkins, Johnny Manziel AND Jadeveon Clowney.
How It Affects the Browns: The Browns would have to be at least intrigued by the athletic freak that is Clowney. He’s insane. Would this make the Browns change course from what they planned on heading into this draft? If they came in hoping to solve their quarterback problem (either Bortles making it to them or planning on Manziel to be there) would they abandoned the gaping hole at quarterback that’s haunted them for the past 14 years? Even further into the rabbit hole, would they put the pick up and trade down to someone like the Atlanta Falcons who is apparently hot after Clowney or even crazier trading even further down to a team that thinks he’s the guy who either puts them into the playoffs or gets them over that hump to be a legit contender? Would the Browns pull the trigger on drafting him, even though his best position on this team seems to be the one we spent a #6 pick on last year, while also spending a 2nd rounder on in 2011 AND spent $40 million on as well?
Why It Probably Won’t Happen: Teams love to take an athletic freak like this. They think of all the ways that he could possibility line-up and the insane ways they could use him. It’s hard to pass a guy like this up. Even if Houston passes, the Rams will probably look to capitalize on it by offering up their pick and a team like Atlanta (or I think, Jacksonville) will trade up for him.
Chances of It Happening: 2/10. It’s definitely possible. I believe the Texans will go quarterback (Bortles). I can see the Rams wanting to lock their guy down after trading back in 2012 and already having the #13 pick as well. But I really think if Clowney gets past Houston, Jacksonville will be all over it. I think Clowney is a substantial upgrade over Mack and I believe a lot, if not all teams, see it that way as well. I don’t see Clowney getting past #3.