Houston Texans Thinking About Drafting Jadeveon Clowney? Could Effect Value Of Rams Pick

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

While most in Rams Nation are focusing on the potential trade options for the St. Louis Rams and the No.2 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, some may have forgot about the team picked ahead of the them. The Houston Texans are as much a wild card as any team in the Top 5, with early reports suggesting a willingness to trade out of the top spot, followed by others that pegged Teddy Bridgewater as their “main man.” However, this morning, the internet exploded with a multitude of stories connecting the Houston Texans with Jadeveon Clowney, the top defensive prospect in the draft class.

Obviously, it is the responsibility of the owner and/or the General Manger to drum up conversation about their pick. Smoke and mirrors are an integral part of the Draft Day process, where the mere thought that another team could jump your spot in the draft order or take “your player” prior to your pick can prompt an organization to pay a king’s ransom (think Washington-St. Louis trade for Robert Griffin III).

Either way, the Houston Texans decision could play a massive role in the effectiveness of the St. Louis Rams’ ability to drive up a bidding war for the No.2 overall pick in the NFL Draft. On one hand, the selection of Clowney by the Texans would leave Teddy Bridgewater on the board, who is viewed by most as the top quarterback prospect in the draft class. All of the teams that believed he was “out of the equation” would suddenly have an opening for getting their franchise quarterback. On the other hand, the University of Louisville prospect staying on the board means that the “supply” of signal callers is still relatively high, with players like Blake Bortles and Johnny Manziel expected to be gone somewhere in the Top 7 picks. Some teams, especially those who might value Bortle over Bridgewater, would now be less apt to overpay to move into the No.2 spot.

All of this is mere speculation, of course, with several months, Pro Days, and the NFL Combine still to come between now and the start of the 2014 NFL Draft. However, this is certainly something to keep an eye on, especially if you believe the old adage: Where there’s smoke, there’s fire!