The NFL world had an eye on the South Carolina Pro Day Wednesday when potential No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney went through his much-anticipated workout.
Confident — no question. Afterwards, Clowney made the decision for the Houston Texans, saying he deserves to be the top pick.
“I can pretty much do it all,” Clowney told ESPN. “Anything on defense I can help. I can be a playmaker. I am a playmaker. I’ve got what it takes, I believe, to go out there and set the tone for the next guy coming up. And to help my team out winning games.”
Clowney also mentioned he has two visits set up — with the St. Louis Rams and the Atlanta Falcons, who pick second and sixth, respectively, in the first round.
Clowney says he has 2 visits set up – with STL and ATL.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) April 2, 2014
If the Texans elect to pass on Clowney with the first pick, the Rams could have a bidding war for teams targeting him. The Jacksonville Jaguars and Falcons are both teams that may have interest in trading up to grab him at No. 2. Atlanta also contacted Clowney to set up a private workout, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.
The Falcons will also work on their Plan B, which revolves around another edge rusher, Buffalo’s Khalil Mack.
Mack worked out for the Falcons Wednesday, according to NFL Media, and it’s more realistic that he’ll be available when the Falcons are all on the clock. Some analysts consider Mack the better overall prospect than Clowney.
#Buffalo LB Khalil Mack working out with #Falcons today. Atlanta has 6th overall pick in #NFLDraft.
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) April 2, 2014
Onto the teams searching for quarterbacks.
The Cleveland Browns began a series of quarterback workouts this week and that continued with Blake Bortles on Wednesday, according to Cleveland.com.
#Browns are conducting their private workout with UCF QB Blake Bortles today, league source tells http://t.co/AxL2Mqzjbd.
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) April 2, 2014
The team worked out Fresno State’s Derek Carr earlier in the week, and more are to expected to come. According to ESPN, Teddy Bridgewater, Jimmy Garoppolo, Tom Savage and Keith Wenning will all work out for Cleveland this week. Johnny Manziel will undergo his workout in two or three weeks as well.
Browns’ busy QB workout docket this wk: Carr, Bridgewater, Bortles, Garoppolo (Eastern Illinois), Savage (Pitt) & Wenning (Ball St)
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) April 2, 2014
Johnny Manziel will work out for the Browns in 2-3 weeks
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) April 2, 2014
Not only did Carr spend time in Cleveland this week, but according to the Tennessean, he’s expected to visit the Tennessee Titans.
The Titans are unlikely to draft a quarterback with the 10th overall pick, but perhaps are inclined to go in that direction in the second round, which would be where Carr is expected to fall. The team has Jake Locker, but he’s been unable to stay healthy and was not hand-picked by first-year coach Ken Whisenhunt. There is a team option on Locker’s contract in 2015, which according to reports, the Titans are unlikely to pick up. Carr could be the future for Tennessee under center.
