This interview with Brett Kollmann of Battle Red Blog is a MUST LISTEN for all Texans fans: http://houston.cbslocal.com/2014/02/26/brett-kollman-opinion-about-texans-draft-pick/
Clowney's best position would be one of a hybrid DE/LB who blitz's and stunts every down. I don't see him beating LT's one on one very often. Mack is a better edge player at this stage. Stiff he is. But saying that, I can see him as a player who will give you 10 sacks a year if the effort is there. I hope the Texans are sold on Teddy.
Yeah he doesn't like Clowney as a pure OLB and I can understand why, but he wouldn't be a pure OLB, he'd play the Elephant position if he was technically lined up at OLB.
I would rather Clowney have 280-285 lbs and be more of a 5 tech like Watt Suits his abilities Elephant would be the only backer spot I could see him playing
I agree. Clowney will be more successful going against guards & center than tackles. He can use his quickness and swim move in the inside to perfection, just like Watt. The question is... Does he have the grit to do it?
That is what the Texans should be asking themselves, If BOB and Crennel don't think they can say yes resoundingly you go in a different direction (Bridgewater)
If Clowney got the chance, he'd beat tackles one on one a lot of the time, he commands a double for a reason. As to Mack, a lot of his film reminds me of a faster but weaker version of Whitney Mercilus. WAY too often he just runs into the OT's arms and goes nowhere. Mack is pretty good in coverage, and if he's either not blocked or if the OT misses the block he has a chance to get on the QB in a hurry, but he's not shedding any blocks at the next level. Mack is speed only when it comes to pass rush.
I'd rather he was up closer to 270 or 280 as well but I think he wanted to maximize his 40 time and show he could cut weight to play OLB if he was needed to.
Truth, I can't argue that. Shame he doesn't have fluid hips, he could be a dominant 4-3 end if he did
Well I'm sure he's working on it, just like you are holding out hope that Bridgewater will showcase a strong arm at his pro day, maybe Clowney will show improvement in his hips at his pro day. The draft is WAY too far away.
1. Bridgewater has corrected his release to an over the top release (lowers ball trajectory, increases velocity and downfield power) 2. He has/is learning to torque his hips and lower body into his throws, again that increases velocity 3. Added muscle Nothing is guaranteed but I would not be surprised if he shows off a cannon I hope Clowney is not complacent and determined
Maybe. Mack plays with better leverage, and seems to be a bit more athletic than Whitney. Whitney is a strong guy, but he doesn't effectively use his strength with his speed. He is raw. Mack is a more polished pass rusher even at this stage in their careers. Mack looks like a lighter version of Von Miller.
I see them both having the same amount of "polish" as pass rushers, the difference is that Mercilus isn't fast enough to run around the pocket and get sacks and Mack is. When Mack isn't running around the pocket he uses the exact same "move" that Mercilus does where they just sort of run right into the arms of the O lineman and go nowhere. Most of Mack's value isn't when he's rushing the passer because he's actually not that good at it.
Clowney Mack Bridgewater Manziel One of those guys will be available if you can get Cleveland to trade that pick. My dream scenario would be taking Clowney first and hoping CJ Moseley drops to that spot(health issues) or a Clinton Dix(safety to pair with Swearinger) for that matter.