The notion that Clowney isn't going to be motivated in the NFL is preposterous. 1. Teams literally crafted their offensive gameplan around avoiding Clowney. They double and triple teamed him and they would literally run plays on the opposite side of him just to avoid them. Despite that and despite not playing with any top tier pass rushers, he still managed to break up a TON of plays, even if he didn't record the basic stats that all of you armchair sports psychologists care about. 2. Even if you think that Clowney didn't try last year, the incentives that exist in the NFL are MUCH different. Clowney was going to be a top 5 pick no matter how this season went for him. The upside for having another fantastic season was marginal, but the downside of suffering an injury was horrific. He would drop down significantly and lose a TON of money in the process (he just watched his teammate Marcus Lattimore go through this). Here's the thing you guys don't think about: getting paid is not only a nice comfort, it's these guys' livelihood. NFL careers are short and these guys often don't have other skills to fall back on. In the NFL, your contract is based on your performance. If Clowney doesn't produce for his first 4 seasons (or only in his contract year) he LOSES money. If he doesn't perform in his second contract, he won't get a third! The incentives align in the NFL in a much better way for rational players like Clowney. 3. Clowney clearly isn't inherently lazy. You don't run the 40 speed he did without putting in a significant amount of work. You don't become as freakishly athletic without working hard consistently. Here's the thing about the 2014 NFL draft; scouts say it's excellent not because of the concentration of talent at the top, but because of the depth of talent that exists. The Texans need to take advantage of the comparative advantage they have (the number 1 overall pick) and take someone who is definitely worthy of a 1.1 pick in the abstract. We can grab guys at a more pressing position of need later, the depth in the draft will allow us to do that (not to mention pass rush IS A NEED for us). Don't overthink this. Draft Clowney and grab a project QB in the second round. We should redo this poll, I already voted for Teddy Bridgewater a couple of months ago, but things have changed significantly since then (and I'm not sure Bridgewater is the top QB I'd want in the draft anymore. Clowney > Mack > all else.
First decide between Manziel, Bortles, or Bridgewater. Then decide between Clowney or Mack. Then decide to go with the QB or the defensive stud. I still think the Texans need to draft a QB in the first, the only question is which one. I suppose Bortles (no real concerns about his size or arm strength), but is he really worth a number one overall pick when Clowney is sitting there? Glad I don't have to make the choice!
Without and or lacking heart and desire measurements don't mean as much. And better pass rush moves wouldn't hurt either. I think Clowney didn't shut it down this past season, and he's probably glad people think he did so he can still get drafted high.
As far as I'm concerned, the choice is obvious, and it's Manziel. Really, who is his competition? A QB who played poor competition, has smallish hands, and underperformed on his pro day, and a supposedly all-world pass rusher who basically took this last season off? I believe that, yes, Manziel is a risk, but his potential is so much greater than the other QB's in this draft. I really believe he is going to be super successful, but I'd almost like the see the Texans take Manziel just for the fact that it would be a bold move from a franchise that is known for anything but being bold.
Manziel probably won't be a first round pick at all and shouldn't go in the first 4 rounds. Drafting a long snapper would be a bold move, but just because a move is bold doesn't mean that it's a bright idea.
Not talking about who I want or who I like, but the only pick of the people discussed in the media that would shock and befuddle me is Manziel. I will be blown away if they choose Manziel. Completely shocked.
How do you people feel about Clowney at 1 and then pull a Cleveland/Brady Quinn and move up to pick 20+ to take Manziel if he's there?
I'd be happy with either one, both high risk (debatable, but so is everything), but both have tremendous upside. Drafting Manziel would instantly wash away the stench, but (as his critics and doubters will point out), you might end up replacing one QB stench with another. Can he stay healthy? Can he become a pocket passer?
Don't see him falling that far, Tebow didn't and Manziel's better. There's going to be an owner who wants what Manziel brings, 1. star power 2. potential 3. fresh start. All it takes is one bad team that has trouble selling tickets.
Jamarcus Russell was a freak athlete, but once he came into the league he turned lazy. He didn't want to always be the best player he could be. And the notion of using Clowney not trying as hard to save money excuse makes me not want him even more.
I'm still watching games, but he gives up on the ball a ton after a second or two if his first move doesn't work, and he very rarely pursues from the back side. For a guy who is supposedly as fast as a WR, he doesn't make too many tackles from behind. His rip move to the inside is nice, and he gets off the line of scrimmage like a rocket, but tenacious and dogged are not words I'd associate with him. If he gets a free run at the ball carrier thanks to his quickness and burst, though, he'll blow him up. He is impressive if he gets an advantage off the snap.
He often does run down plays but he often stops doing so on really long drives when he gets winded, but that's the same for any player including JJ Watt. A lot of the criticism came on downs where he was gassed or on downs where he was in 2 gap responsibility.
Yeah, I'm watching Tennessee right now, and he is definitely very selective in his effort, though when he brings it, he is something else. But it isn't two gapping/read-react. He is very much shooting the gap. He makes a quick move on Tiny Richardson attacking the ball, Tiny manages to counter, and Clowney just kind of gives up.
