Sep 7, 2013; Athens, GA, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) works against the blocking by Georgia Bulldogs offensive tackle Kenarious Gates (72) during the second quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
In this year’s NFL Draft the teams who are selecting in the top five are in serious need of a “shot in the arm”, for both the talent on their ball club and for fan interest. All of these teams have a jarring lack of talent in a litany of areas and this highly talented draft is a good place to start rebuilding.
1. Houston Texans: Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M
If the Texans decide to hold onto the first pick as opposed to trading it away, the pick that makes the most sense is Johnny Manziel. Say what you want about his size, but the things that scouts are drooling over are the facets of his game that make him a truly unique player. Such as his quick release, escapability, play making skill, powerful arm, and above all his poise. If there were any lingering doubts about Johnny’s leadership abilities, physical tools or intangibles those should have been put to rest with the Aggies 52-48 victory over Duke. Manziel not only put on a display of unreal play making ability but also showed his affinity to lead and even further that players will get behind him as a leader and play for him. Let’s take a look at the current quarterback situation in Houston: Matt Schaub and Case Keenum. Both are not the long term solution for Texans, who sported one of the more anemic offenses in the NFL this season. For the Texans to draft a Texas kid, who might be the most talented player to ever play college football and who is the biggest superstar maybe in the entire country just makes too much sense. However, with how deep the 2014 draft is at quarterback and with the Texans needs throughout their roster I suspect they’ll trade down for more picks and maybe a player. NFL Comparison: Steve Young, Former QB San Francisco 49ers/ Fran Tarkenton, Former QB Minnesota Vikings
2. St. Louis Rams (from Washington Redskins): Jake Matthews, T, Texas A&M
The Rams couldn’t have made a better trade in the 2012 draft acquiring all those picks from the Redskins. The Rams don’t have that many holes that need to be filled on their roster however, the pick that makes the most sense is Matthews from A&M. Matthews has all the physical tools to be a perennial pro bowler throughout his career with the addition of the family pedigree that oozes professionalism and talent. This pick will bolster an incredibly talented running game with Zac Stacy and company and help protect injury prone quarterback Sam Bradford. NFL Comparison: Michael Roos, Tennessee Titans
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Blake Bortles, QB, University of Central Florida
Out of all the quarterbacks in the 2014 draft Bortles might be the most prototypical NFL quarterback of the lot. With a 6’4″ 230 lb. frame and very underrated speed Bortles is ready to be an NFL starter come next season. Bortles has a big arm, he is a very efficient and accurate passer and has extremely good poise in the pocket. What also helps his case to be selected this high in May’s draft is UCF’s victory in the school’s first BCS bowl, where the Knights were big time underdogs to the vaunted Baylor Bears of the Big 12. The Jaguars not only need a quality quarterback to help what was one of the league’s worst offenses, but also need to select a player that will bolster fan support of an organization that has appeared to be completely inept over the past few seasons and selecting a Florida superstar like Blake Bortles will do just that. NFL Comparison: Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers
4. Cleveland Browns: Derek Carr, QB, Freson State
If the top 3 picks are indeed Manziel, Matthews then Bortles the Cleveland Browns will most likely pick the over-hyped Teddy Bridgewater that would indeed set the organization back even further. However, with the glaring weakness at quarterback the player they should select is Fresno State Bulldog Derek Carr. Carr has all the measurables and physical tools to be a very good NFL starter. Not to mention, he has a much stronger arm and is a more accurate passer than Bridgewater. He also played many more quality opponents throughout his college career than Bridgewater. Carr has the ability to make all the NFL throws and shows the affinity to handle full field reads and diagnose defenses at a professional level, which makes him one of the most polished quarterback prospects in the draft. NFL Comparison: Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears
5. Oakland Raiders: Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
Clowney is by far the best athlete in the draft. He has once in a generation pass rush ability, that tends to over shadow his incredible ability in the run game. This year might have hurt his draft stock a bit because of the lack of production however, with closer examination every team that he faced ran the ball away from him and was double and triple teaming him in the pass game which once again highlights the fact that offensive coordinators are always game planning against him. In the NFL, those tactics do not translate. He will get more 1-on-1 opportunities and will prove how destructive he can be on opposing offensives. The Oakland Raiders will be extremely lucky to have #7 drop to the fifth spot in the coming draft. NFL Comparison: Julius Peppers, Chicago Bears