Jadeveon Clowney will visit with Atlanta Falcons, St. Louis Rams
South Carolina Gamecocks defensive end Jadeveon Clowney sits on the bench during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
There are plentiful updates pertaining to South Carolina Gamecocks product Jadeveon Clowney, as it’s his pro day today, and he’s the finest workout warrior in this year’s draft class due to his ridiculous speed and athleticism for the defensive end position. Clowney is an elite prospect who transcends scheme, and he’s always been the top-rated prospect on my board. He’s so good that he’s still in play for the Houston Texans as an option with the first pick, even though they need quarterback help more after trading away Matt Schaub.
The Atlanta Falcons and St. Louis Rams are two teams that are potential landing spots for Clowney, and ESPN NFL Nation’s David Newton reports that Clowney has visits scheduled with both clubs. Per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s D. Orlando Ledbetter, Clowney will work out the Rams first.
It’s interesting to see that both of these teams have scheduled workouts with Clowney, because they could also end up being trade partners on draft day if Clowney isn’t selected by the Texans. While the Falcons could really use an elite offensive tackle and would have one in either Greg Robinson or Jake Matthews at pick No. 6, they could also use a dynamic pass rusher. Clowney is the best player in the draft, and he’s the kind of defensive playmaker that the Falcons should crave.
The Rams are fully expected to trade down from the second pick since it isn’t a good fit for them, and the Falcons are expected to be one of just a few buyers. If they do end up holding onto the pick, then Clowney and Sammy Watkins are two very logical options. Although the Rams have an incredibly talented DE pairing of Robert Quinn and Chris Long, Clowney is so good that the Rams have to at least consider him.