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Is Jadeveon Clowney’s NFL Draft stock falling?

By Jason Marcum

Sep 7, 2013; Athens, GA, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) rushes the passer against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated South Carolina 41-30. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2013; Athens, GA, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) rushes the passer against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated South Carolina 41-30. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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When looking at some of the early mock drafts for next May’s NFL Draft, it’s no surprise to see quarterback being the first pick by whoever lands the No. 1 spot, as that has become far-and-away the most important position in today’s pass-happy NFL.

On Tuesday, Dane Brugler of CBS Sports released an early mock draft that had the Jaguars picking Teddy Bridgewater of Louisville with the first pick:

1. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS- Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville:
2. CLEVELAND BROWNS- Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA
3. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS- Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
4. OAKLAND RAIDERS- Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
5. NEW YORK JETS- Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA

The more surprising news is seeing South Carolina junior DE Jadeveon Clowney has fallen down to the No. 4 spot after nearly everyone who acted like they knew football said Clowney was already a lock for the top spot. But he certainly hasn’t looked like that kind of player through three weeks, and it was revealed this week that Clowney expects to have surgery after the season to remove bone spurs in his right foot.

"“It’s painful. I’m out here playing on it, though, so I’m just trying to give everything I’ve got on it,’ Clowney said after the game against Vanderbilt. “Who knows what’s going to happen out there? It doesn’t really bother me when I am out there much. It’s just builds up pain. The more I keep going on it, the more it bothers me.”"

As of now, Clowney is wearing a protective boot during the week in practice and shedding it on gameday. He registered one sack and a forced fumble against Vandy, and hasn’t looked anything like the consensus No. 1 overall pick everyone made him out to be before the season.

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