2014 NFL Draft Rumors: Will Texans pick Jadeveon Clowney over QB?

It’s no big secret that quarterback Matt Schaub is probably on his way out of Houston. It’s also no secret that the Texans need a quarterback if they want to rebound from a dismal 2013 season. That said, there is a chance that Houston could go the same route in the 2014 NFL Draft as they did in 2006, and look to defense with their top pick.

Many experts have the Houston Texans automatically taking one of the top available quarterbacks (usually Johnny Manziel) with the number one overall pick, but some–like Fox Sports Charlie Campbell–think that Houston is a lock to go with the guy who is number one on many draft big boards, defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.

Why does Campbell think that Houston will pass on a QB? According to his information, the Texans aren’t looking at any of this year’s quarterback class as number one pick material.

"I think they will channel their 2006 approach when they took Mario Williams instead of Reggie Bush, Vince Young or Matt Leinart. In speaking with sources, none of the quarterbacks are grading out as a true No. 1 overall pick. – Charlie Campbell, FoxSports.com"

There have been rumors of the Texans targeting some veteran quarterbacks via free agency, such as Matt Cassel, but in watching Houston last season it would seem that they’d have to score a pretty big free agent QB if they want to get things rolling again.

On the other hand, if you think about Clowney joining J.J. Watt on that defense, it kind of makes you shudder a little bit…particularly if you’re an NFL quarterback.

Houston has a lot of talent on their roster, and the right play-caller could make all the difference in the world. On the other hand, it’s hard to imaging passing up on a guy like Clowney when he’s there for the taking.

Tough call on the part of Houston GM Rick Smith.