2014 NFL Draft Rumors: Teams expect Houston Texans to trade No.1 pick

September 16, 2012; Jacksonville, FL, USA; A Houston Texans player holds up his helmet prior to the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. The Texans defeated the Jaguars 27-7. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

The Houston Texans are reportedly interested in drafting either Jadeveon Clowney or Khalil Mack with the first overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, but that may be nothing more than a smokescreen.

According to ESPN’s Ed Werder, rival teams believe the Texans are setting themselves up to trade the pick and mentions the Atlanta Falcons (who own the sixth pick) as a potential candidate.

"Teams expect Texans to trade down, maybe to Falcons at 6. @SeniorBowlPhil says rookie pay scale makes taking Clowney, then trading tough."

If the Texans aren’t completely enamored with Clowney, Mack or any other player then it makes obvious sense to move down. The suggestion that they might may lead some to believe they’re more interested in drafting a quarterback who they can snag in the top ten while picking up additional picks/players in a trade, though that’s simply speculation at this point.

Either way, if there are any looming questions for the Texans on who to take, moving the pick may be their best option.

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