You'd think it would be the Rams at #2, assuming Bortles goes #1 to Houston. However the Rams might be asking to much in way of compensation for Clowney, ultimately either selecting him or taking Robinson or Mathews. If Clowney is there, it's a no brainer, he's the pick. If he's gone, the key pick becomes Watkins. Tampa and Detroit would be the likely trade partners. I think anything further down could garner more picks, but limit potential "elite" picks in this years draft. The Raiders, IMO didn't get enough in return for giving up the 3rd pick last year. I can't wait to see how the draft plays out, and even had to take a vacation day (Hawaii it starts at 2:00). I truly feel this is the first franchise changing draft in the new regime.
I just really feel like Clowney will be there at #3 and all this trade talk is moot.
Clowney just doesn't fit the Houston defensive scheme. He can't play upright, that's Khalil Mack's game.
The Texans and Jags would be better off if the Jags took Clowney and the Texans took Mack.
But I still have them picking Bortles, the Rams staying put and picking Watkins, and the Jags picking Clowney. While there's incentive to trade down, I think the Rams love the idea of being able to grab the best receiver and possibly the best LT in the draft on the same day.
That would be ideal. If we got Clowney at 3, that'd be nice.
I do think the Jags will get an offer(s) with someone wanting to trade up. But, with the value of later picks being higher due to the depth of the draft, and Miami's move up last year being used as a benchmark, I don't think the bounty on trading back is as plentiful as some anticipate.
Somewhat related, Charlie Casserlie made a good point on NFL Total Access a couple days ago. He views that there are only 3 guys in the top of the draft as being likely to be perennial pro-bowlers (Clowney, Watkins, and Robinson). Teams will want to move up to get these guys if a need is present in those positions and the trading partner is reasonable.
I don't think there's a player worth trading up to #3 for besides Clowney, and it would have to be a king's ransom for us to pass up taking him if he's there. Even that may not be enough.