Quote:...There is little reason in my mind for the #1 pick to do any lying..its not like someone can leap frog them and if they do lie why would anyone trade? Any team wanting Clowney probably won't trade with a team who's so clearly saying they want him..will they? 
 
I could understand if the Rams were showing major interest in say Manziel..that would force the Browns to trade up over #2 to secure their pick. It just doesn't make sense to me for the #1 pick to lie or put a smokescreen up.

The GM has been quite public that he would be open for a trade (The Texans would love for someone to offer them a sweet deal...who wouldn't in their position without a perceived slam-dunk Luck at the top). It is in Houston's interest to act interested in any and all of the top guys in this draft. If someone wants to trade up for Clowney, then they would need to deal with Houston if they believe Houston likes him with a chance to draft him. If someone wants to trade up for Bridgewater or Manziel, then they would need to deal with Houston if they believe Houston likes them. By professing a like for Clowney, they broaden the number of potential suitors for their pick. The McNair article broadens the view that the Texans sole choice would be a QB...nowhere in the article has McNair stated that Clowney IS their pick. If you look at the Texan's message board, the overwhelming majority of the public believe (especially prior to this McNair piece) that the Texans would use the pick on a QB if they do not trade it.

In your trade example, if the Browns were targeting Manziel and willing to trade up, they would trade to #2 with St Louis (a lesser move up to make and likely cheaper) if they were certain that Houston was choosing someone else. If they think Houston may choose him, but is willing to trade down, they would call Houston to make an offer for Houston's pick to insure Manziel's acquisition. Now, if some team desires Clowney (similar to your Manziel scenario), the odds of them calling Houston instead of St Louis has gone up.

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