Top 5 Teams Most Likely To Select Jadeveon Clowney in 2014 NFL Draft

Top 5 Teams Most Likely to Select Jadeveon Clowney in the 2014 NFL Draft

Jadeveon Clowney is among the most highly anticipated prospects going into next year’s NFL Draft. Given how much the sport’s community loves to generate speculative discussion, it is never too early to speculate as to the best/most likely teams he could end up joining.

Clowney is a 4-3 defensive end for South Carolina who rose to prominence after he skewered an opponent in a game against Michigan. Clowney has 21 sacks during his two seasons with the Gamecocks. Moreover, he has 90 total tackles — 35.5 of which are for loss.

To put this in perspective, Dion Jordan — the highest selected defensive lineman in the 2013 NFL Draft — had 119 tackles and 29 sacks during three seasons as a defensive end with Oregon.

In essence, Clowney’s done tallied nearly the same amount of production in two seasons that Jordan has in three seasons.

Needless to say, Clowney’s talent is formidable.

Clowney is considered by many to be an NFL ready prospect and it was speculated whether Commissioner Roger Goodell would make an exception and allow the then-sophomore to enter the 2013 NFL Draft.

Had he done so, then it would have been hard for the Jacksonville Jaguars to pass on him at number two overall — a 4-3 team that require pass-rushing talent.

However, the purpose of this article is to speculate as to which teams are going to be best fits for Clowney in the 2014 NFL Draft.

Barring an injury or some other unforeseen mishap, Clowney will be a top five pick. That being said, teams that are most likely to select Clowney are teams that operate a 4-3 defense who aren’t expected to make much noise in the 2013 NFL Season.

Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons are always looking to upgrade their pass rush. This can seen with a failed Ray Edwards in 2011 and the recent signing of Osi Umenyiora.

While they are a team that will likely go deep into the playoffs, they have a history of trading up in the Draft. If they do not win the Super Bowl, then they may repeat the Julio Jones tactic of trading up to get a star player to bolster their roster.

Tennessee Titans

A 4-3 team, the Tennessee Titans season remains an uncertainty. They play in a division that has the Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts, so it is unlikely that they will make the playoffs.

Moreover, with a question at the quarterback position in Jake Locker, the team may experience a disappointing season that will land them in a place to draft Clowney.

Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions have drafted Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley, and — most recently — Ezekiel Ansah in the first round of the 2010, 2011, and 2013 NFL Draft, respectively.

They are coming off a disappointing season, and they are hoping key offseason acquisitions will rocket them back into double-digit wins. But if another disappointment occurs, then the Lions may invest another high draft pick in Clowney. And, if done so, it may create one of the more intimidating defensive lines in NFL History.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars’ struggles doesn’t seem like they are close to returning as a contender. Most likely, they will select highly. If done so, they will be looking for a star player to market. Clowney would add a perfect combination of explosiveness and marketability.

Oakland Raiders

The Raiders drafted D.J Hayden in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft. With their cornerback position taken care of, it may be in their interest to bolster their pass rush.

The Raiders run a 4-3 defense, seem likely to be high selectors in 2014. The intimidating defensive end’s imposing field presence would be elevated exponentially in the silver and black uniform.