Clowney turns heads at Combine
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (The Spread) – As expected, South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney turned heads at Monday’s NFL scouting combine.
Clowney officially ran a 4.53 in the 40-yard dash, although his unofficial times were 4.47 and 4.48, which were incredible for a player that is 6’5” and 266 pounds. He added a 37 ½-inch vertical and 10-foot-4 broad jump while also churning out 21 reps on the bench press. Some people weren’t impressed by the “low” amount of reps on the bench, but Clowney has an 83-inch wingspan and most prospects with long arms struggle on the bench.
With his impressive showing at the combine, Clowney remains in the mix to be taken with the first overall pick in May’s NFL draft. The Texans own that pick and even though they’re in the market for a franchise quarterback, new head coach Bill O’Brien may ultimately decide that Clowney is too good of a prospect to pass up. Even though his work ethic has repeatedly been questioned, Clowney remains one of those once-in-a-lifetime athletes.
The Rams hold the No. 2 overall pick and while they don’t need a pass rusher, GM Les Snead and coach Jeff Fisher have shown the penchant to trade picks in previous years. Maybe a team like the Falcons, who hold the sixth overall pick and who desperately need a pass rusher, would trade up to No. 2 if Houston passes on Clowney for a quarterback. Atlanta has a ton of needs and could wait to see if Buffalo’s Khalil Mack falls to No. 6 instead of parting with draft picks in order to orchestrate a trade. But again, Clowney might be too good not to take a risk on moving up.
According to oddsmakers from online sports book Bovada.lv, the Texans are 33/1 to win the 2015 Super Bowl, which are the same odds as the Falcons. The Rams, meanwhile, are 40/1 to win next year’s NFL title, while their NFC West rivals the Seahawks are still the favorite at 11/2.
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