NFL Mock Draft 2014: St. Louis Rams Select Jadeveon Clowney

Jadeveon Clowney, DE, University of South Carolina

I went in considering Clowney and two other players:

- WR Sammy Watkins, because of the Rams' need for a guy who can go deep and actually catch. The team's leading receiver last season was tight end Jared Cook, with 51 catches. The WR with the most catches only snagged 38 balls. Sheesh.

- OT Greg Robinson, because quarterback Sam Bradford was sacked 15 times in just 7 games last season before injuries kept him off the field. The previous 3 years' sack totals: 34, 36 and 36. Again: sheesh.

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So why settle on Clowney when the Rams clearly have other needs greater than defensive end? They already have Chris Long and Robert Quinn. And didn't folks in the media question Clowney's motivations this past year? Judging by how guys like Mel Kiper reacted to Clowney's performance at his pro day, I'd say those questions have been muted for good. And there's always concerns about having to pay up for Robert Quinn, who's coming off a monster season himself and might price himself out of St. Louis, so having a superb "fall back" option is a must for a team that needs a stout defense in a loaded division with offenses that can fluster. I mean, who among us wouldn't love to see Colin Kapernick or Russell Wilson (or whoever's taking snaps for the Cardinals these days) get smashed into the turf?

If you were still questioning my logic, know this: Clowney thinks he should be the number one pick and has promised to make the Texans "miserable" if they don't pick him. I love a guy with that kind of chip on his shoulder.

And with the Rams having another first round pick, they can always fill another glaring need.
Of course, if I had my druthers I'd really try to trade down. But that's just me: I like hoarding draft picks like a squirrel hoards nuts.

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