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The NFL Mock Draft game is beginning to get in full swing now that the National Championship is over with, which means we're going to get a lot of mock drafts we can laugh at in a few months. ESPN's Mel Kiper recently released a mock draft that I think could be one of those, mainly because it has the Jacksonville Jaguars passing on Louisville's Teddy Bridgewater.
No. 3 Jacksonville Jaguars -- Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
Analysis: There is no question that the Jags need a QB. It is questionable whether they will take one at this draft slot unless they believe that QB will make them better at that position in 2014. So consider this an early bet on a front office that will look to hit what is still a major need (the pass rush) by drafting the best available player in the draft. Clowney got questioned on his motor in his final college season, but that has more to do with stats than the tape. And any evaluator who saw a tentative player could also imagine what Clowney had on the line. Clowney is physically prepared to come in and make a major impact, and I think there's a good chance the Jags draft for upside and angle for a QB later. Don't forget: Free agency and trades can still shift the QB market in the draft. Think of Kansas City last year at this time.
As well, I recall when the Texans took Mario Williams at a time when QB was a question, and their GM told us it wasn't just about needing a QB, it was about the QBs they had to beat. Peyton Manning was in the division. Indy still has a good QB the Jags have to face.
Now, I'm not guaranteeing the Jaguars will take Bridgewater if he's available with the No. 3 overall pick, but I have a really hard time seeing them pass on him, even for Jadeveon Clowney, if he's on the board.
Mel Kiper on Teddy Bridgewater: Will need to prove to teams that he can command an NFL huddle and be the face of a franchise.
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) January 15, 2014
Kiper also has Johnny Manziel going No. 1 overall to the Houston Texans with Bridgewater as the third quarterback off the board, all the way to No. 8 with the Minnesota Vikings.
But then again, I don't know anything.
