With the 2014 NFL draft less than one month away, ESPN's Todd McShay made his latest projections of where players may fall. He listed Jadeveon Clowney going first overall to the Houston Texans, Blake Bortles being the first quarterback off the board the Cleveland Brown's No. 4 pick and Johnny Manziel falling No. 8 to the Minnesota Vikings.
Clowney's impressive pro day and freakish athleticism is leading many analysts to peg him as the No. 1 pick. McShay admitted it will likely come down to Clowney or Bortles for Houston, but he believes the Texans will ultimately go with the defensive end.
"The Texans really need a QB, and Bortles has the highest ceiling of any passer in this draft, but I just think it's going to be too difficult for the Texans to pass on Clowney," McShay wrote on Thursday. "He is the best player in this class and the most naturally talented defensive lineman I've ever evaluated, and guys like him simply don't come around that often."
McShay has offensive tackle Greg Robinson going second to the St. Louis Rams, although recent reports indicate the Rams are likely going to trade their No. 2 pick.
Bortles is the first signal caller off the board in McShay's draft. The former UCF standout goes No. 4 to Cleveland.
"While he isn't a perfect prospect at QB, he has the highest ceiling of any quarterback in this class," McShay wrote. "He has some improving to do with his mechanics, but he showed clear progress in that area during his pro day workout, and he checks all the boxes in terms of his size (6-foot-5, 232 pounds), intangibles, character, mental makeup and leadership ability.
"He can also make plays with his legs and is more creative than he gets credit for."
Manziel, the most polarizing player in 2014 draft, falls No. 8 to Minnesota. McShay cites Manziel's playmaking abilities, strong arm and potential to develop under offensive coordinator and quarterback guru Norv Turner.
The likelihood of Manziel actually landing in Minnesota is uncertain. Vikings coach Mike Zimmer has been critical of Manziel, although teams do often try to create smokescreens to hide their draft plans.
McShay's Top 10:
1. Jadeveon Clowney (DE) - Houston
2. Greg Robinson (OT) - St. Louis
3. Khalil Mack (OLB) - Buffalo
4. Blake Bortles (QB) - Cleveland
5. Sammy Watkins (WR) - Oakland
6. Jake Matthews (OT) - Atlanta
7. Mike Evans (WR) - Tampa Bay
8. Johnny Manziel (QB) - Minnesota
9. Eric Ebron (TE) - Buffalo
10. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (S) - Detroit
