The Houston Texans reportedly are leaning toward selecting linebacker Khalil Mack with the first pick of the 2014 NFL draft, not defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. The Detroit Lions, meanwhile, appear even more likely to try to trade up in the draft after hosting Mack for a visit.
Mack's stock appears to be on the rise. The draft is around the corner, and the latest reports indicate the linebacker out of Buffalo.
"Houston, at No. 1, isn't set on Jadeveon Clowney. In fact, one (friend of Texans general manager Rick Smith) told me the Texans general manager likes Khalil Mack over Clowney, and we still don't know which quarterback Houston would choose if it chooses one first overall," Peter King of MMQB wrote on Monday.
The stock for the quarterback draft class is falling, according to multiple reports, and it's possible the Texans could snag a talented signal caller -- such as Aaron Murray, Derek Carr or possibly even Teddy Bridgewater -- in the beginning of the second round.
King also said another option for Houston is Auburn offensive tackle Greg Robinson, whom in King's opinion is a "sure thing."
ESPN's Tania Ganguli reiterated the possibility of the Texans trading down, which team owner Bob McNair mentioned as a possibility in January.
Most mock drafts have the Texans going with Clowney or UCF quarterback Blake Bortles.
One team appearing likely to trade up is Detroit. The Lions have hosted a number of players, including receivers Sammy Watkins and Mike Evans, projected to go well before the Lions' No. 10 pick.
Mack became the latest highly-touted prospect to visit Detroit. The Lions are looking for a "flamethrower" to send at opposing quarterbacks, according to DetroitLions.com. After his visit on Tuesday, Mack told the Lions' website he would be excited to play on the field with Lions defensive linemen Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley.
