The Atlanta Falcons reportedly are considering moving up in the 2014 NFL draft for defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. Atlanta would have to trade up for either the Houston Texans' first overall pick or the St. Louis Rams' second overall pick, both of which Peter King of MMQB reports are obtainable.
Clowney reportedly left such a great impression on Atlanta that the team is now considering trading some of their future assets for him.
"Momentum is gaining for the Atlanta Falcons to move up for Jadeveon Clowney," King wrote on Sunday. "Not saying it's going to happen; I'd list the odds at 40 percent. But if the Texans want to trade the No. 1 pick, the Falcons, as of this morning, are their best option.
"When Clowney visited Atlanta last week, he left a very positive impression with the Falcons' coaches and brass. I'd heard before that meeting that the Falcons weren't inclined to entertain thoughts about making such a bold move, from sixth pick in the first to No. 1 overall. Now they are thinking of it."
King pegged the Falcons as having a better chance of trading up for the Rams' No. 2 pick, although moving up for the No. 2 pick would be a gamble as many project Clowney to go first overall.
While Clowney is the best athlete in the draft, some in the league have questioned his work ethic and his commitment to football.
Still, despite the concerns, Atlanta isn't the only team reportedly eying the former South Carolina defensive end. The Detroit Lions are also supposedly considering trading up for Clowney, and the Texans are reportedly split between Clowney and linebacker Khalil Mack.
The draft begins on Thursday, May 8.
