1. Houston -- Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M
This much is certainly true in mid-February: We don't know yet whether new Texans head coach Bill O'Brien is sold on Manziel's improvisational approach to quarterbacking, with its live-on-the-edge style of play making. But we also don't know for certain that O'Brien has to have a traditional pocket passer to run his offense and that he wouldn't come to appreciate Manziel's ability to keep plays alive with his legs, forcing teams to defend him from sideline to sideline. I would think that the dual-threat success of Russell Wilson, Colin Kaepernick and Cam Newton in recent years has done nothing but help endorse Manziel's unconventional game. Perhaps, as the scouting season wears on, Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, UCF quarterback Blake Bortles or South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney will emerge as talents too great to pass up, or Manziel's maturity issues will scare away owner Bob McNair and a Houston organization that isn't known for risk-taking. But the home state hero Manziel has that "it'' factor, and the Texans have tried the more mechanical-type quarterback (Matt Schaub) without Super Bowl success. For now, Manziel and the Texans are a marriage too intriguing to ignore.
2. St. Louis -- Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M
The Rams obviously will be willing to trade away this slot to a quarterback-needy team, which is fitting since it's the last bit of draft capital St. Louis wrung out of Washington in the blockbuster Robert Griffin III deal two years ago. But if the Rams stick to this spot, offensive tackle is the obvious need, with Jake Long having suffered a late-season ACL in 2013, and both Rodger Saffold and Chris Williams eligible for free agency. Many mocks have Auburn's freakishly gifted Greg Robinson in this slot, but Matthews is clearly the most pro-ready tackle in the draft, and Jeff Fisher's decades-long history with Jake Matthews' famous father -- Hall of Fame Oilers/Titans offensive lineman/assistant coach Bruce Matthews -- has to be factored into the equation. But Matthews isn't just the safest choice, he's a top-five talent who will give the Rams exactly what they need from Day 1, whether he starts at right or left tackle.
3. Jacksonville -- Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
Passing on a quarterback such as Teddy Bridgewater or Blake Bortles (or Manziel if he's still on the board) may not help the Jaguars maximize their 2014 potential, but if Clowney fulfills his potential to become the league's dominant pass rusher, the pick will look shrewd in hindsight and help address a glaring need that Jacksonville has been trying to fill for years now. Clowney could be the centerpiece for the defensive upgrade that Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley seeks, in much the same way that his former team, the Seahawks, built on that side of the ball before turning their focus to offense.
4. Cleveland -- Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
The Browns could finally experience some first-round good fortune at quarterback, should they find Bridgewater waiting for them. The Cardinals' star is the most accurate and accomplished passer in this draft, and he is seen as the cleanest pro prospect among all the QB hopefuls. After Brandon Weeden and all those who came before him in Cleveland, accuracy in the passing game is something Browns fans could get used to. In this scenario, Cleveland will have its choice between Bridgewater's superb touch and command of a pro-style passing game, or the sturdier size and pocket-style quarterbacking of UCF's Bortles, who some scouts think has the most NFL upside.
5. Oakland -- Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida
With head coach Dennis Allen and general manager Reggie McKenzie both entering a prove-it year, the Raiders aren't going to sign up for another season of just Terrelle Pryor and Matt McGloin at quarterback. Bortles may not be polished enough to become the instant starter in Oakland, but his prototypical NFL size combined with his mobility make him the quarterback who has gathered the most draft momentum in recent months.
Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nfl/news/20140219/2014-nfl-mock-draft-johnny-manziel/#ixzz2tuhKMEbl
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