Johnny Manziel's stock in the 2014 NFL Draft is rising, but don't expect him to go No. 1 overall. So says Sporting News' latest mock draft.
While the notion of Johnny Football staying in Texas has appeal, the Houston Texans will get bigger bang for their buck with Jadeveon Clowney, according to Eric Galko. Clowney, a monster of a defensive end from South Carolina, is the better fit for what the team has in mind for its future.
"With Bill O'Brien as coach, the Texans are in prime position to take advantage of a talented roster," Gelko writes. "However, that doesn't mean they need to draft a quarterback first overall. They should trust in O'Brien to make the most at the position while adding an elite talent in Clowney to an impressive defensive unit."
So where will Manziel go?
SN's selection: at No. 8 overall to the Minnesota Vikings.
"Manziel is a first-round selection; it's a matter of which team wants to take the leap," Gelko writes. "The Vikings have playmakers in running back Adrian Peterson and receiver Cordarrelle Patterson. Adding Manziel will give defenses more headaches."
So there, Mel Kiper Jr.
For more and a full run of first-round projections, check Sporting News' 2014 mock draft.
Gelko covers the NFL Draft for Sporting News and Optimum Scouting