What Does the 1st Overall Pick in the NFL Draft Mean for the Indianapolis Colts?
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The Houston Texans have the top overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, but what does that selection mean for the Indianapolis Colts?
At the start of last season, many people chose the Houston Texans to not only win the AFC South for a third consecutive year, but to possibly represent the AFC in Super Bowl XLVIII. Not only did the Texans not fulfill those accomplishments, they totally fell apart, after a 2-0 start. The Colts took advantage of Houston’s free fall, regaining the AFC South title. Obviously the Colts and Texans will battle twice a year, so whatever the Texans decide to do with the number one overall pick will have ramifications on Indianapolis for years to come.
Two of the top draft prospects this year are QB – Johnny Manziel and DL – Jadeveon Clowney. Both young men were two of the most anticipated attendees at the NFL Scouting Combine, and either player could easily go to Houston with the number one overall pick.
Clowney wowed many with his workout at the combine. With every coaching staff in the league paying attention, the 6’5” 266 defensive player ran an impressive 4.53 time in the 40-yard dash. Clowney’s time was faster than half of the wide receivers who ran the dash at the combine. Clowney’s drive to play football was called into question during his final season at South Carolina, but that does not mean that Houston isn’t taking a long look at adding another important piece to an already stout defense.
Manziel didn’t throw at the combine, but just his mere attendance garnered as much interest as any other player. “Johnny Football” had an amazing college career at Texas A&M, but his success was equally matched by off the field drama. In 2012, Manziel won the Heisman Trophy, and led his team to a victory in the Cotton Bowl. In 2013, Texas A&M won the Chick-fil-A Bowl, with Manziel being named MVP. Photos of Manziel partying and making the rounds at various sporting events seemed to surface on a regular basis, as well as a scandal involving autographing sports memorabilia. The fact that Manziel is under six feet tall has also been an issue of concern, as is his scrambling style of play. Still, for the Texans to bring in such a high profile hometown hero could immediately be a boost on various levels.
Regardless of who the Texans decide to choose, the Colts will have to prepare to see that player often. Clowney could spend the next decade chasing after Andrew Luck alongside J.J. Watt, and Manziel could have two must-see match-ups against Luck each season. This draft is also heavy on offensive linemen and wide receivers, so Houston may have the chance to really load up to rebound in 2014.