Houston Texans Rumors: 3 edge players to target in draft if Clowney hits market
By T.A. Mock
The Houston Texans are figuring out if they should franchise tag Jadeveon Clowney this offseason. If they opt to let him hit the open market, here’s who they could draft.
This past Tuesday, February 19th, the window opened in the NFL for teams to place the franchise tag on a designated player. The Houston Texans have only used the franchise tag once before, on Dunta Robinson, but, they’re deciding if they should use it a second time, this time on Jadeveon Clowney.
On one hand, Clowney shouldn’t have the tag placed on him. He hasn’t fully lived up to his status as the first overall pick in the 2014 draft. He was injured his first two seasons in the league and had the dreaded microfracture surgery on his knee. He also hasn’t had double-digit sacks in a single season yet.
On the other hand, Clowney should have the tag placed on him. He is a generational athlete who overcame injuries to become a premier player on the edge. He is a top tier run defender, perhaps one of the best in the league. He has improved every season in the league and he is only 26 years old.
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You could land on either side of the argument and have a convincing case. It’s a tough decision the team has to make because they did invest that first overall pick on him, he’s been solid, and he’s young. But, he hasn’t fully lived up to his potential.
If the team tags him and keeps him, it’s a good move. If they tag him and trade him for draft assets, it’s a good move. If they don’t tag him, it’ll be hard to stomach but it won’t be a terrible move. Regardless, if he walks they’ll need to replace him one way or another. These three prospects could be potential replacements through the draft.