National Football League

Report: Texans prefer Khalil Mack over Jadeveon Clowney

Published Apr. 21, 2014 12:54 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Houston Texans might not be deciding between a quarterback and defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.

According to a report by Peter King of TheMMQB.com, a source close to Texans' general manager Rick Smith says they like Buffalo linebacker Khalil Mack more than Clowney.

Mack, a 6-foot-3, 251-pounder, was the 2013 MAC Defensive Player of the Year. He had 100 total tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and three interceptions during his senior season.

If the Texans were to take him with the No. 1 overall pick, it would be the second consecutive year a player from the MAC was the top selection in the draft. Central Michigan's Eric Fisher went No. 1 in 2013 to the Kansas City Chiefs.

This also wouldn't be the first time the Texans made a surprise move with the No. 1 overall pick.

In 2006, many expected them to take Heisman Trophy-winning running back Reggie Bush or national champion Houston native quarterback Vince Young. But instead, the Texans selected defensive end Mario Williams as their top choice.