South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney is in play to be the top pick in the draft and conventional wisdom says there is no way he lasts beyond the third pick. The Detroit Lions pick 10th in the first round.
So where was Clowney on Wednesday? He was visiting with the Lions.
There's no way Clowney is there at No. 10 for the Lions, so perhaps they were just doing their due diligence on the player who is considered the top prospect in the draft. Then again, perhaps they're seriously entertaining thoughts of moving up to nab Clowney. (And think of the folks who could have fun with the idea of Clowney, whose motor has been questioned, playing in the "Motor City.")
Clowney played a word-association game with Detroitlions.com and spoke highly of Lions coach Jim Caldwell -- "I think he's a great coach. From getting to talk to him I think he's a great guy, too." But he wasn't impressed with Detroit's weather, saying, "I got off that plane and I was freezing."
The Lions already have been linked with Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins, another prospect who won't be there at No. 10.
Remember that teams are allowed to bring in 30 prospects; that means Detroit has used at least two on players expected to go in the top five. Maybe there is something to the idea that the Lions are serious about trading up. If they don't, they certainly should be able to grab a player at a true position of need -- cornerback, safety, offensive tackle -- who could help right away at No. 10.
Mike Huguenin can be reached at mike.huguenin@nfl.com. You also can follow him on Twitter @MikeHuguenin.
