Jadeveon Clowney Believes He Should Be No. 1 Pick In 2014 NFL Draft

Jadeveon Clowney did position drills in front of dozens of league personnel at South Carolina’s pro day workout Wednesday. (David Newton)

South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney says he should be the first player selected in the NFL draft, and on Wednesday he answered several questions for the Houston Texans, the team with that pick.

The biggest issue surrounding Clowney has been questions about his work ethic, which arose this past season, when he had only three sacks after having 13 the year before. Texans coach Bill O’Brien and general manager Rick Smith said they have no concerns about that after having dinner with the 6-foot-6, 266-pound Clowney on Tuesday and then watching his pro day workout at Williams-Brice Stadium on Wednesday.

“I am satisfied with his work ethic,” Smith said. “Those questions have been answered for me. I’m satisfied with the information I got and my interpretation of his level of effort, as well.”

A question for the Texans specifically was whether Clowney could play outside linebacker in their 3-4 scheme. O’Brien and Smith said they were satisfied he can after watching him go through position drills for coaches and scouts from 30 of the league’s 32 teams. Only the Cleveland Browns and Tennessee Titans did not attend.

“I do,” Smith said. “He’s athletic enough, he’s got enough speed and explosiveness and change ability, all those things that you look for.”

But will he be the first pick?

“I’m not telling you,” Smith said with a laugh. “We’re in our process. We’re every day getting closer to draft day and there is an excitement level that is continuing to build.”

The Texans also are evaluating whether to draft a quarterback with the first pick. O’Brien said the process remains “wide open.”

Clowney has no doubt he should be No. 1, and he explained why.

“I can pretty much do it all,” he said. “Anything on defense I can help. I can be a playmaker. I am a playmaker. I’ve got what it takes, I believe, to go out there and set the tone for the next guy coming up. And to help my team out winning games.

“Every team I’ve ever played with, we’ve never had a losing season. Never. Before I got there, I watched them lose. Not just here. Back in high school, middle school. I was like, ‘Man, that ain’t going to be my team when I play on that team.'”

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SOURCE: ESPN
David Newton