Clowney regarded as best overall athlete available in the draft.
NFL prospect Jadeveon Clowney believes that he can transform any team into a winning one as he looks ahead to his chances of being the top overall pick in the draft.
Concerns have emerged over his work ethic after he had only three sacks this past season compared to the 13 the year before, however, after impressing on his pro-day workout at Williams-Brice Stadium on Wednesday, one franchise in particular believe he has no such problems.
Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien and general manager Rick Smith sat down with Clowney for dinner on Tuesday, and not only insisted that they have no concerns over his worth ethic, but also benefited from a deep discussion over his position and what he can bring to a team.
“I am satisfied with his work ethic,” Smith said, as reported by ESPN.
“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.”
Smith was also impressed with his speed and explosiveness along with his change ability, and believes that the young star can play outside linebacker in their 3-4 scheme.
Only the Cleveland Browns and Tennessee Titans chose not to attend Clowney’s pro day, and despite strong interest from some of the remaining 30 teams, it remains to be seen whether or not he has done enough to secure being the top overall pick in the upcoming draft.
While Smith was keen to avoid giving such an answer and commitment, he was insistent that there is plenty of time for the Texans to think it over as they will also have the quarterback role as an area pencilled in for improvement this off-season.
Nevertheless, Clowney had no doubt that he has what it takes to make a significant impact with the Texans, although he also has visits scheduled with the Atlanta Falcons and St. Louis Rams this month.
“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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