After the 2012 season, South Carolina Gamecocks’ defensive end Jadeveon Clowney was an absolute lock to be the first player selected in the 2014 season.
After a disappointing 2013 campaign filled with injuries and controversy about his effort (and perhaps more importantly for Clowney, filled with double and triple teams), he is still expected to go first, but it is no sure thing.
Although some pundits and scouts have questioned Clowney, many still believe he is a generational talent.
According to one AFC executive who talked to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com and the NFL Network, Clowney’s floor is former Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears and current Green Bay Packers’ defensive end Julius Peppers or former Houston Texans and current Buffalo Bills’ defensive end Mario Williams.
Asked an AFC exec what does Jadeveon Clowney look like if he’s not as good as advertised? Answer: Julius Peppers or Mario Williams.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 7, 2014
The careers they’ve had RT @fraudulentfoley: @RapSheet Are we talking current Peppers and Williams or them from 3-4 years back?
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 7, 2014
Obviously, that is quite the compliment.
Clowney made 40 tackles, 11.5 for loss and 3.0 sacks in 2013, but had 54 tackles, 23.5 for loss and 13.0 sacks in 2012.